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Cosmetology vs. Esthetician School: What’s Your Dream Beauty Path?

So you’re obsessed with beauty. Your camera roll is filled with inspo pics, your TikTok feed is pure hair transformations and make up get ready with me videos, and you know you’d fall in love with making others feel their best. But there’s one problem… When it comes to cosmetology vs. esthetician school, how do you pick which industry to dive into?

Don’t stress - we’re breaking it all down for you. From what you’ll learn to where your license can take you, here’s everything you need to know to figure out which career track fits your goals and your beauty stlye.

What is Cosmetology School?

Think of cosmetology school as the ultimate beauty buffet. You’ll taste-test a little of everything: hair, skin, nails, makeup, and most of the time, even lash extensions.

What exactly do cosmetologists learn?

Hair cutting, coloring & styling (the main course)
Basic skincare and facials
Makeup magic for every occasion
Manicures, pedicures & nail enhancements
Sometimes lash extensions, depending on the program

Basically, it sets you up to be a multi-service powerhouse. One day you could be doing custom color, the next a bridal updo, the next helping a client glow with makeup; total career freedom.

How long does it take? Most states require 1,000 to 2,100 hours, which shakes out to roughly 12–18 months full time. Some states have quicker tracks, some longer, so be sure to check your local requirements.

What is Esthetician School?

Now if you’re more about #SkinGoals, esthetician school is your beauty playground. This is where you’ll dive deep into facials, advanced skin treatments, and everything to help clients love what they see in the mirror (or on camera).

What will you master in esthetics?

Customized facials & skin treatments
Chemical peels & microdermabrasion
Waxing & brow design
Lash & brow services (most of the time including extensions)
Makeup artistry
Manicures & Pedicures

Translation? No hair styling, cutting or coloring whatsoever. This path is all about skin health, texture, and glow.

How long does it take? Typically between 600–1,200 hours, or 6–9 months if you’re going full time. Faster finish, lower upfront cost, a quicker track into your beauty career.

So…What’s The Difference?

Easy! It just comes down to what you want to focus on.

Cosmetology is all about being a multi-service beauty pro. You’ll learn how to cut, color, and style hair, master makeup looks, get hands-on with nail services, and sometimes even dabble in basic skincare or lash extensions. It’s the go-to choice if you dream of working in (or owning) a busy salon, offering a bit of everything under one roof. The programs are typically longer, anywhere from 1,200 to 2,100 hours, so you’ll spend more time (and often more money) up front, but you’ll come out of it licensed to do all the things.

Esthetics, on the other hand, is laser-focused on skin, lashes, brows, and advanced facial treatments. Think custom facials, waxing, lash extensions, brow design, chemical peels, even light therapy. You’ll skip the hair cutting and coloring entirely and spend your hours perfecting glowing complexions and precise work. These programs are shorter, usually around 600 to 1,200 hours, so you can launch your career sooner and often with a lower initial investment.

It also affects where you might work. Cosmetologists often land in lively salons, balancing cuts and color clients all day, while estheticians might work in tranquil spas, med spas, dermatology offices, or dedicated lash studios, focusing on skin health and high end beauty services.

And of course, licensing requirements vary by state. Some require more hours for cosmetology, others less for esthetics. Want the full scoop? Check out our state-by-state licensing guide to see exactly what’s needed where you live.

Career Paths & Where Each Can Take You

We’re not gonna lie, the beauty industry is one of the most creative, dynamic places to build a career. Here’s a quick look at what each path unlocks:

If you go the cosmetology route...

Hairstylist or cut + color specialist
Lash & Brow Artist
Makeup artist for events or editorial shoots
Nail tech
Salon owner or manager
Bridal hair & makeup specialist
Beauty Educator

If you choose esthetics...

Spa or med spa esthetician
Acne or anti-aging skincare specialist
Lash Artist
Brow lamination & waxing pro
Skincare sales consultant or brand educator

And yes - with either license, you can get additional lash certifications. (Psst: our Borby lash education is where your journey begins if you’re serious about building a booked and busy lash business.)

What's the Difference in Potential Pay?

Cosmetologists can often command higher starting rates by offering more services under one roof — think cut, color, style, and add-on lashes, usually all starting at a higher price point.

Estheticians might start slightly lower, but can skyrocket their earning potential by specializing in medical-grade skincare, advanced treatments, or lux lash services.

The beauty industry is booming, especially in skincare and lash artistry. Clients are obsessed with glowing skin and full, fluffy lashes. That means more appointments for you, and a steady stream of income that can grow as you do.

Which One’s Actually Right For You?

Here’s where it gets personal. Ask yourself:

What lights you up? If you dream in balayage, go cosmetology. If you live for skin transformations and lush lashes, esthetics is your home.
What’s your dream space? Buzzing salons with music and chatter, or calming spa vibes with candles and chill playlists?
How soon do you want to start? Esthetician school is typically faster. But cosmetology might be worth the extra time if you want a versatile license.
What’s your long game? Teaching, owning a studio, traveling as a brand educator? Both paths can get you there, especially if you add specialized certifications like lashes along the way.

Want To Make Lashes Your Signature Service?

No matter which license you go for, one of the smartest moves you can make is adding lash extensions to your toolkit. They’re one of the most profitable services per hour in beauty, clients book again and again, and the transformation is pure joy, for them and for you!

Our Borboleta lash courses are made for pros who want to deliver custom lash artistry and build a loyal client base that keeps your books full. From lash extensions to lash lifts, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to slay the lash game (and grow your income while you’re at it).

Whether you pick cosmetology or esthetics, you’re stepping into one of the most rewarding industries out there. You get to be creative, make real connections, boost people’s confidence, become part of a community, and carve out a career that’s all yours.

Whichever path you choose, we’re cheering you on every step of the way! See you in the classroom ;)