Looking for a cosmetology school that suits your personality and goals for the future? Here we have a list of the 10 best cosmetology schools in Maryland. Along with each school you’ll find an overview, advantages of attending the school, career prospects, and the average cost.
Baltimore Studio of Hair Design
Overview
With proven training methods and a curriculum that has led to hundreds of successful graduates, students can expect to obtain their cosmetology license and open the door to a very successful future in the beauty industry.
A solid education is offered through theoretical and practical training at the Baltimore Studio of Hair Design. Students are prepared for salon work with hands-on clinical training in addition to preparation for the state board licensing exam. The school has excellent graduation and licensure rates and even offers job placement assistance to all graduates.
The school has a longstanding reputation in the community as one of the leaders in cosmetology training, and its graduates are working at some of the finest salons in the area. Students who have a creative and artistic mindset, who like working with people, and who would like to pursue a career in something they love, should start their journey in the cosmetology industry at the Baltimore Studio of Hair Design.
Advantages
The school has a commitment to each student’s education, as well as proven training methods and a curriculum that have paved the ways for many successful cosmetologists and nail technicians for over 30 years. Flexible schedules are available to accommodate students’ busy lifestyles.
Classroom study, lectures, demonstrations, and practical work all come together to instruct students step by step in the fundamentals of hair design. The school’s emphasis on individual instruction, hands-on training, and state board preparation provides a thorough understanding and translates to why its graduates are working in some of the finest salons in the area.
The Baltimore Studio of Hair Design is locally owned and operated and has been training cosmetologists for over 35 years. The school has strong ties to the community surrounding it, and the school has trained multiple generations in the local area.
Career Prospects
The Baltimore Studio of Hair Design says, “Join the 1.7 million professionals that are already enjoying this growing industry that provides competitive income and unlimited job potential.” The school provides job placement assistance to all graduates.
Montgomery Beauty School
Overview
The Montgomery Beauty School has been training students for over 40 years. Its facility features modern beauty and barber equipment, separate theory classrooms, and a modern laboratory where advanced students receive practical and clinical training. Job placement assistance is provided upon graduation.
The school aims to develop in its students “the highest possible degree of professional, social and technical competence. Through our structured curriculum, the school supplies the principles and practices of cosmetology from basic techniques to more advanced, continually focusing on skills that will make the student more marketable upon graduation.”
Advantages
The Montgomery Beauty School uses the Milady curriculum which enables it to supply students and instructors with extensive educational materials. 2 textbooks are used, along with a unique study guide and kits that contain components for hands-on practice.
The curriculum includes basic skills and advanced skills. Also included is preparation for salon or spa entry through a segment of salon and spa business where students develop resumes and interviewing skills. They are also trained and prepared in Mock State Board licensing applications and evaluations.
Instructors prepare and follow lesson plans and the curriculum is delivered with a combination of theory lectures and hands-on practice with mannequins and actual clientele. Many assessment techniques enable the educator and learner to assess progress throughout the program.
Career Prospects
The school provides a solid foundation of disciplines to support student career growth. Hands-on training in the classroom salon/clinic pays off when it comes to graduation and the transition into the professional world. The school has an excellent job placement record, and lifetime placement assistance is available to graduates.
Average Cost
$18,475 is the total cost for the cosmetology program at the Montgomery Beauty School.
Empire Beauty School
Overview
At the Empire Beauty School, a rare combination of advantages is brought together to advance graduates’ careers. These advantages consists of fun and interactive classes taught by trained and licensed beauty educators, as well as 80 years of experience in beauty education.
A unique CLIC program employs not only textbooks, but also mannequins and special tools to enhance learning. The school is accredited and financial aid is available.
Cosmetology programs at Empire Beauty School include a variety of topics, from hair design, hair cutting, color and texture to basic skin care, business and retail training, and makeup. Students are prepared for a variety of areas of work as a result of this versatile program.
Advantages
A student salon allows students to work (and network) with real clients. Staff help students prepare for board exams. Students even have the opportunity to participate in local events benefiting the community; these events also contribute to real-world training.
Communication skills and marketing skills are developed, and these help to attract loyal salon clients. Students have the ability to build their business through positive word of mouth even before they graduate.
Career Prospects
Empire Beauty School aids and supports students in job searching, both while students are attending school and after graduation. Additionally, students are able to network and build up clientele as they work in the student salon.
The Robert Paul Academy of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
Overview
The school has 42 proven years of excellence, and over 75% of its students are recommended by alumni and industry employers. Graduates from the Robert Paul Academy of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences are some of the industry’s elite.
The state-of-the-art facility has private training rooms, a separate spa, esthetic and service areas, a fully equipped break area, and a 42-station full-service training salon. Staff is made up of 10 team members who each have a minimum of 5 years of salon experience. All staff must satisfy a strict requirement of continuing education each year as well.
Advantages
Core academics are based on a “comprehensive, cutting-edge curriculum designed to prepare students to enter the field of Cosmetology with a level of skill and professionalism that will insure their success.” In addition to basic cosmetology, the school offers a series of intermediate, advanced, and studio-level technique and trend workshops in several areas.
Classes in resume preparation and business building are also offered. The primary objectives are to create a positive learning environment, establish a learning partnership, and instill the knowledge that discipline, professionalist, consistency, and creativity are the keys to success.
Career Prospects
The school attempts to place all graduates upon course completion. Salon opportunities are available on the school’s website for individuals who are looking for employment.
Average Cost
The total cost for the cosmetology program at the Robert Paul Academy of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences is $18,750.
Frederick School of Cosmetology
Overview
The school’s mission is to “provide our students with the opportunity to achieve their dream of becoming a professional in the beauty industry by offering each student a supportive educational environment that promotes learning.”
The Frederick School of Cosmetology teaches a solid foundation of educational and technical skills with the most modern resources available. It inspires students to develop their creative talents while providing them with a facility to perfect their skills in a hands-on clinical setting.
Advantages
The cosmetology program consists of a student orientation session, theory class, demonstrations, and hands-on practical experience in the teaching facility’s clinic. Activities include guest speakers, the Star Award, the Scissors Award, community service, and field trips to local trade shows. Other optional reinforcement instruction includes video, CD ROM, and internet-based activities in the media center.
Career Prospects
The school instills the values of maintaining a professional image combined with ambition, skill, and perseverance to enhance careers in the beauty industry. Sound business practices, professional ethics, and good salesmanship skills are promoted. Students are prepared with vital communication skills necessary to establish, build, and maintain a trusting relationship with a diverse clientele.
Aspen Beauty Academy
Overview
The school has been training students for successful cosmetology careers since 1993. Graduates have become professionals in a wide range of positions, from beauty consultants to cosmetology educators to salon owners and stylists.
The school offers a “life-friendly” 3-day schedule, an iPad and book-based curriculum, an amazing professional kit, a fast track to success with ProsperU business training, hands-on experience, experienced instructors, and a digital resume and portfolio.
Advantages
The Aspen Beauty Academy has a 3-day schedule to allow its students to have a more balanced life. A ready-to-wear makeup kit is given to each student at the beginning of the program. Interactive learning, study, and exam preparation tool support the printed Milady textbook. The school’s most recent licensure rate is an impressive 100%.
Career Prospects
A program called ProsperU uses innovative business training to make students financially successful. It engages beauty professionals to think past technique into how to grow their business and make more money for a lifelong career. Students receive a certificate of training after completing this program.
Students also build digital portfolios and inspire others by showcasing their work. They are able to jumpstart their career with a digital resume, interact with future clients, and connect with potential employers.
Average Cost
$14,500 is the total cost for the cosmetology program at the Aspen Beauty Academy.
Fortis College
Overview
Fortis balances technical skills with the opportunity for each student to develop their personal style through applying classic skills and techniques with an individual flair. The cosmetology program prepares students to successfully take a cosmetology licensure exam after graduation so they will be capable of pursuing a career as a cosmetology professional.
Fortis College knows that an in-depth competency in fundamental skills is necessary for success. This includes learning a vast number of skills, including haircutting, hair styling, coloring, salon management, facials, chemistry, skin care, and modern nail technology. Additionally, students build necessary skill through hands-on technique practice sessions, discussions, lectures, group processes, and practical exercises taught by experienced instructors.
Advantages
Fortis is a leading post-secondary network of colleges and institutes that engages students in a powerful learning and training experience for lifelong growth. The school is accredited by several nationally recognized bodies, and it also offers online platforms for many of its programs.
Career Prospects
Students are capable of pursuing a career as a cosmetology professional after graduation and licensure. They can work in a variety of salon environments or even open their own cosmetology business. Many graduates enjoy the flexible hours and ability to create their own work schedule as a beauty professional.
Award Beauty School
Overview
At the Award Beauty School, students receive comprehensive training in hair braiding, hair cuts, hair styling, skin care, and customer service. Students aren’t limited to classroom instruction; real-world training is given from experienced instructors who teach them what it takes to be a sought-after hair stylist.
The program was designed to give students a real-world experience working with clients in a safe classroom environment. After completing the cosmetology program at the Award Beauty School, students will be well on their way to success.
Advantages
Students frequently learn from guest lecturers who give them real-world training. They also learn about customer service, which will aid them in their field of choice when it comes to attracting customers.
Career Prospects
As the Award Beauty School says, “Today, the growing beauty/barber industry offers a dramatically unique “zero unemployment” factor—needing many more new salon professionals than we can supply. There has been notable national growth in the salon/barber industry since 1999 as well as here in Maryland.” Careers and professional opportunities abound for graduates.
Average Cost
$18,475 is the total cost for the cosmetology program at the Award Beauty School.
Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy
Overview
Established in 1976, the Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy’s mission statement is to “provide quality education in basic and advanced Cosmetology and Nail Technology skills. These skills will enable the students to become proficient and allow flexibility in their choice of areas to pursue in the Cosmetology and Nail Technology profession.”
Advantages
Students are successful because the Del-Mar-Va program uses innovative strategies that blend leading industry practices and professional techniques with retail and business building skills. High educational standards and proven systems aid students in developing the skills they need to be successful.
Classes are taught by experienced and qualified industry professionals. Students will not only learn the latest techniques, but also skills for client retention, consultation, and communication.
Career Prospects
Students will be able to put their retail and business building skills to use in the professional world. Their skill in communication, consultation, and client retention will also be of use to them when it comes to being successful in the beauty industry.
Average Cost
The total cost for the cosmetology program at Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy is $19,744.
Aaron’s Academy of Beauty
Overview
Course content in the cosmetology program includes hair styling, hair cutting, hair coloring, highlights and lowlights, permanent waves, hair relaxers and chemical services, eyebrow waxing, nail care, product usage, and related theory.
Advantages
Aaron’s Academy of Beauty has some impressive statistics, including a 100% pass rate for the state license exam for the past 5 years. Students will learn in an open and large facility, which gives them plenty of space to hone their craft. The school also hosts a clinic floor where supervised students provide hair, skin, and nail services to the general public at competitive prices. Full-time, part-time, and weekend programs are available.
Career Prospects
Working on the clinic floor gives students a taste of the professional world and the environment they will work in after graduation. It also gives them a chance to network and start to build their business even before graduation.
Average Cost
$17,600 is the total cost for the cosmetology program at Aaron’s Academy of Beauty.