History of Cosmetology

What is 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.

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 is cosmetology by their use of natural ingredients. 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.

Renaissance Cosmetology

This is the period in history where civilization truly modernized cosmetology. Grooming was important, and both men and women took great care of their appearance. Although fragrances and cosmetics were used, they were discouraged from wearing thick applications.

Victorian Age Cosmetology

This period was restrictive in the use of cosmetics. Women dressed and groomed themselves conservatively. They put on mask to preserve their facial beauty. Mask was made from natural ingredients, such as honey, eggs, milk, oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables. Instead of wearing lip color, women were known to pinch their cheeks and bite their lips to bring natural color to their face.

20th Century Cosmetology

Wearing makeup was trendy in the USA and Europe at this time. The movie industry popularized cosmetics, and celebrities brought about a major influence in defining what comprises of feminine beauty. Women were spotted with flawless complexion, beautiful hairstyles, and manicured nails.

21st Century Cosmetology

Today, cosmetology has become more specialized. Beauticians concentrate in hair coloring or hair cutting; aestheticians focus on aesthetic and medical related services, such as plastic surgery, and nail technicians specialize in artificial nail enhancement, nail care, and pedicures.