How Long is Cosmetology Schools: All You Need to Know

Planning your future is exciting, and becoming a cosmetologist may seem like the perfect career plan for you. Are you interested in becoming one but wondering about how long do you have to go to cosmetology schools and how many hours of cosmetology school do you need in the U.S.?

Cosmetology offers an amazing opportunity to work in an industry that’s not only fast-paced and demanding but also incredibly creative and rewarding. One of the greatest advantages of enrolling in cosmetology school is the speed at which you can transition into your career.

You will be able to complete your cosmetology training in as little as eight months or as long as two years.

There are several factors affecting how long it will does it take to get a cosmetology degree. However, on average, most students will finish a full cosmetology program in 12 to 14 months.

What Factors Play a Role in How Long Does It Take to Get a Cosmetology Degree?

Various factors play a crucial role in how long does it take to get a cosmetology degree, such as licensing requirements, programs you choose to pursue, and whether you choose to study full time or part time.

State Licensing Requirements

Different states in the US have different licensing requirements for cosmetologists, meaning you’ll need to complete a certain number of hours of school if you want to practice in a particular state. This is one of the main factors that influence the length of cosmetology school.

The number of required hours can range considerably from state to state. For example, you’ll need to complete 1,000 hours of cosmetology school if you want to practice in New York and 1,200 hours if you want to practice in Florida.

Colorado, Idaho, and Iowa ask for some of the highest numbers of hours – 1,800, 2,000, and 2,100 hours respectively. This means if you want to work as a licensed cosmetologist in any of these states, you’ll need to ensure you’ve completed at least those amount of hours in cosmetology programs.

The average across all states is 1,500 hours. You can check out the different licensing requirements for each state on the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) website.

Which Programs You Choose to Study?

Cosmetology schools offer a variety of different programs. These include:

Each program can take a different length of time to complete. For example, a barbering program can take 1,500 hours to complete while an esthetician course can take between 600 and 1,000 hours. However, this can vary depending on the number of hours required on a state-to-state level.

So specialized courses typically doesn’t take as long to complete as a full cosmetology program to complete. Full cosmetology programs cover a range of different areas, which is why they usually take longer.

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL: EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS

Specialized programs in specific areas, such as nail tech and salon management, are usually shorter. For this reason, they’re usually the best option for those seeking part-time hours. 

However, if you choose to study a cosmetology course part-time, it can take you longer to get your license because of the hours being spread out. It’s difficult to say exactly how long a part-time cosmetology program might take you as it depends on how many hours and days you’re at school per week.

Can I Complete a Cosmetology Apprenticeship Rather Than Go to Cosmetology School?

It depends on the state. Not all states allow cosmetology students to complete apprenticeships in place of a full cosmetology program.

As of writing, the following states allow cosmetology apprenticeships in cosmetology in alternate are:

• Alabama.
• Alaska.
• California.
• Delaware.
• Colombia.
• Georgia.
• Hawaii.
• Idaho.
• Kentucky.
• Maine.
• Maryland.
• Michigan.
• Missouri.
• New Hampshire.
• Oklahoma.
• Pennsylvania.
• Utah.
• Vermont.
• Virginia.
• Washington.
• Wisconsin.

If your desired state isn’t on that list, then, unfortunately, you won’t be able allowed to complete an cosmetology apprenticeship instead of a cosmetology degree. If you want to be a cosmetologist, you’ll have to go to school and complete the required number of hours.

More states may be added to this list at any time, so be sure to check with your state board of cosmetology or a similar regulatory body.

Is a Cosmetology Apprenticeship Better Than Going to Cosmetology School?

It really just depends on what sort of experience you’re after! There are several differences to know:

• How long does it take to become licensed?
• How much do you want to learn?
• The amount of practical training.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist?

As we’ve discussed earlier in this blog, the average length of cosmetology school is 1,500 hours – at least. If you’re at school, you’ll be attending full time so it will take you at least a year to become licensed.

For apprenticeships, the hours are usually double. So, if you study for 1,500 hours at cosmetology school, you’d need to undertake an apprenticeship for 3,000 hours.

Why is this the requirement? The thinking here is that at school, you’ll get to focus on learning full-time – which means all the time. With apprenticeships, your learning (and any progress you make towards it) will depend on the number of customers who come to the salon you’re working at and what they ask for.

Another point is that apprentices might not attend to all the customers.

So, many apprentices find themselves running more errands than training.

At cosmetology school, this isn’t usually the case because you’ll be learning all the time, whether it’s with real customers or mannequins. You’d still get the chance to practice, even as a student.

How Much You Want to Learn?

At cosmetology school, there’s a specific curriculum that your instructors and teachers will follow. This curriculum ensures that you get the right kind and amount of guidance needed to become a qualified cosmetologist.

That’s why there are a particular number of hours attached to specific courses, such as hair styling, esthetics, nail tech, and so on.

Apprenticeships, however, are much more practical and there’s no formal curriculum in place. There are no timetables, detailing precisely what skill you might learn on what day and in what setting.

This means you might reach the end of your cosmetology apprenticeship without properly learning all you could learn, purely because there were no or few clients asking for that service. As a result, your skill sets after you become licensed might be more limited compared to that of a cosmetologist who went to school.

The Amount of Practical Training

One of the biggest differences between a cosmetology apprenticeship and going to school is the learning experience.

COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL: YOUR PATHWAY TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

Cosmetology school is a valuable investment, especially when considering the time it takes to complete. Now that you understand the duration of cosmetology programs, there’s no reason to hesitate—getting licensed is worth it. While program lengths vary, you should now have a clearer idea of what to expect. If you’re passionate about becoming a cosmetologist or preparing for the cosmetology exam, take advantage of our free practice tests to boost your confidence and ensure you’re ready for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the career opportunities available after graduating from cosmetology school?

The following are the career opportunities available for cosmetology students after graduation:

• Hairstylist
• Nail technician
• Cosmetologist
• Cosmetology instructor
• Esthetician
• Makeup artist

What topics and skills are covered in cosmetology school?

Below are some of the topics that are typically covered in the cosmetology program:

• Skincare
• Nail care
• Makeup application and cosmetics
• Hair care
• Hair coloring
• face treatments

Can I work while attending cosmetology school?

Yes, you can consider working part-time at a salon or spa. Working a part-time job gives you hands-on experience that will put you ahead in your future career.

How long is makeup school?

The length of makeup school varies depending on the program and certification level. Basic makeup courses can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, while more comprehensive programs, such as those leading to professional certification, may last six months to a year. If you’re enrolling in a cosmetology program that includes makeup artistry, it could take anywhere from 9 to 24 months.

Related Read

• How Hard Is Cosmetology School? What You Need To Know Before You Enroll
• How Much Does Cosmetology School Cost?
• The 5 Best Cosmetology Schools In Texas

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