Individual disciplines within cosmetology

Individual disciplines within cosmetology

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.

Manicurist

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. 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. There is a new product which is now popular for decorating nails. It is a self adhesive nail covering which covers the whole nail and comes in lots of different patterns, designs and colours.

Esthetician

Specializes in treatments including hair removal, massage, body wraps, skin care, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, and make-up along with machine treatments such as non surgical facelifts and faradic muscle tone. The specialist may under go special training for treatments such as laser hair removal and electrolysis.

Nail technician

A nail technician specializes in the art form and care of nails. This includes manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail wraps, fake nails, self adhesive nail coverings, 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 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. Usually estheticians will seek higher education beyond beauty school to learn electrolysis. Some state board beauty schools, however teach electrolysis in basic courses.