Are you interested in a career in beauty? Want to be an expert in facials, manicuring and pedicuring? A career in Cosmetology may be perfect for you! After graduating from a diploma program in Cosmetology, you will need to pass the Cosmetology Licensure Examination administered by the Department of Business & Professional Regulations to work in the State of Florida.

Facials, Make-up and Hair Removal

A facial is a collection of skin care treatments for the face including steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels and massage. The facial is used for general skin health.

Steam Facial – a relaxing way to help increase circulation to the face and open up pores to cleanse away impurities.

Exfoliation – the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface.

Extraction – clearing a clogged or compacted pore. Blackheads, pustules and pimples are the most common reason for facial extraction.

Facial Cream and Lotions – used to moisturize the skin or as an exfoliate.

Facial Masks – can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils and help improve the appearance of pores. There are three types of facial masks, they include:

• Deep-Cleansing – to penetrate and clean the pores
• Healing Acne Scars – hyper-pigmentation
• Brightening – for a gradual illumination of the skin tone

Peels – a treatment where an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. It is effective on blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.

Facial Massage – used to slow down the aging process and achieve younger, healthier looking skin. Facial massage can also help relieve stress, headaches, PMS and sinus congestion.

During a facial the following is done to improve skin care, remove hair, apply make-up and artificial eyelashes.

Test for skin sensitivity – it is recommended to do a patch test for compatibility prior to using any new products. Use the side of the neck for true compatibility as it is thinner and more reactive. If too sensitive, you may see an itchy, red rash.

Remove superfluous hair – the removal of unwanted hair by waxing, sugaring, tweezing, threading or depilatories.

• Waxing – the use of wax, mainly beeswax, being applied to the hair and placing a strip on top. The strip is pulled off and pulls the hair out by the follicle.
• Sugaring – temporary hair removal that involves the use of a thick, sugar-based paste.
• Tweezing – grabbing each hair at the root and pulling in the direction of hair growth to remove superfluous hair.
• Threading – twisting and rolling cotton thread along the surface of the skin, entwining the hair in the thread and lifting it from the follicle.
• Depilatories – a caustic alkali preparation used to remove superfluous hair by dissolving it at the skin surface level.

Lighten superfluous hair – Instead of removing the superfluous hair, the hair can be lightened with the use of hair dyes as hair tends to grow back and in need of repetitive removal.

Apply make-up – make the face of the client fresh and moisturized before putting on make-up. Then, apply primer to ensure the makeup lasts all day. Next, apply a foundation shade that matches the client’s skin tone. Add some concealer and blend it in. Follow up with some eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. Finish with lipstick and blush.

Apply artificial eyelashes – start by applying mascara to curled natural lashes to create a shelf to support the weight of the false lashes. Cut the artificial eyelashes to fit the client’s natural eyelashes, add adhesive and put the artificial eyelashes on.

Manicuring and Pedicuring

The cosmetic beauty treatment for fingernails and toenails. A standard manicure or pedicure includes filling and shaping the nails and coating them with nail polish, as well as soaking and moisturizing the hands and feet.

Repair split or damaged fingernails – the fingernail can be trimmed away, then fill the nail and cover it.

File fingernails to desired shape – filing of the nail from the side to the center in one direction, lifting the file away from the nail, and returning to the starting point where the skin and nail connect. To soften or round the corners, shape by gently filing edges at a slight angle.

Give Plain or Oil Manicure or Pedicure – a plain manicure or pedicure cuts the nails, grooms them and then polishes the nails.  An oil manicure or pedicure gives relief to the nails and dries the cuticles. The oil can improve the hands and feet by leaving the skin soft and pliable.

Select and apply artificial nail tips (nail extensions) – First push back the cuticles. Buff the natural nail lightly so it doesn’t have any shine or moisture. Choose an appropriate size of nail tip. Apply glue on the hollow part of the tip and apply to the nails. Let the nail extensions set for at least 30 seconds to adhere.

Apply Acrylics or Porcelain to Sculpture Fingernails – Sculptured nails are built up and shaped around a form by the cosmetologist. A basic acrylic base is applied to keep the nail attached to the finger and the natural nail. The tip is built up to the specified shape using gel or acrylic powder, porcelain and/or chemicals.

Wrap Nails – apply a sheer base coat to all ten nails and wait until they are dry. Choose the wrap that best fits the client’s nail shape. Peel off the nail wrap and line up the rounded edge with the cuticle. Starting at the cuticle, press down and stretch the wrap toward the tip of the nail, removing all bubbles or ridges. Use a nail file to buff away any excess material. Finally, add a top coat to the nail wraps so they last longer.

Are these facial, make-up, hair removal, manicuring and pedicuring techniques interesting to you? Are you ready to earn your diploma in Cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high-quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Our hands-on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.

Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.