Are you considering working in the beauty industry but unsure which specific role you want to prepare for? You have options. You can learn all about hair, skin, and nails as a cosmetologist or focus on one particular part of the beauty industry by becoming an esthetician or manicurist. The good news is that the Cosmetology program at Meridian College prepares you for any of these roles. In addition, you will be ready to get licensed by the State of Florida to work with clients as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or manicurist. Let’s start by looking at each role, and then we will identify the key differences between them.

What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

A cosmetologist is a licensed professional who specializes in enhancing clients’ appearance through various beauty services. Their expertise includes hair care, skincare, and nail care, making them versatile in the beauty industry. Here’s a breakdown of what cosmetologists typically do:

Hair Services

Haircutting and Styling: Cosmetologists design hairstyles tailored to clients’ preferences, face shape, and hair type.

Hair Coloring: This includes techniques like highlights, balayage, ombre, or all-over color application.

Chemical Treatments: include perms, relaxers, or keratin treatments to alter hair texture.

Hair Maintenance Advice: Cosmetologists educate clients on how to care for their hair, including product recommendations and styling tips.

Skincare Services

Facials and Treatments: They perform cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing treatments to improve skin health and appearance.

Makeup Application: Cosmetologists often provide makeup services for events like weddings or photo shoots.

Skin Advice: They advise on skincare routines and products suitable for different skin types.

Nail Services

Manicures and Pedicures: Includes shaping, polishing, and caring for nails and cuticles.

Nail Art and Enhancements: Some cosmetologists specialize in acrylics, gels, or other advanced nail techniques.

Additional Services

Waxing and Hair Removal: Many offer eyebrow shaping, facial waxing, or full-body waxing.

Scalp and Hair Treatments: Deep conditioning, scalp massages, and treatments for specific hair concerns.

Consultation: Cosmetologists often consult with clients to understand their goals and recommend the best services.

Cosmetologists work in salons, spas, resorts, or even as freelancers offering mobile services. They help clients look and feel their best, boosting confidence through tailored beauty care.

What Does an Esthetician Do?

An esthetician is a licensed professional specializing in skincare treatments and services that help improve the health and appearance of a client’s skin. They provide personalized care for clients and address various skin concerns. Here’s an overview of what an esthetician typically does:

Skincare Treatments

Facials: Cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing treatments tailored to individual skin types.

Chemical Peels: Chemical solutions are applied to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Microdermabrasion: Non-invasive exfoliation techniques to improve skin texture and tone.

Hair Removal

Waxing: Removing unwanted hair from the face, legs, arms, and bikini line.

Threading: A hair removal technique, often for eyebrows and facial hair.

Specialized Treatments

Skin Analysis: Assessing the client’s skin type and condition to recommend proper treatments.

LED Light Therapy: Using light-based treatments to target acne, wrinkles, and other skin issues.

Acne Treatments: Helping clients manage acne through extractions and therapeutic methods.

Estheticians typically work in spas, salons, or dermatology clinics. They help clients achieve healthy, glowing skin while enhancing their overall confidence.

What Does a Manicurist Do?

A manicurist is a licensed professional specializing in nail care and beautification, focusing on the health and appearance of a client’s hands and feet. Here’s an overview of what a manicurist does:

Nail Care Services

Manicures: involve shaping, trimming, and cleaning nails, followed by moisturizing the hands and applying polish or treatments.

Pedicures: Similar care for toenails, exfoliation, and hydration of the feet.

Cuticle Care: Cleaning, trimming, and maintaining healthy cuticles.

Nail Enhancements

Artificial Nails: Apply acrylics, gels, or dip powder for extended or decorative nails.

Nail Art: Creating custom designs using polish, decals, or embellishments.

Maintenance and Repairs: Providing touch-ups for chipped polish or broken artificial nails.
Offering solutions for nail concerns, like weak or brittle nails.

Hygiene and Safety: Sterilizing tools and ensuring a clean, sanitary work environment. Following safety protocols to prevent infections and protect client health.

Client Education: Advising clients on proper nail care and recommending products for at-home maintenance.

Manicurists typically work in nail salons and spas or as freelance professionals. They help clients achieve healthy, beautiful nails while providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

What is the Difference Between a Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Manicurist?

Here are the key differences between cosmetologists, estheticians, and manicurists:

Scope of Practice

Cosmetologists have an all-inclusive scope of work, including hair care, skincare, and nail care. Estheticians and manicurists specialize in skin care and nail care, respectively.

Primary Services

Cosmetologists offer haircuts, styling, coloring, facials, waxing, and essential nail services.
Estheticians give facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and waxing/threading. Manicurists perform manicures, pedicures, nail art, and artificial nail application.

Licensing Requirements

Cosmetologists must obtain a cosmetology license covering multiple disciplines. Estheticians require an esthetician license focused solely on skincare. Manicurists need a nail technician license, emphasizing nail care.

Work Environments

Cosmetologists work in salons and spas or as independent stylists. Estheticians typically work in spas, dermatology clinics, or skincare centers. Manicurists are found in nail salons, spas, or freelance roles.

Each profession has its unique focus, allowing practitioners to cater to specific client needs within the beauty and wellness industry.

Want to Learn More?

Are you ready to enjoy the many opportunities available in cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.

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What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

Cosmetologists are trained and licensed to offer a wide variety of services. In some cases, cosmetologists become “generalists” capable of providing full-service salon experiences to their clients. In other instances, cosmetologists decide to become specialists who focus on offering a single service they might enjoy. Here’s a look at the most common services provided by cosmetologists.

Hair Cutting

Hairdressers and barbers are licensed cosmetologists. These are professionals who have decided that their passion rests in cutting hair. Of course, some stylists prefer combining cutting with coloring, highlights, and other hair-related services.

Hair Styling

Cosmetologists who focus on styling are often the go-to professionals when clients want to achieve complicated, high-style looks. They can assist with long-term styles, including braiding, straightening treatments, extensions, and weaves. They also style clients’ hair for special occasions. For example, many stylists advertise their services for weddings and prom season.

Hair Coloring

Also known as colorists, cosmetologists who specialize in hair coloring are true color experts. Like all licensed cosmetologists, they have undergone extensive training on color matching, coloring products, chemical mixing, and safety. They can help clients conceal greys, change their hair color, add highlights and lowlights, or correct dye jobs that went wrong due to user error or inferior products.

Shampooing

Cosmetologists are truly full-service specialists. They are trained in shampooing techniques to prepare hair for cutting, coloring, and styling. Additionally, they are product experts. That means that their clients can come to them with questions about the best shampoos, conditioners, and styling products for their hair needs. Cosmetologists understand how different ingredients work together to create results for various hair types. Many cosmetologists who go on to open their salons and spas will form relationships with shampoo brands and vendors to sell trusted products directly to their clients.

Nail Care

Did you know a cosmetology diploma and licensing are necessary to offer manicures and pedicures? Many cosmetologists work exclusively on nails due to the high demand for this service. Having a cosmetology license to open a nail salon is also essential.

Skin Care

Cosmetologists also spend a portion of their training learning about skin health, which is why they can offer cleansing and beautification services for the skin. Additionally, cosmetologists often provide professional makeup applications for special occasions.

How Do You Become a Cosmetologist?

All licensed cosmetologists must complete a diploma program at a vocational school. A cosmetology program is an intensive experience that provides a future cosmetologist with the skills and hands-on experience they need to begin working directly with clients. Students can explore their passions and build on their natural talents while learning industry-approved techniques and protocols. Of course, a cosmetology program is more than just an excellent way to learn the skills you need. A cosmetology diploma is a legal requirement for working as a cosmetologist. Even entrepreneurs who wish to open a salon or spa using a more hands-off approach still need licensed cosmetologists to be business owners in this industry.

The Benefits of Attending a Vocational School for a Cosmetology Diploma

Cosmetology programs put aspiring professionals under the wings of highly experienced and accomplished cosmetologists. The diploma program at Meridian College offers a complete curriculum that covers every aspect of building skills, following state and federal standards, managing the business side of the salon industry, and more. Classic “book learning” is one aspect of a cosmetology degree program. However, the element that makes Meridian College, unlike any other educational experience, is that students enjoy hands-on training and guidance from instructors. They learn while doing. A cosmetology diploma gives a student the preparation they need for the state licensing boards required following graduation. Additionally, cosmetology programs offer strong support for finding a job after graduation.

Students who enroll in the Cosmetology program at Meridian College can enjoy a real-world training experience on campus. We operate an esteemed student-run hair salon that provides our students with real-world training with real customers. Using what they’ve learned from classroom training and lectures, students work on real clients while still under the watchful eye of attentive instructors. In addition, this salon offers opportunities to master beauty and wellness techniques for hair, skin, and nails. This experience is exactly what students need to obtain entry-level positions at hair salons and barbershops. Whether you’re looking forward to becoming employed as a cosmetologist or running your beauty salon, Meridian College offers suitable courses that will prepare you for success.

Want to Learn More?