Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist: Training, Careers, & Which Is Right for You
Knowing you want a job in the beauty industry is only the first step. The beauty world is constantly moving, and it encompasses a wide range of career types. Many prospective students find themselves wondering: which program is the best way to achieve my dreams? Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes provides Esthiology and Cosmetology programs in Denver, Colorado; Provo, Utah; and the Metropolitan Area of Phoenix, Arizona. Here, we explore the differences between esthetician vs. cosmetologist careers to help you find out which path is right for you.
Key Takeaways
- Cosmetologists work with hair, nails, makeup, skin, and more. They often work in fast-paced salon settings with high customer traffic.
- Estheticians specialize in skincare and frequently work in slower-paced settings, such as spas.
- Cosmetology rewards an outgoing, creative personality that enjoys taking on new challenges. Esthiology, meanwhile, attracts detail-oriented individuals.
- Cosmetology programs are longer and more varied. Esthiology programs are shorter and more specialized, with the option of taking a master program for advanced techniques.
Day-to-Day Work and Workplaces
The key difference between cosmetologists and estheticians is the services they provide. Cosmetologists master a wide variety of beauty techniques, treating several parts of the body, including the face, skin, nails, and hair. The services they provide may include:
- Hairstyling and updos
- Event styling
- Haircutting and barbering
- Hair coloring
- Perms
- Natural and artificial nail care
- Waxing techniques
- Facials and masks
- Makeup
In contrast, estheticians focus exclusively on the skin. Rather than laying a broad foundation, they narrow in on just one area to master more specialized techniques. Both cosmetologists and estheticians do waxing, facials, and makeup. Estheticians, however, also offer advanced services, such as facial massage, eyelash lifts, and more. They may also cross over with medical care, offering treatments such as lymphatic drainage, microneedling, chemical exfoliation, and others.
They also differ in setting. Cosmetologists work in fast-paced salons. Estheticians may also find positions in salons, but are just as likely to be found in spas, medical offices, and other relaxed settings where the quiet atmosphere is part of the service that clients pay for.
Skills and Personality Fit
While anybody can become either a cosmetologist or an esthetician, each career tends to attract a different type of individual. Evaluating your skills and personality can be a useful way of deciding which path you will find most rewarding.
Cosmetology attracts creative, gregarious individuals. The fast-paced salon environment is ideal if you love meeting people, and the variety of clients means that you’ll constantly be taking on new challenges. With a spectrum of skills at your disposal, you’ll also have many ways to showcase your artistry while helping your customers express themselves with a bold new look.
Esthetics, meanwhile, suits individuals who enjoy a calm working environment. While you will still meet plenty of clients, your job will be to help them relax. The career also rewards detail-oriented personalities. A meticulous, thoughtful approach is more valuable than creative ingenuity. If you enjoy taking it slow to get the job done right, then esthetics may be the career for you.
Training Requirements
The Cosmetology program at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes varies by campus. Our Denver, Phoenix, Tucson, and Avondale locations offer a 1500-hour program, while our Provo campus offers a 1250-hour program. Each program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of hair, skin, makeup, waxing, and nails, along with foundational training in business and marketing.
Our Esthiology program is shorter and more specialized. The program runs for 600 hours and can be completed in 23 weeks. It goes in-depth into skincare and best business practices. Students who are interested in more advanced training can take our Master Esthiology program, offered exclusively at our Provo campus, which spans for 1200 hours. This program covers the kinds of specialized techniques that estheticians use in med spas and other healthcare settings.
Compare Cosmetology vs. Esthetician Programs at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes
Are you still unsure which career path is for you? Reach out to Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes for insight. No matter which you choose, you’ll receive a top-notch education led by award-winning instructors. Our campuses are located near you in Denver, CO; Provo, UT; and Phoenix, Tucson, and Avondale, AZ. Contact us today to learn more about the difference between our cosmetology vs. esthetician programs or to explore your financial aid options.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between cosmetology and esthetics?
The main difference is that cosmetology covers all areas of beauty, while esthetics focuses on the skin.
Which program is shorter?
The esthetician program is the shorter option, requiring just 600 hours to complete. It is offered at our campuses in Denver, Avondale, Phoenix, and Tucson.
Can I do makeup in both paths?
Yes, both cosmetology and esthetics students train in makeup.
Can I switch paths later?
While you can switch paths, it is possible that not all credits will transfer from one path to the other. You can speak with admissions to learn more about which courses apply to both programs.