Professional careers in the field of personal beauty and grooming, such as hair styling, skincare, makeup application, and nail treatment, are referred to as cosmetology. A state or regionally accredited cosmetology program is required to become a certified cosmetologist. In general, programs include basic cosmetologist courses that most students take to gain all-around beauty knowledge, as well as more advanced courses if they choose to specialize in a specific area of beauty.
Basic theory cosmetology courses are offered in most cosmetology school programs. Sanitation procedures, professional ethics, state or regional regulations, hygiene practices, and equipment safety are all covered in these introductory overviews. Chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, as well as how they relate to cosmetology, may be covered in theory classes.
Hair is covered in a number of cosmetology courses. Students learn how to wash, cut, and dry hair, as well as scalp massage techniques, in basic hair courses. Hair coloring and highlighting, formal hair styling, chemical treatments to change hair texture, and braiding or applying hair extensions are all covered in more advanced hair courses. Students usually begin practicing hair techniques on mannequins before moving on to real people.
Courses on skin care and spa treatments are usually available at cosmetology schools. Beginner skin classes typically teach students how to properly cleanse skin and give facial massages, as well as how to identify customer skin types so that personalized skincare regimens can be developed. Students may also learn how to apply facial masks and use tweezing or hot waxing to shape their brows. Students interested in working in spas can enroll in additional skin courses such as full-body hair waxing, chemical skin treatments, and safe eyelash and eyebrow tinting techniques.
Makeup application is taught in many cosmetology schools. Basic makeup application techniques are taught to students, including how to match makeup colors to individual skin tones and how to create various looks for customers. They might also be taught proper makeup sanitation techniques, such as how to disinfect tools safely. If a cosmetology student wishes to pursue a career as a makeup artist, specialized makeup courses are available. For example, if a student is interested in developing his or her own cosmetic brands, he or she can learn how to apply stage makeup or special effects makeup, as well as the chemistry of makeup.
A common cosmetology course is one that focuses on fingernails and toenails. These courses demonstrate instrument sanitation and proper spa manicure and pedicure techniques, such as soaking, moisturizing, and trimming nails, in addition to showing how to paint nails. Students also learn how to apply artificial nails and give hand and foot massages. Advanced cosmetology courses on artistic nail design, such as airbrushing and applying gemstones, are available to those interested in specializing in nails.