Cosmetology or an Esthetician? Which license should you get?

If you have decided to train in the beauty industry, you may be asking yourself what the best license is for you. You probably already know that an esthetician license requires less time in school in many states, compared to a cosmetologist license. For example, in Texas estheticians train for 750 hours while cosmetologist train for 1,000 hours. The difference of 250 hours is not that much when you're considering what's best for your overall future.

If you are unsure of what you like best, consider the technical skills needed and the differences in the environments. Most cosmetologist go on to cut color and style hair. They can also perform facial and nail services. Most schools will teach hair to cosmetologists a significant part of their time in school. If a cosmetologist later decides to do facial or nail services, they may feel their skills are in need of improvement and seek out further education.

Cosmetologists stand on their feet all day. They lift their arms and shoulders throughout the day and need to have strength and flexibility in their upper body. They can build a clientele that is very loyal. People get their hair cut and colored year-round. Giving someone a flattering hairstyle is very satisfying. You'll be able to use your creativity daily to enhance their features and put a smile on their face. There are fantastic products you can sell to your client to improve the health of their hair. You can expect most people to tip you. It is possible that a cosmetologist could make a 6 figure salary once they've built a consistent high-end clientele.

The environment in a salon is often busy and upbeat. It's likely you'll talk to your clients and coworkers the entire time you're working. If someone is having a bad day you will know it. You may feel that the people around you expect you to be their therapist. It can be draining mentally but you can establish boundaries and practice self-care to keep yourself in the best possible condition. Cleaning is constant at a spa. Hair and products can accumulate fast causing an unsanitary mess. Please be prepared to spend a fair amount of time cleaning if you become a cosmetologist. Safety is also important if you're not careful you could burn your clients scalp or damage their hair.

Estheticians sit and stand while they work depending on their treatments. It is usually easy to find balance between the two throughout estheticians work day. There is some upper body strength needed while massaging and waxing. Some estheticians may develop neck strain from "hunching over" after several hours of working. Helping someone improve their skin is a very rewarding feeling. You will see clients that struggle with acne, wrinkles, pigmentation and rosacea. You must understand ingredients and formulations of skincare and carefully pick the best options for your client. You could offer clinical treatments and become certified in medical skincare modalities like peels and lasers. Peels and lasers are not popular in the warmer months because heat and sun could damage the skin while it heals from the treatment. Some clientele will come monthly for their skin treatments while others view it is a treat and do it less often.

Estheticians usually find themselves alone in a room with their client. Some clients like to talk while others prefer to relax during their treatment. The environment in most day spas and medical spas is usually calm and soothing. Clients will expect you to have a professional bedside manner. Attention to detail is vital when you're working to improve skin. Safety measures have to be taken in order to not burn or irritate skin. You will find yourself doing a lot of laundry because clean sheets and towels are needed throughout your day.

Some estheticians attain a 6 figure salary. It takes a large loyal client base that purchases high end services and products. You may work at a location where clients are invited to tip you but do not expect this from all medical spas. You may find employment with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon that offers medical health insurance and or retirement benefits.

We hope this blog is helpful as you decide what is best for your future. Please feel free to reach out to us in the chat box if you have more specific questions that you'd like answered about the industry.