If you’re looking for a cosmetology school that will make learning fun and bring you employment opportunities, look no further. This is a list of the top ten schools in Ohio, along with their overviews, advantages, career prospects, and average costs.
Paul Mitchell The School Columbus
Overview
A three-step program takes “Future Professionals” from introductory stages of cosmetology to hands-on learning and preparation for the professional world. This three-step program breaks down into CORE, ADAPTIVE, and CREATIVE. Each level has its own purpose and goals. CORE is an introductory course that gives students the technical knowledge they need to succeed. In ADAPTIVE students are brought into the salon environment. In CREATIVE, they focus on preparing for the real world after graduation.
Each student is completely prepared for exams and for life in the professional world due to the three-level program. Through the same system, students are also able to reach their own personal goals.
Advantages
An optional intensive study program called PHASE TWO uses advanced cosmetology training and conditions that mimic salon reality to challenge Future Professionals to their highest performance level. Students are effectively prepared for their professional future after completing the PHASE TWO program.
Students receive several tools that serve them well throughout their studies. These include an iPad and a kit of cosmetology essentials, which really come in handy when the Future Professionals move into hands-on training.
Career Prospects
Many alumni of Paul Mitchell The School have had extremely successful careers after graduation; it only makes sense that current students and graduates will have successful careers in the cosmetology field as well, especially because the Future Professionals are completely prepared for professional life after completing both the three-level cosmetology program and additional PHASE TWO program.
Average Cost
The total cost for the cosmetology program, including supplies, is $21,925.
The Spa School
Overview
A beautiful full-service facility houses a comprehensive training program that teaches the technical aspects and artistic skills needed to become a great cosmetologist. Part of a program that is 80 years strong, the Spa School’s mission is to provide the theoretical education, practical training, and counseling necessary to inspire and enable each student to complete their course of training, pass the required state examination, and secure entry-level employment in a cosmetology-related field.
Advantages
Frequent workshops, live demonstrations, and classes conducted by salon professionals make the learning experience varied, fun, and effective. Several different programs are available to meet the preferences and skill levels of students.
Students will discover their creativity and confidence as they master techniques in the student salon. They’ll be able to create the latest trends on customers for a real-life experience.
Career Prospects
The school also strives to model the leadership to motivate students that will help them establish goals to advance in the profession of cosmetology, esthetics, barber styling, and nail technology.
The Personal and Business Training Program will help students to achieve the marketing, communication, and customer service skills to build a successful career upon graduation.
Average Cost
$17,400 is the total cost for the cosmetology program.
Nationwide Beauty Academy
Overview
Success is the goal of the Nationwide Beauty Academy. Through demos and classes conducted by central Ohio’s leading salons, a beautiful facility with a student salon, an aggressive, ultra-modern curriculum, and frequent workshops, students thrive and graduates are able to find success.
Advantages
A “fast track” program is available for students who want to be a team player rather than a salon manager. This program lasts only 9 months.
Students don’t just learn how to cut, color and style hair. They also learn a variety of full service spa treatments, including spa manicures and pedicures, specialized facials, and pampering body treatments. The school even has a Vichy shower, which sets it apart from many other beauty schools.
Career Prospects
The cosmetology program is designed to produce a graduate with the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to immediately work as a stylist in a top salon. The school works closely with a number of leading area salons. It also promotes an internship program that can link students with a salon organization well before graduation.
Average Cost
The total cost for the cosmetology program at the Nationwide Beauty Academy is $17,400.
Aveda Institute Columbus
Overview
At the Aveda Institute Columbus, an important goal for each student at the school is master technical skills while also cultivating their own unique talents. The institute aims to build up its students both as professionals and as individuals.
The school has a successful and sustainable network of salon professionals in the industry, and it employs exceptional instructors and boasts of an exclusive curriculum.
Giving back to the community is one of Aveda’s passions, and the school has raised over $1 million for a variety of charities, especially ones with a focus on the environment.
Advantages
The career paths available to students and graduates are vast and varied. Aveda helps students follow their passions by aiding them in their field of choice. For example, if one student loved fashion, she could work on runway shows. If another student preferred the salon environment, she would receive hands-on experience in that industry.
Students have the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele in a trendy neighborhood. This prepares them for professional life after graduation. Additionally, students get to experience the typical salon environment while still in school, making them seasoned professionals even before graduation.
Career Prospects
Aveda’s wide network in the industry leads to great employment opportunities, especially when it comes to the 6500 salons in the nation.
Average Cost
The total cost for the cosmetology program is $25,375.
Ohio State School of Cosmetology
Overview
The school is designed to maximize students’ training experience. The curriculum is designed to teach everything students need to know to become a top stylist, spa specialist, and well-rounded beauty expert.
In addition to training and hands-on experience, students receive advanced skin and nail care as part of their standard curriculum. Hands-on training takes place in a serene, Italian-themed spa with manicure stations, 5 private treatment rooms for facials and body treatments, pedicure stations, and a hair removal area.
Advantages
Classrooms are well appointed with state-of-the-art equipment, and clinic areas are fully equipped with the professional products and tools you expect to see in high-end salons. The clinics are both functional and beautiful, and a full service spa area is offered. In this spa area, students are able to perform a variety of treatments including personalized facials, manicures and pedicures, and head-to-toe nourishing body wraps.
Career Prospects
Student success is the school’s only business, and the staff has been realizing this goal since 1935. According to the school, “Experienced instructors, up-to-the-minute technology, beautiful and functional facilities, relevant instruction and internship opportunities at top salons are your stepping stones to a fun, lucrative and fulfilling career! Over the years, we have developed close relationships with successful salon owners who want to hire our graduates because they know they are the BEST!”
Average Cost
$17,400 is the total tuition cost for the cosmetology program at the Ohio State School of Cosmetology.
Salon Institute
Overview
At the Salon Institute, staff believes that becoming a cosmetologist is an extremely exciting, competitive career that requires a level of hard work, talent, perseverance, creative energy, and industry acumen that rivals other high-power careers.
The school has a strong partnership with TIGI, which gives students and alumni a multitude of professional opportunities. Staff works hard to ensure that students lack for nothing when it comes to curriculum and support. Each student is completely immersed in practical and hands-on training that will ready them for wherever they want their beauty career to take them.
Advantages
Educators are fully licensed and highly experienced. They instruct students to try their hand at applying just-learned hair cutting and styling techniques to mannequins on only their second day of classes. After three months, students are thoroughly prepared to take on their own clients.
Salon Institute is a working salon, so students are immersed in an upscale salon environment. They’re surrounded by the people, products, and energy that exemplifies the cosmetologist’s lifestyle they’ve chosen.
Students have the opportunity to participate in community events supporting charities and organizations, as well as a professional-quality runway hair show. They can use these experiences to practice their networking skills and gain valuable contacts in the industry.
Career Prospects
Salon Showcases and Job Fairs put students face-to-face with salon owners. Students will be ready to meet them as a result of taking advantage of all the resume-building, interviewing skill practice, and portfolio compilation resources the school has made available to them.
Each student’s college experience at the Salon Institute will be uniquely tailored to suit their career goals and focus, so they’ll be completely prepared for professional life.
Posh Beauty Academy
Overview
Posh Beauty Academy uses the latest state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date techniques in cosmetology and its related fields. It’s a small school, with a teacher/student ratio of 1 to 12. A licensed staff continuously strives to keep up with the ever changing developments and advancements in teaching methods in the profession.
Advantages
Classes start every other month, and three different schedules are available to meet the needs of all students. A kit, books, uniform top, and supplies are provided to students. These supplies come in handy throughout the course, especially during the hands-on portion of student training.
The academy is equipped with modern salon equipment. It has a facial room, student lounge, theory classrooms, practical rooms, supply rooms, various offices, and a student salon clinic area.
Career Prospects
Students build up clientele through work at the Posh Beauty Academy student salon. This clientele will follow them after graduation and open doors in the professional world.
Average Cost
$7025 is the total cost of tuition at the Posh Beauty Academy.
New Directions Beauty Institute
Overview
According to New Directions Beauty Institute, “It is our mission to ensure that every student receives the theoretical and practical training needed to successfully pass the state examination, while providing an energetic environment that facilitates the confidence and skills necessary to attain career success. Our priority is to help our students unlock their creativity and imaginations and ultimately achieve professional success.”
Advantages
The New Directions Beauty Institute has smaller classes for more hands-on training, advanced and quality education, a five-phase program to success, passionate instructors and staff, and a 12-week business fundamentals program to prepare students for professional life after graduation.
This intensive training exposes students to diverse hair care lines and prepares them with professional knowledge and skill. This enables students to find success in the 21st century beauty industry.
Career Prospects
Work in the student salon allows students to build up clientele and practice their professionalism. After graduation, this experience and professionalism translates into job opportunities.
Average Cost
$19,600 is the total cost for tuition at the New Directions Beauty Institute.
Moler Beauty Academy
Overview
Moler Beauty Academy is more than just a school; it’s a place where people come to build industry knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and transition into a fulfilling new career. Rather than sitting at a desk all day, students are moving around and are engaged during demonstrations.
Students learn something new each day and reach phenomenal levels of growth and development by graduation. Classes are led by a group of licensed, reputable industry professionals and instructors who provide students with the best training available. These instructors are readily available to answer questions and guide students through the learning experience.
Advantages
The school’s fun and interactive courses give students the competitive edge to succeed. Moler Beauty Academy provides programs that include technical hands-on training, along with courses that teach students about the business side of the industry.
Career Prospects
According to Moler Beauty Academy, “Receiving an education from Moler Beauty Academy will be a major stepping stone to launching your career quickly and establishing your presence in the beauty industry. Students truly get the opportunity to let their talents shine when they service real clients in the salon and come to master some of the most sought after skills in the industry: an aptitude for professionalism, five-star customer service and a passion for sales.”
Average Cost
The total cost of tuition at the Moler Beauty Academy is $16,815.
Western Hills School of Beauty and Hair Design
Overview
The Western Hills School of Beauty and Hair Design’s focus on education is its most primary concern. The staff has training sessions every 6 months with additional classes on an ongoing basis to keep their skills at a high, trendy level. Students are trained theoretically and practically in the student salon, which offers a wide variety of clinical services, including microdermabrasion.
Advantages
Students will learn the fundamentals of cosmetology in an exciting, up-to-the-minute program designed to give students lots of personal attention and practical experience. The training coursework includes haircutting, retailing, hair coloring, permanent wave techniques, nail care, hairstyling, and esthetics.
Career Prospects
Working in the student salon gives students a chance to get to know their clients and network. This network will stay with them after graduation and lead to employment opportunities.
Average Cost
$20,967 is the total cost of tuition at the Western Hills School of Beauty and Hair Design.