10 Cosmetology Schools In Chicago

When it comes to choosing a cosmetology school, Chicago has a wide range of quality choices for you to pick from. To make the decision much easier for you, I have curated a list of some cosmetology schools in Chicago and their details that you can compare to find one that suits you best.

Cosmetology, esthetician, nail technician, and barbering are all careers/professions in the beauty industry. Schools offering training and education programs in any of these careers are known as beauty schools.

However, some of them are focused on the training they offer, and depending on which of the skills they focus on, they can be referred to as cosmetology school, esthetician school, or barbering school.

There are many esthetician and cosmetology schools scattered across the US but this time, we have decided to narrow them down to respective locations in the US like Chicago, and present you with cosmetology schools in the region. And we didn’t start with Chicago, we have articles on esthetician schools in Philadelphia and cosmetology schools in Delaware.

By narrowing them down, you can be able to make better decisions on where to go to acquire the knowledge and skills to enter the beauty industry. The beauty industry is growing every day and keeps getting very competitive, to set yourself above the competition you have to establish yourself as a professional and it is these beauty schools that can help you achieve that.

In fact, this is a better time to become a cosmetologist and join the beauty sector because of a stronger interest in wellness and anti-aging and more men are seeking out cosmetology services, also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), beauty jobs are expected to grow by 8% between 2018 to 2028.

As a cosmetologist, you will master the art and science of beautifying the skin, hair, and nails. You will also become a professional at performing treatments, applying products, and offering therapies to clients to make them more presentable and attractive versions of themselves. Attending a cosmetology school will equip you with both the academic and hands-on training needed to master the art and kickstart a successful career in the field.

There are cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania and beauty schools in Minnesota but if you do not fancy the idea of a brick-and-mortar institution, you can enroll in free online beauty courses or apply for online esthetician schools that offer cosmetology. Also, some of the cosmetology schools in Chicago offer online courses, you simply need to visit their websites to find out. And you can start from the ones listed here.

Before we go on, I’d like to point you to other posts we have published on our site like the one on the most expensive universities in Canada and scholarships for high school seniors. Also, our article on short courses that lead to good jobs will help those who want to enter the workforce much quicker and without a degree.

Now let’s get back to the main topic and see whether Chicago is a good place for cosmetologists.

Are There Good Cosmetology Schools in Chicago?

Chicago is a big city and thus offers vast opportunities for cosmetologists. The city has hundreds of spas, salons, and beauty schools that offer cosmetology programs. Chicago was ranked no.4 by Expedia among the 26 most stylish cities in the US. The city is also one of the most beauty-friendly cities in the country.

Several beauty shows are hosted annually in Chicago including renowned America’s Beauty Show. These events attract tens of thousands of salon professionals, teachers, and students from different parts of the country and the world to learn about the latest beauty techniques and products.

These kinds of exposure will open many doors of opportunities for you and offer you a platform to showcase your talents and skills if you are enrolled in one of the cosmetology schools in Chicago. This should help you answer the question of whether there are good cosmetology schools in Chicago, or not.

There are also other factors that I’d advise that you use to check the quality of cosmetology schools in Chicago or anywhere else. These factors are:

  • Check whether the school is accredited or approved and allows for licensure after graduation
  • Reviews from both current students and graduates of that cosmetology or beauty school
  • High rate of graduation
  • Does the school provide a strong career-assistance program?
  • Focus on the specialty that interests you as a career aim
  • Strong local ties to the surrounding community and its salon, spas, medical facilities, and other businesses where your services will be required.

For each of the beauty schools in Chicago outlined further below, use the above factors to research the schools and find the best one for yourself.

Cost of Studying Cosmetology in Chicago

The cost of cosmetology schools in Chicago varies and can cost between $3,243 to $16,448 per year depending on the location of the school, the type of school, and the student’s residency status.

How To Become A Cosmetologist in Chicago

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Chicago, Illinois you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Enroll in an accredited cosmetology school in Chicago and be, at least, 16 years old at the time of enrollment.
  2. You must have completed high school.
  3. You will complete the 1,500 hours of theory and practice in an accredited cosmetology school before you can be qualified to take the licensure exam
  4. Pass the Illinois cosmetology licensure exam with a minimum of 75%
  5. Obtain your licensure and start practicing.

 

cosmetology schools in Chicago

10 Cosmetology Schools in Chicago

Here, I have compiled a list of 10 cosmetology schools in Chicago with their respective details to give you an insight into how they operate. With this information, you can be able to make better and more informed decisions on which beauty school is good for you. Without any further ado, let’s get into them.

  • Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
  • Bel Mar Beauty College
  • Elle International Beauty Academy
  • Douglas J Aveda Institute
  • Capelli Academy of Cosmetology
  • Futurama Beauty Academy
  • A Style School of Cosmetology
  • Cannella School of Hair Design
  • Trenz Beauty School
  • Steven Papageorge Hair Academy

1.     Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

The Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is an award-winning beauty school in Chicago, Illinois offering courses in cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering. It is an all-rounded beauty school. The cosmetology program at Tricoci is designed to prepare students for different career paths in the beauty industry such as salon managers, business owners, hair stylists, wedding stylists, makeup artists, colorists, sales reps, etc.

The cosmetology program is offered full-time and part-time study options that are completed in 12 months and 20 months, respectively. The total cost of the program is $20,482 and financial aid packages are awarded to students. The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). The student-to-teacher ratio at Tricoci is 9 to 1.

2.      Bel Mar Beauty College

Bel Mar is a beauty school in Cicero, Chicago, Illinois that offers cosmetology and teacher training programs. The cosmetology program follows the 1500 hours required by the state but you can decide to complete the hours either as a full-time or part-time student. The full-time takes 50 weeks to complete while the part-time takes 84 weeks to complete.

To apply to Bel Mar, you must be at least 15 years old and if you are still a high school student, you must receive written approval from your school. U.S. citizenship is not required and you must provide a valid form of ids such as a driver’s license, US/foreign passport, or state ID card. The total cost of the cosmetology program at Bel Mar is $12,125 which covers tuition, application fee, kit, books, and tax.

Financial aid options are available to all students.

3.     Elle International Beauty Academy

Elle International Beauty Academy is one of the beauty schools in Chicago offering training programs in cosmetology, nail technology, and esthetics. The cosmetology program takes 1500 hours which you can complete in 38 weeks of full-time study or 75 weeks of part-time study.

To enroll in any of the programs, you will complete an enrollment agreement, be at least 16 years, obtain your high school diploma or GED, and have a form of ID. The total cost of the cosmetology program at Elle International Beauty Academy is $8,3999 and covers registration, hours, tuition, and equipment.

4.     Douglas J Aveda Institute

Douglas J Aveda Institute is an all-around beauty school offering programs in barbering, massage therapy, esthiology, and cosmetology. It is equally a popular school with locations in Tennessee and Michigan. The cosmetology program is a 1,500-hour course that teaches you techniques and skills in haircutting, styling, skincare, nail care, and makeup artistry.

Day and evening classes are offered to offer you a flexible learning experience and maintain your work-life balance. Also, classes start at various times throughout the year which means you can apply at any time you are ready to enter the beauty industry.

5.     Capelli Academy of Cosmetology

Capelli Academy of Cosmetology is one of the cosmetology schools in Chicago that also offer other programs in nail technology and barbering. The cosmetology program at Capelli is designed to train and prepare students with the basics necessary to start working in the beauty industry by completing the 1500 hours required by the state of Illinois.

Students are equipped with techniques and skills in haircuts, hairstyles, color, manicures & pedicures, facial waxing, makeup, and many more for them to establish a successful career in the beauty field.

6.     Futurama Beauty Academy

This cosmetology school in Chicago also offers instructor courses and refresher courses. If you are looking for a school with an in-depth experience and expertise in cosmetology, Futurama Beauty Academy is the place for you since it has been operating since the 1980s. This school strives to prepare students to become business owners and develop them into leading beauty professionals.

The cosmetology program prepares learners for the licensure exam and successful careers in the industry. Classes are held in the morning, afternoon, or evening from Tuesday through Saturday.

7.     L.A Style School of Cosmetology

This is one of the cosmetology schools in Chicago with a focus on only cosmetology courses. Along with the typical 1500-hour cosmetology program, the school also offers cosmetology teacher programs. To make your training a flexible one, the school provides varieties of schedules that make it possible for you to complete the cosmetology program in less than a year.

Online classes are also offered but this may attract extra charges.

8.     Cannella School of Hair Design

Cannella School of Hair Design is a beauty school in Chicago offering programs in cosmetology and teaching. The 1,500-hour cosmetology program at Cannella consists of general theory and basic training, hair styling/hairdressing, shop management and interpersonal relations, esthetics, and nail technology.

This school has been operating for more than 40 years and is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). You can get financial aid once accepted as a student.

9.     Trenz Beauty School

Trenz Beauty School is one of the beauty schools in Chicago offering cosmetology in English and Spanish languages. The school also offers other programs such as hair braiding, cosmetology instructor, esthetics, refresher course, nail technology instructor, nail technology, nail technology refresher course, and CEU hours classes.

Trenz is accredited by NACCAS and licensed by the state of Illinois and Calumet City. The aim of this school of to prepare students for success in the Illinois state licensure exam and obtain their license. To also train students and equip them with skills to become successful in the beauty industry. Tuition for cosmetology is $20,500 and covers registration fees, books & hand-outs, tuition, and a basic tool kit.

10.  Steven Papageorge Hair Academy

Last but not least is Steven Papageorge Hair Academy, a leading cosmetology school in Chicago, Illinois. The 1500 cosmetology training you will receive at this school includes classroom-style lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on training. You will gain skills and knowledge in cosmetology foundation, hair sculpting, hair design, texture theory, color theory, and salon management.

Steven Papageorge Hair Academy is accredited by NACCAS and the total tuition for the cosmetology program is $17,950 which covers the registration fee and student kit. The beauty school also offers a teacher training course.

This wraps up the list of cosmetology schools in Chicago, Illinois. With these schools and their details, you can be able to make decisions on which of the beauty or cosmetology schools you will be applying to.

Cosmetology Schools in Chicago – FAQs

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How much does a cosmetologist in Chicago make?” answer-0=” According to Indeed, the average salary of a cosmetologist in Chicago is $31.54 per hour.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”How long is cosmetology school in Chicago?” answer-1=” The duration of cosmetology school in Chicago is 1500 hours which you must complete in order to sit for the state board licensure exam and obtain your license.” image-1=”” count=”2″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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