Cosmetology Instructor vs. Esthiology Instructor: Which Track Fits Your Strengths?
Becoming an instructor can be a rewarding career path if you love teaching others and watching them grow. The beauty industry is a good path toward this dream – but there is no one kind of beauty instructor. Different programs put different demands on the teacher, and what is enjoyable to you may be less fun for somebody else. With Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, compare cosmetology vs. esthetician instructor careers to find your best fit.
Key Takeaways
- Cosmetology programs are 1500 hours long and cover a wide range of skills. Esthetics programs are much shorter and only explore skin care, nails, and makeup.
- Instructor expectations for both program types are similar, with curriculum design, lectures, student salon supervision, coaching assessments, and more.
- Cosmetology is rewarding for outgoing, creative personalities that love adapting to new challenges in a fast-paced environment.
- Esthetics reward meticulous, detail-oriented personalities who enjoy longer, more focused sessions while helping clients relax.
Program Hours and Day-to-Day Responsibilities
The first key difference between cosmetology teaching and esthetics teaching is the program length. Cosmetology programs at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes are 1500 hours long. Instructors remain with the same class of students for just over a year, potentially forming close relationships along the way. In contrast, the Esthiology program is only 600 hours or 23 weeks long.
Both programs involve both classroom and hands-on portions. You will deliver lectures, demonstrate techniques, supervise the Student Salon and Spa, provide one-on-one coaching, and assess students’ performance. In return for your hard work, you will have the opportunity to watch students grow into passionate and talented cosmetologists or estheticians.
Your Teaching Curriculum
The second difference is the curriculum. As an instructor, you will be responsible for designing and teaching your own curriculum, including lesson plans, demonstrations, and assignments. The two program types have some overlap. Both cosmetology and esthetics feature skin and nail care, and they both prioritize sanitation. Both programs also include business, financial, and marketing segments. Here, however, is where the similarities stop. Cosmetology covers a wide range of skills, including:
- Hair care and styling
- Hair cutting
- Hair coloring
- Hair extensions
- Permanent waves
Our esthetics program, on the other hand, excludes hair treatments to center skin care in greater detail. You’ll teach more advanced techniques, such as chemical facials, facial massage, eyebrow and eyelash treatments, and more. You’ll also go more in-depth with makeup application and styling, making it the ideal career path if you’re excited to teach future makeup artists.
Who Thrives in Each Track?
Cosmetology and esthetics are both part of the beauty industry and even have an overlap in the types of services they provide. Despite their similarities, however, the two career paths come with very different work environments and expectations. While anybody can thrive in either area, certain personality types may find one career more rewarding than the other:
Cosmetology Instructors
Cosmetologists offer a wide range of services in a fast-paced salon environment. Their focus is crafting stunning new looks, which often requires creativity. They also work very closely with clients to achieve the look they want. This career appeals to people who are:
- Artistic
- Outgoing
- Good listeners
- Confident in hectic environments
- Adaptable
Esthiology Instructors
In contrast, estheticians are more often found in quiet environments like spas and medical settings. While they still interact directly with clients, sessions tend to be longer, more focused, and, therefore, slower in pace. People who enjoy esthetician careers tend to be:
- Meticulous
- Empathetic
- Patient
- Relaxed
- Detail-oriented
Compare Cosmetology vs. Esthetician Instructor Careers
While cosmetology and esthetician instructor careers can be demanding in different ways, both paths are highly rewarding. Train for your beauty instructor career at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. Our Educator program is available at campuses near you in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Contact us today to learn more about cosmetology vs. esthetician instructor careers or to explore your financial aid options.
Cosmetology vs. Esthetician FAQs
Which track aligns with hair-focused vs. skin-focused strengths?
Hair-focused strengths are best for cosmetology tracks, while skin-focused strengths are ideal when teaching esthetics.
Where do graduates typically work and advance?
Cosmetology graduates work in salons and may become managers, specialists, product representatives, and more. Esthetics graduates work in spas, resorts, and medical settings.
What licensure or prerequisites do I need to enroll?
The Educator program requires you to have an active cosmetology or esthetician license, in addition to at least one year of experience in your field.