Cosmetology is the study of beauty treatments, including hair removal, skincare, nail care, makeup, manicures and pedicures. Cosmetologists are trained to work on all areas of the face and body—including hair damage reduction/elimination, scalp cleansing, shaving, massage, nails, feet, hands, skin exfoliation, skin tone improvement, acne removal, pore size reduction. Cosmetology ranges from work done by general practitioners to specialized advanced skill in the field of cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetologists are employed in salons, day spas, beauty supply stores, resorts, hospitals, prisons and other institutions. Cosmetologists are also known as ‘beauty technicians’ or ‘beauticians’. The word ” cosmetologist ” was coined by a French chemist named Eugene Schueller who owned a Paris-based company that produced hair dye products called ” Aureole “.
The company later became L’Oreal. 1] Although cosmeceuticals is the correct term for pharmaceutical grade skincare products; this was seen as a more way to market and sell anti-aging skincare products. Cosmeceuticals that are sold in medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, would be required by law to pass medical tests and prove they were “safe and effective” whereas these same skincare products might not have been tested for use on the general population of outside buyers. [2] Many doctors who specialize in skincare prescribe cosmeceuticals.
Cosmetologists work directly with clients’ skin-care needs, cleanse users’ skin through facial or scalp treatments using cosmetic products from lotions, cleansers, toners, moisturizers, exfoliants, peels, to masks. In ancient Egypt performers of rituals often maintained their looks with beauty products, including oils used to remove heavy makeup, moisturize skin and give it shine, exfoliants for removing dead cells on the surface of the skin, eye-liners to emphasize eyes, perfumes derived from flowers or grains.
Cosmetics were put on far more often than they are today—not only on the face but also on arms and legs. Cosmetologists say men are now catching up with women in their desire to look good. Cosmetology is a very old profession. The first cosmetologist was recorded by Plato who wrote about four hundred years BC that “a noble lady at Athens named Polixena had a slave named Pheidippides. ” This slave beautified Judith, for she was ‘fair to look upon. Cosmetology is an ancient craft with documentation dating back to the time of the pharaohs.
There are many references in Greek mythology and Egyptian history, documenting cosmetology practices. Cosmetics were also found in the ruins of Pompeii. The Romans built spas that were precursors to modern-day spas or retreats where people went to rejuvenate their bodies and spirits. Cosmetologists only care for external body parts, but salons take care of hair, nails, feet, hands. Salons often cater to men as well as women.
An ancient Greek woman having her hair styled by another, depicted on a vase ca. 510 BC Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Cosmetologists are trained professionals who help people improve their looks through various treatments such as applying makeup or giving manicures and pedicures. Cosmetologists work in salons or day spas (also known as bathhouses), although some may be self-employed. Cosmetology was established as early as 2600 BC in Egypt with the origins of cosmetology starting with preparations to protect, beautify and maintain health for both men and women.
It has also evolved to encompass many different practices including hairdressing, make-up artistry, nail care, skincare, etc which can either be performed at a treatment salon or in the client’s own home. Cosmetologists help people feel their best through pampering treatments such as massages, facials and waxing. In many countries, it is not unusual for ordinary citizens to visit a beauty salon to get their nails done. Salon owner giving a client a pedicure Cosmetology has been traced back to the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt who not only wore heavy perfumes but also used ruby-red lip pigment and green malachite on their eyes.
They also liked facial masks of ground oatmeal mixed with honey that they left on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with water, and they used olive oil throughout their hair [1] [2]. Cosmetology is very popular in today’s society with women wearing more makeup on average than ever before and spending around $7,000 on different types of treatments. Cosmetologists work at many different places such as day spas (also known as bathhouses), beauty salons, hotels/resorts, cruise ships, hospitals and schools. In ancient Egypt, they used to use castor oil for their hair because it left the hair shiny, soft and prevented dandruff.
In this same era they were also using saffron that helped lighten their eyebrows and eyelashes. The procedures done were facials which included a mudpack followed by a facial massage with pure rose water afterward to hydrate the skin [1]. Cosmetology was a very important part of ancient Egyptian culture and it often played a huge role in Ancient Egyptian social status. Cosmetology started to become really popular in the Middle Ages where makeup became a sign of sophistication, not only for women but also for men .
Cosmetologists from this era had jobs such as embroiderers or furriers because they were trained to make false hair pieces that were used instead of wigs [1]. In England during this time period King Henry V was known to have been a “recluse”, he would not allow anybody into his private room unless they left their hair down and did not wear any perfume. Cosmetology soon flourished again in 18th-century France with Marie Antoinette who persuaded Frenchwomen to carry on the tradition of wearing rouge [1].
Cosmetology became more popular in this time period because it was a symbol of wealth and beauty. During the 19th century, many American women had very little involvement with society because they stayed home most of their lives to take care of their children. Cosmetology still remained important at this point but it wasn’t until the 1920’s that movie stars like Clara Bow and Joan Crawford helped bring Cosmetology back into style . Cosmetologists during this time were putting eggs in their hair to make it thick and shiny, they would also put Vaseline on their eyebrows.
Cosmetology started to expand around the world when World War II ended which brought people from different countries together who shared different Cosmetology techniques. Cosmetologists have made huge progress over the past few hundred years, Cosmetology today is far different from the Cosmetology of the past. Cosmetologists are now able to do more than just apply make-up or hairstyles, they are also able to perform cosmetic surgeries which are then followed by a professional spa treatment [3].
Cosmetologists are allowed special licenses depending on what state they work in and how many hours they’ve invested into training. Cosmetologists who work at salons that specialize in hair styling usually learn about shampooing, cutting, coloring and conditioning; while those who work at spas often learn about waxing, exfoliation and aromatherapy. Cosmetology is no longer restricted to women, some Cosmetologists today are male and some Cosmetology schools only give Cosmetology training to men.
Today Cosmetology is a huge business where women not only buy products such as shampoo and mascara but they also spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction or butt implants. A cosmetologist who work at spas offer many different types of treatments that range from microdermabrasion to hair removal [3]. Cosmetology regulations are usually set by each state, in Arkansas Cosmetology regulations are set by the Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. The Board sets regulations for things like sanitation where all Cosmetologists must follow strict rules so that they don’t spread any germs.
