Dinesh Kamath's column 'Information about Careers' (Beautician) that was published in Newsband

Information about Careers

By Dinesh Kamath

Beautician

Beauticians or Cosmetologists provide clients with a range of personal beauty care treatments. Treatments may include manicures, pedicures, facials, massage, hair removal and make-up. This is a popular occupation.

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.

Cosmetology specialties

Hair stylist: A hair stylist is someone who cuts and styles hair. He or she can also offer other services such as coloring, extensions and straightening. Cosmetologists help their clients improve on or acquire a certain look with the right hairstyle. Hair stylists often do hair for weddings, proms, and other special events in addition to routine hairstyling. Also known as a licensed cosmetologist, their education hours vary by state. Hair Stylists are governed by their state cosmetology board. All specialties within cosmetology except for estheticians and nail technicians must hold a valid cosmetology license before working on the public. State

Hair colorist: A colorist is a hair stylist that specializes in coloring hair. In the US, some colorists are “board certified” through the American Board of Certified Hair colorists. This designation is used to recognize colorists that have a greater level of competency in the industry.

Shampoo technician: A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client's hair in preparation for the hair stylist. This is generally an apprentice position and a first step for many just out of cosmetology school.

Esthetician: Estheticians are licensed professionals who are experts in maintaining and improving healthy skin. An esthetician's general scope of practice is limited to the epidermis (the outer layer of skin). Estheticians work in many different environments such as salons, med spas, day spas, skin care clinics and private practice. Estheticians perform skin treatments that include hair removal (waxing, threading, tweezing, sugaring), facial massage, body treatments (wraps, exfoliation, hydrotherapy), skin care consultations, chemical exfoliation, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, aromatherapy, and make-up application. Estheticians may also specialize in machine treatments such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, also called non surgical "face lifts", Electrotherapy treatments (glavanic current, high frequency), LED (light emitting diode), ultrasound/ultrasonic (low level) and mechanical massage (vacuum & g8 vibratory). The esthetician may undergo special training for treatments such as laser hair removal, permanent make up, and electrolysis. Estheticians work under a dermatologist’s supervision only when employed by the dermatologist's practice. Estheticians treat a wide variety of skin issues as long as cosmetic in nature, such as mild acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin. Skin disease and disorders are referred to a dermatologist or other medical professional. Education to the client/patient is of great importance, so the person know what to expect after a treatments and the process the skin may go through after any chemical peel or high performance treatment.

Nail technician: A nail technician specializes in the art form and care of nails. This includes manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail wraps, artificial nails, hand and foot massage, etc. Although they are generally trained to recognize diseases of the skin and nail, they do not treat diseases and would typically refer a client to a physician. Nail Technicians can also be called manicurists.

Manicure: A manicure is a cosmetic treatment for the fingernails or hands. The word manicure derives from Latin: manus for "hand", cura for "care". When performed on the feet, such a treatment is a pedicure. Many manicures start by soaking the hands in a softening substance, followed by the application of lotion. A common type of manicure involves shaping the nails and applying nail polish. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails, or applying small decals or imitation jewels.

Makeup artist: A makeup artist is in a branch of cosmetology that specializes in the application of cosmetics to a person's face, by using such products as foundation or powder, blush, eye makeup, etc. Depending on where they are or how they are employed, their salary can vary. Makeup artists work in a variety of different scenarios: department store cosmetic counters, special events such as weddings/prom, salons/spas, theater and visual arts, photography studios, editorial fashion shoots, runway shows for designers/fashion schools, television and film, as well as freelancing of various degrees. In order to work in the film industry union membership may be required.

Electrologist: An electrologist offers hair removal services with the use of a machine. As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal via electrolysis is permanent. Electrologist is generally a separate license depending on the state.