Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist: How Do We Differentiate?

Choosing between different career options can be a difficult process, no matter what age you are. You could be a student fresh out of high school or an adult that is looking for a career change. From the perspective of the beauty industry, there are esthetician and cosmetology programs available. However, many are unsure of what the difference between these two is. Keep reading to learn both what the difference is and what is right for you going forward in your career in the beauty industry.

What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

Cosmetologists are specialists in the “beautifying” process of the face, hair, and skin. This generally applies to those who provide services such as:

• Styling
• Hair Cutting
• Coloring
• Makeup
• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Brading
• Skincare services
• Repair treatments
• Extensions
• Among others

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Estheticians are skincare professionals with a license to practice in their particular specialty. Their general focus is on the treatment and health of the skin. While there is a wide range of services that these professionals can provide, they generally treat blemishes on the skin, remove hair, and give specialized skincare tips. Some of the services that Estheticians end up performing on patients include:

• Facials
• Waxes
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peels
• Filler injections
• Among other cosmetic procedures

Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist: How Do We Differentiate?

This is one of the most common questions asked by those who are interested in exploring the wellness and beauty industry. That being said, here are some of the main differences between the two:

1. A cosmetologist in the future can train to be an esthetician; however, an esthetician is not trained to perform cosmetology services.
2. Cosmetologists are trained to assist with nails, skin, hair, and makeup. An esthetician focuses on the health and beauty of the skin through more advanced treatments.
3. Cosmetologists are usually manicurists, makeup artists, hair stylists, or other beatification specialists. Estheticians are experts at facials and skin maintenance services.
4. Estheticians receive a more advanced curriculum of skincare training than a cosmetologist would.

Esthetician Career Options and College Programs

Estheticians have various career options once they have finished their training, licensing, and certification. From working in a spa or a plastic surgery office to running their own skincare business, the options are seemingly endless. Some estheticians eventually focus on providing an array of services, while some decide to focus on one area of esthetics and become the best at it. For example, a student could open up a hair removal clinic while another may work for a different business providing different therapies to patients.

An aspiring esthetician will have to receive an education in esthetics from an accredited institution. These programs will give students both time in the classroom and a chance to get hands-on experience before going out into the world to work on their own. Once they have fulfilled the required hours, they can apply for their esthetician license.

Cosmetology Career Options and College Programs

Moist cosmetologists will focus only on one area of expertise. However, the options are seemingly endless. From being a hairdresser to a makeup specialist, the world is your oyster. Some people prefer to work in an established salon, and some decide to work on their own, whether it be directly out of their home or in their own salon. Some cosmetologists even have the unique opportunity to work in the entertainment and fashion industry.

There are quite a few cosmetology colleges and courses that students can find all over the United States. Most of these colleges and courses only require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent to undergo the training that they need. Due to the high flexibility of cosmetology training, finding the right course at the right times with the right dates is fairly easy. This allows for those who have a family or need to work to get the training they need when they can.

Which Program Is Right for Me?

The program and field that you want to pursue ultimately come down to what’s right for you. Additionally, you need to take into consideration your current education and the number of hours you can put into your training, among other things. However, here are a few simple things to consider:

• If you want to help share your passion for beauty and are interested in becoming a nail technician, hair stylist, or makeup artist, cosmetology is probably right for you.
• If you are particularly eager to skincare, training to be an esthetician is likely the way you should go in to reach your professional goals.
• Do you have time to take regular classes? Estheticians must study in the classroom and practice their skills on real patients. If you need your studying time to be more flexible, cosmetology may be a better fit until you can spare the time.

Esthetician Training at TrueUEducation

TrueUEducation was founded to train skin care specialists working in a medical setting. If one of your dreams is to assist patients who have blemishes on their bodies by restoring their skin and creating their best look, then you should enroll in esthetician training at TrueUEducation. There are plenty of courses to take, both in-person and online.

By taking in-person courses, students get both training in the classroom AND the unique chance to practice their skills in the clinic that is connected to the school. However, in both online and in-person courses, students have the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry to develop their skills and have the best chance for success in the future. Are you ready to start your journey to becoming an Esthetician? Enroll today!

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Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by M D