Cosmetology vs Esthetics

If you have a passion for beauty, you’ve probably heard about cosmetology and esthetics. While both of these can be similar, they are very different! Knowing the differences between what they are can help you make a decision on which program to apply for! Read more to learn what sets cosmetology and esthetics apart.

What Is Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is the study of hair, skin, and nails. Many cosmetologists focus their career in one of these areas! A cosmetologist has knowledge in a wide range of these skills and can perform a variety of services.

About Our Cosmetology Program

Our cosmetology program is a total of 1,250 clock hours. It’s designed to last for 53 weeks, which is a little under 14 months long.

1,250 hours divided into 3 phases because we teach in all three areas of Cosmetology:

Hair – 750 hours

Students will learn how to perform haircutting, updos, braid styles with and without

added hair, shampooing, scalp massage, chemical, coloring and lightening services.

Esthetics – 300 hours

Students will learn to perform facials, lash lift and tints, brow lamination, and body

waxing.

Nails – 200 hours

Students will learn how to perform basic manicures, pedicures, gel polish, acrylics, dip

powder, builder gel and nail art.

Throughout our programs, students will have the chance to learn new skills by completing written assignments, attending lectures, watching demonstrations, and getting hands-on training. Here is what you can expect to learn from our cosmetology program:

• Shampooing and conditioning
• Hair shaping
• Hair styling and finger waving
• Chemical texturizing
• Perms and hair straightening
• Hair coloring
• Skin care
• Temporary hair removal
• Scalp treatments
• Makeup
• Business best practices
• And much more!

What Is Esthetics?

Esthetics is an area focused more on skin. An esthetician will know a lot about skin and what treatments work best with each skin type! This could be in the form of cleansing, makeup, waxing, and more!

About Our Esthetics Program

Our esthetics program is 300 clock hours and is designed to last 13 weeks, which is a little over 3 months long. As part of our esthetics program at Queen Beauty Institute, you can learn a wide range of skincare practices and science. We put a lot of emphasis on technical knowledge as well as practical knowledge. We offer our students a significant amount of hands-on training – in the classroom and in our student salon. You can expect to learn these skills:

• Facial treatment
• Advanced facial treatment
• Facial massage manipulation
• Lymphatic massage
• Lash lift and tint
• Brow tint and lamination
• Waxing and tweezing
• Full body waxing
• Makeup
• Disorders of the skin
• Product ingredients and selection
• And more!

How Are They Similar?

Estheticians and cosmetologists share a lot of similarities! Whether you decide to become an esthetician or a cosmetologist, both will allow you to work in the beauty industry and both allow you to spend one-on-one time with clients! You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and form meaningful relationships. Both professions also get the chance to make a difference in someone’s life. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are helping someone gain confidence! In school, they are both taught the same beauty basics.

They also share a common education in some beauty basics. Some similar knowledge they share are:

• Anatomy
• Hygiene and safety
• Skincare basics
• Hair removal techniques
• Makeup application
• Salon safety

How Are They Different?

Cosmetology is considered a broad field, while esthetics is considered to be a more specialized field. Cosmetologists offer a wide range of beauty services and estheticians focus on skin care services. Cosmetologists can be found working in beauty salons, which estheticians are typically found in spas.

How To Make The Best Choice For You

Both cosmetology and esthetics are great programs and you can’t go wrong either way. No matter the program you choose, we are confident you will find success and happiness! While we can’t make the decision for you, we can offer tips to make the decision easier! If you are stuck between cosmetology and esthetics, here are a couple questions you can ask yourself:

• What are my short-term and long-term career goals?
• What are my personal interests and goals?
• Which skills do I want to focus on?
• Do I want to have a more specialized or broad career?

Ready To Get Started?

Are you ready to start your career in the beauty industry? At Queen Beauty Institute, our mission is to educate our students on a professional level so that they can achieve long-term success in their careers.

If you are interested in learning more about our programs and what we have to offer you, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our team can’t wait to help you in your beauty school journey!