Cosmetology

"Beauty school" redirects here. For the band, see Beauty School (band).

"Coiffeur" redirects here. Coiffeur may also refer to Hairdresser.

Cosmetology class in California, 1946

Cosmetology (from Greek κοσμητικός, kosmētikos, "beautifying";^[1] and -λογία, -logia) is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty includes hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.

Cosmetology specialties

Cosmetologist

Barbers are licensed to cut hair & remove hair utilizing an extremely sharp blade on skin. Coiffeur (hairstylist) do not use a sharp blade on the skin, Beauticians are licensed to cut hair and style hair, apply chemicals to hair and do makeup (not use a sharp blade on skin) Cosmetologists are expanded into multiple fields 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, and straightening. Cosmetologists help their clients improve on or acquire a certain look by applying advance trending aesthetic applications to persons such as career oriented or undergoing stress that may hinder a favorable inner & exterior self-image. Hair stylists often style hair for weddings, proms, and other special events in addition to routine hair styling.

Hair colorist

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 though 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. More importantly, a color specialist has the ability to perform corrective color applications and create special effects using foiling techniques or any other advanced color application methods.

Shampoo technician

A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client's hair in preparation for the hair stylist. This is generally an apprentice position and a first step for many just out of cosmetology school.

Cosmecaregiver

Cosmecaregiving is a branch of cosmetology that involves systematic coherent approach of newly developed medical beauty hygienic for hair, nails and skin of bedridden people. Cosmecaregivers are state licensed cosmetologists and barber stylists are registered specialist who practice in health facilities and in-house at the patient’s bedside. They maintain ethics, sanitation, do not need supervision and to obtain the patient’s consent. Their performance meets basic expectations with patient safety and efficiency. They report to the charge nurse or responsible family member in residence for instruction prior to the service. They rely on a delegated assistant or family member for patient preparation. They collect service record data given to the charge nurse or family member upon completion.^[2] Although the study of Cosmecaregiving is not widely common in school curriculum it is a postgraduate elective career offered as a distance learning study course. Upon completing the registry test found in the book the graduate receive a certificate of specialization with their registry number. Their service fills the need of integrating some of the service rendered by patient care assistants with services that could be best delivered by registered Cosmecaregivers. Historically, Standard Cosmetology textbook used by students had overlooked development of specialized cosmetology techniques for bedridden people due to the fact state boards prohibited service at patient's bedside. As registered cosmecaregivers they must adhere to certain operational procedures in order to reduce the risk from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. They must sign a waiver of all liability.

Desairologist

Desairologist performing specialized cosmetology at funeral home

Desairology is a branch of cosmetology that involves various phases of cosmetology, a systematic coherent approach to providing highly specialized techniques for the hair, nails and skin of the deceased. Desairologists are state licensed cosmetologists and barber stylists, qualified to perform specialized hair techniques in a funeral home preparation room. They provide cosmetic, nail and hair-color services upon family request. They are accountable for preparation room regulations, maintain ethics, sanitation and assist practitioners with non - cosmetic items when requested then complete the service record given to the director upon completions. The goal of the desairologist is to make sure the deceased person looks natural and as good as he or she did while living. See DESAIROLOGY – The Dressing of Decedents Hair^[3] (First Edition 1980) used in cosmetology courses. Other common terms to describe Desairology or Desairologist include Funeral Cosmetology, Mortuary Cosmetology and Deceased Hairstyling. Although the study Desairology is not widely common in school curriculum it is a post graduate elective offered as a home study course which the graduates receive a certificate of specialization with their registry number. It fills the need of integrating some of the services rendered by the funeral service practitioners and practical embalmers with services that could be best delivered by registered Desairologists. Historically, Standard Cosmetology textbook used by students had overlooked development of specialized Cosmetology techniques for the deceased. Family members could have requested salon services at the time of funeral arrangements. In some instances, families who had requested salon cosmetologists for their deceased have been disappointed when employment had been denied to the Desairologist by practitioners of two national funeral conglomerates and that they cannot work in a preparation room. The families and salon professionals had been told that cosmetologists were not OSHA certified, which is misinformation because OSHA does not certify and leaves the families no recourse. In these cases, the funeral providers do the best they can with these services. In servicing the deceased, Desairologists can recreate the hairstyle the family remembers before they died. According to OSHA^[4] and the state board regulations, the hiring firm must inform the Desairologist that there may be certain hazardous materials in the facility. Prior to the Desairologist service the director or practical embalmer washes the decedents entire body including hair and scalp with a disinfectant soap. The firm requires the Desairologist to adhere to certain operational procedures in order to reduce the risk from exposure and must sign a waiver of all liability.

Esthecaregiver

Esthecaregiving is a branch of cosmetology that involves systematic approach of beauty and hygiene for the skin of bedridden people. Esthecaregivers are state licensed estheticians are registered specialist who practice in health facilities and in-house at the patient’s bedside. They maintain ethic, sanitation, do not need supervision and to obtain the patient’s consent. Their performance meets basic expectations with patient safety and efficiency. They report to the charge nurse or responsible family member in residence for instruction prior to the service. They rely on a delegated assistant for patient preparation and if needed. They collect service record data given to the charge nurse or family member upon completion. Noella Papagno, the author of the "Esthetician Guide in Patient Care (First Edition 2014)"^[5] coined the term esthecaregiver. Although the study of esthecaregiving is not widely common in school curriculum it is a postgraduate elective career offered as a distance learning study course. Upon completing the registry test found in the book the graduate receive a certificate of specialization with their registry number. Their service fills the need to provide bedridden people complete relaxation. Historically, Standard Cosmetology textbook used by students had overlooked development of specialized esthetician techniques because state boards prohibited service at patient bedside. As registered esthecaregivers they must adhere to certain operational procedures in order to reduce the risk from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. They must sign a waiver of all liability.

Esthetician

Estheticians (sometimes referred to as Aesteticians) are licensed professionals who are experts in maintaining and improving a healthy epidermis.^[6] An esthetician's general scope of practice is limited to the epidermis (the outer layer of skin).^[7] Estheticians work in many different environments such as salons, med spas, day spas, skin care clinics, and private practice. Estheticians may also specialize in machine treatments such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent (also called non-surgical "face lifts"), cosmetic electrotherapy treatments (galvanic current, high frequency), LED (light emitting diode), ultrasound/ultrasonic (low level), and mechanical massage (vacuum and g8 vibratory).^[8]^[9] The esthetician may undergo special training for treatments such as laser hair removal, permanent makeup, light chemical peels, eyelash extensions, and electrology. In the US, estheticians must be licensed in the state in which they are working and are governed by the cosmetology board of that state. Estheticians must complete a minimum 300–1500 hours of training and pass both a written and hands-on exam in order to be licensed by the state.^[10] Utah, Virginia and Washington are the only states at this time to adopt the Master Esthetician License.^[11] Additional post graduate training is sometimes required when specializing in areas such as medical esthetics (working in a doctor's office). Estheticians work under a dermatologist’s supervision only when employed by the dermatologist's practice. Estheticians treat a wide variety of skin issues that are cosmetic in nature, such as mild acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin. Skin disease and disorders are referred to a dermatologist or other medical professional. The word esthetician is an alternative spelling of aesthetician, a derivation of the word aesthetic, or beauty.^[12]

Massagecaregive

Massagecaregiving is a branch of massage therapy that involves systematic coherent approach of newly developed medical massages for bedridden people. Massagecaregivers are state licensed massage therapists and registered specialist who practices in health facilities and in-house at the patient’s bedside. They maintain ethics, sanitation, do not need supervision and to obtain the patient’s consent. Their performance meets basic expectations with patient safety and efficiency. They report to the charge nurse for instruction prior to the service. They rely on a delegated assistant for patient preparation and if needed. They collect service record data given to the charge nurse upon completion. Noella Papagno, the author of Hospital Patient Care- Massage Therapy (First Edition 2014)^[13] coined the term massagecaregiver. Although the study of Massagecaregiving is not widely common in school curriculum it is a postgraduates elective career offered as a distance learning study course. Upon completing the registry test found in the book the graduate receive a certificate of specialization with their registry number. As registered massagecaregivers they must adhere to certain operational procedures in order to reduce the risk from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. They must sign a waiver of all liability.

Nailtekcaregiver

Nailtekcaregiving is a branch cosmetology that involves systematic coherent approach of newly developed medical beauty hygienic for nails of bedridden people. nailtekcaregivers are state licensed nail technicians are registered specialist who practice in health facilities and in-house at the patient’s bedside. They maintain ethics, sanitation, do not need supervision and to obtain the patient’s consent. Their performance meet basic expectations with patient safety and efficiency. They report to the charge nurse or responsible family member in residence for instruction prior to the service. They rely on a delegated assistant for patient preparation and if needed. They collect service record data given to the charge nurse or family member upon completion. See "The Nail Technician Guide in Patient Care" (First Edition 2014).^[14] Although the study of Nailtekcaregiving is not widely common in school curriculum it is a post-graduate elective career offered as a distance learning study course. Upon completing the registry test found in the book the graduate receive a certificate of specialization with their registry number. Their service fill the need of integrating some of the service rendered by patient care assistants with services that could be best delivered by registered nailtekcaregivers. Historically, Standard Cosmetology textbook used by students had overlooked development of specialized cosmetology techiques for bedridden people because state boards prohibited service at patient bedside. As registered nailtekcaregivers they must adhere to certain operational procedures in order to reduce the risk from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. They must sign a waiver of all liability.

Nailtekmedic

Nailtekmedic is a state licensed nail technician, registered to practice in a podiatrist and dermatologist office in a supplemental role. Professional standards were needed to characterize this emerging branch of cosmetology. It provides an expanded opportunity for salon and spa professionals who wish to deliver newly developed medical hygienic pedicures to people who seek nail health. They do not need supervision and to obtain client’s consent. Their performance meets basic expectations with client’s safety and efficiency. They report to the charge nurse and sometime rely on a delegated assistant when needed. They maintain sanitation, ethics and collect service record data given to the charge nurse upon completion. See Nailtekmedic Guide in a Physician’s Office (First Edition 2014).^[15] Although the study of this caregiving service is not widely common in school curriculum it is a post-graduate elective career offered as a distance learning study course. Upon completing the registry test found in the book, the graduate receives a certificate of specialization with their registry number. Historically, state boards prohibited service other than in a salon. As registered nailtekmedic they must adhere to certain operational procedures in order to reduce the risk from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. They must sign a waiver of all liability.

Occupational hazards

Many chemicals in salon products pose potential health risks, the majority of which are not well regulated. Examples of hazardous chemicals found in common treatments (e.g. hair coloring, straightening, perms, relaxers, keratin treatments, Brazilian Blowouts, and nail treatments) include dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, lye (sodium hydroxide), ammonia, and coal tar. Allergies and dermatitis have forced approximately 20% of hairdressers to stop practicing their profession.^[16]

Chemical exposures

Dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in some nail enamels and hardeners. DBP is a plasticizer that is used because of its flexibility and film forming properties, making it an ideal ingredient in nail polishes. When a polish is applied, it dries to the nail as some of the other chemicals volatilize. DBP is a chemical that remains on the nail, making the polish less brittle and apt to crack. The chemical may not only be absorbed through the nail, but through the skin as well. When nail-polished hands are washed, small amounts of DBP can leach out of the polish and come into contact with the skin. The application of nail polish can also provide an opportunity for skin absorption.^[17]

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong smelling liquid that is highly volatile, making exposure to both workers and clients potentially unhealthy. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classify formaldehyde as a human carcinogen. Formaldehyde has been linked to nasal and lung cancer, with possible links to brain cancer and leukemia.^[18]

Growing evidence reveals that various popular hair-smoothing treatments contain formaldehyde and release formaldehyde as a gas. Four laboratories in California, Oregon, and Canada, confirmed a popular hair straightening treatment, the Brazilian Blowout, contained between 4% and 12% formaldehyde. Oregon OSHA demonstrated that other keratin-based hair smoothing products also contain formaldehyde, with concentrations from 1% to 7%.^[19]

Salon worker exposure to formaldehyde and related health effects

Formaldehyde may be present in hair smoothing solutions or as a vapor in the air. Stylists and clients may inhale formaldehyde as a gas or a vapor into the lungs and respiratory tract. Formaldehyde vapor can also make contact with mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or throat. Formaldehyde solutions may be absorbed through the skin during the application process of liquid hair straighteners. Solutions of formaldehyde can release formaldehyde gas at room temperature and heating such solutions can speed up this process. Exposure often occurs when heat is applied to the treatment, via blow drying and flat ironing.^[19]^[20]

Stylists and clients have reported acute health problems while using or after using certain hair smoothing treatments containing formaldehyde. Reported problems include nose-bleeds, burning eyes and throat, skin irritation and asthma attacks. Other symptoms related to formaldehyde exposure include watery eyes; runny nose; burning sensation or irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat; dry and sore throat; respiratory tract irritation; coughing; chest pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; loss of sense of smell; headaches; and fatigue.^[21]

OSHA requirements regarding formaldehyde

OSHA requires manufacturers, importers, and distributors to identify formaldehyde on any product that contains more than 0.1% formaldehyde (as a gas or in a solution), or if the product can release formaldehyde at concentrations greater than 0.1 parts per million (ppm). Safety data sheets (SDS) must also accompany the product and kept on premises with the product at all times. The SDS must explain why a chemical in the product is hazardous, how it is harmful, how workers can protect themselves, and what they should do in an emergency.^[22]

Salon owners and stylists are advised to look closely at the hair smoothing products they use (read product labels and SDS sheets) to see if they contain methylene glycol, formalin, methylene oxide, paraform, formic aldehyde, methanal, oxomethane, oxymethylene, or CAS Number 50-00-0. According to OSHA's Formaldehyde standard, a product containing any of these names should be treated as a product containing formaldehyde. OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (Right to Know) states that salon owners and other employers' must have a SDS for products containing hazardous chemicals. If salon owners or other employers decide to use products that contain or release formaldehyde they are required to follow the guidelines in OSHA’s Formaldehyde standard.^[22]

Cosmetology laws

In the United States, whether planning to study cosmetology or specialize in a specific area, each state has different requirements that must be fulfilled before obtaining a license.