Wilmington Esthetician School

The Aveda Institute in Wilmington, NC was founded to create some of the most successful entrepreneurs in hair, skin and nail esthetics, makeup, massage and total body wellness. Our students are educated by accomplished professionals, using innovative curriculums that blend professional techniques with retail and business-building skills.

The Aveda Institute Wilmington emphasizes personal well-being as well as environmental responsibility. Using Aveda pure flower and plant essences and plant-based products, we affirm the relationship between personal beauty, wellness and the environment.

 

Great Stories Start at Aveda Institutes

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.

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.

Natasha Perkins

Salon Development Partner at Aveda

Indianapolis, IN

I’ve always wanted to be a hairstylist.

Aubrey Cole

Marketing Team Lead at Nurtur Aveda Institutes

Loveland, OH

When I toured the Aveda Institute I felt this energy in my soul that said this is the environment I want to be in.

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.

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.

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.

Sam Williams

Educator at Aveda Fredric's Institute

Indianapolis, IN

Seeing how the instructors interacted with the students & wanted them to succeed inspired me to want to be that person.

Become an Esthetician in 5 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.

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

ESTHETICS PROGRAM

600 hours

Aveda Institute Wilmington's Esthetics Program teaches skin care, body care, waxing & makeup with an emphasis on high-touch techniques using high-tech delivery during spa clinic treatments. Upon completion, you will be ready to take the North Carolina licensing exam. 

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 Institute Wilmington School Code – 013850

Complete the FAFSA Online
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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.

  • Depending on consistent attendance, it takes 21 scheduled weeks to complete the 600 hour Esthetics Program.

  • Depending on consistent attendance, it takes 21 scheduled weeks to complete the 600 hour Esthetics Program.

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

  • The cost for students at Aveda Institute Wilmington Esthetics Program is estimated at $12,741, which includes tuition, student kit charges and other expenses as well.
     

  • To qualify for an Esthetics License in North Carolina, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state of North Carolina's minimum required training hours and then take the state's Esthetic board exams.

  • Esthiology is esthetics. Esthetics is the practice of skin care and related skin beautification. This can be by the means of a facial, body treatment, waxing, or even makeup application.

  • An Esthetician provides services focused on skin care including, but not limited to, skin treatments, facials, makeup application and hair removal.

  • Both occupations are licensed skin care specialists. Generally, Estheticians focus on cosmetic treatments, and Aestheticians’ roles are more medical.

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Cosmetology Blog

How to Become a Skin Care Expert

Esthetics is the application of various techniques to the epidermal layer of the skin. This can include facials, waxing, and more!  Estheticians focus on cosmetic treatments and is the practice of skincare and related skin beautification. This can be by the means of a facial, body...

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!...

What is an Esthetician

An Esthetician provides services focused on skin care including, but not limited to, skin treatments, facials, makeup application and hair removal. Esthetics is a growing career field that you can use to show off your creativity and communication skills. Esthiology is the cosmetic practice of...

Turn Your Love of Skin Care into a Career

Do you love keeping up with all of the trends for beautiful skin? Becoming a licensed esthetician can combine your love of skincare into a rewarding career! Estheticians focus on cosmetic treatments and is the practice of skincare and related skin beautification. This can be by means of a...

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.