Cosmetology Practice Test – Pass the Massachusetts State Board Exam (2025 Guide)

The main distinction between a cosmetologist and a hairstylist lies in the range of services that each professional is qualified to offer. A cosmetologist is trained to provide a comprehensive suite of beauty services that includes hair care, skin care, and nail services. This multifaceted training allows them to engage with clients on various aspects of beauty and grooming, making them versatile in their field.

On the other hand, hairstylists primarily focus on hair services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair. Their training is specifically concentrated on achieving excellence in those areas, without the additional qualifications to perform skin or nail treatments. Therefore, while a hairstylist has expertise in hair care, they do not offer the additional services that come with a cosmetology license.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the broader skill set of a cosmetologist, emphasizing their capability to address skin and nail care along with hair services. This breadth of knowledge is what distinguishes them from hairstylists, who specialize exclusively in hair care.