Top Cosmetology Schools In USA 2022

Last Updated on August 23, 2022

Cosmetology Schools In USA

Do you want to pursue a career in cosmetology? Cosmetology is indeed a good career. However, achieving success takes a lot of effort and perseverance, and the ability to be a successful cosmetologist depends on the type of training you receive. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cosmetology schools in the USA to help you discover your true potentials in a renowned industry.

Before we proceed to the list of cosmetology schools in USA, it will be good we know what exactly cosmetology is all about.

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 colouring), 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 which you will venture in upon graduation from the cosmetology schools in USA.

Hair styling:

  • Washing, shampooing, drying, 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 USA.

List of Cosmetology Schools in USA

Here is the list of cosmetology schools in 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)

Best Cosmetology Schools in USA

Here’s a look at the best cosmetology schools in USA

1. 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 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, Canada, and Australia.

There are 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 rigours of the workforce.

Established alumni of the Aveda Schools include Hauns Korpela, David Wagner, Janell Geason, and Roxana DaCosta.

2. 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 founders 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.

Thi sis one of the cosmetology schools in USA that provide 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 company’s 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”.

3. 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 USA that is accredited by NACCAS and are known for their 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 USA with courses that are interactive and that gives students the edge to succeed. Their courses equally teach about the business side of cosmetology.

4. 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 USA that is accredited by NACCAS. Therefore if you are seeking for a career with unlimited potential and flexibility, then attending cosmetology schools in 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, colour and texture, basic skincare, business/retail training, and makeup.

Other similar academic programs offered include Esthetics, Cosmetology Educator Training, and Make-up Artistry.

5. 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 honours 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 Cosmetology industry.

There are six subject modules to the curriculum: Cosmetology Fundamentals, Sculpture, Hair Design, Color, Texture, and 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 USA that is designed to provide students 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.

6. 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 material 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, hairdryer, brushes, combs, and clips. This may cost students $1,500 or more.

Sassoon Academy is therefore is world renowned in 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 the 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.

7. 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 whooping 16 locations across the state and is 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 USA whose desire is to create unique and basic trainings 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 focus on skin care 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.

10. 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, skincare, 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.


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