World Beauty Schools

Cosmetology Schools and Courses

Cosmetology is broad training across hair, skin and nails. In the United States it is the best-known route into a state licence; in other countries the same ground is covered by several separate qualifications, so compare what is taught rather than the name. 312 verified listings from 211 providers below.

312 programs & classes

Results are listed alphabetically. There is no price ranking: prices in different currencies and bases (per day, per course, per year, per instalment) are not comparable. Courses for teens and children appear only when you choose a youth audience. Online programs are never counted as physically located in a state or city. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change recognition status, verification or order.

What cosmetology training covers

  • Haircutting, colouring and styling
  • Skin care and basic facial treatments
  • Manicure and pedicure
  • Sanitation, safety and salon practice
  • Theory for any licensing examination

Typical routes

Most programs are full-time or part-time career programs of six months or more, taught at a school or college. Some colleges award an associate degree or a diploma alongside the training. A short course in one skill is not a substitute for a full program where a licence requires set hours.

Also searched as: cosmetologist, beauty and cosmetology, cosmetology school. Variants are folded into this page rather than split into near-duplicates.

Before you choose a course

  • Which authority, if any, approves the school or the course for the place where you want to work
  • Contact hours and practical hours, shown separately from elapsed time
  • Whether the certificate is an attendance record, an assessed provider award or an external qualification
  • What the price includes: kit, consumables, uniform, registration and assessment fees
  • Whether graduates are eligible to sit a licensing examination in the place you intend to work, as confirmed by the licensing authority

What this is not

Cosmetology covers several disciplines. If you only want one, esthetician, nail technician or barbering programs may fit better.

More in Cosmetology

Broad, multi-discipline training covering hair, skin and nails. In several countries it is the route the licence is built on.

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