Erratic change in weather, pollution and stress coupled with unbalanced diet and sedentary lifestyle is taking a toll on the skin tone and texture of not just the old but also of the youth. With premature skin issues like under eye bags, reduced skin and muscle tone, premature wrinkles, smile lines etc. are on the rise. However, with technological advancement, cosmetology, an advanced branch of science which looks into skin related issues, is gaining popularity when it comes to resolving skin related issues.

Given the demand i.e. the huge number of people flocking to cosmetologist, seeking solution to their existing skin issues, makes Cosmetology, one of the most sought after career option in the beauty industry in particular.

This branch involves a lot of research to understand customer needs and requirement to resolve particular problems. Interestingly, this unique sector is not just limited to women. A number of men are making a successful career in this new career option.

What is Cosmetology?

It is the study of anatomy and physiology of skin and body. A number of courses are offered at a number of institutes across India and internationally to help aspirants master of Cosmetology. According to available statistics, there are total 106 Beauty Culture and Cosmetology colleges in India Offering 319 courses in total.

A professional cosmetologist is someone who knows every skin type and related issue, also the one who can find the solutions for the same. So, one can say that cosmetology is the science of beauty care and skin care.

Who can opt for Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is still an offbeat career in India, and almost little is known about it. Many believe that there are two types of makeup artist one a professional associated with salons and spas of repute and the other working in lesser known parlours. Surprisingly, many a time people undergo specific skin treatment from a cosmetologist believing them to be mere beautician. The term sound so technical that most people as customers are still out of its reach. Everyone wants the best services today and a cosmetologist with deep skin knowledge is supposed to provide a better service in comparison.

Gurpreet Aulakh, a cosmetologist shared her experience, “I completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Cosmetology, from ISAS International Beauty School, Koregaon Park, and Pune. It’s one of the best institutes. It focuses a lot on the theory part, whereas many institutes pursue the practical learning as more important. When a student goes for admission the counselors understand their level of knowledge and need of knowledge in field of cosmetology. Based on students requirements different courses are suggested to them. Later the student is free to choose any course from the options and continue with the same.”

Cosmetology, as we understand is more about the practical application of one’s knowledge. But there should always be a balance of theory and practical exposure. To do this course there is no specification of one’s qualification. A high school graduate can also opt for this course. The only specification to get enrolled for this course is one’s ability to understand the science of human anatomy and physiology and proficiency in English. Internships are equally important but there are no fix criteria of internship in this course.

Pocket pinch and course duration

It’s a nine month course. And to get enrolled for it one should be ready to shell out a sum of Rs 200000. In case a student demands to get the course over sooner than normal duration, the institute can arrange for extra classes for them to finish the course a little early. Once you get your degree, the institute often helps their students to set up their own salons and parlours. They keep guiding students further and help in networking for your business as well.

Along with Post graduate diploma in cosmetology, there is an international certificate course on offer, which aspirant’s value. CEDESCO is an international course on offer from Switzerland. This course has two specialized component – one is hair CEDESCO, specialised in hair and the other one is beauty CEDESCO, specialised in beauty and skin care. After doing this course, a compulsory internship of six months is required. Once the internship letter is submitted in the respective institute and the same is forwarded to the CEDESCO head office in Switzerland. then only the course certification is issued to the students.

To do a certificate course in CEDESCO, a student’s needs to be a graduate from any stream. As it is deep study of body and skin, one can assist a Dermatologist as well after completing this course. Also this course is a ticket to work in international cruise hotels. Hence these are specialized course offered nationally and internationally for the aspirants.

Challenges for cosmetologists

Thanks to the internet penetration, sometimes clients come with a picture of makeup or hair styling and demand their hair styling or makeup to be done exactly like that not even a slight difference is accepted. Thus it has become very difficult for cosmetologist to survive in this field if they are not continuously adopting the new skills and styles trending on social media or other platforms.

On the other hand the career graph in cosmetology has a high probability of soaring high, provided one does his/her work with perfection. Once you build goodwill as a professional cosmetologist, clients come to you and you need not go and approach them for work. In wedding seasons we get lot of bridal packages, which is very profitable project. Not only the bride but every one wishes to look good on wedding and every other occasion as well. In this way the demand for professional cosmetologist is very high. People still think it is better to spend a bit more and depend on a professional rather than any local beautician. Hence for those who are really passionate about Cosmetology, there are very good career opportunities. The only condition required is one must learn and perform their work with perfection. This is because the public can’t be fooled today. They know what is best for them.

Cosmetology versus general make up

There are ample amount of differences in the way of providing services by a cosmetologist and a non-cosmetologist. Explaining the same, Hiral Santosh Kale, International certified Cosmetologist and professional hairstylist, opined, “Cosmetology is almost like medical study of skin, one studies the anatomy and physiology in detailed way. Therefore if a student opting for cosmetology has a science background during graduation or schooling then it helps a lot. I have done my course in makeup and beauty from The Academy of DELAMAR, London, which is among top most institutes for learning cosmetology and makeup. In that institute the anatomy and physiology is taught in a detailed format. The training is also given using the latest technologies and techniques available in market for cosmetology.” She then added, “As cosmetologist we don’t only do makeup, we first analyse the skin, understand the skin type, detect all the allergies and skin diseases a client might have. After the analysis we treat the skin accordingly. Later we apply makeup. Our focus area is to let client’s natural beauty come out and not the artificial beauty. Therefore I always insist on a healthy skin and very less make up.”

She further explained, “In terms of doing makeup also it is important to understand what product will suit what skin type. There are many brands that can be very good but not suitable for a particular skin type. A seller might sell every brand to any skin type, but as a cosmetologist we only apply a product if it is good for client’s skin. In case of bridal packages as well, I first give a pre bridal treatment to my clients then I do the bridal makeup.”

Understanding the client’s biological history is necessary, so that right treatment can be given to them. “A client of mine needed pre bridal treatment before her wedding, unfortunately I wasn’t available in the town at that moment. Hence she called a beautician from other agency, the beautician applied wax and bleach on the skin of client without understanding the skin type. As a result her skin was burnt, because she has very sensitive skin. Thus due to some small mistakes people face several skin issue,” she shared.

Difference between Makeup artist and cosmetologist

Mrinal Kale, professional makeup artist from Nagpur, explained the difference between cosmetologist and makeup artist. She said, “Makeup art is using all the beauty products to create a look, whereas cosmetology is knowledge of every product and skin type. Makeup is an outer art and cosmetology is learning inner care and styling in detail. Both are important and equally in demand. A cosmetologist can suggest various remedies and skincare technique plus it can provide you makeup assistance and hairstyling and other aesthetic services. On the other hand makeup artist is only for doing your makeover makeup.”

Women and cosmetology

There are so many skills one knows, but still they prefer to take professional help. It is not because a person cannot do all the jobs but because no one is liable to do everything. If every woman was the best cook, there would have been no hotels; if every man was the best musician we needed not any extra source of music. Similarly services of self-care are not there because people cannot take care of themselves. It is there because people opt for some professionals to do it for them as a part of their relaxation.

Pritu Raj, Reporter and Administrator at Pune Samachar News channel, opined, “Even I know several technique and home remedies for my skin care. Being in a hectic job I don’t get time to do my basic works at home, in that case it becomes very difficult to take out some time and do skin care. I am working so hard so that I can afford comforts of life till some extent. Skin care or body care is not just a need but a type of comfort as well. If I am getting a professional to do my beauty treatment and other skin care and I can just sit and relax while that’s being done. I am definitely going to opt for it”.

Expert care for skin woes

With time and changes in lifestyle there are several body and skin issues people are facing. For the same they don’t want external solutions. Hence the demand for cosmetologist is increasing among people to get expert solution for skin care.

Shipra Singh, student from Hyderabad, shares her concern of skin problems and needs expert advice for the same. She said, “Nowadays not only outside factors affects the skin there are many inside factors too. Like the water we drink today is not that clean the kind of food we eat also effects our skin. In this way there are several issues one is facing for skin problem. Just going to a store and asking the shopkeeper to give the right product might not help.”

What a cosmetologist do?

• Regular haircut, hair wash, perming, styling, colouring, and hair extensions to manicure, pedicure and facials
• Applying makeup to spa and steam bath treatments
• Any job in the beauty industry with an intention to treat beauty related problems
• Some cosmetologists are trained to administer medications for chronic conditions

Career possibility for cosmetologists

• Lucrative career option
• Trained cosmetologists find well paid jobs in beauty parlours, high-end salons
• Makeup professionals are always in demand in entertainment industry
• They are also in demand in the fashion industry
• They can also opt to become an image consultant, writing books or articles and teaching