What Do Cosmetologists Do?

If you go to a nail salon once a week or you get your hair done every month, then you interact with cosmetologists all the time. They are the certified providers of skin, nail and hair services that work in salons all around the world. Most cosmetologists attend a school for their field and then take written and hands on certification tests. Find out what a cosmetologist can do for you.

There are several different specialties a cosmetologist, also known as a beautician, can choose to practice, and each one requires a different type of training. Sometimes a cosmetologist can get their experience from an apprenticeship, which is not as common as going to school, but all cosmetologists must be certified and follow health and safety regulations. The different types of cosmetologists and what they do are listed here.

Hair Stylist

A hair specialist is a cosmetologist who can clean, style, color, perm or otherwise enhance your hair. Most commonly, hair stylists perform shampoos and haircuts. This particular beautician may also be the person you go to for special occasions like a prom or wedding. They will also apply hair extensions and give you tips on how to keep hair shiny, healthy and full.

Nail Technician

Nail technicians specialize in manicures and pedicures. This can include hand massages, nail shaping, artificial nail application and the polishing and painting of nails. Also called a manicurist, a nail technician performs many of these services on a regular basis, like the filling of acrylic powder in growth gaps of artificial nails. If you have a question about your nails, hands or feet, your nail technician may have the answer. However, if you have a health concern or condition, your manicurist is very likely to refer you to your physician.

Esthetician

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the healthier your skin is, the better you look and feel. An esthetician specializes in services related to your skin. This can include face and body masks, wraps, peels, exfoliating scrubs, electrolysis and waxing. Sometimes an esthetician can help you with acne problems, and often you can find one working in a dermatologist’s offices. Even though you can find an esthetician to help with facial skin conditions, it is most common to use an esthetician’s services to keep you feeling fresh-faced and beautiful.

There are many roles that a cosmetologist can play, but you will usually find them all in one place. A salon is generally composed of different stations for different specialists to use. That means that if you go to a spa or salon you can visit all the cosmetologists consecutively, and leave feeling rejuvenated and beautiful.