Cosmetology (from Greek κοσμητικός, kosmētikos, "beautifying"; and -λογία, ) is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, non permanent hair removal such as waxing and sugaring and permanent hair removal processes such as electrology and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
A cosmetologist is defined as a person who gives beauty treatments to skin and hair etc. Cosmetologists can be expanded into multiple parts including cutting and chemically treating hair, chemical hair removal without a sharp blade, fashion trends, wigs, nails and skin care, skin and hair analysis; relaxation techniques including head, neck, scalp, hand and feet basic massage and aroma therapies; plus ability to expertly apply makeup applications to cover or promote and can expand into further specialties such as reflexology; theatrical applications; cosmetics and others as listed below. A cosmetologist is someone who is an expert in the care of hair and makeup as well as skincare and beauty products. They can also offer other services such as coloring, extensions, perms and straightening. Cosmetologists help their clients improve on or acquire a certain look by applying advance trending aesthetic applications. Hair stylists often style hair for weddings, proms, and other special events in addition to routine hair styling.
A hair color specialist, aka hair colorist, specializes in the modification of natural hair color utilizing various application methods while using a colorant product from a professional company. In the US, some colorists are qualified through the American Board of Certified Hair Colorists. This designation is used to recognize colorists that have a greater level of competency in the industry through a written exam and a practical exam. A hair color specialist’s duties might include, but are not limited to, basic color applications like covering grey and lightening or darkening natural hair color. A color specialist also has the ability to perform corrective color applications and create special effects using foiling techniques or any other advanced color application methods.