Cosmetology (from Greek κοσμητικός, kosmētikos, "beautifying"; and -λογία, -logia) is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skincare, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, hair care, non-permanent hair removal such as waxing and sugaring, and permanent hair removal process such as electrology, and intense pulsed light (IPL).

Why cosmetology is confused with salon service?
Many times people confuse cosmetology with salon service or beauty parlor works when most of the things involved in cosmetology are totally different and it actually provides formulations, techniques, and innovations for the salon industry.

It is actually a part of medical sciences, which is used to study chemicals and their effects on skin or hair.

Cosmetology specialties
Cosmetologist: Cosmetologists are trained and licensed to perform cosmetic treatments to the hair, skin, nails, etc. 

They are also involved in the formulation of New Products like soaps, shampoos, creams, gels, lotions, and shampoos, etc.

Some of the services might be as follows;

1. New Product Development
2. Formulation
3. Improvisation of products as per new cosmetic norms and standards
4. Authentic Claims
5. Documentation
6. Vendor Management
7. Raw Materials
8. Third-Party Manufacturing

Most of the time we forget these all things and keep on imagining that cosmetologists are make-up artists, which is totally wrong.

Occupational Hazards
Many chemicals in cosmetic products pose potential health risks when mixed together. Examples of hazardous chemicals found in common treatments (e.g., hair coloring, straightening, perms relaxers, keratin treatments, and nail treatments) include dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, lye (sodium hydroxide), ammonia, and coal tar. Allergies and dermatitis have forced several cosmetologists to stop practicing their profession.

Most of the time these chemicals are not so harmful if used proper precautions, but their mixture can be hazardous. In some cases, even single concentrated chemicals like lye can cause burns on the hand if used carelessly.

What is a toxic trio?
A chemical combination known as the toxic trio is often part of the ingredient list in nail polish, hair dyes, and nail polish removers. The toxic trio consists of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). DBP is commonly found in nail polish and is used as a binder to increase the amount of time that the polish stays on the nail. Toluene is an industrial solvent and is usually in nail polish removers. Formaldehyde can be found in a variety of beauty products but is generally found in hair straightening products and hair dyes as well as in some nail polishes. Each chemical member of the toxic trio has independently been found to have adverse reproductive effects in humans, so there concern that the presence of all three chemicals in cosmetologist supplies could pose a detrimental health risk for cosmetologists.

Cosmetology as career
Several countries have institutes that provide cosmetology as a career option, where students can learn about cosmetic product formulations as well as how to use them.

In India, there is a funny paradox, where government institutes provide BTech and MTech Cosmetology courses, and then people who are trained for 6 years during these courses actually can't take consultations for treatment of skin issues, when they actually have in-depth knowledge of cosmetic formulations and how chemicals react with the skin.

On the other hand, when it comes to job openings, several companies take BPharma or MPharma or Chemical students, who lack knowledge about cosmetic formulations.

Companies hire them because they want cheap labor, and this, in turn, increases unemployment among cosmetologists.

Most cosmetologists turn for their own brand and then invest their knowledge and finances in the same. Several companies do give a good opportunity to new cosmetologists, but most of the time Research & Development team is always kept on lower salaries, as they believe in knowledge transfer and firing people.

Also, the cosmetic industry is small, there are few people in the industry, which try to snatch away opportunities from freshers. I will create a blog for the same and share the names of people involved in this.

Cosmetic companies ask raw material vendors to make formulations and give them finished products, therefore, most cosmetic companies have now become brand or marketing companies.

FAQs;
Q. Where are cosmetic colleges for cosmetology in India?
A. One of the best cosmetology colleges in India is Nagpur, Amrawati, Chikhali. Name of colleges include;

1. LAD College, Nagpur
2. Somalwar College, Nagpur
3. Kamla Nehru College, Nagpur
4. Anuradha College of Pharmacy, Chikhali

Q. Does cosmetology uses a stethoscope?
A. No, cosmetologists don't use a stethoscope and they have to analyze skin and hair, which doesn't require a hearing. They use machines like stirrers, centrifuges, ph meters, stability chambers, etc, because they are into the formulation of cosmetic products.

Q. When can one apply for a cosmetology course?
A. One can opt for a cosmetology course after the 12th class. Science is compulsory especially biology, chemistry, and physics. They can further do BTech, MTech, and even Ph.D. in cosmetology.

Reference:
1. Cosmetology