Cosmetology Training at Trade Schools
Cosmetology programs will teach students about hair styling, hair cutting, chemical treatments, weaving, straightening and coloring hair, as well as skin care and nail care. You will also learn about hygiene and sanitation techniques.- Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio
- Austin
- Denison, Van Alstyne,
- Houston, Missouri City, Stafford
- Houston
- Amarillo, San Antonio, El Paso
- Denton
- Houston
- Arlington, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Hurst, Houston, San Antonio, Stafford
- Arlington, Austin, Webster, Carrollton, Houston, San Antonio
- Forth Worth, Garland, Houston, Webster
- Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio, Waco
- El Paso, Killeen, Beaumont, College Station, Longview, Lubbock
- Weatherford, Bridgeport
- Wharton, Richmond, Sugar Land, Bay City
Aveda Institutes (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Aveda Institute Cosmetology Program offers comprehensive training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, makeup, nail care, and business development using Aveda’s patented techniques and products. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced texture curriculum and client retention strategies, preparing them for diverse career paths such as salon stylist, makeup artist, or beauty influencer. Graduates join a prestigious network of award-winning professionals, benefiting from Aveda’s industry-leading education and reputation.
Avenue Five Institute (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
Avenue Five Institute's 1000-hour Hybrid Cosmetology Program uses a flexible learning model to allow students to graduate and pursue licensure in as little as 9 months. The hybrid structure combines 4 hours of on-campus training Monday through Friday (with Morning, Afternoon, or Evening schedule options) with 10 hours of weekly distance learning. The accredited program provides comprehensive skills training in hair cutting, coloring, skincare, and nail care, while also preparing students for the State Board exam and emphasizing business acumen.
Grayson College (Rating: 4.1 out 5)
Grayson College offers several affordable Cosmetology certificate programs that can be completed in one year or less, each designed to meet state licensing requirements through hands-on training in a professional salon setting. Program options range from a 5-month Nail Technician Certificate to a 41-credit Class A Barber Certificate, with graduates eligible to take their respective State Board Examinations for licensure upon successful completion. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED, with specific credit hours and clock hour requirements, and tuition is competitively priced with in-district rates starting at \$100 per credit hour.
Houston Community College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Cosmetology program provides comprehensive training in hairstyling, makeup, and beauty treatments, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice to prepare students for Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) certification. Graduates are eligible for licensure and can pursue careers such as cosmetologists, estheticians, or lash specialists, with credential options including an Associate of Applied Science and various certificates. The program offers both hybrid and campus-based learning, emphasizing safety, technical skills, and professional development.
Lone Star College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
The Lone Star College Cosmetology program offers facial specialist and operator license tracks, approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam, and upon passing, can practice professionally in Texas. Career paths include roles such as hairdresser, nail technician, skin care specialist, and makeup artist, with opportunities in research, sales, and media.
Milan Institute (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
The Milan Institute's Cosmetology program offers a comprehensive 34-week* training curriculum in California, Nevada, and Texas, preparing students for state licensure and entry-level careers in beauty. Students gain technical expertise in hairstyling, chemical treatments, skin care, nail services, and professional development, along with essential sanitation and safety practices. Graduates are equipped to excel in various beauty industry roles and take the State Board examination with confidence.
North Central Texas College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
NCTC's Cosmetology program in Gainesville, Texas, offers flexible semester-based start dates for training in hair, skin, and nail services. Students can pursue certifications or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Cosmetology, Barbering, or Esthetics, gaining hands-on experience with industry trends and salon products. Graduates are equipped with the skills and qualifications for licensure and diverse career opportunities, including hairstylist, barber, skin care specialist, and salon manager.
Northwest Educational Center (Rating: 4 out 5)
Northwest Educational Center’s Cosmetology Program prepares students for a career in beauty, offering hands-on training in hairstyling, manicures, pedicures, braiding, and scalp treatments. Graduates are eligible to earn a cosmetology operator license, opening doors to employment in beauty or specialty salons with potential earnings of $70,000 or more annually. Flexible schedules, financial aid, and career services make this program accessible, while a specialized Cosmetology Instructor track enables licensed professionals to expand their careers through teaching.
Ogle School (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
Ogle School’s Cosmetology program offers flexible scheduling with full-time and part-time options, allowing students to complete their training in approximately 7 to 13 months, depending on the selected pace. The curriculum blends hands-on salon experience, business education through the Prosper U program, and a digital learning platform powered by Pivot Point International. Graduates are prepared to earn a state cosmetology license and pursue diverse careers in the beauty industry, supported by financial aid, scholarships, and multiple Texas campus locations.
Paul Mitchell Schools (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Program trains students, known as Future Professionals, for careers as licensed cosmetologists through a structured three-level curriculum: Core, Adaptive, and Creative. Students gain hands-on experience, receive a comprehensive professional kit, and are thoroughly prepared to pass the Cosmetology State Board Examination. With personalized guidance and financial aid support, graduates are equipped to achieve their dream careers in the beauty industry.
Remington College (Rating: 3.1 out 5)
Remington College’s Cosmetology Diploma program provides comprehensive training in hair, skin, and nail care, preparing students for licensure and careers in salons, spas, or nail salons. The curriculum covers haircutting, hairstyling, chemical services, and makeup theory, blending classroom instruction with hands-on experience. With accreditation from ACCSC and classes starting soon, students can quickly begin their journey toward a creative and flexible cosmetology career.
Southern Careers Institute (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
Southern Careers Institute’s Cosmetology Operator program provides comprehensive training in beauty and grooming services, including hair cutting, coloring, styling, skin care, nail techniques, and salon management. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and approved by the Texas Workforce Commission, the program includes preparation for the TDLR Cosmetology Operator License, with exam fees covered if taken within three months of completion. Students also earn 13 career skill badges, blending technical expertise with business knowledge for a flexible and creative career in the beauty industry.
Vista College (Rating: 3.3 out 5)
Vista College's Cosmetology Certificate program prepares students to become professional stylists in under a year through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on salon practice. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), the program offers small, focused classes to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for a successful cosmetology career. Career services support is also provided to assist graduates in finding employment opportunities.
Weatherford College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
This 60-credit A.A.S. degree builds on the Cosmetology Certificate and prepares graduates for advanced roles in the beauty industry, including education, salon management, and specialized services. Students must be TSI complete and already hold a cosmetology certificate to enroll. The program opens doors to a wide range of career paths, from hairstylist and esthetician to cosmetology instructor and beauty product entrepreneur.
Wharton County Junior College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
The WCJC Cosmetology Program offers a comprehensive 11-month, full-time day program to prepare students for entry-level salon careers. Students gain foundational skills in hair coloring, cutting, chemical reformation, and styling, while emphasizing professionalism and discipline. Graduates receive a certificate and become eligible to take the state board exam for cosmetology licensure, opening doors to roles like esthetician, makeup artist, and hairdresser.
Most programs consist of 1,500 hours, which is a number mandated by the state for the cosmetology license. However if you only want a facialist specialty license you are only required to take 750 hours, and 600 for a manicurist specialty license.
Less hours are required for the less common hair weaving specialty or hair braiding specialty licenses.
Cosmetology programs must be approved by the state in order for the class time to count for your license.
Hands On Training
Most cosmetology programs allow you to practice outside the classroom in a salon setting to allow students to perfect their skills, although you may have to pass a round of exams before you are allowed to practice on real clients.
Some Examples
At the Regency Beauty Institute, you can finish a program in about a year if you attend full time, but they also offer part time or evening schedules that would take longer. When you graduate you earn a diploma intended to leave you fully prepared to take the state licensing test.
The program at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi is designed to be completed in three semesters for a total of 42 semester credits. The price per semester is about $1,220.00, and does not include books, supplies or uniforms.
Other schools, like at the Paul Mitchell school, textbooks and a kit with equipment is included in a total tuition price that varies from campus to campus.
Some schools will help you get a shampoo or student apprentice permit to work in their salons shampooing and conditioning people’s hair while you are in school. This permit is free.
Career Overview
Texas has strict regulations on the cosmetology industry to ensure that the proper skills are learned and that sanitary and safety measures are followed.
The career title of cosmetologist can mean different things to different people, but because of oversight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the title does have as specific definition.
A cosmetologist is allowed to prep, style, cut and color hair, including beards. Cosmetologists are also allowed to give facials, and massages or other superficial treatments for hands, feet, neck and face, and give manicures and pedicures.
Other titles include a manicurist specialty, a facialist specialty, and in addition, depending on how and where you want to work, you must also apply for either an operator license to open your own salon, or a booth rental license if you want to contract the space.
Getting your Cosmetology License
At the end of the trade program, you must take a state exam to get your license. The exam consists of a written and a practical part.
The written part of the test consists of 100 multiple choice questions administered on the computer, and you have two hours to complete the test. To pass you must get at least 70 percent on the test.
The practical exam tests you for basic skills, with a focus on proper disinfection and sanitary techniques, or proper consumer safety protocol. You must have someone accompany you as a model for you to work on during the facial and manicure services.
Once the school sends proof to the board that you have completed their program, they will consider you eligible to take their exam for a year, and you can re-take the exam an unlimited amount of times during that year.
Tests for the specialty licenses vary but are similar, for instance the manicurist specialty written test only has 90 questions taken in an hour and 45 minutes.
The costs for the tests are all the same. The written portion is $55, and the practical portion is $78. If you fail the test, or don’t show up when you are scheduled to take it, you forfeit what you already paid for it The license must be renewed every two years.
If you complete the required 6 hours of continuing education there is no need to take the exam again, unless you allow the license to expire without renewing it for 5 years. If you are over age 65 and have had your license for more than 15 years, the required continuing education is only 2 hours.