On the hunt for a good cosmetology school in Southern California? Well, you’ve found it! Here we have a list of the 10 best cosmetology schools in the area, along with overviews, advantages, career prospects, and tuition costs.
- Los Angeles Makeup School
Overview
The Los Angeles Makeup School is a newer school, but it does have seasoned instructors who make the school’s collective expertise extremely impressive. The school features three different programs: airbrush makeup, special effects makeup, and beauty makeup.
With the goal of developing graduates for the global industries of different types of makeup, the curriculum integrates leadership and creative skills. Both certificate courses and diploma programs are offered; certificate courses focus on one subject individually, while diploma programs are longer and more detailed.
The Los Angeles Makeup School is affiliated with brands such as Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Make Up For Ever, and Nars.
Advantages
Graduates possess the knowledge of artistry essential to their professions, and they also demonstrate an awareness of cultural diversity, value ethical choice, think critically, and communicate effectively.
Graduates have an advantage when they seek jobs as a result of the school’s partnership with famous brands. In addition, the diploma program includes an amazing one-week destination photo shoot filled with lifelong memories and a vast array of knowledge.
Career Prospects
The Los Angeles Makeup School has an extensive list of celebrity and company clients, which shows the potential graduates can have. Portfolio tours offer opportunities to network with potential employers.
Average Cost
Many different loans are available, but the tuition for the diploma program is $8800. Short programs range from $1050 to $3000.
- Bellus Academy
Overview
The Bellus Academy has an extremely positive reputation–it was voted the Best Academy in the North American Continent by Intercoiffure as well as the Best Beauty School in the Nation. It was also an Excellence in Education winner.
The school gives back to the community frequently and students often volunteer together. As for academics, the school offers multiple license programs which allow students to enroll in one program and graduate with multiple credentials. This significantly improves resumes and career opportunities.
Advantages
The school offers International Certification, so graduates are able to work in 38 different countries around the world. Several business classes are included in the curriculum to help students be successful in the real world.
Career Prospects
Bellus Academy has the #1 job placement in the nation. It also has a career services department which is dedicated to assisting students in finding the job they want. There is even a student mobile app which shows job openings and allows students to apply directly.
Average Cost
Cost varies greatly depending on financial aid packages and other factors.
- Santa Ana Beauty Academy
Overview
Santa Ana Beauty Academy offers basic training that will allow students to pass their licensing exams. In the curriculum, there is a particular emphasis on success in the marketplace. Shop management, business concepts, and the psychology of personal success are all parts of the lesson plan.
The school’s goal is to help students discover their ability to transform their lives as a result of their training. Another objective is to provide each student with a high-quality program, in an environment conducive to attaining real-world skills, by adopting a straightforward pragmatic methodology.
Advantages
Several different programs are available. These include a cosmetology course, a barbering course, a crossover course, a skincare course, and a manicuring course. This gives students many opportunities to try out and learn about different facets of the cosmetology world.
Career Prospects
Santa Ana Beauty Academy lists several job possibilities, including hair stylist, barber, hair colorist, manicurist, makeup artist, skin care specialist, and beauty salon operator.
Average Cost
Cost is variable depending on amount of financial aid.
- CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering
Overview
The CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering focuses on extensive technical training with live clients. Another important component is book and theory work on topics like eyebrow beautification, manicures and pedicures, straightening and curling hair, and facials. Instruction for front-end salon management and merchandising techniques is also provided.
Appreciation of good workmanship, a positive attitude toward the public and fellow workers, and honesty and integrity are all taught throughout the program’s curriculum. A successful graduate will learn the proper use of implements used in cosmetology, acquire a vast range of knowledge, and learn different types of procedures and terminology.
Advantages
A mentoring program encourages opportunities for advanced education through on-the-job training and event experience. In addition, the CRU Institute of Cosmetology and Barbering’s externship program is another great opportunity. Relationships with salons and shops in the area are utilized to provide externships to promising students.
Career Prospects
According to the school’s website, 71% of graduates find work. However, the cutting-edge training, exclusive events, and rank as the best barbering and cosmetology school in Southern California may help students land the jobs they’re looking for.
Average Cost
Tuition and fees add up to $18,000 with an additional $1700 for books and supplies.
- Career Academy of Beauty
Overview
The Career Academy of Beauty is a member of an elite group of schools which strives to deliver the most complete educational experience possible for students to think and act like businesspeople. This group has four goals for students: improve their self-confidence, help them gain a competitive advantage in the job market, give them the tools to earn money quickly, and get on a faster track to owning their own salon.
The school offers several different programs, including cosmetology, esthetician, manicuring, makeup, and others.
Advantages
70% percent of time is spent on hands-on training, giving students the valuable experience they need to succeed in the real world. The dedicated staff makes it their mission to get to know their students and bring out the best in them. When students’ full potential is unleashed, they are able to thrive like never before, especially in the professional world.
Career Prospects
Career Academy of Beauty is one of the few beauty schools that offers direct job placement. Its goal is to ensure that all graduates find the job that best suits them. The school provides current listings of available positions and aids students in the job search process.
Average Cost
Cost is dependent upon financial aid.
- Paul Mitchell The School
Overview
At Paul Mitchell The School, students, also known as Future Professionals, are prepared for successful careers in the beauty industry as licensed cosmetologists. The cosmetology program has three different levels: CORE, ADAPTIVE, and CREATIVE. CORE is a foundation or introductory course, while ADAPTIVE begins to move out of the classroom and into the salon. Finally, CREATIVE is a level in which students strive to become salon-ready.
These three steps ensure that every student has met certain goals and is completely ready for exams and for life in the professional world.
Advantages
Students receive a kit packed full of essentials, and an iPad is even included! An intensive study program is available to those who want to be challenged to their highest level of performance. This is called PHASE TWO and it includes advanced training and conditions that mimic salon reality, which truly prepares students for the future.
Career Prospects
Many alumni have had successful careers as makeup artists and hair stylists. The three-level cosmetology program, as well as PHASE TWO, prepare students for professional life.
Average Cost
The cost for the cosmetology program is $18,925 with an added $3000 for supplies.
- Palomar Institute of Cosmetology
Overview
The Palomar Institute of Cosmetology emphasizes its dedication to its students as a feature that makes it stand out. Connections with local salons make it easy for students to network and create a plan for their future.
The Master Stylist program is another defining feature of this school. The Master Stylist program provides students with extremely advanced cosmetology tips and techniques. Getting into the program is highly competitive, and graduates of the program find job-seeking a much easier process.
Advantages
No other cosmetology school in California offers the advanced training students receive in the available Master Stylist classes. Students love the personal instruction, small classes, and positive atmosphere.
Career Prospects
Externships help lead the way to job opportunities. The Palomar Institute of Cosmetology has a wide network of award-winning salons that offer externships to students. These externships involve working in a real salon for an hour per week and networking their way to success.
Average Cost
The cost of the cosmetology program varies according to different grants and financial aid.
- Colleen O’Hara’s Beauty Academy
Overview
The top-rated beauty academy in Orange County, Colleen O’Hara’s Beauty Academy helps students turn their passion into a career. It’s Orange County’s longest-running beauty academy, and it creates an intimate learning experience through small class sizes and compassionate instructors.
Impressively, this school is nationally accredited by the Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, a notoriously particular group. This accreditation helps students as well; it makes their resume look even better.
Advantages
At Colleen O’Hara’s Beauty Academy, students work hands-on with real clients, gaining valuable experience for their future careers. The experienced, supportive faculty guides each student through the process and helps them to achieve their goals. Smaller class sizes mean improved confidence through practice and skill-building. Classes are available in both English and Spanish, which is a rare find in a beauty school.
Career Prospects
The school explains the benefits of becoming a licensed cosmetologist: international work, work in the entertainment industry, working in photography studios, and teaching are all options.
Average Cost
Price is dependant upon financial aid.
- Salon Success Academy
Overview
The Salon Success Academy has over 20,000 graduates. It is a family-owned and operated school that has been educating students for over 50 years. The Salon Success Website states, “We are committed to helping you achieve your career goals, and will provide you with the academic and personal support you need to successfully complete your program.”
Beauty career training is available in a variety of areas, including cosmetology, esthetician, barbering, and manicuring. Day and evening classes are available so students can choose an option that fits their schedule.
Advantages
One huge advantage is the “If You Need Extra Time” contract, which allows you to take up to 48 weeks to complete a program. That way, any personal time or sick time will not be counted against you.
The “Starting Smart” orientation introduces students to campus life and answers any questions students have. Students will also meet with their instructors and receive the equipment and tools they’ll be using throughout the process.
Career Prospects
Salon management classes show students how to run their own salon after graduation. In these classes, students create a professional portfolio, practice people skills, and build clientele. This clientele can prove extremely helpful when it comes to job-seeking.
Average Cost
Cost depends on amount of financial aid received.
- Newberry School of Beauty
Overview
At the Newberry School of Beauty, the objective is to “develop in the student the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional attitudes necessary for success in the profession and to qualify and equip the student to pass the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing examination.”
The school puts an emphasis on how to be successful in a salon and how to create the student’s desired lifestyle. Graduates leave the school enriched by the teachings of invested professors.
Advantages
The school teaches fashion-forward and up-to-date salon practices to get students ready for the real salon environment. This hands-on training is extremely important when it comes to having a successful career after graduation.
Externships are also available to students attending the Newberry School of Beauty. Externships with top salons give students the opportunity to network and secure a job placement post-graduation.
Career Prospects
In 2014, 72% of graduates from the cosmetology program found employment in their field. Available externships can lead to jobs in turn, but simply having a diploma from the Newberry School of Beauty gives graduates an edge when it comes to the professional world.
Average Cost
Cost depends on the amount of financial aid as well as scholarships granted by the school.