If you’re a cosmetologist or are looking into becoming one, you’ve probably wondered about what treatments you can and can’t perform on your clients. And if you’ve looked it up, you’ve probably realized that there is a ton of confusion and lots of different answers out there.
The treatments you can perform largely depend on the regulations of the state you’re practicing in. Certain procedures are commonly limited to medical professionals, such as deep chemical peels and dermaplaning, while others, like waxing, are open to everyone.
As a professional, having proper cosmetologist insurance is essential. It protects you in case of accidental injury, liability claims, or client dissatisfaction, ensuring your business remains safe and compliant. We recommend checking out NEXT Insurance for customized and affordable policies
Watch our video for an easy overview of what procedures you’re allowed to perform as a cosmetologist!
Can A Cosmetologist Do Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are acidic solutions that are applied to the face to dissolve the outermost layer of the skin. Over the next few days, skin will continue to peel, revealing the fresh, vibrant skin underneath!
That might sound a bit scary for some, but it’s actually a common procedure! In fact, way back in 1999, it was the most popular cosmetic procedure done. And it’s only increased in popularity since!
People get chemical peels for a variety of reasons. For one, they help unclog pores, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even out pigmentation. Not only that, but they also can can also heal deep acne scarring and improve rosacea, among other things!
With a growing number of people interested in this procedure and the long list of benefits, it’s no wonder why cosmetologists would be wondering if this technique is reserved for estheticians or the specially-licensed.
With a growing number of people interested in this procedure and the long list of benefits, it’s no wonder why cosmetologists would be wondering if this technique is reserved for estheticians or the specially-licensed.
Are Chemical Peels Reserved Just for Estheticians?
The answer is two-fold. For one, licensed cosmetologists can, in general, do whatever a licensed esthetician can. Most cosmetology schools cover the three basics: hair, skin, and nails. And if you are qualified and licensed, you should be able to practice in any of those areas.
However, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Be honest with yourself, did your courses cover in-depth skin care treatments, or did it just touch on the basics?
If you’ve been a hairstylist for 10 years and are looking to get into a skin care specialty that you haven’t practiced since beauty school, you might want to take a few refresher courses to make sure you know all the ins and outs.
Putting acid on someone’s face can (obviously) have negative effects if done improperly. So even if you’re technically licensed, make sure you feel confident and comfortable with the procedure. It will be more enjoyable for you and safer for your client.
State-By-State Differences
The other consideration on whether or not a licensed cosmetologist can do chemical peels is state regulations.
Important: All procedures depend on state regulations. Always check with your local state board for the most accurate, up-to-date scope of practice.
As previously stated, most cosmetologists are licensed in skin care and can thus perform chemical peels. However, there are certain restrictions on what level of chemical peels you can perform, and special certification requirements are necessary for estheticians and cosmetologists alike.
Chemical peel “levels”
There are three levels of chemical peels: light, moderate, and deep. The level of peel is consistent with the layers of skin they are working on as well as the type and strength of acid solution they are administering.
For example, Light chemical peels are generally made up of AHAs or BHAs, depending on what they are treating. Light peels only remove the outermost layer of the skin and are the least abrasive. States such as California only allow light peels to be done by cosmetologists.
Moderate peels are made up of something called TCAs, which is a more aggressive treatment. It penetrates beyond the superficial layer down to the living layers of the skin. In states such as Washington, you must have a master esthetician license to perform moderate chemical peels.
Deep chemical peels are generally only allowed to be done by medical professionals, like dermatologists or plastic surgeons, due to the potency of the acid and high risk potential.
Overall, licensed cosmetologists can generally perform light chemical peels in most states. However, always double check with your state board to ensure that you are in fact working within the legal regulations.
Can a cosmetologist do dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning has grown into a popular exfoliation technique, often paired with other skin care treatments like masks or peels. It involves gently skimming a blade at an angle along the skin to remove hair, peach fuzz, and dead skin cells. and dead skin cells, revealing a smoother complexion.
Dermaplaning claims to be one of the best at brightening skin, making it look more youthful, as well as lessening the appearance of deep acne scarring and uneven pockmarks. These benefits, however, are short lived, and the results tend to fade after about three weeks.
Dermaplaning is also commonly used in conjunction with other procedures, such as chemical peels or masks, because the following treatment can more easily penetrate the skin and enhance the results.
If you’re wondering if you, as a licensed cosmetologist, should perform this procedure, you should answer one question: Did your school cover this topic? Because most basic programs don’t. If not, you will most likely need (and should take) formal training classes to be better prepared.
Do you need some cosmetology exam preparation? Take a free practice test!
As usual, different states have different requirements. States like Florida, Texas, and California don’t allow estheticians or cosmetologists to perform this treatment – only medical professionals.
States like Colorado, however, allow it to be practiced under the scope of a cosmetology license, but only if they complete training and receive a dermaplaning certificate first.
If you’re unsure of what your state restrictions are, be sure to check with your state board and ask about any extra licensing requirements that may be needed.
So while dermaplaning can be a great addition to your services, it depends on your training and your state’s rules. But what about other high-demand treatments, like laser hair removal?
Can a cosmetologist do laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an extremely popular procedure. Essentially what happens is a laser targets the hair follicles with highly concentrated light, heating them up to high temperatures and stunting their growth. The follicle absorbs the light and then gets destroyed.
The follicles will eventually fall out, but not immediately. Despite that, there are many benefits to this procedure, especially compared to shaving, plucking, and waxing. Some of those include:
- Speed: the laser treats an area the size of a quarter every second, proving to be much quicker than shaving and painstakingly plucking.
- Accuracy: the laser only targets the hair follicles, leaving the skin undamaged (although few people may have minor irritation).
- Length of benefits: most clients can go months in between treatments, and generally after about four to seven treatments, the hair is removed permanently.
With such a long list of benefits, it is easy to see why it’s so popular, and why any cosmetologist or esthetician would like to add this to their repertoire.
Unfortunately, laser hair removal does not fall under the scope of practice for cosmetologists or estheticians in most cases. To make matters worse, this is one of those procedures whose restrictions get really complicated, especially when you’re looking at it state-by-state.
For example, some states, like Virginia and New York, don’t have any formal laws regarding laser treatments. Other states, like Florida, require additional “electrologist” courses and licensing. Still, states such as California prohibit anyone except medical professionals from performing such procedures.
How to get licensed as a laser hair removal technician
Regardless of whether or not there are mandatory requirements, you should consider taking extra training and getting licensed anyway.
Not only will this help your clients stay safe, but it will help you deliver proper, more professional-looking results. It will also help reassure your clients that you are well-educated and qualified to perform such procedures.
You want to find and enroll in an accredited laser training course, ideally one that offers hands-on training. Most courses only last for one to two weeks, but make sure the one you choose meets your state’s minimum requirements.
After your training, you may also need to get licensed. To do this, you will need to pass a written and practical examination, such as the NIC National Electrology exam. After you pass, you will officially be licensed!
Ultimately, it’s of the utmost importance to check with your state board and ask what other types of formal training and licensing are required. Remember, even if you get certified and licensed, you may still be restricted on how you can practice with it.
Can a cosmetologist do microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a popular and gentle exfoliating treatment. Due to its non-aggressive and quick nature, it’s most commonly performed in day spas within a series of other facial treatments.
Basically what happens during this procedure is that a machine sprays tiny crystals on the skin, exfoliates with them, and then vacuums up the leftover crystals and dead skin cells. This is generally painless and quick, and most commonly done on the face and neck.
By essentially resurfacing the epidermis, it smoothens and brightens the skin, and improves skin tone (by increasing circulation). Even with its limitations (like aggravating severe acne), it still remains a staple in the average spa facial package.
As usual, whether or not you can offer this service to clients ultimately depends on state regulations. Most beauty schools do cover microdermabrasion in their basic training, so you’ll likely already be familiar with the procedure.
If you live in states like Texas, your basic cosmetologist or esthetician license will allow you to perform these procedures. However, states like Iowa require microdermabrasion certificates in addition to your license.
If you live in a state that require specialized training and a certificate, don’t worry! Most courses only take one to two days, and provide both theory and hands-on training.
If you’re confused as to what your state requires, you can always call your state board and they will point you in the right direction.
So if you’re interested in offering microdermabrasion, be sure to check your state’s rules and get the right training if needed. Now, let’s take a look at a service almost every cosmetologist is familiar with, waxing.
Can a cosmetologist do waxing?
Waxing – both body and facial – comprises a huge portion of the beauty industry. According to Grand View Research, the global hair removal products market is expected to grow at an 8.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2030, increasing from approximately USD 3.88 billion in 2024 to USD 6.30 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by factors such as rising grooming adoption among men and ongoing advancements in hair removal technologies.
Essentially, waxing involves using hard or soft wax (depending on the area to be treated) to quickly remove hair from the face or body. It is more cost-effective than laser treatments, and the results last much longer than shaving. Plus, it’s easy to integrate into nearly any skin care regimen.
With such benefits, it’s obvious why it’s so popular. And with such growth, it’s no wonder that you’d want to get involved in offering waxing to your clients! And the good news is, you can!
Yes, licensed cosmetologists can perform all types of waxing procedures, and that includes Brazilian waxing.
All cosmetology school courses cover waxing, including the rigorous sanitation standards and familiarizing you with the proper prepping and post-treatment requirements. As such, you’re licensed to perform this procedure on your clients.
There are, however, certain states where you can obtain a waxing license without going to beauty school. Those states are New York and Virginia, and they allow you to take a course and get licensed specifically in waxing.
While waxing is generally covered under most cosmetology or esthetician licenses, it’s still important to keep client safety in mind, especially when dealing with skin sensitivity and hygiene.
Client Safety: What to Know
Every skin care procedure comes with risks. It’s critical to match treatments to your client’s skin type and skin condition.
Potential side effects of improperly performed procedures include:
- Redness and irritation
- Infection
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scarring (especially from deep peels)
Keeping your clients safe is just as important as giving great results, and it all starts with the right training and license. So, how do you actually become a cosmetologist?
How to Become a Cosmetologist (Checklist)
Becoming a cosmetologist takes focus and the right steps. With proper training, a state license, and insurance in place, you’re ready to start a safe and successful career. Whether you plan to work in a salon, join a spa, or run your own business, this checklist can help you stay on track and move forward with confidence.
Know Your Scope, Protect Your Career
Understanding what treatments you can and can’t perform as a cosmetologist is key to staying safe, legal, and successful. State rules vary, so always double-check with your state board before offering any new service. Even if you’re licensed, taking extra training can help you feel more confident and deliver better results.
And don’t forget the importance of having the right insurance; it protects you and your business every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting or expanding your services, staying informed and prepared helps you build a career you can be proud of.
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FAQs on Treatments: A Cosmetologist Can and Can’t Perform
1. What can a cosmetologist provide treatment for?
Cosmetologists provide a variety of beauty services, which include shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, along with massaging and treating the scalp. They may also apply makeup, wear wigs, perform hair removal, and provide nail and skin care services.
2. What can estheticians do that cosmetologists cannot?
Estheticians can do skin care treatments, including facial treatments, basic waxing, and most skin care procedures. Estheticians cannot do nail care, manicures, pedicures, or nail art, while a cosmetologist can do all these things.
3. Can cosmetologists do skin treatments?
In California, cosmetologists are licensed for hair cutting, coloring, and styling as well as esthetics (skincare, makeup, facials, waxing, sugaring, brows, lashes, etc.)
4. What type of treatment should the cosmetologist give to the client?
As a cosmetologist, you provide clients with services including skincare, facials, cosmetic makeup, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and hair care. Before treatment, you assess your clients’ skin, nails, and hair and discuss options like styles and colours.
5. Can cosmetologists do scalp treatments?
A breakdown of the cosmetologist’s training would include shampooing & drying, cutting, styling, straightening, waving, and permanents, as well as coloring hair. They are also skilled and administering scalp treatments.
