Houston the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the country. It attracts over 17 million tourists each year and has plenty of things to do and places to see. It’s typically associated with “cosmology” (rather than cosmetology) thanks to the city being home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Cosmetology is prominent in this city, too, which is great news if you’ve got a passion for all things beauty and are considering going to cosmetology school. Houston is a huge city, and there are plenty of schools to choose from in whichever part of the city you’re located in.
Houston has several beauty and makeup-related events and expos every year, whether they’re pop-up shops, one-time classes, or conventions. While the beauty scene may not be at the top of the list of popular things to do in Houston, it certainly has a prominent presence in town, which means there are many opportunities to mingle with like-minded people and secure new clients.
When it comes to job prospects, Houston has plenty of opportunities for new cosmetology graduates. The city has many beauty salons, spas, and makeup stores in need of professionals to do hair, makeup, and hair removal. If you want to teach cosmetology, the enormous number of schools in the area offers a promising outlook for future instructors to find employment.
This busy city might also be a perfect place to consider starting your own salon, if that’s the direction you want to take your cosmetology career. If you can get a good location, you’re sure to have many people stopping in for beauty services, and you’ll have the chance of locals returning.
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The Best Cosmetology Schools in Houston
We chose some of the best cosmetology schools in Houston, and provided key information for each school to help your decision-making a little easier. If you’re completely lost, use our school finder to get you pointed in the right direction.
We chose these schools because of their excellent reputation, ability to accept financial aid, and, of course, the quality of the cosmetology programs they offer. Most of the programs offered prioritize hair cutting, coloring, and styling, and spend fewer hours on skin, nails, and makeup. But, many schools offer other courses for specific skills that may interest you if hair isn’t your favorite part of cosmetology.
This list includes schools that are well-known across the country, as well as locally-owned schools that began in the state. We also sought out a few schools that offer their programs in both Spanish and English, since a significant percentage of the population in Houston speaks Spanish.
Paul Mitchell The School
@paulmitchelltheschoolnyc Never a boring day at Paul Mitchell The School NYC!! 🥳🥳 #fy #fyp #beautyschool #cosmetologyschool #paulmitchell #paulmitchelltheschool #paulmitchelltheschoolnyc
Paul Mitchell The School is a well-known beauty school across America that seeks to turn all of its students into successful professionals. At the Houston location, they offer a cosmetology course that teaches about hair, manicures, makeup, and facials.
The first part of the course is in a classroom setting, where students will receive instruction and practice on mannequin heads. The second part of the course moves to a salon-like environment, so students can practice on real people with the tools and atmosphere of a real salon. The final part of the course allows students to work independently, build a portfolio, and prepare for the required state exam.
Cost: The 1,500-hour course total cost is $18,349.41. The 1,000-hour course is $15,001.91.
Program Length: The state of Texas requires 1,500 hours. There’s an alternative course for transfer students that is only 1,000 hours. Full-time students take 35 hours per week and part-time students take 20 hours per week.
Location: 10516 Katy Freeway Suite A, Houston, TX 77043
Financial Aid: Students might be able to qualify for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Leader to see if any programs are accepted; not all Paul Mitchell schools accept financial aid.
Other Programs Offered: An instructor course is also available.
Link: www.paulmitchell.edu
Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute has a rich history. It was founded in San Antonio in 1915 by Madame N.A. Franklin and now has several locations in the state, owned by fifth-generation family members. The school has evolved over the years to keep up with current trends, but it has kept the same values and stayed in the family for over 100 years.
The Franklin Institute’s cosmetology program teaches students in the classroom and in a salon environment, with hands-on training with clients. Students will learn everything they need to know about cutting, styling, and coloring hair. Day and night classes are available, and they have English and Spanish-speaking instructors.
Cost: Total cost is estimated at up to $15,000.
Program Length: The program requires 1,000 hours and can be completed in at least 6 months, depending on if you choose day or evening classes.
Location: 4745 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77084; and 13318 Almeda, Houston, TX 77045
Financial Aid: The Franklin Institute offers some forms of financial aid, such as grants and scholarships. Contact them on their website to request more information about what they accept.
Other Programs Offered: They also offer courses for barbering, hair braiding and weaving, becoming an instructor, and a refresher course. Cosmetology graduates can take a barber-to-cosmo course to learn barbering for fewer hours than the full course.
Link: www.franklininstitute.net
Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails
@_qveen.lele Approaching week 3 tomorrow at Ogle School of hair, skin, and nails. I can honestly say so far that I love this school and if you’re thinking about going, GO! You have to take that step and go for what you love. I’ve made genuine sisters, we’ve already met outside of school😂 And You get the best hands on learning and school benefits (field trips, etc). I will be posting more of my journey even after I graduate!! follow my business page @vonnecosmetics 💗 #Oglehairskinnails #oglenation #ogle2023 #Ogle #Ogledenton #Tx #ogleschool #cosmetologyschool #cosmetologylife #cosmetologystudent #cosmetolgist #cosmetologyschoolcheck #cosmetologytiktok #cosmetologyschoolthings #cosmetologyclass #cosmetologystudentlife #cosmetology
Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails offers a cosmetology course that will teach you what’s in the name (hair, skin, and nails). The course will also cover salon management, so students will be prepared to manage a salon or start up their own business after graduating.
Students can choose to get an iPad with their student supplies in order to get access to useful digital materials. Students will also be able to connect with instructors and other classmates easily and get access to helpful resources such as videos and textbook explanations.
Cost: The total cost is estimated to be about $16,000 for tuition and supplies. This may vary depending on full-time or part-time classes.
Program Length: The full-time course can be completed in at least 7 months, and the part-time course can be completed in at least 13 months.
Location: North Houston: 12974-A Willow Chase Drive, Houston, TX 77070; and South Houston: 12788 Fountain Lake Circle, Stafford, TX 77477
Financial Aid: Ogle School accepts several forms of financial aid for qualifying students, including grants, loans, scholarships, and federal financial aid. They provide several resources on their website and you can contact the school for more information.
Other Programs Offered: Both Houston locations only offer the cosmetology program.
Link: www.ogleschool.edu
Houston Training Schools
Houston Training Schools (HTS) offers an affordable cosmetology program in two locations in Houston, so receiving an education can be convenient. The school wants to prepare each student for a promising career, whether that career is as a salon owner, an educator, or working at a luxury spa.
The cosmetology program covers hair, skin, nails, makeup, salon management, and sanitization. Students will learn about theory and receive hands-on practice as they learn. The school promises that students won’t build up student loan debt, so prospective students can feel confident that they’ll receive an education that’s within their budget.
Classes are available in English and Spanish.
Cost: The total cost for tuition and fees is estimated at $10,100.
Program Length: The course requires 1,000 hours, which can be completed in 40 weeks.
Location: East Houston (Main Campus): 10314 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77029; and West Houston (Gessner Campus): 3722 S. Gessner, Houston, TX 77063
Financial Aid: HTS accepts financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Students can set up a payment plan, if needed.
Other Programs Offered: Other programs offered include esthetician, eyelash extension specialist, instructor, and manicuring.
Link: www.houstontrainingschools.net
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes offers a great cosmetology program that teaches about hair, nails, makeup, business development, and how to get clients. Aveda wants every student to succeed, so they cover the business side of cosmetology after they teach theory and hands-on practice.
Theory is taught in the classroom, so students can learn the foundation of each area of cosmetology. Then, students will apply this knowledge with hands-on practice. Finally, they teach business-building skills, such as scheduling and keeping clients.
Cost: The cost is estimated to be around $20,000. The price will be discussed with the admissions team. Required state licensing and exam fees are included in this cost.
Program Length: The program can take up to 12 months, depending on your schedule.
Location: 19241 David Memorial Dr., Suite 100, Shenandoah, TX 77385
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available for qualifying students. Contact admissions for more information.
Other Programs Offered: They also offer courses in esthiology and massage therapy.
Link: www.avedaarts.edu
Picking the Best Cosmetology School For You
A professional cosmetology certification is an expensive but rewarding endeavor and can open up a lifelong career within the beauty industry. But if none of the above courses inspire you to enroll, why not consider a rewarding new career as a professional makeup artist?
You can study online at your own pace and learn from industry experts from the comfort of your own home. Click here to get started.