How 3D Printing is Changing the Face of Cosmetology How 3D Printing is Changing the Face of Cosmetology
Unique Cosmetology Careers After Attending School at Eric Fisher Academy in Kansas
Professional cosmetologists have always known there’s a major element of science in what we do. Mixing color and the entire coloring process uses chemical reactions; skin care and hair care knowledge is biology; and sanitization processes are all part of battling contagions.
But the latest developments in the industry have some people shaking their heads and asking “What is cosmetology?!” But with the adoption of new technology, the field of cosmetology is changing for the better, and certainly becoming even more interesting.
Beauty companies are finding they can use 3D printers to their benefit as they make testing, product development, and even makeup applications much easier and more personalized.
3D Printing Technology Melds with Skin Care
Well-known cosmetics companies are harnessing the power of 3D printing for their own uses, specifically to develop and test cosmetics and reduce overall costs of the process. The University of Madrid changed the game when scientists there developed a bioprinter that prints human flesh! The printer uses the cellular components of the skin, such as human plasma, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes – all of which can be obtained with minimal discomfort or harm to humans.
It works on much the same premise as your home printer ink cartridges do. Your printer mixes colors and applies to them paper to mimic what’s on your computer screen. The University of Madrid’s special printer mixes these cellular components to form a human skin. In Shanghai, some cosmetics companies are able to 3D print skin complete with multiple layers: the dermis, epidermis and basement membrane. Talk about mixing science and beauty!
Mink, L’Oreal, and Chanel are 3D-printing human skin for these purposes, when previously they might have been testing on animals or even forgoing testing altogether. Artificially-produced – but still biologically identical – skin reduces the risk of skin infection, allergic reaction, and overall harm of test subjects.
And while 3D printing human skin is both creepy and awesome, other beauty brands are finding unique ways to utilize the technology a little differently. Take sheet masks, for example. Their rise in popularity and increase in availability over-the-counter has grown in recent years, but many users complain they simply don’t properly fit their face.
A company addressed this issue by developing face masks that are crafted to perfectly fit on the user’s face and blended with ingredients customized to address specific skin concerns – exactly in the location the person is experiencing the issues. If you ever have the pleasure of using a mask like one of these, be sure to thank science and a 3D printer!
Printing Hair
You know that once scientists were able to 3D-print skin, they wouldn’t stop there. The 3D printing technology has also been adopted by hair care companies, who can print new hair using stem cells in their printers.
Not only do they use these hairs for testing products, but the development is paving the way for big changes in the hair loss industry. Soon, people experiencing thinning hair will have a full head of natural-looking hair that is biologically identical to their own to boost their confidence, making complex hair transplantation a thing of the past.
Printing Makeup
Even the process of makeup application gets its own foray into 3D printing. This technology allows users to apply their makeup quickly and perfectly the first time, using special scanners that read the contours of the face, skin tone, and problem areas.
The printer then applies primer, foundation, and pigmented makeup, like eye shadow, eyeliner, and blush. Overall, the printing process takes less than a minute.
Although 3D printing makeup is far too expensive for the average person, the development of the technology is helping to revolutionize the beauty industry and creating new careers within it for computer programmers, scientists, and even licensed cosmetologists for consultation.
What It All Means for Cosmetology Careers
The companies that employ people who are developing these new technologies are likely seeking team members who know a lot about the cosmetology industry. Cosmetologists can provide the guidance necessary to inform scientists of beauty practices and goals for healthy hair and skin, thus influencing the development of the technology.
Major cosmetics and hair care companies need people just like those who graduate from cosmetology schools in Kansas to help them develop their business and help people look and feel their best. What is a cosmetologist to do, besides helping people? It’s the perfect role for a motivated, thoughtful, and business-minded Eric Fisher Academy graduate.
Attending Cosmetology School at Eric Fisher Academy
When you decide that cosmetology school is right for you because you want to make an impact on people’s lives in a salon or even in a large cosmetics company, your first step should be taking a tour of Eric Fisher Academy in Wichita, Kansas.
Our modern school blends real-world experience, business training, and an in-depth beauty curriculum to help prepare you for any job in the industry. Call us at 316-440-4782 to see what we’re all about.
Don’t let tuition costs be a barrier to your success. Financial aid for cosmetology school is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans. Eric Fisher Academy also is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Financial Aid experts are here to help. The best part? You can complete your training in as little as 10 months and be on your way to a fulfilling career you’ve always dreamed of.
Contact Eric Fisher Academy today to learn more about our cosmetology school and join the ranks of students working to make a difference in the industry.
