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

Individual disciplines within cosmetology

Shampoo technician

A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client's hair in preparation for the hair stylist.

Manicure

A manicure is a cosmetic treatment for the fingernails or hands. The word "manicure" derives from Latin: manus for hand, cura for care. When performed on the feet, such a treatment is a pedicure.

Many manicures start by soaking the hands in a softening substance, followed by the application of lotion. A common type of manicure involves shaping the nails and applying nail polish. A manicure may also include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics, or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails, or applying small decals or imitation jewels. Manicurists usually take special cosmetology courses.

Esthetician

Estheticians work at many different salons, med spas, day spas, and even some clinics. Estheticians specialize in beautifying the skin. They perform cosmetic skin treatments including hair removal (waxing, threading), massage, body wraps, skin care, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, aromatherapy, permanent make up, and make-up application. Estheticians may also specialize with machine treatments such as non surgical "face lifts" and faradic muscle tone. The specialist may undergo special training for treatments such as laser hair removal and electrolysis. Estheticians must be licensed in the state they are working in. In order to become one they must complete 260 to 1500 hours of training and pass both a written and hands-on exam. Estheticians usually work under a dermatologist’s supervision and usually treat cases of acne, hyper pigmentation, maturing, and dehydrated skin conditions.

Nail technician

A nail technician specializes in the art form and care of nails. This includes manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail wraps, artificial nails, self adhesive nail coverings, etc. Although they are generally trained to recognize diseases of the skin and nail, they do not treat diseases and would typically refer a client to a physician.

Electrologist

An electrologist offers hair removal services with the use of a machine. As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal via electrolysis is permanent. A high school diploma is often required.

Hair stylist

A hair stylist is someone who cuts and styles hair. He or she can also offer other services such as coloring, extensions and straightening. A good hairstylist has a sense of fashion and the ability to know what style will look the best on a client. Hair stylists often do hair for weddings, proms, and other special events in addition to routine hairstyling.

Hair colorist

A colorist is a hair stylist that specializes in coloring hair. In the US, some colorists are “board certified” through the American Board of Certified Haircolorists. This designation is used to recognize colorists that have a greater level of competency in the industry.

Makeup artist

A makeup artist is in a branch of cosmetology that specializes in the application of cosmetics to a persons face, by using such products as foundation or powder, blush, eye makeup, etc. Depending on where they are or how they are employed, their salary can vary. They are used for a variety of different scenarios: department store cosmetic counters, special events such as weddings/prom, salons/spas, theater and visual arts, photography studios, editorial fashion shoots, runway shows for designers/fashion schools, television and film, as well as freelancing of various degrees.

Becoming a cosmetologist

General cosmetology courses in the United States focus primarily on hairstyling, but also train their students as general beauticians versed in manicures, facials, etc. In a state-licensed beauty school, a certificate course in general cosmetology typically takes approximately one year to complete. Specialized, non-hairstyling courses such as manicure, facials, or makeup art are usually of shorter duration, lasting anywhere from two weeks to six months, although the most prestigious and exclusive beauty schools may offer much longer courses. In Higher Learning Institutions, an Associate's Degree can be awarded on the path to becoming a cosmetologist.

In the United States, all states require personal appearance workers (with the exception of shampooers in very few states, not including CA) to be licensed; however, qualifications for a license vary by state. Licensing for those working with the Military, deceased, and handicapped may vary depending on the state.^[2] Generally, a person must have graduated from a state-licensed cosmetology school . A few states require applicants to pass a physical examination. Some states require graduation from high school, while others require as little as an eighth-grade education. In a few states, the completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a school, and for many students an apprenticeship in cosmetology is the most expansive way to obtain a hands on education in their respective fields. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetology services.^[3]

In most states, there is a legal distinction between barbers and cosmetologists, with different licensing requirements.^[4] These distinctions and requirements vary from state to state. In most states, cosmetology sanitation practices and ethical practices are governed by the state's health department and a Board of Cosmetology. These entities ensure public safety by regulating sanitation products and practices and licensing requirements. Consumer complaints are usually directed to these offices and investigated from there.

Persons interested in practicing cosmetology can graduate from a general cosmetology course and then obtain a license in any of the cosmetology sub-disciplines, or they can choose to study only to become a manicurist or esthetician. Students may choose a private beauty school or one of the many vocational schools which offer cosmetology courses to high school students. In addition, there are national organizations that provide educational and professional information.

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 (i.e. hair coloring, straightening, perms, relaxers, Keratin treatments, Brazilian Blowouts and nail treatments) include dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, lye (sodium hydroxide), ammonia, and coal tar. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to reduce exposure. Allergies and dermatitis are health problems that have forced approximately 20% of hairdressers to stop practicing their profession.^[5]

Chemical exposures

Dibutyl phthalate

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a common ingredient found in 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.^[6]

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.^[7]

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%.^[8]

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.^[8]^[9]

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, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, loss of sense of smell, headaches, fatigue.^[10]

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). Material safety data sheets (MSDS) must also be accompanied with the product and kept on premises with the product at all times. The MSDS 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.^[11]

Salon owners and stylists are advised to look closely at the hair smoothing products they use (read product labels and MSDS 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 MSDS for products containing hazardous chemicals. These sheets must be made available for salon workers. Workers using the product must be made aware of potential health hazards and how to use the product safely. 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 (29 CFR 1910.1048).^[11]

If an employer has difficulty obtaining an appropriate MSDS or further questions they should contact their local OSHA area office for assistance.^[11]

A safe workplace / reducing occupational exposure

All workers have a right to a safe workplace. To ensure worker safety The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) was passed in 1970. This law was developed in order to prevent workers from being seriously injured or killed at work. The Act requires employers to supply their workers with a hazard-free workplace. OSHA willingly provides information, training and assistance to workers and employers in order to prevent workers from harm on the job. If a worker feels that their employer is not following OSHA standards, or that there are serious hazards in their workplace, they may file a complaint to OSHA to complete an inspection.^[11]

Reducing occupational exposures is important to the health and wellness of salon workers. Salon workers should know what chemicals are in their products and how to use them safely in the workplace. All workers should be trained to read product labels and MSDS sheets.

It is also important that salons are well ventilated and that chemical treatments are scheduled later in the day so that workers have reduced exposure throughout their shift. It is recommended to wear gloves and masks whenever possible.

Notable cosmetologists

References

External links

[1] Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

[2] "Collection Of Hairdresser State Regulations". Collection Of State Requirements And Regulations.

[3] Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers

[test-4] Beauty School and Cosmetology School Licensing Requirements

[5] Reducing chemical exposure is a continual career investment

[6] Environmental Working Group - Does a common chemical in nail polish pose risks to human health?

[7] United States Department of Labor – Safety and Health Topics – Formaldehyde

[cdph.ca.gov-8] California Department of Public Health – Q&A: Brazilian Blowout and other hair smoothing salon treatments

[9] Oregon OSHA – Hazard Alert – Hair smooth products and formaldehyde

[10] Oregon OSHA and CROET - “Keratin-Based” Hair Smoothing Products And the Presence of Formaldehyde

[osha.gov-11] United States Department of Labor – Hazard Alert - Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde

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+{{Distinguish|Cosmology}}
+{{Redirect-synonym|Coiffeur|[[Hairdresser]]}}
+{{Refimprove|date=April 2008}}
+{{globalize/US|date=December 2010}}
 [[File:Cosmetology1946.jpg|thumb|Cosmetology class in California, 1946]]
 '''Cosmetology''' (from [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] {{lang|grc|κοσμητικός}}, ''kosmētikos'', "beautifying";<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary]</ref> and {{lang|grc|-λογία}}, ''[[wiktionary:-logia|-logia]]'') is the study and application of [[beauty treatment]]. Branches of specialty including [[hairstyle|hairstyling]], [[skin care]], [[cosmetics]], [[manicures]]/[[pedicure]]s, and [[electrology]].