Cosmetology schools are vocational training institutions that specialize in courses related haircutting, hairstyling, hair designing, skin care and manicuring. The specific curriculum varies rather widely from school to school, but generally you can specialize in the following areas.
- Cosmetology
- Hair Design
- Manicuring
- Esthetician
- Aromatherapy
- Teacher Training

All students are given a broad base education in the fundamentals of Cosmetology regardless of their desired area of concentration. A good fundamental background is necessary to understand the basic role of each specialized vocation in the Cosmetology industry.

Most Cosmetology schools provide programs that match the minimum state requirements to obtain a license in the selected vocation. Depending on your area of concentration and the state you live in, this can be anywhere from 200 hours to over 1800 hours. You will need to contact a cosmetology school in your area to get the specific requirements in your area. Most schools have open enrollment and operate on a bi-weekly starting schedule so you can start studying anytime. Generally you must be a high school graduate or have a GED and be at lease 17 years of age

Since most schools are private institutions they are not eligible for government grants and loans. There are scholarships available for the most deserving students and some schools fund work-study and internship programs to help the students fund the cost of the tuition. Special “Career Training” loans are also available for qualified students.

Tuition varies from school to school and program to program. Most cosmetology schools do not provide tuition costs online. They require you to contact them and obtain more information. We have seen programs that are as little as $2,000 and as much as $5,000.