Your Cosmetology Career Starts Here
The beauty industry opens doors to many exciting, challenging, and fulfilling career opportunities. Our website will help you discover if a career in cosmetology is the right choice for you. Learn everything you need to know about the different beauty programs in the U.S., length and state requirements, job and salary outlook, costs and financial aid—and directory of colleges.
The best cosmetology school for you will provide the appropriate training, schedule, and support to launch your beauty career.
Types of Beauty School Programs
Start by learning more about the most popular types of programs offered by beauty schools.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is the study of hair, skin, and nails. A cosmetologist is someone who is licensed to perform many beauty services, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, skincare, and nail care. Cosmetology is the most comprehensive of all beauty school programs, requiring the most course hours, but lends itself to many different job opportunities afterward.
Learn everything about Cosmetology School »
Barber
Barbering is the study of haircutting for men’s hair. It is a subspecialty of cosmetology. A licensed barber is not limited to, but is trained to specialize in men’s hair and provide other male grooming services, such as shaving and facial treatments.
Learn everything about Barber School »
Esthetics
Esthetics is the study of skincare. An esthetician is someone who is licensed to perform skincare services and treatments, such as facials, body wraps, and scrubs. Estheticians, unlike licensed cosmetologists (who are also trained in some skincare), are able to provide advanced treatments like pore cleansing, extractions, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, light therapy, and hair removal.
Learn everything about Esthetician School »
Nail Tech
Nail technology is the study of manicures and pedicures. A nail technician is someone who is licensed to perform nail care services, such as nail polish application, nail art, and hand and foot massage. Esthetics programs typically require less hours of coursework than cosmetology.
Learn everything about Nail Tech School »
Enrollment
Learn about the general age and education requirements for most beauty programs along with our best tips for choosing and enrolling in the right school. We are here to help you find the ideal beauty college and program so you can feel confident in your decision—and how to proceed.
Licensing Requirements
Each state has different course hours and licensing requirements per program. Learn the general requirements for hours, exams, and licensing to help you make your decision. We also provide answers to common questions regarding license renewals, transferring, and reciprocity.
Cost of School
The cost of beauty school can vary based on many different factors such as the program, school, and location. We break down the average tuition costs so you know exactly what to expect, along with details about applying for financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans.
Why Cosmetology School Could be the Right Career Choice for You
If you are excited about the prospect of helping your clients look their best, cosmetology school is the right choice for you. Beauty school offers a quick and easy way to fast track your career, without the need to invest 2 to 4 years of your time in traditional courses. Cosmetology and beauty school courses offer many options allowing you to enjoy a flexible schedule with the chance to work in many different work environments.
From cruise ships to high-end hotels and calming spas to eventually opening your own salon, you can avoid the boring life of a 9 to 5 job. Beauty careers offer an exciting lifestyle open to many possibilities. If meeting new people, setting your own hours and helping people feel good about themselves sounds fulfilling, beauty college could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Learn more about these most common beauty careers: