Image of a client getting his hair done

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BARBER AND A COSMETOLOGIST?

If you have a passion for the beauty industry, you’ve heard the titles “cosmetologist” and “barber” thrown around hundreds of times. By now, you’re probably so used to hearing them that you haven’t even taken the time to stop and think about what each one really means. Are they the same thing? What are the responsibilities of each one? This week’s Five Star Academy blog post is here to answer all of your questions regarding the differences between barbers and cosmetologists.

Five Star Academy is an apprenticeship academy that wants to help you find success in the barber or cosmetology industry. We are looking for passionate, energetic people who are willing to learn more about the art of this industry, and are wanting to take their skills to the next level. Our superior courses offer the ideal mix of classroom instruction and hands-on learning, so you can get the real-world experience you need before you begin your career. Read this week’s blog post to learn more about barbers and cosmetologists and contact us to enroll in our Rialto apprenticeship academy today!

COSMETOLOGY: WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL?

By definition, cosmetology is the practice of beautifying hair, skin, nails, and the face. It’s pretty broad, seeing as it can cover anything relating to hair skills, makeup application, esthetician skills, nails, and much more. Traditionally, though, the focus of cosmetologists tends to hone in on hair, which is why it can be so confusing and difficult to differentiate cosmetology from barbering.

However, there are some major differences. Most importantly, cosmetologists are licensed to perform services that are beyond just hair-based practices. This makes cosmetology the more comprehensive skill set of the two. This means that cosmetologists are licensed to perform a wider range of services to future clients, whereas a barber may be somewhat limited in the services they are able to provide. As a cosmetologist, you become licensed to offer chemical services in addition to grooming services, such as hair color, chemical straightening, perms, rollers, highlights, and more.

Cosmetologists will also learn the biology and sanitation practices, which are very useful in beauty careers as well.

If you love every aspect of the beauty industry and you’re looking to gain a wide range of skills that will allow you to offer a variety of services to your clients, cosmetology may be right for you.

BARBERING: WHAT’S THE DEAL?

As opposed to the broader focuses of cosmetology, barbering is laser-focused on male hair styling, shaving, and trimming. This means that instead of having a wider focus on all things beauty-related, barbering school will hone in on dealing with hair grooming.

This career path is preferred for those who want to specialize in men’s haircuts and grooming. If you do choose the barbering path, you will also learn more about sanitation and physiology as well, to help keep you and your future clients safe.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

So, now that we’ve talked about some of the differences between barbering and cosmetology, let’s discuss some of the similarities.

Barbering and cosmetology both involve serving clients within the beauty industry, and they both have a heavy focus on hair. Each of these programs center around washing, cutting, and styling hair. They each require postsecondary education in order to take the state licensing exam. So, no matter which route you choose, you’ll need to become licensed before you can actually practice and begin serving clients.

THE OPPORTUNITIES INVOLVED IN BOTH

No matter which path you choose, both barbering and cosmetology can be very rewarding, offering lots of opportunities and success within the beauty industry. Both require lots of time, hard work, and dedication in order to find success, but this can pay off in both instances.

Before selecting a program, it’s important to consider the time, financial, and personal commitments that will be required of you. Selecting a program that aligns with your passions can save you lots of time and money, and can also help ensure you’ll find success after the program ends.

CHOOSE FIVE STAR ACADEMY

Here at Five Star Academy, we’re excited to help you grow your passion and find success within our industry. Our apprenticeship academy provides a low-cost alternative to traditional beauty school, and you can even earn while you learn!

Our curriculum combines textbook and classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and a real-life income for you! When you choose Five Star Academy, you’ll get to learn all the basics of barbering and cosmetology while growing your client base and making real money.

We’re excited to work with you! If you’re a passionate individual who feels like barbering or cosmetology is right for you, register for our apprenticeship academy in Rialto today!