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What are the Different Types of Cosmetology Training?

Jessica Hobby
Jessica Hobby

Cosmetology, the study of the cosmetic treatment of hair, skin and nails, is a broad word that encompasses many things. When students enter a program to prepare them for a career in cosmetology, they require specific training for the treatment of hair, skin and nails. Cosmetology training in these three areas will prepare them for the state licensing exam that they will be required to take.

Cosmetologists spend much of their time working with people’s hair. Cosmetology training requires that a student learns how to cut, color and style hair. In addition to cutting, coloring and styling, cosmetologists are also trained in hair removal. Hair removal can be very painful, therefore special attention is given to client comfort, when students learn how to wax eyebrows, legs, backs, underarms and private areas. Some cosmetology in hair removal will also center on using electrolysis for hair removal.

Artificial nails applied by a cosmetologist.
Artificial nails applied by a cosmetologist.

Students receiving cosmetology training concentrating on skin care, also called esthiology, will learn how to analyze a client’s skin and recommend necessary or suggested treatments. Skin treatments will include exfoliation, pore cleansing and more. The skin treatments may be performed in a number of ways. Some of the most popular skin treatments are body wraps, facials and hydrotherapy. Some estheticians, or skin care specialists, concentrate on microdermabrasion, which is a procedure where the very top layer of skin is exfoliated by light abrasion to remove sun damage or scars.

A woman with gel nails applied by a cosmetologist.
A woman with gel nails applied by a cosmetologist.

Another area of skin care that cosmetology students receive cosmetology training in is make-up application. Cosmetologists learn how to use light and shadows to compliment their clients’ complexions. Additionally, they learn how to apply make-up to achieve different looks for their clients.

Cosmetology training in nail care is the final area that aspiring cosmetologists learn about when preparing for their future career. Nail care training primarily consists of manicures and pedicures, in which the hands or feet are soaked in water to soften so the cosmetologist can work to trim and care for cuticles and finish by shaping the nails and applying polish. If a student would like to specialize further, he or she is able to take cosmetology training to become a nail technician.

Cosmetologists typically learn to wax eyebrows, legs, and more.
Cosmetologists typically learn to wax eyebrows, legs, and more.

Nail technicians perform other services, in addition to manicures and pedicures. They are familiar with application of acrylic nails and gel nails. Nail technicians also learn how to do nail art such as adding adornments or airbrushing patterns onto nails.

Discussion Comments

anon202256

Many types of cosmetology training are offered in cosmetology schools. This post makes the people aware about these types and their benefits. The professionals are teaching several beauty skills to the candidates so that they can become experts by learning many different skills.

Penzance356

My sister has been interested in all aspects of beauty care since she was a small child. She was always doing things like making up her dolls and cutting or styling their hair, much to my amusement!

After high school she went straight on to hair school, and worked in a salon for a couple of years. Being the ambitious type she then moved on to take a course at a cosmetology training center.

I'm really impressed by her drive and determination, and more than a little jealous that after two years in the beauty field she landed a great job with a cruise line. The next five years were spent sailing around the world to exotic ports, while providing hair, nail and face care to generous tippers!

Now she's married and has a child but is still as busy. Last week she graduated from an online cosmetology training course, which qualifies her to teach the subject.

I think she's a great example of how someone can do really well at a career which they have passion for.

Valencia

@angelBraids - Chances are that any search for cosmetology training schools is going to throw up a lot of different courses, with varying content. This is inevitable because each beauty college is free to design their own syllabus.

The very best thing to do is to make sure you are totally comfortable with what is on offer. Personally I wouldn't want to train at a place where there was no chance to specialise.

On the other hand, some courses may spread the content too thin, leaving students lacking in confidedence when it comes to certain procedures.

Similarly, if you really want to be an esthetician then you need a different course. If you are clear about your interests from the start it will make it much easier to choose where to go.

angelBraids

I'm really interested in going to beauty school, so this article has given me a really good idea of what is involved in training for a cosmetology career.

I had seen a few advertisements for cosmetology schools which didn't offer everything mentioned here, so now I feel I know what to look for. I really want to find a legitimate place, where I can get the skills needed for a good job after graduating.

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    • Artificial nails applied by a cosmetologist.
      Artificial nails applied by a cosmetologist.
    • A woman with gel nails applied by a cosmetologist.
      By: cardiae
      A woman with gel nails applied by a cosmetologist.
    • Cosmetologists typically learn to wax eyebrows, legs, and more.
      By: ingaivanova
      Cosmetologists typically learn to wax eyebrows, legs, and more.