Choosing the Right Beauty Program: Cosmetology or Esthiology?

If you’re passionate about beauty, wellness, and making people feel their best, a career in the beauty industry might be perfect for you. But before you begin, there’s one big decision to make: Which beauty program should you choose: Cosmetology or Esthiology?

At Aveda Institute New Mexico, we offer both cosmetology and esthiology programs designed to help students pursue meaningful, sustainable, and successful careers. While these programs share some common ground, they prepare students for very different professional paths. Choosing the right one is all about understanding your passions, goals, and strengths.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• What cosmetology and esthiology are
• What you’ll learn in each program
• Career paths each one unlocks
• Questions to ask yourself when choosing a program
• Why Aveda Institute New Mexico can be a great place to start your journey

Let’s dive in.

What Is Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is the broadest and most versatile program in the beauty world. It includes training in hair, skin, nails, and makeup. A licensed cosmetologist can perform a wide variety of beauty services, making this a great choice if you want a dynamic, multifaceted career.

Cosmetology Covers:

• Hair Styling
• Wig & Hair Additions
• Hair Cutting
• Men’s Barbering
• Color Theory
• Aveda Hair Color
• Perm & Relaxers
• Manicures & Pedicures (Gel and Regular Polish)
• Acrylic Nails
• Skincare Basics
• And more

Cosmetology programs are ideal for students who love variety and want to build a broad skill set. At Aveda Institute New Mexico, students not only learn technical skills—they’re immersed in Aveda’s holistic approach, learning how to provide wellness-centered services that reflect our brand’s mission of care and sustainability.

What Is Esthiology?

Esthiology, often called esthetics in other schools, is all about skin care and wellness. If you’re fascinated by facial treatments, skincare ingredients, and helping clients feel confident in their skin, this is likely your path.

Esthiology Covers:

• Facial massage
• Back treatments (also known as back facials)
• Hair removal using hard and soft wax
• Makeup techniques
• Retail essentials
• Lash lifts
• Brow and lash tinting
• Microdermabrasion
• And more

Esthiology students learn how to treat a range of skin types and conditions, using both modern science and ancient holistic principles. With the wellness-focused Aveda curriculum, our esthiology students leave with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, making them especially suited for spas, wellness centers, and medical aesthetic settings.

Key Differences Between Cosmetology and Esthiology

Let’s break it down into a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

*Contact Aveda Institute New Mexico directly for updated hours based on state licensure requirements.

What Careers Can You Pursue with Each License?

With a Cosmetology License, you can become a:

• Hairstylist
• Hair Color Specialist
• Makeup Artist
• Nail Technician
• Bridal or Special Event Stylist
• Salon Owner or Manager
• Beauty Influencer or Educator
• Product Sales Representative

With an Esthiology License, you can pursue careers such as:

• Esthetician
• Waxing Specialist
• Skincare Consultant
• Spa Technician
• Brow or Lash Artist
• Facialist in High-End Resorts or Cruise Ships
• Brand Ambassador for Skincare Lines

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing

Still unsure? Here are some questions to reflect on:

1. What kind of services do you enjoy the most?

• If you love hair transformations, styling, and fashion-forward looks, cosmetology may be your calling.
• If you’re more drawn to skincare routines, healing touch, and skin health, esthiology might be the perfect fit.

2. Do you like variety or specialization?

• Cosmetologists are generalists. You’ll get to work on hair, skin, and nails.
• Esthiologists are specialists. You’ll gain deep knowledge in skin care and body wellness.

3. Where do you see yourself working?

• Salons, fashion shows, film sets, and weddings are common for cosmetologists.
• Spas, wellness centers, dermatology clinics, and luxury resorts are common for estheticians.

4. Do you want to work faster or study longer?

• Cosmetology programs typically take longer to complete but give you more options.
• Esthiology programs are shorter, which means you can launch your career sooner.

5. What’s your dream client experience?

• Do you like the fast-paced energy of a salon or runway show?
• Or do you prefer a peaceful spa where you help clients relax and renew?

Why Aveda Institute New Mexico?

Whichever path you choose, Aveda Institute New Mexico offers a world-class education rooted in the Aveda mission: connecting beauty, wellness, and sustainability.

Here’s what sets our programs apart:

Aveda Philosophy

Our programs teach more than just technique. We incorporate the Aveda way—focusing on eco-friendly practices, self-care, holistic beauty, and ethical product lines. You’ll learn how to serve not just the client’s beauty needs, but their emotional and environmental wellness as well.

Hands-On Training

From day one, you’ll get *practical experience with real clients in our salon or spa-like settings. Our educators are licensed professionals who bring industry insights and real-world skills into every class.

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Career Support

Our Career Services Team provides resume help, job placement assistance, and interview prep so you can confidently enter the workforce. We’re connected with top salons and spas across New Mexico and beyond.

Prime Location

Located in Albuquerque, our institute is surrounded by a vibrant community of creatives, artists, and professionals. Whether you’re from New Mexico or moving here for school, you can find a supportive, inclusive environment to grow your talents.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, choosing between cosmetology and esthiology comes down to your personality, interests, and career goals.

Choose cosmetology if:

• You want a broad skill set
• You love hairstyling, color, and fast-paced environments
• You’re interested in makeup and nails
• You want the flexibility to work in many areas of beauty

Choose esthiology if:

• You’re passionate about skincare and wellness
• You want to work in calming, spa-like environments
• You enjoy helping people with self-care and confidence
• You prefer focused, specialized services

Still can’t decide? Book a career planning session with Aveda Institute New Mexico and talk to our admissions team. Seeing our classrooms, meeting instructors, and exploring both program tracks might give you the clarity you need.