Are you looking to join a cosmetology school but are not sure whether you meet all the requirements? You’ve come to the right place! Cosmetology schools not only refine your technical skills but also prepare you for a successful career in the beauty industry.
From mastering the latest trends to learning business essentials, it sets the foundation for long-term growth. The requirements for cosmetology school vary from state to state. These requirements can broadly be categorized into different fields of specifications.
Do cosmetology schools always require a high school diploma or GED?
First, we’ll take a look at the education requirements you’ll have to meet to attend cosmetology school. These never require continued education like college degrees. However, in some states, you will need to have completed high school.
Here are the states that require a high school diploma or GED:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Most states do have minimal education requirements, even if they don’t require a high school diploma or GED. Common requirements are an 8th-grade or 10th-grade education.
What’s the minimum age to enroll in cosmetology school?
There is a pretty big range in minimum age requirements to enroll in cosmetology school. Here they are for every state:
- Alabama – 17 years old
- Alaska – 17 years old
- Arizona – 23 years old
- Arkansas – 16 years old
- California – 16 years old
- Colorado – 16 years old
- Connecticut – 16 years old
- Delaware – no age requirement
- Florida – 16 years old
- Georgia – 17 years old
- Hawaii – 16 years old
- Idaho – 16.5 years old
- Illinois – 18 years old
- Indiana – 18 years old
- Iowa – 16 years old
- Kansas – 17 years old
- Kentucky – 17 years old
- Louisiana – 16 years old
- Maine – 17 years old
- Maryland – 17 years old
- Massachusetts – 17 years old
- Michigan – 17 years old
- Minnesota – no age requirement
- Mississippi – 17 years old
- Missouri – 17 years old
- Montana – 18 years old
- Nebraska – 17 years old
- Nevada – 18 years old
- New Hampshire – no age requirement
- New Jersey – 17 years old
- New Mexico – 17 years old
- New York – 17 years old
- North Carolina – no age requirement
- North Dakota – no age requirement
- Ohio – 16 years old
- Oklahoma – 16 years old
- Oregon – no age requirement
- Pennsylvania – 16 years old
- Rhode Island – 18 years old
- South Carolina – 16 years old
- South Dakota – 18 years old
- Tennessee – 16 years old
- Texas – 17 years old
- Utah – 17 years old
- Vermont – 18 years old
- Virginia – no age requirement
- Washington – 17 years old
- West Virginia – 18 years old
- Wisconsin – 18 years old
- Wyoming – 16 years old
Be sure to check the education requirements for your state as well, because while some states don’t even have an age requirement, they may still have minimal education requirements.
For example, the only way you’re going to cosmetology school as a minor in New Hampshire is if you graduate high school early. Some of the requirements can be misleading in that way.
Can you attend cosmetology school if you’re still in high school?
In some states, you can attend cosmetology if you’re still in high school. This depends on your state’s laws and regulations.
If your state doesn’t require you to have a high school diploma or GED, and you meet the age requirement, you can attend high school and cosmetology school simultaneously.
Here are the states where you can attend cosmetology school as a high schooler:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
How much does it cost to attend cosmetology school?
Cosmetology school can cost from $5,000-$15,000, depending on where you live and your school of choice and if it’s a top cosmetology school the price may vary from $10,000-$20,000.
It depends on where you live and the school you choose.
Luckily, if you go to an accredited cosmetology school, you can access financial aids such as:
- FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines eligibility for federal aid.
- Pell Grant: A grant that doesn’t need to be repaid. The amount depends on the cost of attendance, family contribution, enrollment status, and length of enrollment.
- Direct Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available.
For more detailed information about financial aid, you can search here.
This can be a huge help in affording the school you want to attend.
You can check whether a school is accredited or not by searching for it here.
What is the application process like?
The application process for cosmetology school is fairly straightforward, thankfully!
When you’re looking to apply to cosmetology schools, you will first want to schedule tours with the schools you’re interested in.
There are many questions you’ll want to ask during these tours, including:
- What programs do you offer?
- When can new students enroll?
- What career opportunities are available for cosmetology professionals?
- What sets your school apart from others?
- How do your instructors prepare students for success after graduation?
- What financial aid options or scholarships are available?
Once you know your deadline, you can fill in an application and submit it. Often, you’ll then schedule an interview with the school, and sometimes you’ll be given an entrance exam.
Once your payment is taken care of, you’ll sign an enrollment contract and begin school.
What do you learn in cosmetology school?
Cosmetology programs primarily focus on hair styling and cutting while also incorporating essential business and customer service skills. A well-rounded curriculum provides hands-on training in key beauty services, preparing students for a successful career in the industry. Here’s what you can expect:
- Core Cosmetology – Covers professional ethics, personal grooming, hygiene, anatomy, and the proper use of cosmetology tools.
- Hair Care & Styling – Learn about scalp health, shampooing, cutting, thinning, curling, and advanced styling techniques, including updos and extensions.
- Hair Coloring – Master highlights, lowlights, full-color application, and color matching based on skin tone.
- Nail Care – Covers manicures, pedicures, nail disorders, acrylic application, and polish techniques.
- Skin Care – Learn about different skin types, facials, dermabrasion, cleansing methods, and hair removal.
- Makeup Application – Focus on color theory, airbrush techniques, and professional application methods.
- Salon Management – Covers client relations, marketing strategies, labor laws, and business operations.
This comprehensive curriculum equips aspiring cosmetologists with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed for a thriving beauty career.
How long does it take to complete cosmetology school?
It takes 9 to 12 months or 2 years on average to complete a cosmetology school but this can vary widely, depending on your state’s laws. Each state has a set number of educational hours you must meet. In addition, some states require a time period you must be in school for. Some people can complete their education in months, while others may take years.
What testing is required to obtain your license?
You will be required to take a written test and a practical test conducted by the state board of cosmetology after graduating from cosmetology school. If you pass both of these, you’ll earn your license! To pass, you need to score a specific percentage determined by your state.
If you need help with your Cosmetology Exam Prep, try our Ultimate Cosmetology Exam Cheat Sheet!
Will your cosmetology school help you find a job?
Some cosmetology schools will help you find a job, while others won’t. This is one of the questions you should ask a school before you enroll.
While there are plenty of fabulous beauty schools that don’t offer help with job placement, it is an added bonus that can really help you start off on the right foot in your career. This is especially true if you don’t have any connections in the industry already.
Considering the investment in cosmetology school, aspiring students often wonder about job placement assistance. Next Insurance, a leading provider in the industry, offers comprehensive coverage for beauty professionals, potentially easing the transition from graduation to a successful career by providing valuable resources and support.
Conclusion
It can be overwhelming to look for information on cosmetology schools, especially when each state’s requirements vary so widely. We hope all your questions have been answered here to help you move forward in your education, whether you have to wait to do so or not! you’re ready to start now or need more time?
Consider applying unique situations, with your schedule, budget, or career goals, and choose a program that best fits your needs. No matter what, take the next step when you feel ready, and you’ll be on the path to success in your cosmetology career.
By reflecting on what matters most to you, you’ll make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and sets you up for success in this exciting industry.
Related Reads
- Life After Cosmetology School: How To Start Your Career As A Newly Licensed Cosmetologist
- What’s The Difference Between A Cosmetologist And An Esthetician?
- Beauty Salon Services Every Cosmetologist Should Know About
As a beauty industry entrepreneur, balancing creativity with business acumen means securing your assets with the best insurance coverage.
