Definitions of Cosmotology
Hair stylist
A hair stylist specializes in the styling of hair, including cutting, chemical perms (relaxers, curls, waves and color treatments).
Shampoo technician
A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client’s hair in preparation for the hair stylist. A shampoo tech may assist with rinsing permanent waves, and shampooing color and chemical relaxers out of the hair after processing. Shampoo techs are normally only employed by corporate or concept salons and large-volume beauty salons that are operated simultaneously. In some states, a shampoo tech must have a cosmetology permit. This is usually a temporary position, held by a person who is newly licensed with little or no experience.
Manicurist
A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and/or hands. The word “manicure” derives from Latin: manus for hand, cura for “care”. When performed on the feet, such a treatment is called a pedicure.
Many manicures start by soaking the hands or feet in a softening substance and the application of lotion. A common type of manicure involves shaping the nails and application of nail polish. A manicure may also include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulation. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people and therefore sanitation is a serious issue.
Esthetician
An aesthetician (or esthetician) specializes in the study of skin care, including facial treatments, body wraps (relaxing treatments which involve hot linens, plastic sheets, and blankets), salt glows (an exfoliation treatment), waxing as a form of hair removal, and cosmetic make-up services. Some aestheticians work with dermatologists to offer more services, including laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and many types of chemical peels.
An esthetician can be licensed solely for that skill. An esthetician is not neccesarily licensed in cosmetology, but is typically well versed in knowledge of skin care.
Nail technician
A nail technician specializes in the art form and care of nails. This includes manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail wraps, un nails, etc. They are also knowledgeable in nail irregularities and diseases, and may be able to identify such problems. They do not treat diseases, and would typically refer a client to a physician.
Electrologist
An electrologist offers hair removal services with the use of an electrolysis machine. As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal via electrolysis is permanent. It has recently been argued that barbers are also cosmetologists who extend the hair stylist speciality with services especially for men, such as shaving.