Des Moines Cosmetology School

More than a Beauty School -  The Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines is more than a beauty school. We are Iowa’s award-winning, accredited, cutting edge, eco-friendly Cosmetology and Spa Institution dedicated to shaping the future of beauty, our industry, and the world we live in. The mission is achieved based on principles of: TRUST & RESPECT, TEAMWORK, PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, KNOWLEDGE & GROWTH, EXCELLENT SERVICE

Cosmetology Program OVERVIEW

1550 hours | 44 weeks

The training program provides theoretical study which serves as the foundation of the student’s education. Practical experience builds on classroom theory to provide the essential technical training of a salon professional. Each phase of the students’ education emphasizes a different combination of fundamental cosmetology subject matter. The Cosmetology program is comprised of hair and scalp treatments, hair shaping, hair arranging, chemical waving and relaxing, hair coloring, facial treatments and skin care, hair removal, natural nail care, and acrylic nails. The program also provides instruction in Des Moines, Iowa law, safety, and sanitation, as well as personal/business development and career management.

Program Objective

The objective of this program is to prepare the students for the state licensing examination in Cosmetology and to provide appropriate and comprehensive training thereby enabling them to enter the field of Cosmetology. Graduates of the program will be employable as salon service providers, salon sales representatives, salon owners/managers, business managers, industry educators, and freelance artists. The Nurtur Aveda Institute graduate will receive a diploma in Cosmetology and will be prepared to enter the industry with a higher than average skill level. 

Instructional Methods

The program is taught using several different types of instructional methods such as lectures, videos, hands-on techniques, demonstrations, overheads, power points, and internet research.

Serving the DES MOINES AREA

Whether you live in Windsor Heights or Polk City the commute to Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines is well worth the level of education you can expect to receive. 

Distance from Windsor Heights, IA: 8 Miles
Distance from Pleasant Hill, IA: 19 Miles
Distance from Polk City, IA: 19 Miles
Distance from Indianola, IA: 26 Miles

Great Stories Start at Aveda Institutes

Dottie Green

NAHA 2020 Student Hairstylist of the Year

Columbus, OH

I came in for a tour & immediately was greeted. It felt like home immediately. It was the best decision I could have made for my career.

Megan Bitterman

Educator at Aveda Institute Columbus

Columbus, OH

I went to a 4 year college... did corporate America for about 7 years and did not enjoy that grind whatsoever. I just did not feel the payoff. So, I found Aveda, took a tour and signed up!

Jake Ivins

Cosmetology Educator at Aveda Institute

Chapel Hill, NC

It’s about the students & watching them grow. That’s where my satisfaction & fulfillment comes from.

Bethany Brown

Education Manager at Aveda Institute

Columbus, OH

Being a cosmetologist is something I’m passionate about, but my real purpose is to educate people.

Chloe Steverson

Stylist, Nurtur Salon + Spa

Columbus, OH

I didn’t even tour any other schools.  I knew that I wanted to go to Aveda because I believed in the products and what the company stood for.

Daniel Holzberger

Salon Owner, Award-Winning Stylist, Van Michael Salon

Atlanta, GA

At this point, I have worked editorial, I’ve done hair shows, I’ve done education for Aveda for years and years and years. I’ve worked behind the chair, I’ve owned salons , I’ve owned barber shops, I own a scissor company, I’ve even worked for Aveda in a warehouse. If you go into cosmetology your options are limitless, they really are.

Ebony Ivey

Esthetics Educator at Aveda Fredric's Institute

Cincinnati, OH

I didn't see a lot of Aftrican American estheticians in the field, but I felt like this is a lane for me.... I'm going to create my own lane and I'm going to be the example that I was looking for.

Johnny Haeger

Celebrity & Freelance Stylist, Self-Employed

New York, NY

Its great being my own boss but I don’t think I would have been able to do any of that without the ton of education and foundation I received from Aveda

Become a Cosmetologist in 13 Months!

We're excited to announce the 2025 Brilliant Future Scholarship Contest. This is an opportunity for graduating 2025 high school seniors starting our cosmetology program in June, July, or August to be awarded a scholarship toward their education!

More Info

We pride ourselves on providing high quality education to our students. Our Institutes and students have been honored by American Association of Cosmetology Schools, Salon Today Magazine, Modern Salon Magazine, the North American Hairstyling Awards, the Professional Beauty Association and more!

Golden School Award Winner - School of the Year

The Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines won the AACS School of the Year Award; demonstrating excellence in culture, education, marketing, student achievement, financial acumen, and community. This award is the best cosmetology school in the entire United States.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to express your creativity and establish a solid professional career, look no further. Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines offers affordable, top-quality education to our future professionals. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to assist you during the various stages of the financial aid process. Together, we will explore the financial assistance programs available to you and determine a plan that meets your needs. Financial assistance programs available to Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines students are listed below.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Federal student aid is available to qualified students. Those that qualify may be awarded a Pell grant, Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and/or Direct Parent Plus loan. In order to be considered for aid, a student must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The amount of financial aid that a student may be awarded is based on a student’s EFC (Expected Family Contribution), which is determined by his or her FAFSA application.

Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines School Code – 042033

Complete the FAFSA Online
My FAFSA ID

VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS

Students eligible for Veterans Education benefits may be able to use these funds to help finance their education. Our institute currently accepts all forms of Veterans Education benefits, with the exception of the yellow ribbon program. The school will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other instructional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from the VA.

For more information regarding Veterans Education benefits, contact VA’s National call center at 1-888-442-4551 or visit www.va.gov. For additional information, eligibility criteria, and instructions on how to apply for VA Educational Benefits”, visit benefits.va.gov/gibill.

DOWNLOAD EDUCATIONAL LOANS CODE OF CONDUCT DISCLOSUR

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

*The NURTUR Aveda Institute Des Moines does not use a preferred lender.

A retail center for Aveda hair, skin, flower and plant Pure-Fume, body care, makeup, and lifestyle products. The retail store and our Aveda trained personnel give you the opportunity to practice your service and retailing skills with clients.

GUEST SERVICE AREA

A diverse array of clients come to the Nurtur Aveda Institute for beauty and wellness services. As a student, you will receive training in a variety of salon and spa settings under the direct supervision of your licensed instructors. The Institute has 122 Cosmetology stations, 8 manicure and 10 pedicure stations, 8 fully equipped spa rooms, and a private wax room for students to perform services on guests.

STUDENT CLASSROOMS

Individual classrooms have been designed to provide the proper environment for different types of learning and activities. All of the classrooms are equipped with ample seating and learning space, as well as state-of-the-art audio and visual learning devices. Classrooms can be opened to provide additional space for continuing education classes sponsored by the Institute.

RESOURCE LIBRARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

A resource library has books on styling, motivation, health, wellness and environmental consciousness for your reference. The clinic floor is surrounded by administrative offices and the leads are available throughout the day to answer student questions. Educator offices are located near the classrooms. Laptop and copy machines are available for student use.

COMMON AREAS

The Nurtur Aveda Institute offers water fountains in the Experience Center, restrooms located in both the Cosmetology and Spa areas, and a student break room equipped with refrigerators, microwaves and vending machines for student use. The common areas also include a dispensary with state-of-the-art equipment, including industrial washers and dryers.

LOCKERS & WORKSTATIONS

Students are responsible for all of their belongings. Students will be provided with a locker and workstation. If the student leaves the Nurtur Aveda Institute by transfer, withdrawal or extended leave of absence, they need to take all of their belongings with them. Items left in the locker/workstation will be disposed of after 5 school days in order to provide space for incoming students.

PARKING & ENTRANCE

The Nurtur Aveda Institute offers student parking directly north of the Institute (across the street). All spaces located on the west side of the Institute should be reserved for our guests. Students must enter the building through the doors marked “student entrance” at the front of the building.

  • No, we currently only offer instruction on-campus at our location in West Des Moines.

  • Depending on consistent attendance, it takes 44 scheduled weeks to complete the 1550 hour Cosmetology Program consisting of Hair, Skin, Nail Care, and Makeup Application.

  • Depending on consistent attendance, it takes 44 scheduled weeks to complete the 1550 hour Cosmetology Program consisting of Hair, Skin, Nail Care, and Makeup Application.  Upon completion, you will be ready to take the Iowa Licensing Exam.

  • 44 Weeks | 1550 Hours of Cosmetology School will enable you to be ready to take the Iowa Licensing Exam.

  • Throughout the year we offer a number of different schedules to let students choose the schedule that works for them.

  • The cost for students at Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines is estimated at $26,326.50, which includes tuition, student kit charges, Iowa sales tax, registration fee and other expenses as well. Federal Financial Aid is available for students who qualify.

  • To qualify for cosmetology licensure in Iowa, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of Iowa' minimum required training hours and then take and pass the state's cosmetology board exams.

  • No, a U.S. High School Diploma (or U.S. equivalent) is required.

  • Hair cutting, hair styling, hair color, skin care, makeup, nails, waxing and more!

  • Cosmetology is the art and science of beauty care. A cosmetologist is an expert in beautifying the hair, skin and nails. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, nail care, and hair removal.

  • Cosmetologists are commonly found working in salons, Estheticians are typically found in spas. While they share common ground, cosmetologists provide a wide variety of beauty services that are more focused around hair but include basic esthetics skills  and estheticians focus on skin care services and are not licensed to do hair services.

  • Cosmetologists learn everything about hair, but they also learn other services in the fields of esthetics and nails. Barbering is limited to men’s hair care and grooming.

  • Cosmetology school and beauty school are just different names for the same education.

  • Currently, some states allow a percentage of your cosmetology program to be done online. The percentage allowed for online education varies by state.

    We currently only offer instruction on-campus at our location in West Des Moines.

Student Documents & Disclosures

As an Institute, we have a lot of very valuable and important pieces of information that are too long to condense into a single web page. For these we have created documents that are available for you to download and view at your leisure.

Student Catalog

Consumer Information Packet

Campus Security Report

Educational Loans Code of Conduct

FERPA

Notice of FSA Penalties for Drug Law Violations

Sexual Harassment Policies & Grievance Procedures

College Scorecard

Additional resources available

The Internet is full of great resources that can help you to succeed on your path to a career in beauty & wellness. We’ve collected a few links to external sites that you may find valuable. This list may change from time to time as we discover new items of interest.

IA Voter Registration Information

Department of Education

NCES College Navigator Guide

Vaccination

Aveda.edu

NACCAS ANNUAL REPORT DATA

Completion, Placement, Licensure Applicable outcome rates for the 2020 National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) annual report year for Nurtur Aveda Institute Des Moines (School ID 025042-00) are as follows:

 

COSMETOLOGY

ESTHIOLOGY

MASSAGE THERAPY
Completion Rate 73% 95.5% 75%
Licensure Rate 100% 97% 88.9%
Placement Rate 86.7% 71.4% 77.8%

 

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