History & Career Opportunities in Cosmetology

CHAPTER 1: HISTORY & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

POINT TO PONDER

  • Quote: “Remember, determination and enthusiasm triumph over talent and laziness every time.” — Life’s Little Instruction Calendar

EARLY HISTORY

  1. Definition of Cosmetology

    • Term: The broad range of specialty areas including hairstyling, nail technology, and esthetics is referred to as cosmetology.

    • Full Definition: Cosmetology is defined as the art and science of beautifying and improving the skin, nails, and hair, as well as the study of cosmetics and their application.

  2. Origin of the Term

    • The term cosmetology is derived from the Greek word Kosmetikos, meaning skilled in the use of cosmetics.

  3. Historical Evidence of Hair Practices

    • Archeological studies indicate that haircutting and hairstyling were practiced in some form as early as the Ice Age.

    • Ordinary Implements Used During This Time:

      • Sharpened flints

      • Oyster shells

      • Bones

      • Animal sinew

      • Strips of hide

    • Natural Products for Coloring and Tattooing:

      • Berries

      • Tree bark

      • Minerals

      • Insects

      • Nuts

      • Herbs

      • Leaves

  4. Cosmetic Practices of Ancient Cultures

    • The first civilized culture to cultivate beauty into an extravagant fashion was the Egyptians.

    • Purposes of Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt:

      • Beautification habits

      • Religious ceremonies

      • Preparing the deceased for burial

    • Historical Evidence of Cosmetics: The first evidence of cosmetics in Egypt was recorded around 3,000 BC.

  5. Chinese Nail Treatments

    • Chinese aristocrats used a tinted mixture of gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, and egg whites to rub onto their nails, resulting in crimson or ebony colors.

  6. Hairstyling in Ancient Greece

    • By 500 BC, during the Golden Age of Greece, hairstyling became a highly developed art.

    • Greek Cosmetic Preparations:

      • White lead was applied on faces.

      • Kohl was used on eyes.

      • Vermillion was used on cheeks and lips.

    • Brilliant Red Pigment Creation: The Greeks created brilliant red pigment by grinding cinnabar, a mineral, into a fine powder.

  7. Class Indicators in Ancient Rome

    • In Rome, women used hair color to indicate their class in society. The following mappings are noted:

    1. Noblewomen: Black

    2. Middle-class women: Red

    3. Poor women: Blond

  8. Cosmetic Trends in Historical Periods

    • Middle Ages: Women did not wear colored makeup on their eyes.

    • Renaissance Period: There was a discouragement of highly colored preparations of lips, cheeks, and eyes.

    • Victorian Age Practices:

      • Women used beauty masks and packs for skin health.

      • Ingredients of Masks: Honey, eggs, milk, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients were utilized.

      • To achieve natural color, Victorian women would pinch their cheeks and bite their lips.

  9. Symbolism of the Barber Pole

    • The barber pole symbolically represents the staff that patients held tightly to make their veins stand out during bloodletting.

    • The bottom end cap symbolizes the basin used to catch the blood.

    • The white and red pattern signifies the white bandages used to stop bleeding; as bandages were hung to dry, they twisted in the wind, forming the red and white pattern.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

  1. Innovations in Permanent Waving

    • Charles Nessler invented a heavily wired machine that supplied electrical current to metal rods, around which hair strands were wrapped.

    • The Cold wave method of permanent waving was developed in 1941.

  2. Evolution of the Salon Industry

    • Since the late 1980s, the salon industry has expanded to include day spas.

  3. Areas of Specialization in the Cosmetology Industry

    • Students may specialize in various areas within the professional industry, including but not limited to:

      • Haircolor specialist

      • Texture specialist

      • Cutting specialist

      • Salon trainer

      • Distributor sales consultant

      • Cosmetology instructor

  4. Personal Interest in Specialization

    • Students should explain which specialized area interests them the most and why, reflecting personal passion or goals.

  5. Creating a Positive Impact in School

    • Suggested methods to make each day in school impactful:

      • Focus on studies

      • Read trade publications

      • Become a member of a trade association

      • Attend workshops

  6. Career Development

    • While a license unlocks numerous professional doors, two key components that will fuel one's career include:

      • Personal dedication

      • Passion