Cosmetology and esthetics are similar, but they are also very different. Although there are many differences, a cosmetologist and an esthetician need the same types of insurance coverage. We will examine those types below, but first, we will explain the differences and the similarities between these two careers:
What Are the Differences and Similarities between a Beauty Professional and an Esthetician?
When you would like to have your hair done, you will go to a cosmetologist. If you need a facial, you will make an appointment with an esthetician. Cosmetologists learn more about how to perform hair services than estheticians, and estheticians learn more about skin services than cosmetologists.
Cosmetologists are licensed professionals; you can receive several different services from them. These include makeup, nail services, and hair services. They work in resorts, hotels, spas, and salons.
Estheticians are also licensed beauty professionals, but you will receive skincare treatments from them. They work in salons, spas, and medical offices.
There are also similarities. For example, you can obtain hair services, makeup services, light massage services, hair removal services, and skincare services from either a cosmetologist or an esthetician.
Which Insurance Is Needed for Each One?
Liabilities for Cosmetologists
There is always the possibility that you can make a mistake, and accidents can occur in your services as a cosmetologist. Some instances of mishaps that led to lawsuits have been cuts, puncture wounds, bad reactions, and burns. You also have general liability issues that include trips and falls.
Liabilities for Estheticians
The products and tools that estheticians use have the potential to injure clients. For example, a client may have a bad reaction, become burned, or experience other mishaps.
General Liability Insurance
Both cosmetologists and estheticians need general liability insurance. This covers you whether you treat clients in a salon or their homes. If you were to injure a client, cause damage in their homes or commit slander or libel against a client, these actions could result in claims against you. This could be very serious because your client could fall off of your treatment table and land in the hospital. If this client were to sue you, you would be responsible for paying the hospital bills.
Your employees can also subject you to liability charges. For example, your client may hear your employees whispering something negative about him or her, and this client can sue you for personal injury.
Professional Liability Insurance
In your professional services, clients have the right to sue you for negligence if they believe that you did something wrong or made a mistake. Without professional liability insurance, you would need to pay your legal bills and the award the client wins on your own. With professional liability insurance, your insurance company will pay your legal bills and the monetary award if you lose your case.
Workers’ Compensation
If you have employees, you need workers’ compensation insurance, and it may be required in your state. There is potential for your employees to get hurt on the job. For example, styling tools can cause burns, and anyone can slip and fall in your store. Then, you would be responsible for paying medical bills and lost wages if the employee cannot work while recovering. A Workers’ Compensation policy pays the medical bills and your employees’ lost wages.