Vocational / Trade School - A secondary school (after High School graduation) that offers classes and practical (hands on) experience in skilled trades.

Common names that are used to describe our type of school are Massage School, Cosmetology School, Beauty school, Career School, Vocational School, Trade School, Skin Care School, School of Health and Beauty, Spa School, Salon School, Hair School, School of Massage Therapy, Career Training School, Post Secondary School, Accredited School, School of Nail Technology, Nail School, Body wrapping School, School of Body Work

Cosmetology - Is the study and art of the use of cosmetics

Cosmetologist - a person who performs beauty treatments. In the state of Florida and in the greater United States, a Cosmetologist is typically an individual who is educated, skilled, licensed and able to be legally compensated (paid) to beautify the hair, nails and skin. This includes hairstyling, haircutting, hair coloring, hair extensions, permanent waving (perm), applying hair relaxers, hair straightening, hair weaving, wigs and hair pieces, roller setting, Marcel curling with a curling iron, braiding, corn rowing, hair pressing, shampooing, scalp treatments and massage, deep conditioning treatments, barbering (men's hair cutting), clipper cutting, razor cutting, facials, skin care, manicuring, pedicuring, waxing, makeup application, Bio Ionic or Japanese hair straightening, Brazilian hair straightening, hair wrapping

ETHICS NOTE: Although it is possible for a cosmetologist to perform all of the services listed above it is expected that a licensed professional will not attempt any procedures they have not been properly trained to perform.

Common words used to describe a Cosmetologist are Hairstylist, Beautician, Hairdresser, Stylist, Beauty Consultant, Coiffure

The laws and rules governing the Cosmetology, Facial Specialty, Body Wrapping and Nail Technology professions are under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Board of Cosmetology.

Esthetics (Aesthetics is also an accepted spelling) - A branch of philosophy that deals with beauty and artistic expression.

Esthetician (Aesthetician) - A professional giving beauty treatments. Unlike most other states, the State of Florida has a registration instead of a license for Esthetics. The State of Florida calls individuals practicing Esthetics, Facial Specialists. The Facial Specialist is required to complete a minimum of hours (260) in a state approved school and then apply for registration (not licensure) with the Florida Board of Cosmetology. This enables them to legally receive compensation (pay) for the practice of Esthetics.

Facial Specialist (Esthetician) - In the State of Florida a Facial Specialist is a trained individual who performs a variety of esthetic services. These services most commonly include basic facials, European facials, deep pore cleansing facials, extractions, hydrating facials, paraffin facials, use of a high frequency or galvanic electric current machines, waxing, makeup application, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, and many forms of deep exfoliation like microdermabrasion and glycolic peels.

Paramedical Esthetics - As of this writing there is no official dictionary definition and no exact parameters for paramedical esthetics. Most people in the esthetics profession would agree that the practice of paramedical esthetics is defined as services preformed by an esthetician (Facial Specialist in Florida) in a doctors office. These services typically include deep exfoliation like microdermabrasion, Alpha Hydroxy (aha) peels, Beta Hydroxy peels (BHA), lactic acid peels, salicylic acid peels, Jestners peels, blue peels. Many Paramedical Estheticians will also offer permanent make up, laser skin resurfacing and laser hair removal all three are required to be preformed under the supervision of a doctor in Florida. Most doctors, product manufacturers and especially laser manufacturers will train their estheticians (Facial Specialist) to perform the services they offer in accordance with manufacturers instructions.

Common words used to describe an esthetician are Aesthetician, Facial Specialist, Facialist, Makeup Artist, Beauty Consultant, Skin Care Therapist, and Full Specialist

ETHICS NOTE: Although it is possible for a Esthetician to perform all of the services listed above it expected that a licensed professional will not attempt any procedures they have not been properly trained to perform.

The laws and rules governing the Cosmetology, Facial Specialty, Body Wrapping and Nail Technology professions are under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Board of Cosmetology.

Massage Therapy - The physical manipulation of the muscles, skin and the soft tissue of the human body to therapeutically aid in circulation and relaxation.

Massage Therapist - A person trained in the manipulation of the musculature and soft tissue of the human body for therapeutic purposes.

In the State of Florida a Licensed Massage Therapist or LMT has the ability under the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Board of Massage Therapy to accept compensation for the practice of Massage Therapy. A LMT in Florida must have gone to a state approved school of Massage Therapy for 500 hours of education as prescribed in the Boards laws and pass the National Certification Board for Therapeutic and Bodywork (N.C.B.T.M.B.) exam.

Common words used to describe Massage Therapists are Bodyworker, Massage Practitioner, Bodywork Practitioner, Medical Massage Therapist and Certified Massage Therapist

Common types of Massage Therapy:

Swedish Massage - A traditional massage approach using effleurage, petrissage, vibration, friction and tapotement

Deep Tissue Massage - Deep pressure and compression is applied to muscles

Stone Massage - Massage that employs the therapeutic use of hot and or cold smooth stones

Prenatal Massage - Massage performed on a pregnant woman while she is typically lying on her side

Neuromuscular Massage - An intensive study and application of specific therapeutic treatment massage and manipulations to create a healing effect on injured muscles.

Sports Massage - A specific type of massage given to enhance the mobility and performance of an athlete.

Myofascial release - Therapeutic sustained pressure and or stretching into painful areas of the fascia to release the restriction and pain

Thai Massage - Known as ancient massage in Thailand and also the name Thai Yoga because the massage is typically performed on a mat on the floor on a fully clothed client with a lot of stretching.

Chair Massage - Massage given to full clothed clients in a seated position that is very popular due to the ease in portability of the massage chair.

Common Types of Bodywork:

Rolfing - A massage technique developed by Dr. Ida Rolf where deep pressure is applied to specific areas of the body for typically 10, 1 hour sessions to realign the structural integration of the body.

Trager - A method of blending certain exercises with massage to eliminate tension developed by Dr. Milton Trager

Craniosacral Therapy - A very soft and subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones to help bring balance to the central nervous system.

Manual Lymph Drainage - A gentle rhythmic massage applied along the surface of the skin that aids in the function of the lymphatic system.

Common Types of Energy work:

Acupressure - A technique used in traditional Chinese medicine where a hand, elbow or device is placed on acupuncture points of the body.

Reiki - A spiritual therapy developed in 20th century Japan. Reiki is the laying on of hands to channel healing energy to the body.

Shiatsu - An ancient Japanese technique using the palms and fingers, especially the thumbs, to apply pressure on the body relying on the instincts and experience of the practitioner to detect the areas of the body that need treatment.

Reflexology - Stimulation of points commonly mapped out on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet to positively effect organs and areas of the body.

ETHICS NOTE: Although it is possible for a Licensed Massage Therapist to perform all of the services listed above, it expected that a licensed professional under the Florida Department of Health will not attempt any procedures they have not been properly trained to perform.