Cosmetology is defined as, “The art and science of beautifying and improving the skin, nails, and hair, and the study of cosmetics and their application (Wheeler, 2012). ” This term is actually derived from the Greek word kosmetikos. Kosmetikos means being proficient in the use of cosmetics. The history of Cosmetology can be stretched all the way as early as the Ice Age time period. Studies have showed that the improvement of hair styling as well as cutting were practiced during this period. In the early history of Cosmetology, people used items such as oyster shells, flints, or even bones sometimes to attach to their hair.
They did those things as a way to make it more appealing, more noticeable and, entertaining. Many groups were subjected to the Cosmetology field and or lifestyle. The Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans were all accustomed to being transformed into new individuals. The Egyptians were among the first groups of people to be involved in the field of cosmetics. As a part of religious ceremonies and preparing deceased love ones for burial, they used different types of makeup to add to their eyes, skin, and hair. These make-up products were made from minerals, insects, and fruits (Wheeler, 2012).
Many people partook in the building process of Cosmetology which later on led to a major creation for all people. In the field of Cosmetology, the person who takes care of all the treatments is known as a Cosmetologist. A Cosmetologist is a beauty specialist who is educated in treating skin, hair, and nails. The field of cosmetology has several other domains which makes cosmetology a broad area. These other branches of specialty include hairstyling and hairdressing, shampooing, barbering, esthetics, manicuring, and electrology (McKay, 2015).
The overall main objective in the life of a Cosmetologist is to beautify individuals and help them feel rejuvenated. In order to begin a career in cosmetology, there are specified educational requirements. These requirements apply to individuals interested in the expertise of hair and makeup, which as we know is the career title of a Cosmetologist. Most states have established preliminary requirements requiring individuals to have at least attained a high school diploma or general equivalency certificate (GED/Basic Skills/Adult High School Diploma).
Students must at least meet the minimum age requirement of 16. These are common mandates that align with the initial steps deemed to be met before entering any cosmetology training program. In recent years, high schools have incorporated programs such as cosmetology as a part of the career and technical education curricula. In doing so, it allows interested students the opportunity to gain knowledge in dual career and academic pathways. There is also the ability to obtain licensure or a specialty certification such as in hairstyling & esthetics.
At some two-year institutions, interested students have the capability to obtain minimum classroom hours, gain hands-on training in the student salon or clinic, as well as sit for their state board exams. In very few cases, an apprenticeship will suffice in lieu of school in order to attain training hours. After state board exams are successfully completed, depending on the specifics of that state, individuals are required to renew regularly. Not all but some states even require students to complete continuing education courses that will lead to renewal of one’s cosmetology license.
Within those continuing education courses, areas such as safety, sanitation, and customer service may be included. If this is not the case, some states may simply require the payment of a license renewal fee. Once education is complete, then comes the real world aspect, which is that of working within the career and environment of cosmetology. There are numerous materials required to be handled by cosmetologists and this all varies depending on which sector of cosmetology an individual is employed in.
Styling tools are most commonly implemented in the field of cosmetology so typical items utilized include: Combs & Brushes: Square, rattail, wide-tooth, thermal, paddle, pitchfork, detangling. Grooming: Clippers, curling iron, hair straightener, trimmer scissors, curling comb hair dryer, shears. Hair Styling: Diffusers, hot rollers, blow dryers, multi-styling kits. Based on the client’s hair type and styling preference, this will associate which products or tools are applied during the beauty process. This is the reason why meticulous study regarding several courses of hair is deemed necessary.
The products used on someone with frizzy hair would not be the equivalent of what’s applied on a straight individual’s head. Even down to hair fibers and the production ingredients used, this influences what particular products can be administered to one’s head. Supplemental materials located within one’s hair salon environment consist of: Gloves, hood dryers, applicator brushes, hair steamers/processors, shampoo bowls, water sprayers, along with various hair care products (e. g. , serums, mousse, dyes, extensions, conditioners, shampoos, gels). While using these materials, there are many safety measures which have to be taken into account.
The sterilization of the materials before and after each use is important. When cleaning the materials, making sure previous hair follicles are out of the brush or comb to avoid spreading any possible germs to other clients. There are many diseases that can be contracted simply from using materials on the same client back to back. The other materials involve just a simple wipe-off or even soaking them in a solution which kills germs. When this is done, it will save the Cosmetologist as well as the client’s trouble from catching any diseases or other bacteria related toxins that could be transferred.
In society today, everyone is considered different in some type of way. In terms of hair, people are different because not everyone has the same texture of hair. Textures of hair may vary depending on genetics or ethnic background. Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair are the common textures of hair that one within cosmetology will often encounter. A client with wavy hair usually illustrates light wave patterns that flow beautifully. Curly hair is generally seen as being heavy or lightweight being springy or well defined in feel.
Coily hair has more moisture and is visibly seen in the African American community. It is wiry or fine textured and takes extra care due to the natural feel of it. As part of my graduation project, I was able to create a product that reflected my topic of study. Two desired looks were created on mannequin heads along with a manicurist display of nails. I made these as my product to show part of what Cosmetology is about as well as to show that it is not all about hairstyling. Achieving the desired look was hard in the beginning because everything was very new and I did not know what I was doing.
After continuing to work and repeating the process over and over again, I was able to finally achieve the hairstyle. The pros of this would be seeing your end results and the feel of feeling accomplished. The cons would be the long hours and having to be very patient with what has to be done. I had to pay attention to even the littlest detail because from just ignoring that one step, everything else would have been off which would result in not only an unsuccessful styling but also an unsatisfied client. In May 2012, data was collected by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to average out the total amount of money cosmetologists make.
