Cosmetology, or the study and application of all kinds of beauty treatments, is a field of study that attracts thousands of students every year. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly a million jobs for people who specialize in cosmetology as of 2008.

The field is also expected to grow rapidly within the next ten years. According to the Bureau, these jobs should increase at least twenty percent within the next decade. But with so much interest in cosmetology in the country, perhaps you are wondering exactly what it is that someone in cosmetology does. Cosmetology isn't just one thing. It includes a wide field of beauty specialties. Listed below are a few essential cosmetology positions.

Hair Stylist
One of the main reasons a student attends a cosmetology school is to become a hairstylist. A hairstylist specializes in not only cutting a person's hair, but should also be an expert in the latest hair styles and fashions and should be able to style hair accordingly. A hairstylist should also have experience in chemical services such as coloring, perming, and restorative treatments. Hairstyling is one of the most popular positions in cosmetology.

Esthetician
An esthetician's area of specialty is the skin. Skin care is the most important part of an esthetician's job and everything an esthetician does focuses on proper skin care. With this in mind, a master esthetician would have experience in giving facials, exfoliation treatments, chemical peels, cosmetic waxing, microdermabrasion treatments, and body wraps. Proper treatment of the skin is an esthetician's primary focus and concern.

Nail technician
As the name would suggest, a nail technician specializes in anything that has to do with the finger or toenails. This would include professional manicures and pedicures, and applying and styling synthetic nails. A nail technician may also be an expert in nail health. They may be knowledgeable in nail diseases or problems. Although they would not treat these problems, they might be able to recognize them and refer clients to a doctor.

Manicurist
Unlike a nail technician, a manicurist specializes in cosmetic treatments for only fingernails and hands, particularly manicures. A manicure includes soaking the hands in a softening substance, applying lotion, shaping nails and cuticles, and often applying synthetic nails and polish.

Beauty Therapist
A beauty therapist specializes in many forms of cosmetology. One common specialty is hair removal. Other specialties might include massages, body wraps, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, and make-up. A beauty therapist might also receive training to become an expert at laser hair removal or electrolysis.