Cosmetology
Dictionary Definition: The science of cosmetics. 1. the profession of a cosmetologist or beautician. Cosmetology (from Greek κοσμητικός, kosmētikos, "skilled in adornment"; and -λογία, -logia) is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty including hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.
General cosmetology courses in the United States focus primarily on hairstyling, but also train their students as general beauticians versed in manicures, facials, etc. In a state-licensed beauty school, a certificate course in general cosmetology typically takes approximately one year to complete. General cosmetology courses in the United States focus primarily on hairstyling, but also train their students as general beauticians versed in manicures, facials, etc.
In a state-licensed beauty school, a certificate course in general cosmetology typically takes approximately one year to complete. Specialized, non-hairstyling courses such as manicure, facials, or makeup art are usually of shorter duration, lasting anywhere from two weeks to six months, although the most prestigious and exclusive beauty schools may offer much longer courses. In the United States, all states require barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers (with the exception of shampooers in very few states, not including CA) to be licensed; however, qualifications for a license vary by state. Generally, a person must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 17 years old. A few states require applicants to pass a physical examination. Some states require graduation from high school, while others require as little as an eighth-grade education. In a few states, the completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills this way.
Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetology services. In most states, there is a legal distinction between barbers and cosmetologists, with different, licensing requirements. These distinctions and requirements vary from state to state. In most states, cosmetology sanitation practices and ethical practices are governed by the state's health department and a Board of Cosmetology. These entities ensure public safety by regulating sanitation products and practices and licensing requirements. Consumer complaints are usually directed to these offices and investigated from there.
Persons interested in practicing cosmetology can graduate from a general cosmetology course and then obtain a license in any of the cosmetology sub-disciplines, or they can choose to study only to become a manicurist or esthetician. Students may choose a private beauty school or one of the many vocational schools which offer cosmetology courses to high school students. In addition, there are national organizations that provide educational and professional information.
Cosmetologists often make a considerable portion of their income from client tips.and Product Sales. Usually a commission is given on retail products sold, regardless of compensatory structure.
Cosmetology as an academic discipline
The University of Osnabrück, Germany, has established the course "Cosmetology" in the faculty of human sciences as a scientific branch of health sciences. The course deals with dermatology, microbiology, the anatomy, physiology, immunology and biochemistry of the skin and the chemistry of cosmetic ingredients. Practical knowledge in scientific laboratory work (called "practical cosmetology") is also conveyed. Additionally, the course touches upon business economics. After three years of coursework and internships, including the production of at least one scientific paper (the Bachelor’s thesis), students are graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.
Having received a good enough grade in their final examinations, the students get access to the Master’s programme, which consists of at least 1.5 years of coursework and a half year of research. The studies are completed with the grade "Master of Education". Subsequently, the degrees Dr.rer.nat. or "Dr. rer. Medic may be received in the field of cosmetology. Cosmetology especially addresses students aiming at becoming "occupational theory" teachers at German vocational schools for estheticians and hair stylists and therefore includes economic education and didactics as well as the study of a second "school subject" (see below). Other professional perspectives, like in the field of cosmetic research, are also available.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmetology
