Career opportunities in cosmetology are plentiful, partly because there are so many different directions you can go. While in training, a cosmetologist learns to work with hair, nails, and skin. Most people then choose to concentrate on just one these areas, and each one offers numerous opportunities for further specialization.
Hair Stylists
Working with hair is the typical expectation of most cosmetology students. A Hair Stylist does more than just cut hair. They know how to perm, color, shape, relax, clean, repair, cut, and style hair. Some focus on certain aspects of this, such as color specialists that are especially good at correcting color or drastically changing color safely. As hair styles are always changing, stylists must stay up-to-date on cuts and trends in order to give clients the look they ask for.
A Barber is a hair stylist focused entirely on men’s hair. This includes men’s facial hair. In addition to cutting hair, a barber must be able to trim, shape, and remove facial hair, as well as take care of the skin underneath.
Hair stylists work within the whole realm of hair care and needs for both men and women. Barbers are exclusively for men’s hair.
Nail Technicians
A Manicurist focuses only on nail care. This includes cleaning, filing, shaping, and finishing real nails, as well as the application of fake nails. Fake nails also require shaping and finishing, but also preparing the real nail beforehand. Nail specialization is probably the most limited of all aspects of cosmetology, but are in very high demand.
Estheticians
Skin is one of the most versatile mediums of the cosmetology profession. It is quite broad, but also specialized. A Makeup Artist is the most well-known aspect of skin-related cosmetology. For some, using the word cosmetologist is nearly synonymous with makeup artist. Jobs in this field are available in a variety of places, including salons, department store makeup counters, or even theaters and film. The entertainment industry counts on makeup artists to bring characters to life through the use of makeup.
An Esthetician also specializes is skin, but more on the level of skin care. Sometimes known as “non-medical skin care specialists,” estheticians get extra training in such skills as laser hair removal and electrolysis, as well as facials, massage, rejuvenating treatments.
For those who like some of the esthetician responsibilities, but not all, there is another option. Skin Care Specialists or Hair Removal Specialists are trained in just specific esthetician aspects. A skin care specialist does the same facials, massages, and rejuvenating techniques, but only those—none of the medical or hair-removal procedures. Conversely, a hair removal specialist focuses only on those techniques. They are trained in a variety of ways to remove hair, but don’t deal with any of the other skin care needs.
The realm of cosmetology can be quite confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. At Evergreen Beauty College, we can help. We can answer any questions you may have about the business, as well as the training and specializations.
Contact us for more information on how you can begin your journey as a beauty student.
