Cosmetology and Esthetics: What’s the Difference?

Esthetics and cosmetology schools often get lumped together as a single field of practice, but the differences are vast. In a grand sense, esthetics does fall under the umbrella of cosmetology, but esthetics primarily focuses on skincare, while cosmetology involves haircare and beyond. Each path’s training and educational requirements differ, and your career potential can vary greatly. Read on to learn the differences.

What Separates Cosmetics and Esthetics 

Cosmetology is the art of beautifying hair, skin, and nails. On the other hand, esthetics is all about treating the skin and enhancing its beauty and health. A cosmetologist mainly focuses on and studies hair care and beautification, while an esthetician performs skin treatments specifically. Esthetics is a branch of cosmetology, but it requires its own license to work in a spa. 

Difference in Training 

The training requirements for estheticians and cosmetologists are different as well. While they can vary from state to state, in NY, Estheticians are required to take a 600-hour course to qualify for the state licensure exam. The training covers everything from skin anatomy to various conditions to forms of treatment. Here at Atelier Esthetique, we offer classes to beginners and already licensed estheticians looking to learn new skills.  

Cosmetology training requirements in NY involve a 1000-hour program focusing mainly on hairstyling and haircare. Classes at some cosmetology schools focus exclusively on the fundamentals of hair while ignoring the skin entirely.  

If you have a passion for skin and skincare, a career in esthetics is the way to go. 

Differences in Careers 

If you go to a cosmetology school, there are options open to you that could open plenty of doors. If you want to work at or own a salon, cosmetics is the ideal career path. Other cosmetologists work as makeup artists or private hair stylists for events such as weddings and photoshoots. 

On the other hand, a career in esthetics provides a much broader range of skills and possibilities. Estheticians work in spas, operate their own businesses, and expand their focus into working at medical spas, where treatments go even deeper. Estheticians can also work as specialized technicians in body hair lasering and removal. With the projected job growth rate for the skincare and beauty industry much faster than average, now is an exciting time to enter this field. At Atelier, our 600-hr esthetics licensing program can be completed in as little as 4 months—so entry into this career field is fast! 

Differences in Clients

Clients obviously can vary massively, but most people who seek a cosmetologist are looking for beauty care services and styling. In contrast, clients often see estheticians for face masks, skin peels, hair removal, and more. Estheticians also are sought after by people looking to treat their acne and facial scarring. 

Regarding makeup, both estheticians and cosmetologists are qualified and licensed for makeup application.