COSMETOLOGY
Cosmetology is the study of cosmetics and their application to beautify and improve the face, hair, nails
and skin. Cosmetology comes from the Greek word, “kosmetikos”, which means “skilled in the use of
cosmetics.” The history of cosmetology is long and can be traced from many important cultures.
Cosmetology is the art and science beautifying the hair, nails, and skin. A cosmetologist is an expert in
applying cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments to beautify one’s outer appearance and
implementing cosmetic treatments to people’s hair, skin, and nails. Specific disciplines in cosmetology
include hairstyling (haircutting and coloring), esthetics (skin care), makeup application, nail care
(manicures and pedicures), and other beauty treatments.
Background of Cosmetology
Egyptian Cosmetology The beginning of the use of cosmetics can first be seen in ancient Egypt.
Egyptians were the first to pay attention to the human body and to beautify it in a grand scale. Looking
beautiful was their priority. Cosmetics were worn daily, at religious ceremonies, and in the preparation
of the dead for the afterlife. Through archeological finds, Egyptians put makeup on their eyes, lips and
skin. The materials they used were made from minerals, berries, and insects. They colored their hair and
fingernails with rich warm and red henna stains. Egyptians were also known to be the first to use kohl–
made from a ground mix of a black mineral called galena, sulfur, and animal fat. They outlined their eyes
heavily with this mixture, which prevents the eyes from inflammations such as conjunctivitis. Not only
did the eyeliner accentuate the shape of their eyes, it also functioned to protect the eyes from the
bright sun.
Chinese Cosmetology In Chinese history, the Chinese nobility during the Shang Dynasty colored their
nails crimson or ebony by rubbing a mixture of gum Arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg white. Wearing
cosmetics showed status. The lower classes were not allowed to wear any cosmetics, or else they could
face the punishment of death.
Greek Cosmetology Cosmetics had advanced at the beginning of Golden Age of Greece in 500 BC. The
ancient Greeks used perfumes and cosmetics in all aspects of their personal grooming, as well as in
religious rites and for medical purposes. They had developed methods to dress their hair, care for the
skin and nails. Women put white lead on their face to lighten their complexion, used kohl to outline
their eyes, and colored their cheeks and lips with vermillion, a powder made from grinding the mineral
cinnabar.
Roman Cosmetology The ancient Roman women defined what cosmetology by their use of natural
ingredients is. The women lavished themselves with fragrances and cosmetics. Their facial makeup was
made from combinations of bread and milk, flour and milk, or flour and fresh butter. Hair coloring was
also emphasized to show their class in society. Noblewomen had their hair tinted in red, middle-class
women colored their hair in blonde and lowest class of women colored their hair black.
Europe Cosmetology In the Middle Ages, women were forbidden to wear makeup, but it never
deterred them from this fad. In fact, makeup was so important; they wore powdered white lead, which
contained arsenic. Many women died from using the makeup.
Cosmetology is the study of cosmetics and their application to beautify and improve the face, hair, nails
and skin. Cosmetology comes from the Greek word, “kosmetikos”, which means “skilled in the use of
cosmetics.” The history of cosmetology is long and can be traced from many important cultures.
Cosmetology is the art and science beautifying the hair, nails, and skin. A cosmetologist is an expert in
applying cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments to beautify one’s outer appearance and
implementing cosmetic treatments to people’s hair, skin, and nails. Specific disciplines in cosmetology
include hairstyling (haircutting and coloring), esthetics (skin care), makeup application, nail care
(manicures and pedicures), and other beauty treatments.
Background of Cosmetology
Egyptian Cosmetology The beginning of the use of cosmetics can first be seen in ancient Egypt.
Egyptians were the first to pay attention to the human body and to beautify it in a grand scale. Looking
beautiful was their priority. Cosmetics were worn daily, at religious ceremonies, and in the preparation
of the dead for the afterlife. Through archeological finds, Egyptians put makeup on their eyes, lips and
skin. The materials they used were made from minerals, berries, and insects. They colored their hair and
fingernails with rich warm and red henna stains. Egyptians were also known to be the first to use kohl–
made from a ground mix of a black mineral called galena, sulfur, and animal fat. They outlined their eyes
heavily with this mixture, which prevents the eyes from inflammations such as conjunctivitis. Not only
did the eyeliner accentuate the shape of their eyes, it also functioned to protect the eyes from the
bright sun.
Chinese Cosmetology In Chinese history, the Chinese nobility during the Shang Dynasty colored their
nails crimson or ebony by rubbing a mixture of gum Arabic, gelatin, beeswax and egg white. Wearing
cosmetics showed status. The lower classes were not allowed to wear any cosmetics, or else they could
face the punishment of death.
Greek Cosmetology Cosmetics had advanced at the beginning of Golden Age of Greece in 500 BC. The
ancient Greeks used perfumes and cosmetics in all aspects of their personal grooming, as well as in
religious rites and for medical purposes. They had developed methods to dress their hair, care for the
skin and nails. Women put white lead on their face to lighten their complexion, used kohl to outline
their eyes, and colored their cheeks and lips with vermillion, a powder made from grinding the mineral
cinnabar.
Roman Cosmetology The ancient Roman women defined what cosmetology by their use of natural
ingredients is. The women lavished themselves with fragrances and cosmetics. Their facial makeup was
made from combinations of bread and milk, flour and milk, or flour and fresh butter. Hair coloring was
also emphasized to show their class in society. Noblewomen had their hair tinted in red, middle-class
women colored their hair in blonde and lowest class of women colored their hair black.
Europe Cosmetology In the Middle Ages, women were forbidden to wear makeup, but it never
deterred them from this fad. In fact, makeup was so important; they wore powdered white lead, which
contained arsenic. Many women died from using the makeup.
