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.

Great Stories Start at Aveda Institutes

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

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.

Katja Geisler

Educator at Aveda Fredric's Institute

Indianapolis, IN

When I was younger I thought I wanted to be a singer, then I wanted to be a model, then I wanted to be a fashion designer, then I wanted to be a journalist... I went through so many things, and hairstylist was never on the radar initially.

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.

Toni Robinson

Educator at Aveda Institute

Chapel Hill, NC

If you enjoy your work then it doesn’t matter how many hours you put into it.

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.

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.

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!

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.

NIGHT PROGRAM

1,500-1,600 hours | 62-66 weeks
(Los Angeles beginning in July 2021)
We’re excited to announce the launch of a night option for our cosmetology program. This gives you flexibility during the day as you pursue your new career in the evenings. Enrollment is now open! request info with the form below to learn more about our night program!

Hybrid Online Cosmetology School

HYBRID ON-CAMPUS/ONLINE EDUCATION!

(Online education not offered in Indianapolis)

We are now offering hybrid learning for our cosmetology and esthetics programs. The combination of online and on-campus education mixes technology with traditional education techniques to provide a cutting-edge learning experience. Your virtual learning will include professional development, haircutting theory, and more that will be the foundation for your hands-on education.

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 2021 Brilliant Future Scholarship Contest. This is an opportunity for graduating 2021 high school seniors starting our cosmetology program in June, July, or August to be awarded a $1,000 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.

Complete the FAFSA Online
My FAFSA PIN

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.

Cosmetology Blog

How Long is Cosmetology School in Ohio

So you are ready to get started to fulfill your passion and get your cosmetology license! At the cosmetology school at Aveda Institute you will learn hair cutting, color, texture services, nail care, makeup application, business development, retail knowledge, and the concept of gaining and...

Unknown Facts about Cosmetology

Cosmetology is much more than hair coloring and makeup. Cosmetology is a huge industry that can lead to many different types of cosmetology careers. With all the options, you will never get stuck in a career rut! Cosmetologists work as salon owners, makeup artists, concentrate on skin and nails,...

Cosmetology Requirements: What it Takes

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! But what does it take to become a...

Going Back to School: Part Time or Full Time

Going back to school can be a daunting task. Switching to your dream career will take commitment and will be worth it from day one.  Be honest with yourself and the amount of time you have to commit towards the course load for your new career. If you need to still work full time, you may...

Alisha Kemp Named 2021 Student Hairstylist of the Year

Each year, our Aveda Institutes select one deserving student to participate in a photoshoot with award-winning photographer Keith Bryce that is entered into the North American Hairstyling Awards for Student Hairstylist of the Year. In 2020 one of our Aveda Institute Columbus students, Dottie...

Get the Skills to be a Beauty Professional