Cosmetologist vs. Beautician: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A career in beauty can be both rewarding and exciting. If you’re interested in working in this industry, you may be wondering whether you should become a cosmetologist or beautician. Both of these positions have similarities, but there are also several key differences. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between cosmetologists and beauticians, and we provide helpful tips for choosing the right career path for you.
What is a Cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist is a professional who provides beauty services such as hair styling, cutting, coloring, and shampooing, makeup application, and skincare. They may also provide nail care services such as manicures and pedicures. Cosmetologists may work in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, and resorts. Some cosmetologists may also work as independent contractors, traveling to their clients’ homes or offices to provide beauty services.
What is a Beautician?
Beauticians are licensed professionals who provide beauty services such as hair styling, manicures, pedicures and skin care treatments. They often work in salons, spas or beauty shops. Beauticians typically have completed a cosmetology program at a vocational school or community college. Some states require beauticians to pass a state-administered examination in order to obtain a license. In addition to providing beauty services, beauticians may also advise clients on how to take care of their skin and hair at home. They may sell beauty products, such as shampoo, conditioner, makeup, hair styling products and nail polish.
Cosmetologist vs. Beautician
Here are the main differences between a cosmetologist and a beautician.
Job Duties
One of the biggest differences between a cosmetologist and a beautician is the type of job each title refers to. A cosmetologist may work in salons, hospitals or prisons. Their duties can include giving shaves, applying makeup or cutting hair.
A beautician typically works in a beauty salon, although they may also find employment at nursing homes or schools that offer cosmetology programs. Duties can include shampooing hair, styling hair, waxing or providing manicures and pedicures.
Job Requirements
Most cosmetologists and beauticians need to complete a state-licensed cosmetology program, which typically takes about nine months to one year to finish. Some programs allow students to specialize in a certain area of cosmetology, such as hair styling, skin care or nail care. Upon completion of the program, cosmetologists and beauticians must pass a state licensing exam before they can start working. Some states also require continuing education credits to renew a cosmetology license.
Work Environment
Both cosmetologists and beauticians work in salons, but the type of salon they work in can differ. A cosmetologist may work in a high-end salon that offers more services than a regular salon. They also may work in a spa or resort to provide beauty treatments for guests.
A beautician typically works in a regular salon where they perform basic hair and makeup services. Some beauticians may choose to open their own salons after gaining experience working as an assistant.
Skills
Both cosmetologists and beauticians use a variety of skills to provide beauty services to their clients. These skills can include hair cutting, styling and coloring, makeup application, skincare treatments and nail care.
While cosmetologists and beauticians both need to have excellent customer service skills to build positive relationships with their clients, cosmetologists may need to use additional skills when working with more complex hairstyles or color treatments. For example, they may need to use advanced cutting techniques or chemical processes to achieve the desired look. Beauticians typically provide more basic beauty services, so their skill set may be less extensive.
Both cosmetologists and beauticians need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in beauty to ensure they are providing their clients with the most popular styles and looks. They also need to be able to work quickly and efficiently to accommodate their clients’ schedules.
Salary
The average salary for a cosmetologist is $41,147 per year, while the average salary for a beautician is $43,167 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the location of the job, the type of salon or spa you work for and the level of experience you have.