WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Great Stories Start at Aveda Institutes

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.

Stefanie Fox Jackson

Owner at Canvas Salon and Skin Bar

Columbus, OH

I started cosmetology school when I was 18. I actually gave up a full ride academic scholarship four weeks in to college. When the Aveda Institute opened in Columbus, it was the very first school that was prestigious for beauty in the Columbus area. When a great school opened up I think it was giving me permission to make that decision.

Savina N. Woods

Owner/Creator, Porcelain Doll Beauty

Charlotte, NC

I started Porcelain Dolls Beauty, which is a custom wig line. I have my own hair extension line as well, but my brand mostly focuses on women with hair loss issues, like alopecia, hair loss from chemo, and things of that nature.

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.

Katie Hammonds

Education Manager at Aveda Fredric's Institute

Indianapolis, IN

Working on movie sets are moments that I’ll never forget.

Levi Gragg

Senior Stylist, Nurtur Salon + Spa

Columbus, OH

It was one of the first times I thought, oh my god this is a career that I haven’t thought about that opens up a lot of doors for me.

Jake Ivins

Educator, Aveda Institute Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Any opportunity I have to make someone else feel good, you know, my cup overflows. I just love helping people just to feel and look their best.

Ashley Thomas

Educator at Aveda Fredric's Institute

Indianapolis, IN

Cosmetology was something I had thought about, but I had never seriously considered because I thought it was just a non-starter. Then I heard about the Aveda Institute and it just wouldn't leave my mind once I heard about it.

Become a Cosmetologist in 13 Months!

By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for Aveda Institute to contact you regarding our programs and services using email, telephone, or text - including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods/services.

COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM

1500-1600 hours | 52-56 weeks

Express your creativity and talent in hair, skin, nail care and makeup application. Our cosmetology program at the Aveda Institute incorporates at least 1,500 hours of extensive hands-on learning to provide you a complete understanding of beauty and wellness. Upon completion, you will be ready to take the state licensing exam. All cosmetology students will receive Level I MUD Makeup Certification with the option for further MUD Certifications upon graduation.

ADVANCED COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM

(only available in Ohio)
300 hours | 8-10 weeks 

Select Aveda Institutes offer an advanced cosmetology program that provides knowledge that the State requires for managing cosmetology. Upon completion you will be ready to take the state licensing exam.

COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

(Not Offered In Los Angeles)
800-1000 hours | 24-26 weeks

Each year, the Aveda Institute selects a very limited number of graduates to participate in its Cosmetology and Esthetics Instructor Training Program. Our cosmetology instructor training program consists of at least 800 hours of classroom and hands-on training combined. Students completing the instructor training program will receive the education necessary to become licensed as cosmetology instructors.

Award winning education

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

See our awards

Photos by Keith Bryce

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

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.

Aveda Fredric's Institute Cincinnati School Code – 038373
Aveda Fredric's Institute Indianapolis School Code – 041559
Aveda Institute Columbus School Code – 041378
Aveda Institute Chapel Hill School Code – 041407
Aveda Institute Los Angeles School Code* – 041378
*Aveda Institute Los Angeles operates as a branch of the Aveda Institute Columbus and uses the same school code.

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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 the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, visit www.gibill.va.gov.

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Cosmetology Blog

Is Cosmetology or Esthetics a Better Fit

Cosmetology programs cover a wider range of skills but in less depth, while Esthetics programs offer in-depth study of skincare and its related practices. Cosmetology can be defined in many terms: hair stylist, artist, expert in applying cosmetic procedures and skin care, and many more!...

Is Beauty School For You

The field of cosmetology is always growing and there will always be a demand for career opportunities as beauty professionals. If you have a passion for beauty, creativity, and helping others feel confident and beautiful, Cosmetology is the career for you! Get ready to express your creativity with...

What Will I Learn in Cosmetology School

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, skincare, nail care, and hair removal. Cosmetologists learn everything about hair, but they also learn other services in the fields of...

What is a Cosmetologist

The definition of a cosmetologist is a licensed professional who performs cosmetic treatments on hair, nails, and skin. However, a cosmetologist can be defined in many terms: hair stylist, artist, expert in applying cosmetic procedures and skin care, and many more! Cosmetologists hold a variety of...

Is Cosmetology School Right for You

Cosmetology has many different exciting career paths that you can choose from to use your passion for creativity and to help others. People love cosmetology because a career in cosmetology is rewarding and you will never get stuck in a rut, as every day is different!  The field of...

Brilliant Future Scholarship

We're excited to announce our annual Brilliant Future Scholarship. This is an opportunity for 2025 graduating high school seniors who start in our June, July or August 2025 classes to be awarded a scholarship toward their education! GUIDELINES AND RULES To qualify for the...

Get the Skills to be a Beauty Professional

By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for Aveda Institute to contact you regarding our programs and services using email, telephone, or text - including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods/services.