If you want to be a cosmetologist or a beauty artist, you need to have proper training in a school. However, you’ll find it hard to choose between a beauty school or a cosmetology school since parts of it overlap.
It is sometimes confusing. Most people think that beauty schools and cosmetology schools are not the same. While there are some differences between the two, they mean the same thing in most states.
But are there any significant differences between the two? This article will tell you the answer. Additionally, you’ll also learn what programs are offered in each school. This will help you decide which school to enroll in to achieve your dream beauty career.
Are Cosmetology and Beauty Schools Different?
Both schools teach the art and science of making people look and feel beautiful. The term “beauty school” refers to any school that offers a beauty course. If you want to learn how to apply semi-permanent make-up, you should enroll in a beauty school that does so.
While that is the case, beauty schools are not necessarily cosmetology schools. This is because cosmetology schools offer full-length courses in different beauty areas.
It takes at least nine months to complete a full-time curriculum in cosmetology. Within that period, students will also learn about hair and skin health.
Aside from hair care, students will also learn about nail care. This includes how to file, buff, polish, clean, and care for both natural and artificial nails. You’ll also expect to learn which skin products are safe for different skin types. Additionally, cosmetology schools also teach the basics of make-up applications.
Whether you attend a beauty school or a cosmetology school doesn’t matter. What matters is that you took enough training hours for the profession you’re aiming for. This way, you’ll be eligible to take state board exams in specific areas. As an example, you can get an esthetician license in Florida with 260 hours of esthetics classes.
All states will need you to get professional licenses before you can practice. Generally, state board exams consist of a written and practical part.
Requirements for the cosmetology board exam differ in every state. In Florida, you need to finish 1,200 hours in school to take the state’s licensure exam. Whereas in other states, your training hours should be at least 1,500 hours.
Graduates usually take their time to review previous lessons in cosmetology. You can use practice tests online to keep the information fresh in your mind. Additionally, the best cosmetology practice tests contain questions from previous board exams. This will give you an idea of which beauty areas to focus on before the actual exam.
What Can You Expect in Beauty School?
Beauty schools provide programs that deal with beauty techniques. They focus on topics like hair styling, hair cutting, manicures, pedicures, and facials. Most beauty schools aim to provide students with different beauty skills to perform a wide range of services. Here are the skills you will get when you enroll in these schools.
- Hair Care Techniques
Enrolling in beauty schools means you get to study hair. But, it’s not only about hair cutting and shampooing as you’d receive at a typical salon. You will also learn how to style, dye, and bleach hair. Moreover, you’ll get to learn how to create and take care of wavy hair.
- Skin Care Techniques
Programs in beauty schools teach students the foundations of skincare treatments. This is not as extensive as when you enroll in a cosmetology school, but more on that later. You will learn about different techniques for facial care, as well as brow grooming. It’s a great way to see if skincare is something you want to pursue further.
- Nail Care Techniques
Manicures and pedicures are usually the services offered in any beauty salon. That’s why basic nail training is introduced in beauty schools. You will learn skills such as foot or hand massage, acrylic nails, fake nail tips, and more.
What Can You Expect in Cosmetology School?
As previously mentioned, cosmetology schools have more detailed programs. The goal of such schools is to prepare students to become licensed cosmetologists. A cosmetologist’s job includes beauty treatments like hair cutting and coloring. So you can expect similar topics offered in beauty school.
Unlike beauty schools, cosmetology schools also provide in-depth knowledge of skin and hair care treatment. So, aside from the basics, you will also learn the fundamentals of treating different conditions.
- General Cosmetology
This course exposes students to the field of cosmetology as a whole. You will learn about human anatomy and physiology, cleanliness, and sanitation. Aside from these, it also includes topics like basic and advanced cosmetology tools and equipment.
It also covers customer ethics and personal grooming. You’ll learn how to identify your clients’ skin and hair types, and what care they need. By doing so, you will be able to provide services appropriately.
- Hair Care
Hairstyling, cutting, and hair maintenance are all important components of cosmetology. The course will teach you about different hair types, hair issues, and how to treat them.
Treatments for hair and scalp differ depending on their types. And only after analyzing the underlying issues will you be able to provide the appropriate treatment.
- Nail Care
One of the most important topics that you will study in cosmetology school is nail care. It includes advanced topics like nail disorders, diseases, infections, and beautification.
- Makeup Application
In cosmetology school, you will also learn the art of applying makeup. This program will teach you different makeup kinds and how to apply them.
- Esthetics
Esthetics differs from cosmetology in that it focuses more on the health and look of the skin. Unlike cosmetologists, estheticians usually work in medical settings and deal with skincare treatments. Both cosmetology and esthetics have make-up knowledge. Although, estheticians are more likely to use these concepts in the field.
Esthetics programs are often shorter than cosmetology programs. Because esthetics covers a lesser range of knowledge, it usually requires less training. Moreover, the criteria for this program differ from state to state. You should speak with the school of your choice to learn more about your options.
In this program, you’ll learn about different skin types and how to provide skin treatments based on them. This will help you give your customers glowing and attractive skin.
Business Training Programs
You can expect some business classes in either cosmetology or beauty school. If you have been in the beauty industry for a long time, you can start a beauty business. That’s why some schools include business training.
Here is a rundown of what you’ll learn in a business training program.
- Accounting
Basic accounting is important if you want to run a successful beauty business. Business training programs will help you with accounting and financial management basics. Accounting programs often include how to keep track of income and expenses, and how to pay taxes.
- Marketing
Marketing is one of the most important predictors of an entrepreneur’s success. In this program, you will learn how to create and organize marketing campaigns. Other topics in marketing classes include:
- Carrying out an effective product or service placement in their promotions
- Attracting and retaining customers
- Targeting the right consumer base during marketing drives
These are important, especially when beauty care firms cater to a niche market.
- Business Communication
Business owners must learn how to communicate with their employees and customers. Communication is the key to meeting the demands of your clients. That’s why business owners and workers must have excellent communication skills. This will help you connect with both current and future clients.
Similarly, you need good communication skills to manage your employees. If they understand your instructions, your employees can better serve your customers. This way, you will leave a good impression on your customers. As a golden rule in business, happy customers mean a successful business.
- Product Development
Most beauty care businesses have products that are in high demand. If you don’t have trending beauty care products, you are more likely to lose customers to competitors. That’s why you should know how to create and change beauty products to fit current trends.
Final Thoughts
Some people fight over which term to use when referring to schools that offer beauty courses. The article laid out the differences in the programs offered in both schools.
Both schools offer beauty courses that help you get a job in the beauty industry. Although, cosmetology schools delve more into the health of each beauty area. This includes the treatment of diseases and disorders.
But it doesn’t matter what term is used. Some states refer to beauty schools as cosmetology schools and vice versa.
You should, instead, shift your focus to the specific programs the school offers. Look for a school that has the program for the career you want. Some of them don’t have specific programs that you need for your state’s licensure exam.
If you want to run a beauty care business, enroll in schools that have business training programs. They have the right courses for you to establish your own business in the beauty industry.