Cosmetology provides a perfect outlet for expressing your creativity. To conceive and execute an intricate hairstyle or transform a client’s features with a few brushstrokes is a talent that can be perfected with formal training. As a cosmetologist, you’ll merge your creativity and skills to create unique and fun styles in the makeup, hair, and nail industries. The ability to create will not only benefit your clients but also boost your success and relevancy in the field. It is the vehicle that fuels word-of-mouth marketing, when clients are satisfied, and innovation to push forward and learn new skills.
Career colleges, licensed by Arizona, provide 1,600 hours of theory and practical training essential for a career as a cosmetologist. There you’ll acquire the technical skills to style, cut, and color hair, perform manicures and pedicures, and apply makeup. This training will augment your creativity and open the door to a wide variety of career options. The Arizona State Board of Cosmetology requires cosmetologists to take and pass the state exam to receive a license to practice. The exam consists of a written test and hands-on demonstration. Cosmetology offers flexibility, competitive income, and opportunities to specialize and be your own boss.
Avalon School of Cosmetology
The cosmetology program at Avalon School of Cosmetology prepares adults to unleash their creativity and start a successful career as a licensed cosmetologist. The student-focused program features individualized instruction, limited class sizes, and feedback from licensed professionals during the hands-on activities. Instructors will emphasize basic foundations for hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, hair extension application, manicuring, and makeup artistry. Practical hours will reinforce the beauty theory covered in the classroom. The Arizona Board of Cosmetology approved curriculum includes training in hair design, cutting, styling, and color, skin and nail care, business training, State Board preparation and training, career development, resume preparation, job searches, and interview skills. Day and evening schedules are offered. The day program meets Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The evening program meets Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Cosmetology Program
Duration: 55 weeks (full-time) 86 weeks (part-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Complete a pre-application interview questionnaire
- Attend a career planning interview
- Must have a genuine desire and commitment to successfully complete the cosmetology program
- Provide evidence of completing high school, GED, or associate degree
- Provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- Must provide a valid social security card
- Submit a completed application and other enrollment documents
- Pay the application fee of $50
Program cost:
The program cost of $19,468 includes tuition, books and supplies, student kit, and application fee.
Website: https://avalon.edu/locations/phoenix-az/
Address: 410 E. Bell Rd. Suite G100, Phoenix, AZ 85022
Phone: 602-443-0076
Empire Beauty Schools
Empire Beauty Schools offers a cosmetology program that helps adults prepare for the Arizona state licensing exam. The program comprises of Pre-Student and Student Salon components. The Pre-Salon covers principles and practices of infection control, anatomy physiology, and histology of the body, product pharmacology and chemistry interaction, diseases and disorders including the recognition and treatment of disorders, introduction to electricity light therapy, chemical texturizing, body and facial hair removal, nail technology, and hairstyling. During the Student Salon level, students will perform techniques and services on live models or mannequins. It will cover State Board preparation, salon aesthetics, salon nail technology, salon haircutting, and salon hair coloring. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm or Monday through Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Program overview:
Cosmetology Program
Duration: 53 weeks (full-time) 105 weeks (part-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Must meet the minimum age requirement
- Provide a copy of a valid state or federal issued photo ID
- A high school diploma or equivalent. Ability to Benefit is not offered at Empire Beauty School
- Attend a Career Planning Interview
- Submit a completed enrollment package and required fees
- Attend a student orientation before the start of the program
Program cost:
The program cost of $22,075 includes tuition, student supplies, student kit, registration fee, and application fee.
Website: https://www.empire.edu/cosmetology-schools/arizona/phoenix-glendale
Address: 2727 W. Glendale Ave, #200, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone: 602-748-4295
The Studio Academy of Beauty
Students enrolled in the cosmetology program at The Studio Academy of Beauty will learn hair cutting and styling, coloring and lightening, facials, makeup, manicuring, and Arizona State laws to prepare for licensure as a cosmetologist in the state. The program includes theory and mannequin work to develop proficiency in hair care and skin care in preparation for assigned practice sessions on the clinic floor. Instructors will use lectures, class assignments, video presentations, hands-on demonstrations, projects, and class discussions to deliver the content. Students will also have opportunities to interact with salon owners, local business speakers, guest artists, and product representatives as part of the training. They must attend all course hours to comply with Arizona requirements. The school offers monthly class start dates, flexible schedules, live demonstrations from product partners, Pivot Point curriculum, and opportunities to practice skills in a real-world setting. The daytime class meets Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. The evening class meets Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Cosmetology Program
Duration: 16 months (full-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen – must provide a valid passport, birth certificate, or alien registration number
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a completed application and fee
- Attend a student orientation before the start of the program
Program cost:
The program cost of $19,530 includes tuition, sales tax, books and kit fee, and registration fee.
Website: https://thestudioacademyofbeauty.com/cosmetology/
Address: 8046 N 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 623-900-7122
Gateway Community College
Students enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Gateway Community College will learn the skills necessary for operating a successful salon. They will learn how to attract and keep clients, state laws and business skills, and management skills specific to the beauty industry. Course topics include Hair Essentials, Nail Essentials, Student Salon 1 and 2, Skin Essentials, Hairstylist State Licensure Focus, and Cosmetology State Licensure Focus. Students will apply their skills in the clinic setting after complete the Basic class. They will provide various services under the guidance of an instructor. Students who successfully complete the required hours with a score of 80 percent or higher will be eligible for graduation.
Program overview:
Certificate of Competence in Cosmetology
Duration: 13 months (full-time) 20 months (part-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Attend an information session and campus tour – held on Wednesdays at 3:00 pm
- Obtain a Student ID number and apply for the program online
- Meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss financing for the program
- Complete Beauty and Wellness Student Contract – a requirement of the AZ Board of Cosmetology
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
Program cost:
The program cost of $9,982 includes tuition, registration fee, and course fees.
Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/cosmetologist
Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 286-8000
Aveda Institute
Students enrolled in the cosmetology program at Aveda Institute have the opportunity to work with earth-friendly Aveda products. Committed instructors will work to help students achieve their dreams to become confident beauty professionals through lectures and demonstrations in the classroom and extra learning opportunities in the real-world. Learning will be facilitated through workshops, career fairs, and professional photoshoots. Course topics include History of the Industry, Shampooing, Rinsing and Conditioning, Haircoloring, Haircutting, Hairstyling, Chemical Texture Services, Disinfection, Sanitation and Safe Work Practices, Laws, Rules and Regulations, Manicuring and Pedicuring, Facials and Skin Care, Facial Makeup, Hair Removal, and Management and Salesmanship. Students must maintain a grade of 88 percent or high to graduate from the program. Classes meet Tuesdays through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the day or Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm in the evenings.
Program overview:
Cosmetology Program
Duration: 43 weeks (full-time) 64 weeks (part-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee of $50
- Submit a Letter of Intent with answers to the specified questions
- Provide a copy of high school diploma, transcript, or GED
- Provide a copy of social security card and proof of age – a copy of a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate
- Schedule an appointment to register and enroll in the program
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $19,000. The student kit costs an additional $2,500 and registration is $150.
Website: https://avedainspiregreatness.com/programs/cosmetology/
Address: 8475 S Emerald Dr. Ste 101, 104, Tempe, Arizona 85284
Phone: (480) 867-3916
Penrose Academy
Penrose Academy offers a Cosmetology Hybrid program that is approved by the Department of Education. The course content is delivered off-site and online at students’ convenience. Students will learn cutting, coloring, and styling techniques as well as nail, skin treatments, and extensions. The training includes classroom theory and hands-on training in the Student Salon and follows the Milady MindTap based curriculum. Professional and career development classes prepare students for success in business. Course topics include Hair Design, Hair Color, Nail Enhancements, Sculpting and Haircutting, Skin Treatments, Hair Removal, Salon Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, Texture, Salon Business, The Law of Color, Professional Development Business Basics, Infection Control and Safety, and AZ State Board Laws and Regulations. Graduates will be prepared to take the State Board exam.
Program overview:
Cosmetology Program
Duration: 34 weeks (full-time) 48 weeks (part-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Attend a campus tour with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a valid copy of a driver’s license or photo ID and proof of citizenship
- Submit a Penrose Academy’s Application Form and application fee of $100
- Create a Financial Strategy and/or Payment Plan
- Submit a letter of intent describing reasons for enrolling at Penrose Academy
- Submit proof of graduating high school – diploma, transcripts, or proof of GED
- Submit two passport-sized photos
- Submit a completed and signed Penrose Academy Enrollment Agreement and Student Catalog Acknowledgement
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $18,950. The student kit costs an additional $2,900 and the application fee is $100.
Website: https://penrose.edu/programs/cosmetology-hybrid/
Address: 13402 North Scottsdale Rd., Suite B-160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: 480-222-9540
Olympus Beauty Academy, Phoenix
Cosmetology students at Olympus Beauty Academy will receive training in the techniques and skills required for their role as a licensed cosmetologist. They will learn cutting, perming, coloring, and styling of hair as well as nail care and skin care. Essential tools and products will be introduced to students from the onset of the program. Course modules include Theory of Cosmetology & Arizona Law, Monitor Duties, Chemical Hair Restructuring, Hair Coloring & Bleaching, Haircutting, Hair Styling, Facials & Makeup, Massage, Nail Technology, Shampooing, Treatment of the Hair & Scalp, Electricity & Light Therapy, and Disinfection Procedures. The clock-hour program is delivered in sequential steps that address the tasks essential for passing the state board exam and entry-level employment. Course content is delivered through lectures, demonstrations, and student participation. The required practical and clinical activities give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of cosmetology concepts. Students must maintain a grade of 75% and complete the written and practical assignments including the final exam to graduate.
Program overview:
Cosmetology Program
Duration: 34 weeks
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Attend a campus tour with an Admissions Representative
- Submit a valid copy of a driver’s license or photo ID
- Must have graduated from high school or have a GED
- Submit a completed application
- Pay the refundable registration fee
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $15,440. The student kit costs an additional $2,995.
Website: https://www.olympusbeauty.com/olympusbeauty/programs/cosmetology/
Address: 4601 East Bell Rd. Suite A-15, Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Phone: (855) 814-7954
Turning Point Beauty College
Cosmetology students at Turning Point Beauty College will learn the science of beautifying the skin, hair, and nails. Course modules include Theory of Cosmetology, Arizona Cosmetology Rules and Laws, Hair Cutting, Hair Coloring, Tinting and Bleaching, Chemical Hair Restructuring, Monitor Duties, Salesmanship, Ethics, Relaxing Hair, Scalp Treatment and Brushing, Disinfection Procedures, Creative Preference, Shampooing, Conditioning, Reconditioning Rinse, Massage, and Depilatories. Instructors will use lectures, demonstrations, interactive sessions, and clinical activities. Graduates will be prepared to take the State of Arizona Cosmetology Exam.
Program overview:
Graduate Certificate in Cosmetology
Duration: 54 weeks
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED
- Provide a copy of photo ID and social security card
- Sign the Enrollment Agreement
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $18,204 in-state students. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,404.
Website: https://turningpointbeauty.com/programs/
Address: 5127 W. Indian School Road, Suite 125, Phoenix, AZ 85031
Phone: (623) 846-1476
Toni & Guy
The cosmetology program at Toni & Guy prepares students for state licensure and entry-level employment. The program will begin with the fundamentals of cutting and coloring followed by intermediate cut and color that emphasizes the school’s internal culture, customer service, self-marketing, and continuing education. Classroom and clinic floor sessions will expand students’ knowledge of skin, nails, makeup, updos, and styling. The advanced segment of the program will prepare students to build their business and brand through all-day client services. There will be an emphasis on advanced and speed techniques from the school’s latest collections. The final phases of the program will include State Board preparation, building client relationships, resume workshops, advanced techniques, TIGI product knowledge, creative projects, photoshoots, and field trips.
Program overview:
Certificate in Cosmetology
Duration: 54 weeks
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED
- Provide a copy of photo ID and social security card
- Attend a campus tour and interview with an Admissions Representative
- Submit an application for admission
Program cost:
Financial aid and payment plans are available for eligible students.
Website: https://scottsdale.toniguy.edu/
Address: 8939 Talking Stick Way B2, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Phone: (480) 246-5478
Paul Mitchell
At Paul Mitchell The School Phoenix, students will be prepared to become a licensed cosmetologist. The program is delivered in three levels —Core, Adaptive and Creative. Students will move from the basic to more advanced techniques as they build real-world skills and confidence. The Core covers the fundamentals of cutting, color, texture, skin, nails, and styling, and school culture. The content will be delivered in the classroom and include work on mannequin heads under the direction of the Learning Leader. Technical areas include manicure, pedicure, makeup, facials, perming and smoothing hair, braiding, up-styling, and finishing, hair coloring and lightening, and precision cutting skills. The Adaptive segment continues in the classroom and clinic where students will work with live models in a simulated salon. The Creative segment will allow for independent work, preparation of career portfolio, develop speed, and prepare for the State Board test. Phase two is an optional course that includes intensive studies in guest booking and double booking, independence and decision making, personal and team goal setting, refinement of creative technical skills, guest management training, coaching on advanced take-home and service skills.
Program overview:
Certificate in Cosmetology
Duration: 46 weeks (full-time) 53 (part-time)
Clock hours: 1,600
Prerequisites:
- Complete an application form prior to registration
- Submit the application fee of $100
- Submit two photos
- Complete the entrance essay that includes accomplishments and career goals
- Attend a personal interview and a member of the admission’s team
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or transcripts
- Provide a copy of government-issued ID and social security card
- Take and pass the school’s aptitude exam before enrollment
Program cost:
The total program cost of $20,063 includes tuition, technical kit, textbooks, and sales tax.
Website: https://paulmitchell.edu/
Address: 3423 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, AZ 85017
Phone: (602) 246-1616
Email: admissions@phoenix.paulmitchell.edu