Cosmetology or Esthetician: Which Beauty Career Path Is Right for You?

Are you passionate about helping others look and feel their best? At Milan Institute, we know the beauty industry offers many exciting career paths, but two of the most popular are cosmetology and esthetics. What is the difference between a cosmetology license and an esthetician license?

Cosmetology: The Art of Hair, Skin and Nails

Cosmetologists are the multi-talented professionals you’ll find in salons and spas, offering a wide range of services from haircuts and coloring to manicures, facials, and makeup. At Milan Institute, our Cosmetology program is designed to prepare you for a dynamic career. Curriculum varies by each state and what the state licensure exam expects you to understand. It is best to meet with admissions at Milan Institute for information specific to your campus.

What You’ll Learn in the Cosmetology Program:

• Hairstyling Services: Master blow drying, curling, arranging, and cutting using professional tools.

• Chemical Hair Services: Learn hair coloring, straightening, waving, bleaching, and safe formula mixing.

• Skin Care Services: Gain expertise in facials, massages, and exfoliation for the face, scalp, and neck.

• Hair Removal & Lash/Brow Services: Train in waxing, tweezing, sugaring, and lash/brow tinting and perming.

• Manicuring & Pedicuring: Perfect your skills in nail care, massage, and artificial nail applications.

• Professional Development: Build customer service, communication, and job readiness skills.

• Sanitation & Safety: Understand health, safety, and disinfection procedures to protect clients and yourself.

Once you have completed your program, you’ll be ready to take the State Board examination and launch your career as a licensed cosmetologist, prepared for entry-level positions in salons, spas, and beyond.

Esthetics: The Science of Skin Care

Estheticians are skin care specialists focused on helping clients achieve healthy, glowing skin. If you’re fascinated by facials, makeup, and holistic wellness, the Esthetician program at Milan Institute can get you career-ready.

What You’ll Learn in the Esthetician Program:

• Facial Services: Understand skin types, structures, and master facial massage and treatments.

• Hair Removal Techniques: Become skilled in waxing, temporary hair removal, and safety.

• Aromatherapy Services: Incorporate holistic wellness into your skincare practice.

• Nutrition & Skin Health: Learn how nutrition impacts skin and overall health.

• Color Psychology & Makeup: Discover color theory and professional makeup application techniques.

• Client Consultations: Build strong client relationships through effective consultations and skin analysis.

• Business & Salon Management: Learn the essentials of salon operations, payroll, and record-keeping.

• Professional Development: Hone communication, ethics, and customer service skills.

• Sanitation & Health: Study anatomy, physiology, chemical safety, and infection control to ensure a safe environment.

Graduates are prepared to take the State Board exam and qualify for entry-level esthetician positions in spas, salons, medical offices, and more.

What’s the Difference Between Cosmetology and Esthetician Training?

• Cosmetologists have a broader skill set, covering hair, nails, and basic skin care.

• Estheticians specialize deeply in skin health, facials, and advanced skincare techniques.

Start Your Career Training

Whether you dream of becoming a skilled cosmetologist or a skin care expert, Milan Institute can help you get there. Our hands-on training, experienced instructors, and supportive environment will prepare you for success in the beauty industry.

Schedule a tour, meet our instructors, and see which program is right for you!

*Program lengths may vary by location. See campus for details.