Home » Makeup Cosmetology School: Everything You NEED to Know June 26, 2025 by Revathi Naramsetty Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details. Article Contains What Is Cosmetology School?What Do You Learn in Cosmetology School?How Do I Get into Cosmetology School?Cosmetology School CoursesHow Long Is Cosmetology School?FAQs What Is Cosmetology School? A cosmetology school is an educational institution that offers advanced study in different areas of cosmetology. Individuals interested in making career in beauty industry can enroll in a cosmetology school to gain expertise in hair styling, makeup application, skincare and nail care. Some schools also offer education on message therapies. What Do You Learn in Cosmetology School? Canva Cosmetology school offers theoretical and practical training to students. They embark on the journey that educates them the latest and advanced techniques used in cosmetic industry. Students can grab various opportunities in a cosmetology school through internships and apprenticeships and gain hands-on experience. After successfully completing the course, they can become licensed makeup artists, hairstylists, estheticians, or nail technicians. How Do I Get into Cosmetology School? The basic requirements to get into a cosmetology school are age and education. You need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some schools also organize an entrance exam for the applicants in which they have to demonstrate their basic cosmetology knowledge. Cosmetology School Courses Canva Besides advanced study on different fields of the beauty industry, cosmetology school courses also cover relevant topics such as Anatomy Chemistry of beauty products Customer service Salon management How Long Is Cosmetology School? Typically, the duration of a cosmetology school depends upon the program chosen by the applicant. While some courses or programs take a few months to complete, others may take a few years. Here is the List of Cosmetology Schools in US san diegoanchorage alaskapeoria ilbirmingham alabamabridgeport cthuntsville alrichmond virginiachampaign ilphiladelphia pasouth carolinacolumbus mswarner robins gaalbuquerquefrederick mdrochester nyindianagreenville scsouthern californiaclevelandlake charles laconyers gacorpus christilawton oklahomairving txbrownsville txnorthern virginialansing miatlanta garock hill South Carolinautah countytoledo ohiotexarkanaboca raton flidahoboynton beach floridafayetteville arlynchburg vasan franciscokaty txpittsburgh padallas texasmuncie indianasan fernando valleyeast texassaginaw mianderson sclittle rock arkansassarasota floridalogan utahjacksonville flalbany gawinston salem ncfloridabillings mtlafayetteseattlecape girardeau most george utahorlandocolumbia tnjackson msgrand rapidsevansville indianascottsdale arizonamobile in alabamagarland txbaltimorealaskagwinnett countygainesville gacolumbia molawrence kskissimmeewyomingmuskegon milubbock texasraleigh ncodessa txwaterbury ctnebraskasan marcos txcharleston sccolumbia scchicagohampton vacalifornia los angelesweslaco txlewisville txnewport news vahampton roadsnampa idahodayton ohiova beachsandy utahWest Virginiafresno capaflorence scillinois FAQs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S) Q. How long is 1,500 hours in cosmetology school? A: 1,500 hours is a full-length, standard, and one-year curriculum in cosmetology school. Q. Which states allow online cosmetology schools? A: Currently, online learning is offered in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Washington, and Idaho. However, the rules and regulations of every online school vary according to their state. Additionally, states such as California, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan partially allow online cosmetology schools and require certain in-person hours for course completion. Q. How can you get a cosmetology license without school? A: The alternative path to get a cosmetology license without school is joining apprentice training. The applicant must complete certain training hours under a licensed cosmetologist and pass the licensing exam. Q. How old do you have to be to go to cosmetology school? A: Even though the age requirement of every cosmetology school varies, one needs to be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Q. What classes are required for cosmetology in high school? A: A good insight into science subjects such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy helps students to learn the basics of cosmetology easily. From anatomy and skincare to hair care and hair color, things get easy to understand when there is a strong foundation in science. Q. How many hours is cosmetology school? A: Typically, a standard curriculum takes 1,500 hours to complete. This is only when you are attending the course as a full-time student. Q. How long after you graduate cosmetology school do you have to take your test? A: Once you have graduated from cosmetology school, it is recommended that you take the test within six months. However, this criterion differs in different states. For instance, Georgia allows students to take and pass the test 48 months after completing the course, whereas in Texas you can give the test after completing 900 of 1000 hours. Q. How much does cosmetology school cost? A: In the US, the tuition fee of an accredited cosmetology school is between $5,000 and $15,000. The fees of top beauty schools may go up to $20,000 or more. Q. How much does Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School cost? A: Paul Mitchell Cosmetology is one of the top beauty schools. The fee structure of the school can be broken into the following- Tuition fee- $14,946 Application fee- $25 Registration fee- $75 Accessories (kit, equipment, iPad, and other supplies)- $3,000 Books and stationary- $3,165 So, the total cost comes to around $21,000. Feature Image Source – Canva