Cosmetology vs. Barbering: What to Know (and How Do They Compare?)

Are you undecided on the path for your beauty career? Don’t feel bad. It’s completely normal to feel that way.

Many students struggle with the choice between barber school and cosmetology school. It’s an important choice and we understand you want to make sure you choose the best career for you.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about barber license training and cosmetology school. We’ll also take a look at how they compare.

Read on and find out which one is right for you!

A Look at Cosmetology School

Let’s start by taking a deeper look at cosmetology. When you graduate from cosmetology school, you’ll be well-trained in a wide variety of beauty techniques.

The services you can offer won’t be limited to just hair. You’ll also be able to provide skin and facial treatments for your clients.

Think of cosmetology as a broader area of study. Students at cosmetology school receive training on styling hair. They also learn the basics of makeup artistry, esthetician techniques, and how to become a nail technician.

Cosmetologists can also provide more in-depth hair services than simply cutting hair. Receiving a cosmetology license allows you to perform chemical services. Some of these include coloring hair, chemical straightening, and perms.

These chemical treatments are useful if you want to focus on styling women’s hair.

A Look at Barber School

In contrast, barbering refers to the treatment of men’s hair. Graduates of barber school are trained on how to style men’s hair and also provide beard grooming services. These can include beard trimming, styling, and shaving.

The main difference between cosmetology and barber license training is that barbering’s focus is strictly on hair. Cosmetology is more general and provides training in the areas besides styling hair that we mentioned above.

Are Both Licenses Necessary?

Many students wonder if it’s necessary to get both a cosmetology and barbering license. The short answer is: it depends.

You need to ask yourself what type of services you want to offer. You’ll also want to ask yourself how many services you want to offer.

Some students, when they graduate, choose to be generalists. They open salons or spas that offer a wide range of services. Many will brand their salons as unisex so they can serve both men and women.

Others choose to provide more “niche” services. These students may choose to open a “men’s only” barbershop or women’s only cosmetology spa. 

If you want to attempt to bring in more customers or get more creative with your services, you may want to consider pursuing a double license.

The Beauty Breakdown

There you have it! The final, tell-all breakdown on what separates barbering and cosmetology. Both disciplines indeed have a lot of overlap. But they are both separate disciplines within the beauty industry.

Whichever road you choose will open you up to a large number of clients and a truly rewarding career. There’s no need to feel like you’re missing out if you lack one license or the other.

For more information, or if you have any questions, contact TSPA Evansville. We’re more than happy to help guide you on your journey and find the beauty career that’s best for you.

Exciting Beauty Careers For Beauty Lovers!

“Why are you studying to be a hairdresser”? Most of our students have been asked this question by one person or another when they choose to pursue their beauty careers.

The truth is, being a hairdresser is a worthwhile profession. It can be a lucrative one, as well. But there’s more to beauty school than hairdressers, barbers, and nail salons.

There are a seemingly endless number of careers in the beauty industry. You might be surprised to find out what you can do in the beauty industry after graduating from TSPA Evansville.

So, if you don’t want to be a traditional hairstylist or barber, and you’re wondering “is beauty school right for me”, read on with us as we look at some of the rarer beauty careers you can look forward to in the job market.

1. Product Developer

Many people who pursue careers in beauty don’t think of product development. But you can use your training to develop the very products you use to style yourself and others. If you have a passion for hair care, makeup, or other cosmetology products, this role might be for you. 

Students who pursue this type of career usually have a passion for concealers, creams, and powders. They enjoy the silky texture of high-end cosmetic products. But that’s not always the case.

In certain cases, product developers get into the industry because they are passionate about developing a specific product. One famous name in the beauty industry built a billion-dollar brand, all because she couldn’t find an existing product that worked for her skin. Naturally, she went on to create her own.

You, too, can have the same opportunity if you choose to pursue a career in beauty.

2. Face Painter

Have you seen the men and women painting tigers and butterflies on children’s faces at Disney? You guessed it. That’s one of many bona fide beauty careers.

If you get joy out of being around children and amusement parks, this may be the job for you.

3. Beauty Care Blogger

Do you have a passion for writing and beauty? Then this is the career for you. Yes, we said career.

Many people don’t think about blogging as a career. It’s viewed as more of a hobby. But, if you are knowledgeable in the beauty niche, you can turn your talent for writing into a very lucrative career.

One of the main ways students do this is by turning their blog into a marketing opportunity. Major beauty brands will pay for advertising space on your blog if you have enough followers. You can also use your blog as an opportunity for affiliate marketing.

You can ask any company you support for affiliate links to their products. Some have them and some don’t, so do your research. But, once you get your affiliate link, you can get paid for promoting these products.

 Every stick of L.A. Girl lipstick or palette of Huda Beauty products you sell through your blog will earn you some money. If nothing else, it’s a great way to support an expensive makeup habit!

A Bounty of Beauty Careers

The possibilities are endless when it comes to beauty careers! We’re only scratching the surface with this article. If you have something in mind, contact us anytime

We’ll be able to tell you if your niche already exists in the beauty industry or if it’s even possible. We may even be able to tell you if we have a course curriculum for that type of position.

It can’t hurt to ask! We’re here to do whatever we can to help you along your journey.