
the art of hair:
cosmetology
Passion Into Purpose
Take the first step towards pursuing a cosmetology education!
Aveda Arts Cosmetology Program Overview —
Aveda Arts’ cosmetology program offers comprehensive training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, and nail care. Students gain hands-on experience in a salon environment, learning the latest techniques and trends. With a focus on sustainability and wellness, the program emphasizes using Aveda’s plant-based products while developing strong business skills. Graduates emerge with a solid foundation of comprehensive knowledge in hair and beauty.
What is cosmetology?
Cosmetology is the art of enhancing and beautifying someone’s appearance, with hair cutting, coloring, and styling usually being the main focus of the work. Cosmetologists combine creativity with technical skill to give their customers confidence and help them look and feel their best.
It isn’t all about hair—cosmetologists generally learn to perform a wide variety of other beauty services, including skincare, nail care, or hair removal. The exact skills covered during training vary from state to state in the U.S. Most cosmetology professionals are also familiar with rules and practices beyond the beauty skills themselves, including relevant state laws and ethics, salon management, and business and retail skills.
Requirements
You must meet certain requirements to enroll in a cosmetology program at an Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute. The specifics differ from state to state, but generally, you need to meet the following:
Age – Most programs have a minimum age of 16 years, though you must be 17 in Texas to sit for the board exams.
Education – You need to hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Other Requirements – You need to pay a small application fee, complete an interview, and submit paperwork—such as proof of U.S. citizenship or other eligible status.
What You’ll Learn
These are just some of the topics you will learn as a student in our cosmetology programs, all delivered with our Aveda philosophy in mind:
Hair styling and cutting
This is the core of cosmetology. It involves hair cutting, shaping, styling, and more.
Hair coloring, waving, and relaxing
In this module, you’ll work with colors, tints, and bleach and apply textural changes such as perms and relaxers.
Nail care
This covers the basics of manicures and pedicures, featuring different nail techniques.
Skincare
In this part of your training, you learn a variety of facial treatments, including exfoliation, conditioning, and masks.
Orientation and laws
You’ll learn the local laws and rules for someone who works on beauty clients in your state, and you’ll receive guidance for safe sanitation and other policies.
Business and marketing
Learn how to promote yourself and create a book of business for salon work or your own beauty business.

State Cosmetology Program
Board Preparation

Hair Coloring/Cutting
Styling/Dressing

Texture Techniques
& Education

Total Beauty
Introduction to Make Up, Nail Care,
Skin Care, Wellness

The Business of Beauty
Retail Knowledge, Financial Wellness by Qnity, Professionalism in the Industry
What’s in your kit?
How Long Is The Program?
The length of your program varies based on campus location, because the state where you train in and practice cosmetology sets the minimum requirement for clock hours. Browse our campus locations to learn more about the length of our cosmetology programs.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition and fees for our cosmetology programs differ from campus to campus due to multiple factors, such as program length and cost of living.
If you’re worried about the costs involved, we may be able to help. We’ve worked with countless students over the years to overcome financial hurdles. Talk to us about your situation, and we can put you in touch with one of our financial aid experts.
Career Paths
what can I do with a Cosmetology License? —
Hair cutting, coloring, and styling is the most popular career focus for our Cosmetology grads, and these services may be performed in various settings. Whether you base yourself in a local salon, an Aveda spa, or rent your own booth, there’s plenty of scope for creativity and career progression.
Cosmetologists can work in a variety of other careers, such as:
Makeup and Hair Stylist
Perhaps the bright lights of Hollywood are calling? There’s plenty of opportunity for cosmetology and makeup artistry in the film, television, and fashion industries. Other cosmetologists may offer a full range of services on a freelance basis, such as for bridal parties.
Aveda Educator
Becoming an educator is a rewarding and exciting career path, allowing you to train the next generation of hair and beauty experts.
Salon Owner
Managing or even owning your own salon is an achievable dream for many cosmetologists after gaining some experience—which is why we make sure you leave school with a foundation of business and retail knowledge under your belt.
The Skillful Artistry
of Cosmetology
Campuses with a Cosmetology program —
Check out the Aveda Arts locations that offer Cosmetology.
Classes in

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the SKIN of things?
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