Monday 23 September 2013

Cosmetic touch

Cosmetologists care for people’s hair, skin, and nails. They are also called beauty operators, hairdressers, or beauticians. Most cosmetologists work in beauty salons, and many have their own businesses. Some work in hospitals, spas, private clinics and beauty salons. Cosmetologists work with many types of beauty products and often sell them at their salons as well. A cosmetologist chiefly works with the skin and hairs. 

Medical cosmetology (or medical beauty-an emerging trend) the more intensive side of cosmetology, largely deals with skin care. Problems like pimples, acne, wrinkles, dark spots, require medical expertise. Treatments like botox and fillers are performed by medical cosmetologists or skin specialists. 
They also shape eyebrows and remove unwanted hair from the face. They give demonstrations and advice on the use of makeup. Cosmetologists who care for hairs give scalp treatments, massages, and facials etc.

Cosmetologist should not be confused with dermatologists or plastic surgeons. A cosmetologist deals with beauty in a non-surgical manner while a plastic surgeon corrects or restores any part of the human body through surgery.

Work schedule
Many cosmetologists work more than forty hours a week, including Saturdays and one or two evenings. Others work part-time, usually during the end of the week when beauty salons are the busiest. Cosmetologists have to stand for many hours and sometimes use harsh chemicals. They can protect themselves by wearing rubber gloves.

Skills required
Cosmetologists must be able to work well with their hands and should have a good sense of style. They also need to keep up with the latest fashions in hairstyling and cosmetics and interact well with all kinds of customers. A cosmetologist uses surgical means to review and restore function to diseased or damaged parts of the body and hairs. Cosmetologists are also employed by cosmetic companies where they are involved in the various stages of on conceptualisation, formulation, production and testing of the various cosmetic concoctions. Fitness and exercise is the latest beauty fad that covers everything from health clubs, yoga, aerobics, and kickboxing to workout gyms. So it’s a profession that has lot of possibilities and is an unconventional one

Academic qualifications
General Cosmetology: Courses in this field equip students with skills required in salon treatments (hair styling, manicures, facials, waxing etc). A certificate course in general cosmetology is typically a one-year programme though some institutes offer a three-year programme. Specialised courses such as manicures, facials, or makeup art are usually of shorter duration, (six-months).

Medical Cosmetology: The basic requirement to practise medical cosmetology is a medical degree from any reputed medical college. But dermatologists, physicians, dentists with a diploma or Master’s degree in dermatology, may also practice medical cosmetology.  Domain knowledge in science is essential as they work on skin, muscles, tissues and veins/ arteries. To perform an advanced cosmetic treatment, a degree in medicine is a must.
After completing an MBBS degree, candidates may undergo a training/certification to become a specialist or a trainer. Indian medical colleges, largely, do not offer these fellowship/certificate programmes. The only institute that offers a 12-week certificate course in clinical cosmetology is the Indian Institute of Cosmetology in Mumbai. 
Sometimes a candidate has to get training in a public or private vocational school. A full-time course usually takes from six to twelve months to complete. Courses cover hygiene, bacteriology, cosmetic chemistry, psychology, and sales techniques. 

Candidates having degrees like BHMS etc who are going to operate the surgical part of cosmetology requires license to function. However, requirements for a license vary from state to state. In most states, candidates must be at least sixteen years old, in good health, and be a graduate of an approved cosmetology school. They must also pass a state licensing examination.
This test usually includes both a written part and a practical demonstration of skills. There may even be an oral exam in which candidates are asked to explain particular cosmetology procedures. The license must be renewed every year or every two years.

Remuneration
General Cosmetologists can expect a starting salary from Rs 3,000-Rs 7,000 until they find a foothold in the industry. They can earn up to Rs 50,000 a month once they have three years of experience. Remuneration from medical cosmetology begins at a higher scale.

With thanks to:
Educationtimes.com
http://www.educationtimes.com/article/10/2012061120120609202224128da95ff0/Cosmetic-touch.html



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