Esthetics vs. Cosmetology: Understanding the Difference in Minnesota
If you’re thinking about a career in beauty, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing which path fits you best. Two of the most popular choices are esthetics and cosmetology — and while both lead to rewarding careers helping people feel confident and beautiful, they differ in focus, training, and services offered.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand the key differences — especially here in Minnesota.
💆♀️ What Is Esthetics?
Esthetics focuses exclusively on the skin and skincare services. In Minnesota, esthetician training is specialized to prepare you for skin-centric services.
To become a licensed esthetician in Minnesota, you must:
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Complete 600 hours of approved esthetics training at a licensed beauty school.
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Pass the state licensure exam (written and practical).
Once licensed, estheticians are expertly trained to perform services such as:
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Facials & skin analysis
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Hair removal (waxing/sugaring)
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Makeup application
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Eyelash extensions and brow services
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Basic exfoliation and body treatments
Because the entire curriculum centers on the science and care of skin, estheticians become specialists in skincare health and cosmetic treatments.
💇♀️ What Is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology is a broader beauty license that covers multiple areas of beauty services — including hair, skin, and nails.
In Minnesota, becoming a licensed cosmetologist requires:
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1,550 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school.
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Passing both the written and practical state board exams.
Cosmetology students learn:
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Haircutting, styling, coloring, and chemical services
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Basic skincare, facials, and hair removal
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Nail services and makeup application
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Sanitation, infection control, and client consultation
Because cosmetology training includes esthetics and nail fundamentals, a cosmetologist can perform many of the same services as an esthetician while also offering full hair services.
🆚 Key Differences at a Glance
| Esthetics | Cosmetology |
|---|---|
| Focused primarily on skin | Covers hair, skin, nails, and more |
| 600 hours of training (MN) | 1,550 hours of training (MN) |
| Great for skincare specialization | Broader license with more service diversity |
| Ideal if you love skin science | Ideal if you enjoy variety or hair-focused work |
🤔 Which Might Be Right for You?
Choose Esthetics if:
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You’re passionate about skincare, facials, and body treatments.
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You want to become a specialist in skin health.
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You want a shorter training path to licensure in Minnesota.
Choose Cosmetology if:
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You love doing everything beauty — especially hair.
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You want flexibility to work in salons offering a wide range of services.
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You enjoy variety and not just skincare.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Both esthetics and cosmetology offer fulfilling careers in the beauty industry — it all comes down to where your passion lies and the kind of services you want to master.
Whether you’re more drawn to transforming skin or styling hair and offering full salon services, your training path is your first step toward a career you can love — and your education at beauty school will set the stage for success.
Let me know if you want a program comparison for our school specifically or help writing this for your website or social media!
