Within the world of cosmetology and beauty care, there is a wide range of different possible careers you may pursue. While hair care is often what comes to mind for many people when they think of cosmetology, there is also a high demand for skilled specialists in the realms of skin and nail care. As a full specialist, you can attract clients seeking these types of services in a wide range of different career settings, including salons and spas, medical practices, department stores, and even cruise ships.

If you think that a career as a full specialist may be right for you, the first step is attending a certified beauty college to learn and practice all the skills you’ll be tested on when you sit for your state licensing exam.

What does a full specialist do?

A full specialist combines two different specialties into one program—you’ll develop skills as both a skincare specialist and nail care technician, a nail esthetician one might say. Therefore, you’ll be able to attract a wider base of clients and work in a greater variety of different career environments. Full specialists may also be better equipped to become salon owners, as they’ll have a larger working knowledge of all the services their team may provide. Here’s a closer look at the skills that full specialists can discover as they attend beauty school.

• Nail Care – Nail care includes manicuring, pedicuring, and applying nail extensions or acrylics—anything related to trimming, decorating, and treating the fingernails and toenails. Many full specialists are attracted to this side of the business because it provides plenty of room for creativity and artistic expression. However, nail care also requires an in-depth understanding of anatomy and biology to ensure client safety and a sanitary working environment.
• Skin Analysis – Full specialists also provide skincare services, which all begin with a skin analysis. As a full specialist, you’ll likely work with many different clients who have varying skin types and lifestyles, which translate to different skincare needs. So, you’ll gain an understanding of skin conditions, skin types, and treatments to make the right recommendations for your clients. Often, any skincare service will begin with a brief consultation where it’s up to the skincare specialist to decide what’s most appropriate for the client’s areas of concern.
• Facial Treatments – Spa facials are among the most common skincare treatments, and there are different types of facials to address a wide range of concerns, from acne to signs of aging to dry skin. Facials are also more versatile than the name indicates—there are “facials” that can be applied to different areas of the body where problem skin is common, such as the back of the hands. Full specialists are trained in applying facials as well as complementary treatments like micro peels and moisturizing masks. In addition to skincare treatments like these, full specialists may also recommend skincare products for their clients to use at home.
• Skin Waxing – Both men and women may seek skin waxing services to remove unwanted facial and body hair. Full specialists utilize waxing techniques that are gentle on the skin but facilitate long-lasting hair removal by extracting hair from the root.
• Makeup Application – Makeup application is another area of the full specialist career path where you can tap into your creative side and put your knowledge of fashion and beauty trends to work. However, much like nail care, it requires both technical and artistic expertise. With makeup application, you’ll need a background in anatomy and physiology to better understand how to enhance or downplay facial features with makeup. You’ll also need a foundation in biology and chemistry to ensure the safe use of different makeup products. Along with a scientific approach, you will need an artistic eye to select the best color palette for each of your clients. Makeup application is a skill you may use in a wide range of environments, from salons to department stores to fashion runways. Whether you’re creating wedding looks or high-fashion concepts, you’ll utilize the same foundational skills that you hone in your full specialist program at cosmetology school.

Where can full specialists work?

As a graduate of a full specialist program with your state license in skin and nail care, you may explore a variety of different career paths. Where do your dreams take you in the world of beauty? We’ve had students go on to do many different things with their knowledge of skincare and nails and having certifications in both can lead to more opportunities.

What can you expect in your full specialist program?

The right full specialist program will help you get on track toward your career goals. Here is what you can expect from your beauty school education.

Program Details

At Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy, the Full Specialist Program consists of 600 clock hours taken over the course of 4-7 months—you may choose part- or full-time enrollment to align with your lifestyle and schedule. This program combines classroom education with hands-on skills development in our student salon.*

Admission Guidelines

There are a few admission requirements you must meet in order to apply for our Full Specialist Program. First, you must be at least 16 years of age (parent approval is required for applicants under age 18). You must also have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Finally, you’ll need to schedule a campus tour and meet with a school representative for an interview.

Is the Full Specialist Program right for you?

If you want to build a diverse range of skills that will open up a broad range of career opportunities in beauty care, the Full Specialist Program may be a good fit. With small class sizes and instructors who are committed to our student’s success, we can help you get on the right track to a rewarding, creative career. To get more details about our programs, schedule your tour at Artistic Nails & Beauty Academy. We have campuses in Lakeland and Tampa. You can visit our website here to book your tour.

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