What Is the Difference Between Hair Tech School and Cosmetology School?
By Patricia Cecil-ReedIt's a commonly asked question among those with an interest in hair styling careers: What is the difference between a hair technician and a hair stylist? Are hair tech schools and cosmetology schools essentially the same thing, and if not, what sets one apart from the other?
To answer quite simply, yes, there is a difference between a hair tech and a traditional hair stylist, as well as schooling one undergoes to become each.
Cosmetology School vs. Hair Tech School
Cosmetology programs usually combine beauty and hair techniques and cover a variety of services and specialties. Cosmetology school training might include hair styling, make-up application, skin care techniques, and nail design in basic training coursework. Students may choose an area in which to specialize, such as skin care or hair styling, or a combination of specialties. Cosmetology school traditionally prepares students for general beauty practices.
Hair tech programs focus exclusively on hair services, often with a therapeutic bent. Hair technicians cut, trim, and shampoo hair. They also offer scalp treatments for conditions such as dandruff, and hair treatments for hair loss and thinning hair. They are trained in fitting clients for hairpieces and wigs as well as consulting with clients regarding hair care or hair styling.
Hair tech schools provide the training to work with special clients, such as those who are suffering from illnesses that cause hair loss, thinning hair due to age, or certain scalp ailments.
How Long Do Programs at Cosmetology or Hair Tech School Take to Complete?
A hair tech program commonly involves 1250 hours of coursework. For a full-time student, that means three semesters of study.
Cosmetology programs generally last from 9 to 24 months, depending on whether you attend full or part-time, and what your area of specialty is. Your state's requirements for professional training may also play a part in how long you're in school. On average, full-time cosmetology programs involve 1400-1600 hours of study. Many can be completed in two years or less, and some, like nail technician programs, may be completed in as little as six months.
The Choice Is Yours
Depending on your professional goals, you can choose the type of training that best suits your needs. Maybe you dream of being a make-up artist to the stars or becoming the most sought-after nail technician in town. In these cases, cosmetology school is the place for you. If, however, you want to focus exclusively on coloring, styling, wigs, and everything to do with hair, hair tech school may be a better fit.
Planning for your future can be an exciting step, and having the facts to make informed decisions is key. Whether you want to attend hair tech school or traditional cosmetology school is up to you, but the rewards of both paths are great. It's most important to identify your professional goals and dreams, and follow them up with an educational path that will get you started on your dream career.
Sources
- Beauty Schools Directory
- Education-portal.com
- EWC: Cosmetology Department
- Hair Technicians Home Page
Patricia Cecil-Reed is a writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a B.A. in Literature from Sarah Lawrence College.
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