Cosmetology Schools and Their Common Courses

Cosmetology schools abound in the country and may be considered as one of the most popular educational arenas for those who wish to enter the workforce sooner rather than later. The field offers a lot of choices for future cosmetologists who have not yet determined what they want to specialize in. Despite there being specialties, these places offer the basics for their students like distinguishing what the individual's needs are with regards to hair and make-up.

Hair Specialty

Specialists who deal with hair come in a few different subspecialties. Cosmetology schools offer courses that deal specifically with areas for hair stylists, colorists and shampoo technicians. Stylists are the students who deal primarily with the appearance of the hair and are taught the different techniques and methods of cutting hair for specific styles. It is important that people who study to be stylists have a certain flair for hair and a lot of fashion sense in order to achieve what he or she has visualized as well as to meet the expectations of the customer. The stylists should be able to cut and style hair as well as color and straighten it. The application of extensions may also be in the cards for these individuals. Colorists, who practice their craft, are usually certified by the board that regulates hair coloring and its application. Those who are certified by the board are usually of higher caliber than ordinary stylists because they know how to deal with the colors as well as the application of the coloring. Shampoo technicians are the first step that stylists usually go through before they become full-fledged stylists in cosmetology schools. Their role is to prepare the client's hair for the actual stylist to cut and style.

Skin Specialty

Estheticians are also part of the field. These individuals focus mainly on the state of the client's skin and how to improve it or maintain it. These specialists work in a broader field because they can be hired in salons, dermatologists' clinics, spas and many other places. They can perform different treatments and procedures that deal primarily with the skin such as facials, massages, body treatments, hair removal treatments, make up application, procedures for eyebrows and eyelashes and aromatherapy among others. These specialists need to do a number of training hours in order to be board certified and regulated. Cosmetology schools may also train them to work in a doctor's clinic to work as a medical esthetician.

Nail Technician

This specialist deals with manicure and pedicure sessions for clients of the salon or for a private practice. They can also handle clients who want applications for acrylic nails, gel nails and other types of applications for these specific parts of the body.

Makeup Artist

The makeup artist is another major course that is usually taught in cosmetology schools. They are trained and educated to apply cosmetics and other materials that can be used as makeup on an individual's face and other related parts of the body. They are hired for a variety of jobs in photography, salons, studios or theaters and various other purposes.