There are so many beauty and cosmetology schools in the USA for international students as well as domestic students. But before we head on to the list of cosmetology schools in the USA, it will be good if we know what cosmetology is.
What is cosmetology?
Cosmetology can be defined as the art and science of beautifying the hair, the nails, and likewise the skin. A cosmetologist is an expert in the art of applying therapies, cosmetology procedures, and treatments in other to beautify their client’s outer appearance.
Specific disciplines in cosmetology include hairstyling (haircutting and coloring), esthetics (skincare), makeup application, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and other beauty treatments.
What are some tasks for cosmetologists?
Cosmetologists are known to engage in different kinds of tasks. Here are some common disciplines in cosmetology and their tasks that you will venture in upon graduation from the cosmetology schools in the USA.
Hair styling:
- Washing, shampooing, drying, and cutting hair
- Shaping, cutting, texturing, styling, straightening, or curling hair
- Coloring, tinting, lightening hair
- Chemically changing hair texture, perms, relaxing hair
- Braiding hair
- Installing hair extensions or weaves
Barbering:
- Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair
- Shaving facial hair
- Fitting hairpieces
- Coloring, or perming hair
- Performing facial treatments
Esthetics:
An esthetician focuses on the field of skincare. Here are some of the common treatments a skincare specialist will perform:
- Facials
- Exfoliation
- Skin conditioning and wrinkle reduction
- Waxing, tweezing, eyebrow threading, and hair removal
- Anti-aging treatments
Nail Technician:
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Nail artistry, nail jewelry
- Gel nails, silk nails, and acrylic nails
Electrology:
The electrologist you know is known to use special equipment in the facilitating of permanent hair removal.
They apply electricity to damaged hair follicles so it doesn’t grow back. Oftentimes, this field requires additional certifications even after attending cosmetology schools in the USA.
How to succeed as a cosmetologist
Cosmetology is such that there will always be some form of human interaction, therefore, in other to succeed, you must plan to build a good relationship with your clients.
This is because, clients put all their faith in the cosmetologist, believing he/she will deliver. They like to be confident in the drugs and products being used by the cosmetologist on them.
Therefore, if you can be able to make your customers feel at home and feel great about themselves in return, then trust me, you will have a successful career in Cosmetology-provided you know your onions.
Check out: Top 10 Esthetics & cosmetology schools in Canada with their Tuition
List of Cosmetology Schools in USA
Here is the list of cosmetology schools in the USA.
- The Aveda Institute (West Chester, OH)
- Paul Mitchell Schools (Orlando, FL)
- Moler Beauty Academy
- Empire Beauty School (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- Pivot Point Academy Beauty School (Chicago, IL)
- The Sassoon Academy (Santa Monica, CA)
- Tricoci University (Bridgeview, IL)
- The Ogle School (Dallas, TX)
- Xenon International Academy (Omaha, NE)
- Hollywood Institute of Beauty (Hollywood, CA)
- Evergreen Beauty College
- Turning Point Beauty College
#. The Aveda Institute (West Chester, OH)
7664 Voice of America Centre Dr.
West Chester, OH 45069
Horst Rechelbacher founded the Aveda Institute in 1977. Influenced by the Indian tradition of Ayurveda, Horst adopted a holistic belief ‘that individual beauty is directly linked to the beauty of the world around us’.
This philosophy manifested in the creation of organic botanical products ranging from skincare to hair care that was beneficial to both the consumer and the Earth.
The Aveda Institute is one of the cosmetology schools in the USA that was created basically to create the most successful entrepreneurs in hair, skin and main esthetics.
Today students can be immersed in the natural holistic approach to beauty through their Cosmetology program, offered in nearly 60 American cities in Canada, and Australia.
There is Federal financial aid for students. Those who qualify for the Pell Grant, Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and/or Direct Parent Plus loan.
In order to be considered for aid, a student must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Requirements for entry, fees for classes, and credit for graduation will vary with locations. However, all students are guaranteed a comprehensive, hands-on educational experience that will prepare them for the rigors of the workforce.
Established alumni of the Aveda Schools include Hauns Korpela, David Wagner, Janell Geason, and Roxana DaCosta.
#. Paul Mitchell Schools (Orlando, FL)
Paul Mitchell is not just a well-known name in the professional hair product world, he, along with John Paul DeJoria, are the founder of the John Paul Mitchell Systems.
Included in this System are more than 100 beauty products available in over 80 countries, more than 50,000 salons in 81 countries, and over 100 school locations.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in the USA that provide a quality educational system that is aimed at providing students with the preparation they need to pass the state board examination and be able to gain employment within the cosmetology industry.
Though opportunities will vary slightly by location, the Cosmetology curriculum should cover a variety of topics from style finishing, texture, and foil work to manicure, pedicure, and makeup.
The Paul Mitchell company as a whole was recognized in 1980 as one of the first cosmetology companies to ‘publicly stand up against animal testing.
Well-known teachers and alumni affiliated with the schools include Scott Cole, Diana Schmidtke, Stephanie Kocielski, and Craig “The Barber”.
#. Moler Beauty Academy
Ohio residents have a variety of cosmetology education options available to them, and that includes the Moler Beauty Academy locations in Cincinnati and Fairfield.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in the USA that is accredited by NACCAS and are known for its ability to provide a variety of programs that covers cosmetology as a course.
Through the Moler Beauty Academy, you can take classes in cosmetology, aesthetics and manicuring, making it a great option for anyone who’s looking to launch a career in cosmetology. Visit Moler Beauty Academy online at MolerHollywood.com.
They are one of the cosmetology schools in the USA with courses that are interactive and that gives students the edge to succeed. Their courses equally teach about the business side of cosmetology.
#. Empire Beauty School (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, the Empire Beauty School opened its first location in 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Empire now has more than 109 schools across the nation.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in the USA that is accredited by NACCAS. Therefore if you are seeking a career with unlimited potential and flexibility, then attending cosmetology schools in the USA such as this will give you the edge.
With more than 80 years of experience teaching and guiding professionals, students can be confident in the cutting-edge, professional nature of the education they will receive.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in USA with Cosmetology programs that cover a variety of topics including hair design and cutting, color and texture, basic skincare, business/retail training, and makeup.
Other similar academic programs offered include Esthetics, Cosmetology Educator Training, and Make-up Artistry.
#. Pivot Point Academy Beauty School (Chicago, IL)
The late Leo Passage was a well-respected hairstylist and cosmetology educator with more than 100 international awards and honors to his name.
He founded the beauty education company Pivot Point International in 1962. Now under the direction of his son, Robert Passage, the program consists of ’13 areas of study, containing 106 theory lessons and 68 workshops.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in USA for those who plan to build a career in the Cosmetology industry.
There are six subject modules to the curriculum: Cosmetology Fundamentals, Sculpture, Hair Design, Color, Texture, Salon Success, and Meta.
At the end of these courses, you are sure to become self-employed or must have built lifelong relationships.
The digital platform of the curriculum is LAB (Learn About Beauty) which ‘looks and feels like social media making it both interactive and enjoyable to students.
The effectiveness and success of the program have led to incredible growth. Therefore this is one of the top cosmetology schools in the USA that is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use their creativity to become confident and salon-ready hairdressing professionals.
Today it is more than just a school; Pivot Point has become the most taught, international beauty school curriculum available in more than 2,000 institutions, across 70 countries, in 15 languages.
#. The Sassoon Academy (Santa Monica, CA)
The Sassoon Academy offers a detailed beginners program in cosmetology with no experience needed to apply. This program runs for 44 weeks and covers 1600 hours of coursework and hands-on experience.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in USA that have contemporary, and relevant courses that are delivered with passion and technical excellence.
Included in the tuition price for the program is a State Board Student Beauty Kit, including $600 of materials such as mannequins, a curling iron, make-up and wax kits, and the Milday Cosmetology textbook.
Students are also required to obtain a Professional Student Beauty Kit, which is not included in the tuition price, for materials such as manuals, hairdryers, brushes, combs, and clips. This may cost students $1,500 or more.
Sassoon Academy is therefore world-renowned for leading the way in professional education and our training videos and ebooks are an essential choice for those who wish to develop their personal best.
For the working professional Sassoon offers continuing education courses: Salon Intensive or Comprehensive Diploma.
These run four to six weeks in length. Short-term courses lasting two to five days covering various cut and color styles are also available.
#. Tricoci University (Bridgeview, IL)
Though his work in hairdressing and cosmetology started as early as the 1950s, it was not until the 1970’s that Mario Tricoci, along with his brother Franco Tricoci, opened their own salon business.
Inspired by his success and global recognition, Mario Tricoci turned his desire to train other beauticians into the establishment of Tricoci University in 2004.
They have a whopping 16 locations across the state and are known to have the widest reach of any other school on the list.
Now accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, Tricoci University offers a 1500-hour cosmetology program.
This typically takes students 12 months to complete if attending full-time, or 20 months to complete if attending part-time.
All students are provided with an Apple iPad as part of their student kit, which they can keep.
Course topics include Practical Chemical Application, Hair Treatment, Hair Styling, Hair Dressing, Shop Management, Esthetics, and Nail Technology.
#. The Ogle School (Dallas, TX)
Named after its founder, the internationally renowned hairstylist Shelton Ogle, the Ogle School has been providing efficient and professional education to beauticians since 1973.
Accredited by the NACCAS, there are now eight educational facilities across the state of Texas, making Ogle one of the most successful cosmetology schools in USA.
Ogle school is one of the very many cosmetology options that are offered by the state. There are about nine locations available in the various cities of texas.
In the Cosmetology program, students will gain the majority of their professional experience from the on-campus student-run salons.
These salons offer inexpensive services done by students who are supervised by their instructors.
Students will have additional opportunities to showcase their talent through events such as the annual Face-Off competition.
Courses are offered day, evening, part-time, or full-time, with year-round start dates.
After graduation, students may take advantage of the school’s job placement and career assistance.
#. Xenon International Academy (Omaha, NE)
When industry leader Xenon partnered with Peels Salon Services out of a desire to provide quality products and to educate the next generation of beauticians, the Xenon International Academy was formed.
This is one of the cosmetology schools in the USA whose desire is to create unique and basic training to make you become licensed.
Now with three major locations, this rapidly growing institution offers students comprehensive and competitive skills necessary for the field of cosmetology.
They also prepare students to sit for the state licensing examination and become competitive and industry-ready.
The program is divided into six subject modules with a four-phase focus in each section:
Discovery, Experience, Create and Imagine. Course topics include the Designer’s Approach to Sculpture, Hair Design, Color, Texture, and Salon Success.
They equally have Aesthetics courses that allow students to focus on skincare and beauty treatments.
The required Cosmetology Fundamentals Textbook is part of the Cosmetology Student Kit.
Many of the instructors are also working professionals who bring first-hand experience to the classroom and encourage a hands-on approach to learning.
#. Hollywood Institute of Beauty (Hollywood, CA)
Maintaining three locations in Hollywood, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, the Hollywood Institute of Beauty offers training in a variety of fields including barbering, esthetics, nail technology, massage therapy, skin care, and cosmetology.
Also known as the General Beauty Culture program, the Cosmetology certification requires 1200 class hours.
The average full-time day student can complete this in about 10 months, while the evening attendees will take about 17 months. Some of the courses in this school are:
- Cosmetology
- Barber
- Massage Therapy
- Nail Technology
- Medical assistant course
- Skincare
- Electrology
Classes are also available in Spanish. In addition to the 500 classroom hours, students are expected to complete approximately 700 hours of service or practical application.
Throughout the various courses, instructors encourage students to ‘think and act like designers.
They have job fairs and career seminars that are built to help their students grow and evolve outside the classroom.
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to sit for the state licensure examination and could be confident applicants for the field.
# Evergreen Beauty College
Fee: Starts from $7,200
Financial Aid: Yes
Evergreen is accredited by the NACCAS, and what sets it apart is that you can pursue your dreams within a supportive, family-oriented environment.
The beauty college is an active member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools as well as the Washington Federation of Private and Vocational Schools.
Among its six locations are Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Renton, Everett, Yakima, and North Seattle.
Programs Available at Evergreen Beauty College
- Cosmetology
- Hair Design
- Barbering
- Esthetics
- Nail Technician
- Makeup Artistry
- Eyelash Extensions Expert
- Instructor Training
# Turning Point Beauty College
Fee: Starts from $6,350
Financial Aid: Yes
With its comprehensive curriculum, this cosmetology school will prepare you for a successful career in the beauty industry.
With a diverse student body composed mainly of Hispanic, Asian, and veteran students, Turning Point Beauty College serves the surrounding areas of Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, and Tucson.
The school also holds certifications from the Veterans Administration and accepts Veterans into its programs in addition to NACCAS accreditation.
Programs Available in Turning Point Beauty College
- Cosmetology
- Nail Technology
- Cosmetology Instructor
Colleges or Universities Where You Can Study Cosmetology in the USA
Are you wondering how much cosmetology schools cost? Below gives you an answer to the question “how much does cosmetology school cost?”
| College/University | Tuition |
| Lincoln College | $3,395 in-district, $5,270 in-state, $9,770 out-of-state |
| Delta College | $3,395 in-district, $5,270 in-state, $9,770 out-of-state |
| Mott Community College | $3,668 in-district, $5,041 in-state, $6,911 out-of-state |
| Northeast Alabama Community College | $4,320 in-state, $7,770 out-of-state |
| Salt Lake Community College | $3,569 in-state, $11,337 out-of-state |
| Northwest-Shoals Community College | $4,291 in-state, $7,741 out-of-state |
| Oakland Community College | $2,745 in-district, $5,235 in-state, $7,305 out-of-state |
| Schoolcraft College | $3,564 in-district, $4,854 in-state, $6,834 out-of-state |
| Sacramento City College | $1,104 in-state, $7,440 out-of-state |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $3,564 in-district, $4,854 in-state, $6,834 out-of-state |
Check out: 10 Top Beauty & Cosmetology schools in the UK (Fees and courses)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Aestheticians?
Aestheticians have licensed cosmetology professionals who are into cleaning skin as well as treatment of skin. They perform facials, waxes, massages, and chemical peels.
You can find these professionals in the Spa, salons, and medical facilities. Each of the places in the united states such as California, Los Angeles, etc have licensure requirements.
often times these requirements include formal aesthetics instruction or apprenticeship training as well as written and practical testing. Aestheticians must have great customer service skills, stamina, and in the case of the self-employed, good business skills. Here are the steps to becoming an Aesthetician:
- Get Formal Training in Cosmetology
- Obtain Licensure
- Consider Becoming a Master Aesthetician
- Continue Education
What are some Online cosmetology courses to look out for?
Below are some of the cosmetology courses which can be studied online and which you should look out for:
1)Retail Management Course: This course is for professionals who are interested in selling makeup products. They are taught how to choose merchandise and set prices.
2) Customer Service Course: This course teaches artists how to build a strong customer base.
3)Airbrushing Technique Course: This course teaches artists airbrush technology and how to create and advance makeup looks. They also learn how to enhance facial features.
4)Runway and Fashion Make-up Course: This course usually covers how to handle beauty product campaigns. This course equally teaches backstage management and makeup application for runway shows.
5)Special Effects and Fantasy Make-up Course: In this course, students will learn how to correctly apply prosthetics, wigs, casts and foams in order to create extraordinary looks for screen or television
6)Photography, Television and Film Make-up Course: This course is geared toward teaching make-up application for photography or film purposes.
7)Wedding and Bridal Make-up Course: Students will learn many techniques and tips utilized by make-up professionals to ensure a lasting and polished image, especially for ceremonies.
8)Day and Evening Make-up Course: This course covers the basic makeup fundamentals.
Therefore walk into any of the cosmetology schools in the USA of your choice and tell them what you want.
10 of the Highest-Paying Cosmetologist Jobs
- Freelance Makeup Artist: Salary range: $45,500-$63,500 per year: Freelance Makeup Artist is a makeup application professional who works independently for various clients. As a Freelance Makeup Artist, you may work for clients who have a special upcoming event, actors who work in theater or film, or models preparing for fashion shows or photo shoots.
Select and apply various cosmetic products to create the look desired by your client. You must be sure you have the right techniques, skills, and products in your makeup kit to successfully meet your client’s expectations.
- Barber: Salary range: $29,500-$58,000 per year: Barbers cut hair, shave the areas designated by their clients, and provide other hair care services. Some barbers only take clients with appointments, while others accept walk-in customers.
Job duties may include trimming beards, coloring client hair, or teaching customers how to groom or style their hair. Barbers typically work out of a barber shop, but some make house calls or travel around.
Other responsibilities include sterilizing tools, ensuring a clean workstation, analyzing problems, and providing a positive experience by chatting with clients.
- Performance Makeup Artist: Salary range: $26,000-$56,000 per year: As a performance makeup artist, you apply makeup to performers to reflect a certain period, setting, or aesthetic for films, television shows, or theater performances.
Your duties and responsibilities include discussing the aesthetic requirements with the director and costume designers, choosing potential options to test out on each character to see which looks work, and then applying the makeup for each performance or day of shooting.
When applying makeup to the actors, you tone and clean the performers’ skin before using brushes and other tools to apply makeup. During performances or shooting, you monitor their skin for outbreaks or skin irritation. - Airbrush Artist: Salary range: $29,500-$52,500 per year: An airbrush artist applies paint, makeup, or other substances using special tools called airbrushes. Your duties and responsibilities in this career vary depending on the type of material you use and where you apply it.
An airbrush artist may spray makeup as part of a cosmetology service. Other artists may design images or fonts and then paint them on cars, walls, garments, or other surfaces using an airbrushing technique.
Some airbrush artists may apply their skills in the photography industry, touching up or enhancing photographic prints using airbrushes.
- Licensed Barber: Salary range: $31,500-$52,500 per year: The majority of Licensed Barber salaries across the United States currently range between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $52,500 (75th percentile) annually.
This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Licensed Barber job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring. - Makeup Artist:: Salary range: $25,000-$52,000 per year: Makeup Artists are beauty specialists who apply cosmetics for their clients.
They highlight their clients’ best features for special occasions like weddings, fashion shoots, or television and movie appearances.
They can be self-employed or work for a boutique or brand in a department store. They are skilled in applying makeup to hide blemishes, contour faces, and create artwork using their model’s face as a blank canvas. - Beauty Artist: Salary range: $31,000-$44,500 per year: The majority of Beauty Artist salaries across the United States currently range between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $44,500 (75th percentile) annually.
This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Beauty Artist job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring. - Nail Technician: Salary range: $25,500-$41,500 per year: A Nail Technician, or manicurist, is a cosmetology professional who provides nail styling services to clients. This includes nail shaping, painting, and decorating, but may also include hand massages, artificial nail applications, nail repairs, and pedicures, in a spa or nail salon. Nail Technicians use supplies, such as nail polish, gel, nail files, clippers, cuticle sticks, and nail polish remover to groom and decorate a client’s nails.
- Hair Stylist: Salary range: $22,500-$37,500 per year: A hair stylist is a trained beauty professional who is skilled in cutting, processing, and styling hair.
Hair stylists discuss with clients what kind of cut they want and their desired look, and you recommend products and services to achieve it.
You may also advise the customer of different haircuts that may work better with their type of hair or maybe more flattering with their face shape.
Some of the services that a hair stylist offers include cutting, coloring, curling or straightening, and treating hair. Hair stylists typically attend conventions and training sessions to learn new methods and techniques for current styles and trends.
- Shampooer: Salary range: $19,000-$25,000 per year: The majority of Shampooer salaries across the United States currently range between $19,000 (25th percentile) and $25,000 (75th percentile) annually.
This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless of skill level, location, and years of experience, though some advancement is possible.
Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Shampooer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.
There are so many cosmetology schools littered all over states like Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan, etc. But this is the much we can take. Drop a comment in the comment section, and let us know which of the cosmetology schools in the USA you will like a review on. All the best!!
|how much does cosmetology school cost in California?|cosmetology school Los Angeles|Cosmetology programs in USA| Cosmetology schools in USA for International Students|