Do you have a passion for beauty? If you’re interested in becoming either a cosmetologist or an esthetician, but can’t decide which one to pursue – knowing the difference between the two can help! In order to make the right decision, you need to be as informed as possible on what cosmetology and esthetics are! Read our blog to learn the difference between the two, and hopefully by the end you’ll have a better understanding and can make an informed decision on which path you choose to pursue!
What Is Cosmetology?
Cosmetologists specialize in hair, skin, and nails. A cosmetologist has the opportunity to perform a wide variety of services because they’re not so specialized in one specific area. These services can range from haircuts to manicures to facials!
About Our Cosmetology Program
The cosmetology program at Elite Academy is 1,500 hours long, which can take as little as 13 months to complete if you enroll full-time. This gives our students ample time to learn the skills and techniques required to be a successful cosmetologist! In our program, you can expect to learn:
- Theory – 150 hours
- Manicures and pedicures – 90 hours
- Facials (makeup) – 30 hours
- Scalp treatments – 30 hours
- Shampoo, conditioning, and rinse – 60 hours
- Hairstyling – 390 hours
- Hair color – 120 hours
- Haircutting and shaping – 180 hours
- Lash and brow tinting and arching – 30 hours
- Professional development – 180 hours
- Hair reconstruction, permanent wave, and relaxing – 240 hours
Careers In Cosmetology
There’s no limit to what you can do with cosmetology! Your time in cosmetology school can give you a wide array of skills and techniques that you can expand on in your career. A few options you can choose from are:
- Hair Stylist
- Platform artist
- Salon manager or owner
- Specialist for color or other treatments
- Image consultant
- And more
What Is Esthetics?
Estheticians are skincare professionals. They work to help their clients achieve the best skin possible! Although their specialty is skincare, they can also work in other areas like makeup, lashes, and more.
About Our Esthetics Program
Our esthetics program is 600 hours long and can be completed in as little as 7 months on a full-time schedule. In this program, you can expect to learn:
- Bacteriology – 80 hours
- Dermatology, histology, and physiology – 180 hours
- Facials (draping, manipulation, cleaning, chemistry, and makeup) – 200 hours
- Non-permanent hair removal – 40 hours
- Salon development (administration, insurance, and ethics) – 60 hours
- Cosmetology laws, rules, and regulations – 40 hours
Careers In Esthetics
Estheticians can be found in a variety of places. They have amazing opportunities to grow in their field. You might find an esthetician working as a:
- Skincare specialist
- Medical esthetician
- Clinical esthetician
- Medical spa manager
- Lash artist
- Makeup artist
- Beauty influencer
- And more!
What’s the Difference?
Cosmetology and esthetics are two distinct, yet related fields in the beauty industry! While they both offer services that enhance one’s appearance, they have different areas of expertise and may choose to specialize in one aspect of beauty. Another difference is that estheticians are typically found in a spa while cosmetologists are typically found in a salon.
Regardless of which path you choose, both esthetics and cosmetology come with great benefits, like the opportunity to gain high job satisfaction. While they do have their differences, one similarity is that they both have the opportunity to make others feel beautiful. Improving someone’s confidence in themselves can have a positive ripple effect in all areas of their lives.
Ready To Join The Beauty Industry?
Ultimately, the choice between cosmetology and esthetics depends on what your interests are and your career goals. Whether you’re wanting to pursue cosmetology or esthetics, we have the program for you! If you’re ready to join the beauty industry and kickstart your career, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our programs are designed with student success in mind so that they can thrive in their chosen careers.
We are dedicated to our students and want them to receive the education they deserve. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams in the beauty industry!
