The latest news about cosmetology is here! Learn how to find the cosmetology career that's right for you, the differences between different types of beauty professionals in the industry and much, much more!

Between the fringed and sideswept bangs, the 2008 Oscars brought out new and old styles in hair trends.

"Texture, color, style, and elegance are on the way live from the red carpet. Women saw and will continue to see a sense of glamour coming back into the styles for 2008, in hair, make-up and clothing," says Margie Wagner-Clews, Corporate Director of Education for Empire Education Group.

Jennifer Garner, Amy Ryan, Nicole Kidman, and Cameron Diaz sported sideswept bangs while Diablo Cody and Jennifer Hudson were trendy with their fringed bangs.

Several stars chose to summon the 1920s with finger waves like Juno star, Ellen Page and Untraceable's, Diane Lane.

Starlets Katherine Heigl, Amy Adams and Marion Cotillard brought back old Hollywood pin curls reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe and Veronica Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loose and feminine buns were spotted on Kerri Russell and Jessica Alba who added pulled back braids, but the evenings most talked about bun belonged to Heidi Klum.

 

 

 

 

New trends were seen on Rene Zellweger, who unveiled her new pixie cut, and Miley Cyrus, who emerged with a sophisticated pony with a side part.

"Men are starting to leave the longer, un-tamed looks for more tailored, cleaner lines and finished styles. The stars are true trend setters when it comes to fashion, colors, make-up and hair style. This coming year will bring both style and fashion to a whole new height!" adds Wagner-Clews, noting the slick and simple tailored styles of Patrick Dempsey and George Clooney

Cosmetology offers a variety of opportunities for you to explore and dive into. Deciding which path to take will quickly develop over time. As you begin your Cosmetology Education, you'll get incredible exposure to all kinds of fields such as Esthetics, Massage, Nails, Make-up Artistry, and so much more.

Whether you become a Make-up Artist working on Broadway actors or a Hairdresser cutting and styling hair locally, you'll always be in-demand and you'll have the diverse background to go virtually anywhere in the world!

Consider this; regardless of experience, nearly all cosmetology fields report job openings in specialized and full service salons. And with a specialty comes increased earning potential. According to the NACCAS 2007 Job Demand report, specialized Cosmetologist earned over $38,000, Braiders earned $33,502, and Hair Colorists earned nearly $43,000 in a full-service salon and over $46,000 in a specialized salon.

One of the most noticeable growths in the industry is with the increase in spas. The spa industry employs over 267,000 professionals, and garnered $9.4 billion in revenue, according to the International Spa Associations 2007 industry study. ISPA's 2008 Trend Watch indicates a movement toward all types of spa experiences for teens to expectant mothers, and the most requested service is massage therapy. This increase demand for spa services inevitably opens the door for more job opportunities.

Manicured nails are becoming a necessity for an overall polished look. And, this increased need for beautiful nails has given the Nail Technology profession a boost. The demand for highly skilled and trained Nail Technicians is gaining speed and the outlook is positive. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for manicurists and pedicurists will increase between 21-35% through 2010. Although Nail Technicians account for roughly 9% of Nail Techs in the industry, it is projected that Nail Technicians will see a 16% increase in job vacancies, notes NACCAS Job Demand Survey.

A reported 370,215 salons employed over 1,682,000 professionals, according to the NACCAS 2007 report. And, 53% of salon owners had job openings. The reality of long term employment in the cosmetology industry is strong and continues to grow. The number of salons opening by independent individuals, in other words owning your own business rather than working for a larger corporation, increased by 18% which accounted for the 65% of salons owned independently. You could create your own future and enjoy a comfortable life with unlimited earning and job potential.

They may seem similar but Estheticians and Massage Therapists perform vastly different techniques to your skin and body.

A Massage Therapist will focus their craft on the healing and relaxing techniques of various massages such as Swedish, Sports, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Hydrotherapy, Reflexology, and more!

A Massage Therapy program will help you develop a reputable career by incorporating anatomy, physiology, a broad range of massage techniques, hydrotherapy, business development, retail knowledge, and more in our curriculum.

• Introduction to anatomy and physiology for a basic understanding of the body's structure and reaction to physiological effects.
• Various massage methods; Swedish, sports, shiatsu, deep tissue, and more. Develop your skills using techniques such as rolling, wringing, tapotement, vibration, hacking, and more.
• Modify reflexology skills to enhance your overall education.
• Understand the benefits hydrotherapy, using steam baths, foot baths and various methods to improve the skin and circulation.
• Learn about business development, understanding how to sell your services, manage or own your own salon or spa.
• Most schools offer a hands-on approach for practical experience within a Student Salon or Clinic, working on actual clients for a real-world approach.
• Career placement opportunities through a network of industry partners and outside sources that are always looking for talented and trained professionals

 

Massage Therapists work in various locations such as cruise ships, hotels, resorts, health clubs, spas…..the possibilities are endless!

An Esthetician, on the other hand (no pun intended), will cleanse and treat the skin through Facials, Waxing, Hair Removal, Aromatherapy, Body Treatments and more!

An Esthetician Program teaches you how to rejuvenate, sooth and cleanse the skin by learning the application and processes for facials, massage, waxing, makeup, business development, retail training, aromatherapy, body treatment techniques, and more.

• Introduction to various skin types, textures and conditions. Each skin type requires specialized care and treatment.
• Learn the fundamentals of skin care and understand how to use cleansers, exfoliating products, moisturizers, and more. Students also understand first aid measures such as sanitizers and antiseptics.
• Perform various hair removal methods such as waxing, tweezing, shaving, depilatories, laser hair removal, electrolysis, and photo epilation.

Hollywood's best and worst celebrity hairstyles were recently released in The 14th annual Best Tressed® Survey commissioned by Sally Beauty.

The Top 3 vote getters for best and worst celebrity hairstyles? The envelope, please.

1. Carrie Underwood
2. Eva Longoria
3. Reese Witherspoon

1. Denzel Washington
2. Johnny Depp
3. Patrick Dempsey

1. Britney Spears
2. Courtney Love
3. Pink

1. Kid Rock
2. Clay Aiken
3. Zac Efron