subject: Cosmetology Education: Different Degrees For A Variety Of Specialties [print this page] Did you find yourself constantly playing in your mom's make-up when you were young? Do you spend hours doing your hair in the most imaginable styles possible? Have you ever found yourself looking at someone and thinking they'd look great with highlights? If so, you may want to consider furthering your education in the field of cosmetology.
A cosmetologist may be someone who specializes in styling hair, is a professional in the art of applying makeup, is a manicurist who is a professional in all things nail related including irregularities and diseases, or an aesthetician who specializes in taking care of the skin. Cosmetologists are usually trained in all fields but tend to choose a specific career path to specialize in.
In learning to become a hair stylist you are not only taught how to cut and style hair, but how to apply different types of chemicals such as perms, relaxers and color treatments as well. It is important to know what you're doing when working with these chemicals because some may cause serious burns to the scalp. You would also be taught to use different types of shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for each hair type to get the most balanced and healthy result for your clients.
A manicurist is taught how to file nails, shape nails and even the correct way to apply nail polish. They are taught how to recognize nail diseases and what should be done to treat them. Manicurists learn different ways to apply acrylic and gel nails and how to use the chemicals in a proper manner. They are also taught about applying different creams and lotions that are made specifically for hands and nails. Manicurists are taught everything from nails to skin-care of the surrounding areas, including soaking the surrounding areas in skin softeners and proper techniques of hand and/or foot massage.
An aesthetician can work in a variety of places including salons, spas and even doctors' offices. Aestheticians are taught extensively about skin care. They are taught about everything from body wraps and facials to exfoliation and hair-removal. Aestheticians are expected to study anatomy and know the functions of the skin. Like other cosmetology paths, they are taught how to use chemicals properly and may also specialize in laser hair removal.
There are cosmetology schools spread throughout the entire U.S. and finding one near you will probably be much easier than you may think. Most of these schools offer student loans, tuition assistance and grants to those students who qualify.
Although the educational requirements for a cosmetologist may vary from one state to the next, all states require that cosmetologists have a valid license which they must obtain by passing a state exam. The nice thing about cosmetology schools is that depending on which career you choose and whether you decide to go to cosmetology school full-time or part-time you could have you certification in no time at all. A full-time student who wants to be a licensed certified manicurist can achieve their goal in as little as 3 months and a hairstylist in as little as nine.
