Cosmetology is a career that involves the work of cutting, coloring, styling, and shaping hair. The history of cosmetology dates back to ancient Egypt, when women would use henna on their hair.
While it was initially just for beauty purposes, today, it’s also used for religious reasons. Cosmetologists usually have licenses from their states and some countries, so you must take classes and pass exams to become one yourself.
If you’re looking to get into cosmetology, there are many trade schools available. In this article, we will introduce the best trade schools for cosmetology. Keep reading for more details.
Table of contents
- 1. Empire Beauty Schools
- 2. Pivot Point
- 3. AVEDA Institutes
- 4. Paul Mitchell Schools
- 5. Marinello Schools of Beauty
- 6. Regency Beauty Institute
- 7. TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy
- 8. Samy’s Hair Academy
- 9. Continental School of Beauty Culture
- 10 Newberry School of Beauty
- 11. Aquage Academy
- 12 La James International College
- 13. Lys Beauty Academy
- 14. Vidal Sassoon
- 15. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Why Should You Attend Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology is your field if you want to make a difference in people’s lives. Furthermore, your education can impact someone’s life because beauty is more than just cuts and styles—it’s making people feel their best.
Cosmetology school can set you on the path to a rewarding career. A cosmetologist’s annual salary ranges between $35,500 and $60,000, depending on factors such as education, experience, and geographic location.
While the job outlook for cosmetology is favorable, these schools also teach business skills such as promotion, business management, and marketing.
More than 800,000 cosmetology graduates are starting new careers in the beauty and fashion industries today, and the number is growing.
How to Select the Best Cosmetology School in the United States
Choosing a cosmetology school is a difficult decision. You will need to find a school that will provide you with the education you require while also being enjoyable to attend.
Here are some considerations to make when selecting a cosmetology school.
1. Accreditation: First and foremost, the school must be accredited. If in doubt, seek advice from the State Board of Cosmetology. After certification, the school needs recognition by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.
2. Program: Your schedule will determine whether you study full-time, part-time, or in the evening. You must also consider the type of program in which you are interested.
3. Fees: Tuition costs vary from school to school. The average price is around $15,000. If a school charges more than $40,000, you should look into other, less expensive cosmetology schools.
Check out: 10 Best Trade Schools For Welding in 2024
15 Best Trade Schools For Cosmetology
1. Empire Beauty Schools
Empire Beauty Schools is a for-profit college that offers several programs, including cosmetology. The school has campuses all over the country and has online options.
They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was accredited by ACCSC. Empire Beauty Schools offers bachelor’s degree programs in Cosmetology (Cosmetologist), Esthetics, and Laser Services. Empire Beauty Schools is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology.
2. Pivot Point
Pivot Point International is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology. It has campuses in New York, Florida, and California. Pivot Point students learn to work with hair, makeup, and personal care products.
The school also provides training for other industries, such as medical spas or beauty salons, where they can become certified specialists.
Don’t forget to read up: 15 Best Trade Schools for Photography in 2024 | Apply Now
3. AVEDA Institutes
AVEDA Institutes is a beauty brand that offers cosmetology programs. The company has locations in many cities across the US, including Los Angeles and Chicago. It has more than 100 locations worldwide.
The Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences offers online courses for students who don’t have time to attend classes in person or who want to study remotely with instructors via video conferencing technology (VTC).
Students must apply through an application process and pay tuition and rent fees if they choose this option instead of attending an actual program at their local school district’s locations. AVEDA Institute is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology.
4. Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell Schools is an international beauty school that has locations all over the world. They are one of the best trade schools for cosmetology.
The Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Program is a 2-year program focusing on hair and skin care needs for people of all ages, including kids. Students learn about color products, makeup application techniques, and more.
Paul Mitchell Schools has partnered with Make-A-Wish® to offer students opportunities such as attending a professional football game where they can interact with athletes from different teams or participate in other special events at local hospitals.
Check out: 10 Best Trade Schools for Plumbing | 2024
5. Marinello Schools of Beauty
Marinello Schools of Beauty is a cosmetology school in California. It has campuses in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
The school offers two-year programs with the option to transfer directly into an apprenticeship program after completing your associate’s degree. The Marinello Schools of Beauty is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology.
6. Regency Beauty Institute
Regency Beauty Institute is one of the top trade schools for cosmetology. They are a private cosmetology school located in California.
The school offers various cosmetology programs, including day and evening classes. It also provides online programs for those who want to pursue their education anywhere in the world.
Regency Beauty Institute has taught students to become professional hairstylists and cosmetologists since 1976. If you are interested in becoming a hairstylist or makeup artist, this may be one of your best options!
Also read: 15 Best Trade Schools for Photography in 2024 | Apply Now
7. TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy
TONI&GUY Hairdressing is one of the top trade schools for cosmetology. They offer a four-year program that includes both cosmetology and barbering.
The school is in Orlando, Florida, not far from Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy’s program costs $25,000 over four years—and that doesn’t include tuition fees or any living expenses you may need to cover while attending school.
You’ll also have to pay an application fee of $125 when you apply for admission into the school (which will be refunded if accepted).
There are multiple options available at this trade school: You can study cosmetology or barbering, depending on which area interests you most.
Classes will likely be offered only during the day since they’re open Monday through Thursday each week.
8. Samy’s Hair Academy
Samy’s Hair Academy is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology. The program provides students with the skills they need to become licensed barbers, hairstylists, and massage therapists.
The school offers programs in Texas, Florida, and Colorado. Samy’s Hair Academy offers a variety of courses on topics such as shampooing techniques, color theory, and styling hair for men or women.
Students learn how to cut hair safely while also learning about sanitation as they work on clients’ heads at their salons across North America (and internationally).
They also receive training in other areas like manicures/pedicures; waxing eyebrows/eyelids; threading eyebrows/eyelids; shaving beards/mustaches; applying makeup for special events like weddings or funerals where there may be religious requirements for how you look at certain times during an event (i.e.: no tattoos).
Don’t forget to read: 15 Best Trade Schools for Graphic Design in 2024 | Apply Now
9. Continental School of Beauty Culture
Continental School of Beauty Culture is one of the top trade schools for cosmology. Their hours of operation are from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m-5 p.m.
Program includes: Cosmetology Courses Certificate Program(s) offered : Airbrush Makeup Course(s) available.
10 Newberry School of Beauty
Newberry School of Beauty is one of the top trade schools for cosmetology. Their hours of operation are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m, open Saturday from 10 a.m-3 p.m. They are closed on Sunday and major holidays except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve/Day (and it’s not too late to book an appointment if you want one).
The cost varies depending on your choice—some courses can run as high as $1,000 per month! If that doesn’t sound like much compared with other schools’ fees, keep in mind that those fees include room and board while enrolled at Newberry.
However, many students opt out of living there because they prefer having their place where they can move easily travel between classes without having an excuse not being able to attend class when needed due to lack thereof.
Read this: 15 Best Trade Schools for Dental Assistants in 2024 | Apply now!
11. Aquage Academy
Aquage Academy is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology. They offer a variety of courses and programs, including Professional Hairdressing, Advanced Hairstyling Coursework, and Makeup Artistry (contouring).
The tuition cost for this school ranges from $8,500 to $12,000 per year. The program lasts four years, and you must complete two internships during your studies. Students can get their foot in the door at many locations.
12 La James International College
La James International College is located in New York City and has been around for over 30 years.
The school offers a cosmetology program, which you can complete in three years with an associate’s degree or a two-year program.
The school is one of the top trade schools for cosmetology. La James International College has accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
Read also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Las Vegas in 2024 | Best US Trade School
13. Lys Beauty Academy
Lys Beauty Academy is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology. It’s been around since 2010.
It has a branch in New Orleans and one in Houston, Texas. The school offers online and on-campus classes, but it’s only open to students who have completed high school or earned an equivalency diploma.
Students can also complete coursework at another accredited institution before enrolling at Lys Beauty Academy.
The program’s cost varies depending on how many credits you take each semester and whether or not you choose to live on campus or commute to your classes from home (there are no housing options).
14. Vidal Sassoon
Vidal Sassoon established the Sassoon Academy in the 1970s to teach beginners about cosmetology. It is one of the best trade schools for cosmetology.
Hair design, color, and styling classes are also available at the academy. Its alums include Farrah Fawcett and Jennifer Aniston.
The State Board provides students a Student Beauty Kit for the program tuition. Mannequins, wax kits, makeup, and curling irons are among the $600 materials. You will also receive the Milady Cosmetology textbook.
Check out: 15 Best Trade Schools in MA (Massachusetts) in 2024
15. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
In the 1950s, the world of cosmetology and hairdressing exploded. Mario Tricoci and his brother Franco opened their salon in the 1970s. The Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is one of the top trade schools in cosmetology.
Mario Tricoci founded Tricoci University in 2004 to inspire other beauticians to follow in his footsteps after his success and international recognition. NACCAS has accredited Tricoci University’s 1500-hour cosmetology program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest level of education in the field is an associate degree in cosmetology. Students can also obtain a cosmetology certificate or diploma.
Many people believe that beauty school is simple, but it is not. Beauty school is highly demanding. Students must learn from their textbooks, take quizzes and tests, and repeatedly practice hairstyles.
Earning six figures as a hairstylist is possible, believe it or not. While possible, it will require much hard work, discipline, and determination. There are plenty of six-figure stylists who aren’t celebrities or work in high-end stores.
You can obtain a cosmetology training course at cosmetology, beauty school, or community college. These programs can last anywhere from six months to two years. Make sure the state approves whatever method you select for licensing purposes.
The demand for licensed cosmetologists is increasing, and statistics show that 2024 will be a significant year for growth in the salon and spa industry. When researching cosmetology training programs, it is critical to explore the principles and values of each school to find the best one for you.
Conclusion
We hope this list was helpful, and that you found a school that fits your needs. Remember to research, ask questions, and ensure the program is right for you.
References
- best-trade-schools.net – Best trade schools for cosmetology.
- tradecollege.org – Cosmetology trade schools.
- beautyschoolsdirectory.com – Cosmetology schools.
Recommendations
