Thinking about a career in beauty but wondering how long you’ll need to spend in school? Unlike a traditional four-year college degree, cosmetology school can often be completed in about a year or less with a full-time schedule.
The exact timeline depends on your state’s training requirements, your class schedule, and how long the licensing process takes. Here’s what you can expect on your way to becoming a licensed cosmetologist.
How Long Is Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology programs generally require around 1,000 to 1,600 hours of training, although requirements vary by state. How quickly you complete those hours depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
- Full-time students: Many programs can be completed in approximately 9 to 12 months, with some states offering shorter timelines.
- Part-time or evening students: Programs typically take longer, depending on the number of hours attended each week.
For example, completing 1,000 training hours at 35 hours per week takes approximately 29 weeks, while completing 1,500 hours at the same pace takes about 43 weeks. These estimates don’t account for holidays, breaks, or missed classes.
Empire Beauty School offers cosmetology programs designed to meet state training requirements. Visit our Cosmetology Program page to learn more about the curriculum and find a program near you.
What Counts Toward Those Hours?
Your required hours typically include:
- Haircutting, coloring, and styling
- Skincare, facials, and hair removal
- Nail care and basic manicuring
- Makeup application and beauty trends
- Safety, sanitation, and hygiene
- Client communication and consultation
- Business skills like scheduling and retail
These training hours combine classroom instruction with practical experience, helping students build the skills needed to work with clients and prepare for state licensing requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Cosmetology License?
Finishing cosmetology school is an important step, but you’ll also need to meet your state’s licensing requirements before working as a licensed cosmetologist. The process generally includes:
- Complete your training hours. Graduate from a state-approved cosmetology program.
- Meet your state’s examination requirements. Depending on where you live, this may include a written exam, practical exam, or both.
- Apply for your cosmetology license. Once you’ve met the requirements, your state licensing board will review your application.
The time between graduation and receiving your license can vary depending on exam availability and state processing times. It’s worth factoring this into your timeline when planning for your cosmetology career.
Can You Go at Your Own Pace?
Your class schedule can make a big difference in how quickly you complete cosmetology school. If you’re eager to finish sooner, a full-time schedule may be the best fit. If you’re balancing school with work or other commitments, part-time or evening classes may offer more flexibility.
- Daytime classes for faster completion
- Evening or part-time classes if you’re balancing work, parenting, or other priorities
- Hybrid learning options (online + in-person) available at select campuses
FAQs: Cosmetology School Length
How many hours does cosmetology school require in my state?
Cosmetology training requirements vary by state, with many requiring approximately 1,000 to 1,600 hours. Your local Empire Beauty School campus can help you understand the requirements in your area.
Can I pause my program if life gets in the way?
If you need to take a break from cosmetology school, speak with your School Director about your options. Taking time away may affect your graduation date, so it’s important to understand how a leave of absence could impact your program.
Do hybrid classes count the same as in-person hours?
Approved hybrid cosmetology programs combine online theory instruction with in-person practical training to meet applicable state requirements. Empire’s Hybrid Cosmetology Program is currently available at the Manhattan campus and includes 1,000 hours of training.
Ready to Start Cosmetology School?
Becoming a cosmetologist doesn’t have to mean spending years in school. Depending on your state’s requirements and your schedule, you could complete your training in about a year or less.
Interested in seeing what cosmetology school is like? Schedule a tour at Empire Beauty School to visit a campus, see the learning environment, and ask questions about program schedules and requirements.