Cosmetology is the study of skin, hair and nails The services dedicated to this types of work consist of, hair-shaping, manicures, pedicures, application of artificial nails, special occasion hairstyling, shampooing hair, cosmetic application, body hair removal, chemical hair relaxers or straighteners, permanent waves, coloring and highlighting of hair, and hair extensions or wig treatments. A person who is licensed in cosmetology is called a cosmetologist.
A cosmetologist, sometimes called a beautician, a beauty specialist, or an aesthetician or esthetician, is a worker who specializes in giving beauty treatments. A general cosmetologist is proficient in all forms of beauty care and can give hair treatments, facials, skin treatments, and nail treatments. This is purposeful for both men and woman.
There are specific disciplines of cosmetology that some cosmetologists may specialize in. The different services cosmetologists may expertise in include hair stylists,facialist, nail technicians, aestheticians and electrologists. Many cosmetologists specialize in at least one of these categories.
Hair Stylist
A hair stylist specializes in the styling of hair, including cutting, chemical perms (relaxers, curls, waves) and color treatments. Hair stylists can also apply hair extensions and weaves. Hair stylists can also shampoo and condition client's hair, though this is not always necessary. Some hair stylists also give recommendations and perform work on wigs and hairpieces.
Shampoo Technician
The shampoo technician is a sub-category of the hair stylist. A shampoo tech shampoos and conditions a client's hair to create a balanced hair care finish for the hair stylist. In addition they may assist with rinsing permanent waves and shampooing color and chemical relaxers out of the hair after processing. Shampoo techs are normally only employed by corporate or concept salons and large-volume beauty salons that are operated simultaneously. In some states a shampoo tech must have a cosmetology permit.
Manicurist
A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. A manicure treatment can be just for the hands or nails, or can be for both. A common manicure found is the filing, shaping of the nails and the application of polish. There are also manicure services that are specialties for the hands and feet. For the hands, the soaking of a softening substance and the application of a lotion is a common specialty. Another common specialty is applying this similar treatment of lotion to the feet, called pedicure. The word "manicure" derives from Latin: manus for hand, cura for "care".
Manicures often include the filing, polishing, and painting of fingernails. A manicure may also include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulation. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people and therefore sanitation is a serious issue
Aesthetician
An aesthetician, or esthetician, specializes in the study of skin care, including facial treatments (removing moles, warts, or body hair by electrolysis), body wraps (with hot linens, plastic sheets, and blankets. Heat penetrates the skin resulting in relaxation and skin revitalization.), salt glows (an exfoliating treatment to remove dead skin and stimulate circulation by rubbing coarse salt and aromatic oils on the skin), waxing as a form of hair removal, and cosmetic make-up services. Some aestheticians work with dermatologists to offer more services, including laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, and many types of chemical peels.
