Cosmetologist to Esthetician?

I am currently a licensed cosmetologist and I want to start a career as an esthetician. Is there any short-term courses that may be able to get me there quicker than starting from the beginning? Please help? Thank you!

angie gross in Lithonia, Georgia said: I'm a licensed Master Cosmetologist of 17 years specializing skincare for the past 5 years. I don't know about your state but in georgia my license allows me to practice any specialty. If yours is the same find a school and get their books and start studying on your own. See if you can audit classes. This may cost something but you don't have accumulate hours so you can follow their curricullum on a part time bases and audit classes your are really not familiar with. Then work at a salon where you may start of doing some facials and some waxing in addition to hair so you can get hands on during your learning faze. Also, using a dummy head(like the hair dressers have)for practicing facial proceedures. When you get through this part you can do you cec's required to renew your license in skin care, makeup and then take product classes that offer 2 day to 1 week programs. Your credibility as an esthetician will come from certifications. Hope this helps.

Angie- I just called the salon and they said you have moved but won't tell me where. Am seeing Robbi tomorrow for haircut, could you pass along the info to her so I can find out how to come see you for a wax? Thanks!!

don't know about your state but in Cali if your licensed as a Cosmo some of that counts and my program will take you and just fill in what your unclear about and they set a program course for you 600 hours or less. In some places you'll be learning from the beginning but in others you already know some of it from Cosmo school.

Snow White in Redding, California said: don't know about your state but in Cali if your licensed as a Cosmo some of that counts and my program will take you and just fill in what your unclear about and they set a program course for you 600 hours or less. In some places you'll be learning from the beginning but in others you already know some of it from Cosmo school.

Hello, I am also from California, from my understanding my cosmo license covers all three industry, hair, nails, and esthetics. I worked in a spa with my cosmo license where I was able to do hair and facial. I did not need any other licensing. The international Dermal Institute offers training on those who is re-entering the industry. I would recommend them, they are well reputated all over the world, they are also the founder of the popular skin care line,"Dermalogica". Hope this helps.

Laura McClelland in Decatur, Georgia said: Angie- I just called the salon and they said you have moved but won't tell me where. Am seeing Robbi tomorrow for haircut, could you pass along the info to her so I can find out how to come see you for a wax? Thanks!!

Laura- Hey girl, get married yet? call me at 678-523-5922. I can do your brows. I work at a shop in tucker(just north of decatur)Love to see you.
Angie

Hello ... I don't have my Cosmetologist license ..but completed a course /acquired Cosmetologist certificate too.But,I am interested in a paid intern Cosmetologist position in Chicago,IL in June 2008.

Thanks,

Cc

Wondering if anyone knows the starting pay for an esthetician. I am a liccensed cosmetolgist.Try something different.

Angie Gross I am looking for you if you are still working in the ATL area. I hope you are still in the salon listed above in Decatur? I will try the number.

Elite Institute of Aesthetics in Douglasville, GA offers a full curriculum along with continual education classes. www.eliteinstituteofaesthetics.com

Hi Megan. I am a licensed cosmetologist of over 20 years and decided to include do skincare along with hair. After much research, phone calls and discussions, this is my findings:
What can you do with a degree in cosmetology?”. This section should answer all your questions about available jobs with a cosmetology degree.
• Shampoo Technician - This position involves shampooing and conditioning a client’s hair before the stylist begins. Employed by concept and corporate salons, a shampoo technician may also remove color and chemical relaxers or rinse permanent waves. In many cases, this is an entry-level position for people looking to gain experience.
• Hair Stylist - This position specializes in cutting and styling the hair, as well as introducing color, relaxers,hair care treatments and perms into the client’s hair. The backbone of a salon, hair stylists can make or break a business.
• Nail Technician or Manicurist - Specializing in the care of nails, the nail technician performs manicures and pedicures, and works with nail wraps, artificial nails, gel nails, acrylic nails and other nail care products. This also includes applying jewels, decals and tiny paintings to the nails. While they don’t treat diseases of the nails, they are skilled at spotting them and referring the client to a physician.
• Esthetician - This brand of cosmetologist specializes in the area of skin care. They are skilled at facials, body wraps, microdermabrasion, waxing, salt glows and cosmetic make-up. Deep chemical peels may also be performed with a doctor’s supervision. An esthetician may also recommend skin care products to their clients. While they can have a cosmetology degree, some estheticians also receive a specialized degree.
• Beauty Therapist - An overall expert in the area of beauty, the beauty therapist may perform hair removal, body wraps, facial massage, skin care, brow tinting, eyelash tinting, faradic muscle tone and non-surgical facelifts.

Megan in Long Grove, Illinois said: I am currently a licensed cosmetologist and I want to start a career as an esthetician. Is there any short-term courses that may be able to get me there quicker than starting from the beginning? Please help? Thank you!

You have the big daddy license, Cosmetology..why pay for a license you already have..try looking for a plastic surgeon who will train you in advanced treatments..offer to do an internship somewhere this way your getting the education and training..or go into a skin care boutique/spa and do internship there or just get job training...you can do theory on your own time..find a Milady's book review and take notes..this way you won't owe money for a license you have.

Lot's of good info here. I'm in Warner Robins, GA and have a license in Cosmetology. I enjoy hair, but I LOVE working with makeup, massage, skin care, and I think my talent truly lies there. I also have spent a year in a learning situation at a very established hair salon in a very small town. I had many of my co-workers' clients request me for their shampoos. The economy has certainly certainly has slowed opportuny here, but I am planning to begin 2011 with a serious search for a position in a multi-faceted salon where I could possibly begin as a shampoo tech and assitant to gain more experience and try to spend my own time learning more specifics about micro-dermabrasion, light peels, etc. I'd be interested to chat directly with anyone who is currently in a similar position, or has worked like this in their career previously. I'd like to hear how it went.

Can I preform facials on clients without a license in one of my friends salons? Can I just work under her license?

ok> I want to see if I'm inderstanding this right. If you have a cosmetoligist liscense then you can do anything an esthetician can do as well? I have went to school 19 years ago and was told back then we have advantages more than a barber, nail techician and an esthetecian because we can do everything. well I went out and invested money in a dermabrasion machine and took a course online and took a test for it and now I'm getting ready to purchase a electrolis machine as well. I went to work and found out the shop I'm working at.... bought a dimond dermbarsion machine and the esthetician thats new there, was telling me that cosmos can't do them or chemical peels only they can and it makes estheticians very angry if we do them. we only are allowed to do plain facials which they feel we shouldnt be able to do them as well.When I went to school we were trained on everything AND WE WENT THE LONGEST OUT OF THEM ALL. WELL she said we learn about facials in two days to a week and they learn for 9 months. The ownwer of the salon alao said the the insurance company wont insure a hairdressor that does chemical peels or dermabrasions. when I owened the salon I DID CHEMICAL PEELS AND SOLD GLYCOLIC LOTIONS. I GOT MY TRAINING IN AND ALL AND GOT CERTIFIED TO DO SO. If you get training for it and certified for it, why do you have to go back to school again, after you were told years ago you are liscense for all of it? Why are estheticians so upset about this and starting to create a problem when it was never a problem before? If we just get the traning and certified for it after we already went to school. WHY CHANGE LAWS NOW? is it to make more money? I thought a cosmotoligist is about beauty and whole kaboodles? THEN I FEEL NAIL TECHS AND ESTHES SHOULDNT BE ABLE TO WALK IN A BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE AND PURCHASE ANY HAIR PRODUCTS THEN IF THATS THE CASE. SORRY, BUT IT REALLY UPSETS ME AFTER ALL THESE YEARS WORKING YOUR TAIL OFF AND NOW THIS.

I meant to say cosmetoligist..lol way to late for me>>>

I am a licensed cosmetologist working as a hair stylist for the past five years, looking to switch to esthetics. I just emailed the school I got licensed at to see if I can take some "refresher" courses, and they told me my license DOESN'T cover skin-care. I am so confused and upset! Does anyone have any more info on this subject? I just don't understand why they want me to start all over again!

She is incorrect. Illinois state statues does include esthetics. There are no restrictions that I can find.

Jeff

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: She is incorrect. Illinois state statues does include esthetics. There are no restrictions that I can find.

Jeff

I tried to send you the link to Illinois satutes which describes a cosmetologist, but for some reason ideed thinks the link is vulgar. Go figure. But, you can email me directly and I will send you the link. @ aaea@earthlink.net

Jessica in Chicago, Illinois said: I am a licensed cosmetologist working as a hair stylist for the past five years, looking to switch to esthetics. I just emailed the school I got licensed at to see if I can take some "refresher" courses, and they told me my license DOESN'T cover skin-care. I am so confused and upset! Does anyone have any more info on this subject? I just don't understand why they want me to start all over again!

Plus, just to make sure, I called your state board and they specifically said that a cosmetologist can do all skincare services.

But, I do recommend that you get some additional education and knowledge as well as practice. There are ways you can do this very inexpensively.

I too have a master cosmetology license, and is looking to switch to esthetics. All of the comments have been very helpful. I will continue to do my research and order milady books for esthetics.

I think these coments are helpful. I was so sure that I was licensed for skin and nails. I know that the Esteticians want that changed. The comment on the discouunts is soo right on. I see why they want to protect their turf, but we were here first. I'm a little concerned about someone at a school not knowing but...

I don't know who you actually talked to that gave you that information, but at least it is incorrect. At most, it was decptive in order to get you to sign up to take the course of esthetics at the school (since they most likely do not have any type of refresher course).

However, since you have already taken a cosmetology course you are already familiar with the techniques and study. You can refresh your knowledgebase yourself by using the textbooks and workbooks. Remember, a school is only responsible for teaching you the basics in order to pass your state board. That is why I always recommend getting detailed information about who will be doing the actual instructing, what is their actual experience working in the field and insisting that that instructor will be conducting your entire course. Remember, you have the driver's seat (being that you have the money that they want).

As in hairstyling, there is a big difference between the practice esthetics and the business of esthetics.

This is why I decided to offer a coaching/mentoring program. To offer knowledge and training in areas which are not covered in school but are too often the critical component of being able to compete and succeed in this business.

Thanks guys! Still struggling to find a way to switch. As you said, no schools offer a refresher course for esthetics. Pivot point is trying to get me to take another year of school to get licensed. I would love to go back to school, but obviously it is not an option for me, a full time hairstylist. If I study on my own, can I take the license test? Do I need an ok from a school? Does anyone know of any places that have esthetic continuing education? I wish I lived in Texas so I could take your courses! Haha

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: I tried to send you the link to Illinois satutes which describes a cosmetologist, but for some reason ideed thinks the link is vulgar. Go figure. But, you can email me directly and I will send you the link. @ aaea@earthlink.net

Hey! Didn't see this. My email is jessicaroseeeee@gmail.com. Thanks for researching for me! I'm so glad I posted here... :)

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: I tried to send you the link to Illinois satutes which describes a cosmetologist, but for some reason ideed thinks the link is vulgar. Go figure. But, you can email me directly and I will send you the link. @ aaea@earthlink.net

Hey! Didn't see this. My email is jessicaroseeeee@gmail.com. Thanks for researching for me! I'm so glad I posted here... :)

Becky in San Antonio, Texas said: Wondering if anyone knows the starting pay for an esthetician. I am a liccensed cosmetolgist.Try something different.

Pay depends on whether or not you are working for someone or for yourself. Usually in a spa you get 60% of the service plus your tips, however some spas pay an hourly wage. It also depends on how much you charge for services and how hard you want to work.. Some places pay an hourly and then give you a commission of a certain percentage of a determined amount that you actually do. It can be financially rewarding in the right area. I am a cosmetologist and specialize in skincare as my main job and loved it. I live in bad area for work and with the economy so bad, I am back in school right now but if I were inclined to move, I would definately do skincare...... Love it...

That BS.. I got my license in 92 for Cosmetology and that license covers it all. Yes Insurance will cover dermabrasions and such. Get your own insurance if the owner has a problem. My guess is that just don't want you to do them... It is best to get some training in these areas but the Cosmetology license trains us to do all.. Hair, Esthetics and nails.. Now whether your good at all three or not may be a problem... Some schools just don't train to do all three well. Some schools only teach "hair" specifically.... However..if you couldn't do all three they wouldn't teach all three... Sorry esthetic people, Cosmetologists go to school alot longer than you for a reason, because we can do more..........That is why I did Cosmetology so I could have multiple choices in the field.

icu@npgcable.com in Lake Havasu City, Arizona said: That BS.. I got my license in 92 for Cosmetology and that license covers it all. Yes Insurance will cover dermabrasions and such. Get your own insurance if the owner has a problem. My guess is that just don't want you to do them... It is best to get some training in these areas but the Cosmetology license trains us to do all.. Hair, Esthetics and nails.. Now whether your good at all three or not may be a problem... Some schools just don't train to do all three well. Some schools only teach "hair" specifically.... However..if you couldn't do all three they wouldn't teach all three... Sorry esthetic people, Cosmetologists go to school alot longer than you for a reason, because we can do more..........That is why I did Cosmetology so I could have multiple choices in the field.

AMEN!! Estheticians go for a short time and usually have someone (husband etc.) to support their machine buying impulses ha! Getting certificate after certificate to look like they know more..trouble is the certificates are little things look closely..Cometologists ROCK! that is why sometimes Barbers, Etheticians, Nail Techs, etc. get in the business and try to say they specialize where Comos don't..bunch of bs we are the BEST. WE DO IT ALL.

Along with my regular Cosmetology License, I also hold an Arizona Cosmetology teaching license and can teach all three subjects not just hair.
I must say however my specialty is skincare. I just love it, but knowing I can do all three anywhere my license permits is awesome.....

i have a question,im wanting to go to beauty school to do hair and nails..when i get done with my schooling,will i be able to get a job doing both hair and nails?

chancie in New Philadelphia, Ohio said: i have a question,im wanting to go to beauty school to do hair and nails..when i get done with my schooling,will i be able to get a job doing both hair and nails?

I have a license in Manicuring but I want to got for skin care but I wonder if I would get "some" credit hours towards it but I do know in Michigan when you take the state exam for cos you must do a manicure and a facial and I was also told Cosmetologist can work all areas

In most states as far as I know if you are licensed to do Cosmetology you are licensed to do hair, nails and skincare. If you want to be sure call cosmetology state board.

If you are unsure as to what your Cosmetology license covers call the board of cosmetology in your state. they are always happy to answer any questions you may have concerning this area. Don't listen to what other people have to say, just call them and clairify any questions you may have for yourself. As far as a cosmetologist getting training in skincare - go to the shows their is alot of wealth there to be had. Also get facials from other estheticians and ask questions. Also there are reps such as Murad and Biologics that will train you if use their products. Good luck!

Wow, there are some serious opinions here. In my state an esthitician can care for skin "by any device or equipment, electrical or otherwise.." Where a cosmotologist cannot. So if you want to do laser treatment, microderm etc you have to have an esthetics license. It varies state by state, so check with your licensing board.

Do any of you have dual licenses in both Esthetics and Cosmetology? I'm a licensed esthetician and thinking of going back to school for cosmetology. I'm just wondering if it will be worth it. I want to learn everything I possibly can about the beauty industry but I don't want to be crazy in debt considering I already have 10k in student loans from esthetics school. Was it worth it for any of you ladies?

depends on the state, a girl who was in my skin care class was also a cosmotologist, however she needed the extra license to be a certified skin care specialist. If she wanted to, she could have graduated a month early, so it really just depends on your state and what the hours required are. Also, maybe some schools do teach all 3 areas for cosmo, but that doesn't mean all of the schools do and be honest it focuses more on hair. If you want to be a successful esthetician then get your esthetics license.

I graduated back in 1992,in PA I know that in almost all states a Cosmetologist can do Hair, Nails and Esthetics. Most schools concentrate in hair but you do get training in Nails and Skin, as for me I can say that I loved doing skin and nails so I did a lot in clinic I think as equally as I did hair, so I always worked equally in all fields, now I live in FL and here is the same, I found out that some teachers in here want to say to cosmetologist students to take the skin specialist training if you want to be able to do it, I don't know why, probably to get more money for the school. But Cosmetologist are already trained for this, and Estheticians sorry but is not like you study to by a Physician. In Fl you need 260 hours to be an Esthetician, 100 or so of those hours are theory and the other 160 are clinical work, that is 5 to 6 weeks of actual hands on training, well, that is not a lot. I know in other state they are more hours but please, a cosmetologist can refresh in 2 weeks.

I am a licensed Esthetician in the state of KS. Its complete crap that a Cosmetologist can legally be allowed to do skin or work as a esthetician. The reason you are allowed to do this in some salons or spas is because your license allows you to "touch" people. not because you are trained to treat skin types and conditions. Just because you can be trained to perform a facial, does not mean you know anything about what you are doing. Facials and treatments are meant to do just that - treat the skin. You are doing a dis-service to your clients by performing a service you know nothing about. You have to complete 1000 hours in KS which took me almost a year to complete. Being a Esthetician is different than a Cosmo, as a cosmo you do not learn about all the many types of skin, their conditions, and what you use on the skin, meaning medications, skin products and types of therapeutic machines etc. Yeah I get that you focus on skin too and learn about the scalp and things to look for before you do hair. But you don't learn about rosacia, types of rashes like eczema, shingles, boils, and levels of acne(pustules, papules, milia, comedones), types of moles/worts, melanoma, dark spots, dermatitis, prescription meds the many other thousand conditions of the skin and "The Key" = How to treat them!! Nor are you trained to perform Chemical peels, electro therapy etc. or to know the Contraindications to all these treatments!!

Your right there is a differnce between a Cosmetologist and an Esthetician.. Estheticians are not qualified to do hair or nails. Sorry dear but as a Cosmetologist Instructor I have to say Cosmetologists are Licensed to do it all. However, and I have said it before, I suggest if there are any questions call your state board. Some states may require specific certification to do some treatments? I know in the state of Arizona we can do it all..... LEGALLY...I have practiced as an esthetican for the last 12 years under my Cosmetology license. LEGALLY....AND YES I CALLED MY STATE BOARD TO MAKE SURE I WASN'T BREAKING RULES. I could do anything you can do.. Including treating acne, and comedones etc.. Different states may have different rules... So please before you throw stones, get the facts straight...

As far a medications are concerned.... Just because you are an Esthetician does not give you a legal right to dispense medications without a physicans order.. If you are somebe needs to report you immediately...
I also treated all those disorders, but I could not of course write scripts but I did give scriptive skin care to my clients... not to be confused with perscriptions..
And the only thing I needed to do chemical peels was Insurance... . I also did and still do Microdermabrasions. Don't think for one minute your education was exclusive. Like another person said.. Your basic school just teaches you enough to pass state board. If you were trained above and beyond the basics then good for you. You probably paid dearly for it. BUT, Usually and its up to you to further your knowledge base. Its no different for a Cosmetologist, as we can get further our education as well.....You have a nice day. I know I will...

The cosmetologists in this forum seem to have a HUGE chip on their shoulders. Using the patronizing term 'dear" to address a comment you do not agree with shows not only a lack of respect for her profession, but a lack of professional conduct on your part. Each state is different. I cannot do microderms, laser treatments etc. without an estheticians license in the state of Washington. That is why I hold both licenses. I am sure in Florida, Arizona or Wherever, it is different. However, here in the great state Washington I received 1800 hours of training on cosmetology, only 50 of which focused on skin care, and another 650 hours in esthetics training. I could not work for a dermatologist with only a cosmetology license (unless I found one that was willing to give me 800 hours of apprenticing) Esthetics is where my heart is and so that is what I do. Feel free to check your state guidelines before being condescending to anyone.

Where I went to school they did teach me about skin decease and conditions and how to treat them and contraindications, like acne, boils, vesicles, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and more yes all that in cosmetologist class, I also learned how to use the facial machine,galvanic, high frequency, spot remover, and more, when I graduated I did take a lot of specialized training to better my self, like ultrasound, microdermabrasion,microcurrent, faradic, led light, Jessner's Peel, TCA, Glycolic, Lactic and more, so it is the truth that depending on your state you receive x amount of theory and practical, personally I think depending on your school and your dedication to skin let say in clinic like I did, you already have a great foundation for doing great facials, and if you want to be better, you can get advance training true shows and product manufacturers also show you on how to use their products, not needing to go back to take more classes, spending more money for something you already can do by law depending on your state, but in the majority of states a Cosmetologist can do skin care, some state ask for lot of hours and some for less, and allows for Cosmetologist to do every aspect of skin care but other states have restrictions on what a Cosmetollogist is allow to do. I can say I'm a quick study, and don't need 1000 hour to learn skin care, but I guess other people do need that much, I'm always tacking new classes about skin care to be up to date, so you never stop learning... In the majority of STATES A COSMETOLOGIST CAN DO SKIN CARE. Every state is different so check with your state; for example in WASHINGTON, a Cosmetologist can do skin care but can't use machines while doing it, only Esthetician can use machines, thats in WA. In PA and FL where I do have Licenses, Cosmetologist can do skin care use machines while performing skin care, and do everything a Skin Care Specialist do. Just check with your state to be sure you are not breaking any rules.

Liz in Clearwater, You have made my point perfectly. With my cosmetology lisence I could have taken all the training in the world from trade shows and manufacturers and it wouldn't have helped me one bit. You may be suprised to find that I cannot do nails. I can mani & Pedi, but that's it. Gels & acrylics are considered out of my scope of practice. It appears that Washington views Barberiing, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Manicuring as distinct professions requiring quite a bit of training in each before you can legally lay your hands on someone. The more I read of other state guidelines, the more I see this point of view as a blessing.

Megan in Long Grove, Illinois said: I am currently a licensed cosmetologist and I want to start a career as an esthetician. Is there any short-term courses that may be able to get me there quicker than starting from the beginning? Please help? Thank you!

What is the difference between cosmetologist / estetician?

Laura McClelland in Decatur, Georgia said: Angie- I just called the salon and they said you have moved but won't tell me where. Am seeing Robbi tomorrow for haircut, could you pass along the info to her so I can find out how to come see you for a wax? Thanks!!

Laura,
I need some advise, and seeing that you have been a cosmetologist for 17 years, I
thought you might help me. I graduated with honors Master Cosmetologist at Dekalb
Tech, but it was in 1991. I am in nursing, and help style my clients hair. It's
made me want to check into renewing my certification. I had babies at home when
attending school and didn't pursue cosmetology professionally. I have checked on
the georgia.gov site, and cannot find anyone in my situation. Have you ever known
someone in my situation? I'd really appreciate any info you have.

I know about Washington state. Esthetician falls under cosmetologist. A lot of esthetician thinks that you can't do laser and they did that here in Nevada. Correction. You CANNOT do laser unless you are under a doctor supervision. Correction. To do laser the doctors like you to have cosmetologist/estheticians license because you did learn about skin care. The only different about Nevada for example to California. You cannot do laser unless your are a RN in CA where in Nevada you do not have to be a RN.

I hold two licenses in two different states. Both Cosmetologist. I also hold a Medical certification. Lets get some fact straight. Cosmetologist can teach, the rest of you cannot. Cosmetologist can do esthetician work. esthetician falls under cosmetologist. Fact. Esthetician CANNOT, I repeat CANNOT perform laser without being under a doctor supervision. In the state of CA, Esthetician cannot do laser PERIOD. Only a RN is allowed to do this. In Nevada. however an esthetician can do laser UNDER a Doctor supervision. The doctors require you to hold a esthetician or cosmetologist license because it tells them you learned about skin care and diseases and such. This does not mean, you are allowed to do laser on your own. You do laser according to states under a doctor care and training under a doctor care. Also in Nevada an Esthetician cannot administer botox for example. Only an RN can do this. Only an RN can administer radiesse.
I have seen myself that esthetician have the attitude thinking the cosmetologist cannot do skin care. Sorry to burst your bubble.
I will also say I didn't get my training from school either. I was an apprentice before getting my license. I am sure some of you are not subject to knowing much about that either.
No matter what your profession is. It is always good to take advance training in what you do. Going to school and getting your license doesn't stop there.

I think you got the wrong person, but thanks for the email,
it was informative.

What would be the average pay for a receptionist who is also a licensed esthetician in Georgia? Any ideas? This job is in a medical spa. Hourly, commission ? What would be acceptable?