Are you ready to enter the beauty industry but wondering what the differences are as an esthetician vs cosmetologist? The beauty industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, with estheticians and cosmetologists being two of the most popular paths. If you’re considering a career in the beauty industry, it’s important to understand the differences and similarities between these two roles. This article can help you explore the career paths of estheticians and cosmetologists, the education required, where you can work, and how to determine which one is right for you.

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What is a Cosmetologist?

A cosmetologist is a licensed professional who is trained to provide a variety of beauty services, including hair care, skin care, nail care, and makeup application. The role of a cosmetologist is multifaceted and includes training for a variety of beauty or wellness skills.

Some of the common services offered by cosmetologists include:

• Haircuts, styling, and coloring
• Chemical treatments such as perms and straightening
• Manicures and pedicures
• Basic skincare treatments like facials
• Makeup application

Cosmetologists work with clients to help them achieve their desired look, whether it’s a new haircut, a stunning manicure, or a glowing complexion. If you pursue a career in cosmetology, you can learn a broad skill set that will allow you to help your clients achieve these goals.

What is an Esthetician?

An esthetician is a specialist who focuses primarily on skincare. While cosmetologists provide a wide range of beauty services, estheticians are considered experts in a specific part of beauty services. They focus on skin health and treatments. Some of the services offered by estheticians may include:

• Hair removal (waxing, threading, etc.)
• Chemical peels
• Facials and skin treatments
• Microdermabrasion
• Skin analysis and care recommendations

If you pursue an esthetician career, you’ll have to become knowledgeable about different skin types and conditions. You’ll use this expertise to help clients achieve healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin. For people with sensitive skin, stubborn acne, or aging concerns, an esthetician is an expert who can provide solutions or feedback they need.

The differences and similarities between these two careers

At first glance, it might seem like cosmetologists and estheticians do similar work. Cosmetologists and estheticians may even work in the same places on occasion, such as in a spa. However, there are key differences that set these two professions apart. Understanding these differences can help you decide which career path aligns best with your interests and skills. Some of the differences are:

• Scope of services
• Clientele
• Licenses and certifications

The biggest difference is the scope of services. Cosmetologists are trained in a wide range of beauty services. They have general knowledge and training for an assortment of areas like hair, nails, and basic skincare. They help clients with makeup, hair styling, nail treatments, haircuts, and more.

Estheticians, on the other hand, focus only on skincare. Their expertise focuses solely on treatments that improve the health and appearance of the skin, such as facials, chemical peels, or hair removal services.

Another difference in an esthetician vs cosmetologist career is the clientele. Cosmetologists often work with clients who are:

• Preparing for special events like a wedding or a school dance
• Maintaining beauty routines such as a particular hair cut
• Wanting to try a new look with their hair, nails, or makeup

Meanwhile, an esthetician’s clientele may include people focused on improving their skin health. This is usually a routine focus, and estheticians may work with the same clients for many months or years. Estheticians are mostly focused on clients who have concerns like:

• Acne
• Aging
• Pigmentation
• Overall skin health, maintenance, and rejuvenation

Finally, a difference between these career paths is in licensing and specialization. Both cosmetologists and estheticians need to be licensed to practice, but the training and licensing requirements differ. An esthetician’s licensing requirements will focus on skin healthcare, while cosmetology licensing is broader. The requirements also differ by state 1, so it’s important to look up what you need to practice as an esthetician or cosmetologist in your area.

Despite these differences, cosmetologists and estheticians share a love for helping clients look and feel their best. Both professions require creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for beauty and wellness.

Where you can work in these beauty professions

Work settings are another big difference between an esthetician vs cosmetology career. The beauty industry offers a range of opportunities for both cosmetologists and estheticians.

Cosmetologists can find work in:

• Salons, providing haircuts, coloring, manicures, and more
• Spas, offering relaxation and beauty treatments like facials and hair treatments
• Entertainment settings like fashion shows, movies, and photo shoots
• Business ownership
• Beauty schools, becoming instructors (with additional training and licensure as a Cosmetology Instructor) to help teach future cosmetologists

Meanwhile, estheticians often work in:

• Day spas, providing skin treatments, facials, and relaxation services
• Medical spas, working with plastic surgeons or dermatologists on laser therapies or chemical peels
• Dermatology clinics, helping clients manage skin conditions
• Resorts, cruise lines, or other luxury settings
• Business ownership

The work environments for both professions are dynamic and client-facing, with opportunities to build lasting relationships with clients and even expand into business ownership.

Which career is Right for You?

Choosing between a career in cosmetology and an esthetician career depends on your personal interests, skills, and long-term goals. Both careers offer rewarding opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives, but the paths are distinct.

Some questions you can ask yourself to help you make this decision:

• Do you have more of an all-encompassing passion for hair styling, makeup, and nails? If so, cosmetology might be the better fit.
• Are you passionate about skincare or feel a deep desire to learn more about this particular topic? The esthetician career path may be the right choice for you.
• Do you want flexibility in the places where you can work? Cosmetologists, in a general sense, can find work in a wide variety of places.
• Are you focused on finding a job with a higher income? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, estheticians have a higher average hourly income. 2However, pay for both careers can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) experience and location.

Both professions offer creativity, hands-on work, and the satisfaction of helping others look and feel their best. The decision ultimately comes down to what aspect of beauty excites you the most.

The education needed to pursue these career paths

Whether you choose to become a cosmetologist or an esthetician, you’ll need to complete formal training and obtain a license to practice. While the licensing requirements vary by state, here’s a general overview of the education needed for each career path.

Cosmetologists need to complete a state-approved cosmetology program. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Haircutting and styling
• Hair coloring and chemical treatments
• Nail care and artistry
• Basic skincare and makeup application
• Health and safety regulations

Upon completing the program, cosmetologists must pass a state licensing exam, which usually includes both a written test and a practical skills assessment.

Estheticians are required to complete a state-approved esthetics program. These programs are more specialized and focus on skincare treatments. Topics covered in esthetician training typically include:

• Skin analysis and care
• Facials and facial massage
• Hair removal techniques
• Chemical peels and microdermabrasion
• Infection control and safety

Like cosmetologists, estheticians must pass a state licensing exam, which includes both theoretical and practical components.

Continuing education is also important in both fields, as beauty trends and skincare technologies evolve. Many cosmetologists and estheticians pursue advanced certifications in areas like hair coloring, medical esthetics, or makeup artistry to enhance their skills and broaden their career opportunities.

Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of a career in cosmetology or the specialized focus of an esthetician career, both paths offer exciting opportunities in the beauty industry. Understanding the key differences between these professions will help you make an informed decision about which career aligns best with your passions and goals. Both cosmetologists and estheticians play important roles in helping people look and feel their best, making these careers not only rewarding but also impactful.

Discover the path to your beauty career at Dorsey College

If you’re ready to start a career as an esthetician or cosmetologist in Michigan, Dorsey College offers two robust, exciting, and in-depth training programs to help you meet your career goals. Click the buttons below to learn more about our esthetician program or our cosmetology program and to get started on a career path you’ll love.

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm

2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm

Dorsey School of Beauty, located in Taylor, MI, is a sister school of Dorsey College and is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). To learn more about Dorsey School of Beauty Taylor, you can click here.

Dorsey College and Dorsey School of Beauty have determined that their respective Cosmetology program curriculum and Esthetician program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No academic determinations have been made for any other state, district, or US territory regarding licensure requirements.