Cosmetology vs Esthetics

The biggest difference between cosmetology and esthetics is the range of skills you learn. Cosmetology primarily covers hair, but ventures into the basics of nails, makeup, and skincare, while esthetics focuses more closely on skincare, facials, hair removal, lashes, and related treatments. At Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy in Yakima, Washington, we offer both programs so you can choose an education that fits what you want to learn.

If you love changing up hairstyles, experimenting with color, doing nails, and exploring different parts of beauty, cosmetology may fit your interests. If skincare is the part of beauty you cannot stop learning about, esthetics may make more sense.

Both paths require hands-on education and a Washington state license to provide services professionally. The right program comes down to the services you want to learn and the kind of work you can picture yourself doing.

Key Takeaways

• Cosmetology covers a wider range of beauty skills, including hair, nails, makeup, and skincare.
• Esthetics focuses primarily on skincare, facials, hair removal, lashes, and related services.
• Washington requires 1,600 school hours for cosmetology and 750 school hours for esthetics before licensure requirements can be completed.
• At Elite, full-time cosmetology students could complete the program in as little as 54 weeks, while full-time esthetics students could complete their program in as little as 25 weeks.
• Your choice should depend on the services you are most excited to learn and eventually provide.

What Is the Difference Between Cosmetology and Esthetics?

Cosmetology is a broader area of beauty education. Cosmetologists learn about hair services along with skills involving nails, makeup, and skincare.

Esthetics has a narrower focus. Estheticians concentrate on the skin and learn techniques such as facials, waxing, skin analysis, lashes, and other skincare services.

The distinction is also reflected in Washington licensing requirements. The Washington State Department of Licensing requires graduates of approved schools to complete at least 1,600 hours for cosmetology or 750 hours for esthetics. Applicants must also meet the state’s other licensing requirements, including passing the required examinations, before applying for a license.

At Elite, our programs match those required school hours. The different lengths reflect the different scopes of the two programs.

What Do You Learn in Cosmetology School?

Cosmetology can be a good fit for someone who wants to explore several sides of the beauty industry instead of concentrating on one specialty.

Our 1,600-hour Cosmetology program combines classroom learning with practical application. Students have opportunities to develop their skills with guidance from licensed instructors and practice services in our student salon.

Some of the topics covered include:

• Hair cutting
• Hair coloring and bleaching
• Shampooing
• Wet, dry, and thermal styling
• Braiding
• Permanent waving
• Chemical relaxing
• Scalp and hair analysis
• Manicuring and pedicuring
• Facials
• Facial waxing and tweezing
• Makeup
• Sanitation and disinfection
• First aid and safety
• Washington state laws and regulations

We also include professional skills such as communication, resume development, interview preparation, and job-search skills.

Because the curriculum covers multiple areas of beauty, cosmetology can make sense if hair is one of your main interests but you do not want your education to stop there.

What Do You Learn in Esthetics School?

Esthetics goes deeper into skincare instead of spreading training across hair, nails, and skin.

Our 750-hour Esthetics program focuses on the knowledge and hands-on skills involved in caring for clients’ skin. Students learn through classroom instruction, demonstrations, participation, guest presentations, and practical training.

Topics in our Esthetics curriculum include:

• Skincare theory
• Skin analysis
• Skin diseases and disorders
• Hair removal
• Facials
• Waxing
• Peels
• Body procedures
• Sanitation and disinfection
• Safety and first aid
• Washington state laws and regulations

Esthetics students can also practice services in our student spa under the direct supervision of licensed instructors. Working with clients allows students to apply what they have learned while receiving guidance.

If facials, skin analysis, waxing, lashes, and skincare are the areas of beauty you get most excited about, esthetics allows you to focus your education there.

How Long Does Cosmetology vs. Esthetics School Take?

Cosmetology takes longer because students train across a wider range of services.

Washington requires graduates of approved schools to complete 1,600 hours of cosmetology education and 750 hours of esthetics education as part of the licensing process, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

At Elite, a full-time cosmetology student attending 30 hours per week could complete the 1,600-hour program in as little as 54 weeks.

Our 750-hour Esthetics program can be completed by a full-time student in as little as 25 weeks.

Program length is worth considering, but we encourage students not to make their decision based on speed alone. A shorter program is not automatically the right program for you. Think about what you actually want to spend your time learning.

We also understand that school needs to fit around real life. Both programs have a distance learning option that allows up to 45% of eligible coursework to be completed online through CIMA by Milady. Our Cosmetology program is also available in Spanish.

How Much Does Cosmetology vs. Esthetics School Cost?

At Elite, tuition for our Cosmetology, Cosmetology Spanish, and Cosmetology 45% Distance Learning programs is $21,600.

Tuition for our Esthetics and Esthetics 45% Distance Learning programs is $12,750.

These figures reflect current tuition published in our school catalog and should be reviewed with our admissions team when you are preparing to enroll.

Cost does not necessarily have to be handled entirely out of pocket. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. Students interested in federal student aid can start by completing the FAFSA® and speaking with our financial aid team about their options.

Should I Choose Cosmetology or Esthetics?

Start with the part of beauty you could see yourself practicing again and again.

Cosmetology may fit your interests if you:

• Love cutting, coloring, or styling hair
• Want to learn several different beauty services
• Are interested in nails or makeup in addition to hair
• Want basic skincare to be part of a broader beauty education
• Enjoy variety and learning different techniques

Esthetics may fit your interests if you:

• Find yourself constantly learning about skincare
• Want to understand skin analysis and skincare techniques
• Are especially interested in facials, waxing, and peels
• Prefer concentrating on skin rather than hair and nails
• Can picture yourself working in a skincare or spa environment

There is no need to choose based on which field sounds more impressive. Choose based on what you genuinely want to learn.

If you’re still unsure, visiting our school can help. Seeing our salon and spa training areas and talking through both curricula with our admissions team can make the differences much clearer.

What Happens After Cosmetology or Esthetics School?

Graduating from beauty school is an important step, but graduation by itself does not make you a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician in Washington.

Students can become eligible to take their exams when they are within 100 hours of completing the required instruction. They must complete all required instruction and pass the state-approved written and practical examinations before applying for their Washington license, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Our programs are designed to help prepare students to sit for the applicable state exams.

This is one reason hands-on education matters. In addition to learning theory, our students have opportunities to practice techniques and develop client-service skills under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.

What If I Want More Advanced Skincare Training?

If skincare interests you but you want to study beyond basic esthetics, there is another option to explore.

Elite also offers a Master Esthetics program. This program covers advanced skincare techniques in addition to esthetics concepts. Applicants interested in enrolling in our Master Esthetics program must hold a current esthetics license.

That means you do not have to think of your first program as the last thing you will ever learn. Your beauty education can develop as your interests and goals develop.

How Can You Decide Which Beauty Program Fits You?

Picture yourself in class on an ordinary Tuesday, not just at graduation.

What would you rather be practicing?

If your answer is a haircut, color application, manicure, makeup look, or a mix of beauty services, take a closer look at cosmetology.

If your answer is analyzing skin, performing a facial, learning waxing techniques, or practicing skincare treatments, explore esthetics.

You can also compare practical factors such as program length, tuition, scheduling, and distance learning options. Those details matter when you’re figuring out how school can fit into your current responsibilities.

Most importantly, give yourself the opportunity to see both programs up close before deciding.

Ready to Compare Cosmetology and Esthetics in Person?

You do not have to figure out cosmetology vs esthetics from a screen.

Come see what learning at Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy could look like. During a school tour, you can explore our learning environment, learn more about our Cosmetology and Esthetics programs, and talk with our admissions team about scheduling, tuition, and financial aid options for those who qualify.

Schedule a tour and take the next step toward choosing a beauty education that fits you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetology vs. Esthetics

Is esthetics the same as cosmetology?

No. Esthetics focuses primarily on skincare and services such as facials, skin analysis, hair removal, and peels. Cosmetology covers a broader range of beauty skills, primarily focusing on hair, but exploring the basics of nails, makeup, and skincare, as well.

Is cosmetology school longer than esthetics school?

Yes, in Washington. The Washington State Department of Licensing requires 1,600 school hours for cosmetology and 750 school hours for esthetics. At Elite, full-time cosmetology students could complete their program in as little as 54 weeks, while full-time esthetics students could complete their program in as little as 25 weeks.

Do cosmetologists learn skincare?

Yes. Our Cosmetology curriculum includes skincare-related topics such as facials, facial waxing, tweezing, and makeup. Students who want their education to focus primarily on skincare should compare that curriculum with our dedicated Esthetics program.

Can I take cosmetology or esthetics classes online?

Elite offers 45% Distance Learning options for both programs. Up to 45% of applicable coursework can be completed online through CIMA by Milady, with the remainder of the program including the required in-person training.

Do I need a license after beauty school?

Yes, if you want to provide cosmetology or esthetics services for a fee in Washington. Completing the required education is part of the process. You must also meet Washington’s examination and application requirements before receiving your license.

Which Beauty Program Is Right for You?

When comparing cosmetology vs. esthetics, the right choice comes down to what you want to spend your time learning. Cosmetology gives you experience across hair, nails, makeup, and skincare, while esthetics lets you focus more closely on skin, facials, hair removal, and related treatments.

At Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy, you can get hands-on practice under the supervision of licensed instructors while building the skills required for your chosen program. Whether you see yourself behind a salon chair or working with clients in a spa setting, your beauty education can be the place to start exploring that goal.

Ready to find the program that fits you? Schedule a tour of Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy to see our school, learn more about our Cosmetology and Esthetics programs, and talk with our admissions team about your next steps. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.