Aesthetics vs. Cosmetology: What’s the Difference?

If you’re interested in a career that helps others look and feel their best, you might consider beauty or aesthetics training. With paths in cosmetology and aesthetics, each offers a unique approach to beauty, skin health, and wellness. Understanding the differences between these two paths can help you select the right training program and career path, aligning your education with your goals. While both fields are related, cosmetology and aesthetics each focus on different areas of the beauty and wellness industry.

What is Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is often associated with hair care, but it includes much more. This field covers a broad range of beauty services, such as hair cutting and styling, coloring and chemical treatments, makeup, nail care, and basic skin care. Cosmetology allows for creative expression, blending artistry with science, and appeals to those who enjoy a hands-on career with variety.

Cosmetologists must be certified by their state’s licensing board to work in salons, spas, or private businesses. Cosmetology training includes extensive hands-on practice in hair styling and cutting, as well as basic skincare and makeup.

What is Aesthetics?

Aesthetics is more specialized, focusing on skincare and often crossing into the medical sphere. Aestheticians provide treatments like facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and body treatments in both spa and medical spa environments. They often work with dermatologists or in med-spas, offering non-surgical skincare treatments and advising clients on skincare regimens and products.

Training in aesthetics covers skincare, skin anatomy, and often dives deeper into advanced topics like laser treatments, skin analysis, and product formulation. In Arizona, aestheticians can earn certifications in additional areas such as lasers and injectables, expanding career options in this growing field.

How Do Cosmetology and Aesthetics Compare?

Work Environment

While both cosmetologists and aestheticians can work in spa or salon environments, aestheticians are more likely to find employment in medical spas, dermatology clinics, or plastic surgery practices. Cosmetologists, on the other hand, tend to work in salons, beauty spas, or as freelance hair and makeup artists. Both fields allow for creative flexibility and the potential to grow into roles like instructor, spa or salon owner, or image consultant.

Education and Licensing

To work as a licensed cosmetologist or aesthetician, you’ll need state certification. In Arizona, cosmetologists must complete a 1,600-hour program covering a range of beauty services, while aestheticians complete a 600-hour program focused primarily on skin health and treatments. Both programs require classroom and supervised hands-on training with clients.

Career Outlook

Both fields are expected to grow, with aesthetics experiencing higher demand due to the increase in non-surgical skincare and wellness services. As more people, including men, seek skincare treatments, career opportunities for trained aestheticians are likely to expand.

Which Path is Right for You?

Cosmetology and aesthetics both offer rewarding career paths with distinct focuses. If you’re drawn to hair and makeup and enjoy working in a salon environment, cosmetology may be a better fit. If you have a passion for skincare, wellness, and perhaps even medical aesthetics, aesthetics could be ideal. Both paths provide opportunities for ongoing growth and specialization.

At our Aesthetics Training Academy, we provide hands-on training in aesthetics, skin rejuvenation, laser technology, and injectables, empowering students to start rewarding careers in this growing field. Reach out today to explore our programs and find out which path is right for you!