Cosmetologist

A cosmetologist, sometimes called a beautician, a beauty specialist, or an esthetician or aesthetician, is a worker who specializes in giving beauty treatments. The recipients of these treatments are usually women. A general cosmetologist is proficient in all forms of beauty care and can give hair treatments, facials, skin treatments, and nail treatments.

There are specific disciplines of cosmetology that some cosmetologists may specialize in. The different types of special cosmetologists include hair stylists, shampooers, manicurists, estheticians and electrologists. Many cosmetologists specialize in at least one of these categories.

Hair Stylist

A hair stylist specializes in the styling of hair, including cutting, chemical perms (relaxers, curls, waves) and color treatments. Hair stylists can also apply hair extensions and weaves. Hair stylists can also shampoo and condition client's hair, though this is not always necessary. Some hair stylists also give recommendations and perform work on wigs and hairpieces.

Shampooer

The shampooer is really a sub-category of the hair stylist. A shampooer shampoos and conditions a client's hair preparatory for the hair stylist. Shampooers are normally only employed by large salons which have large numbers of customers simultaneously.

Manicurist

A manicurist specializes in nail care, including manicures, pedicures, and nail extensions.

Esthetician

An esthetician, or aesthetician, specializes in the study of skin care, including facial treatments, waxing as a form of hair removal, and cosmetic make-up services. Some estheticians also offer full body skin treatments and other related services.

Electrologist

An electrologist offers removal of unwanted hair via an electrolysis machine. As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal via electrolysis is permanent.

It has recently been argued that barbers are also cosmetologists who extend the hair stylist speciality with services especially for men, such as shaving.