Known as ‘The Hub City,’ Lafayette is Louisiana’s fourth-largest city, located along the Vermilion River. Originally settled by French traders in the 18th century, the city has since blossomed into a kaleidoscopic hotbed of language, culture, and commerce–much like the rest of the state itself.
The city is home to the headquarters of several major American corporations, including J.P. Morgan Chase, Albertsons, CGI, and Amazon, to name a few. Lafayette is also the epicenter of Cajun and Louisiana Creole cultures.
But that’s not all Lafayette is home to–budding beauticians will be happy to know that there are many great cosmetology schools in the area where they can kick-start their beauty industry dreams. Seeing as the average cosmetologist’s salary in Louisiana is $36,540, you’ll certainly be able to carve out a decent living for yourself here. Better yet, the average cost of living in Lafayette is nearly 13% below the national average, making it entirely affordable on a cosmetologist’s salary.
However, finding a school that suits your needs and goals can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve gone ahead and done the research for you. Below you’ll find a list of our top picks for cosmetology schools in Lafayette, LA, as well as a handy school finder you can use to see which of these schools is most conveniently located near you.
The Best Cosmetology Schools in Lafayette, LA
Check out our choice picks for the best cosmetology schools in Lafayette, LA below. We’ve included all the pertinent information, such as tuition costs, financial aid options, program availability, and contact info as well. If you already have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can scroll down to our cosmetology school finder and find what you’re looking for a little more quickly.
1) Cosmetology Training Center
Students in the Cosmetology Training Center can expect to learn the main tools of the trade, such as haircutting, coloring, styling, highlighting, and perming, in addition to other services like manicuring, pedicuring, waxing, facials, makeup artistry, and basic skincare. The school also teaches how to use cosmetological equipment and even basic sales training for salon products.
The Cosmetology Training Center uses Paul Mitchell products throughout their training, believing that students should be exposed to as many professional brands as possible during their training–brands they’ll likely interact with frequently as a cosmetologist. Pricewise they’re one of the more affordable schools on this list, and their host of financing options makes anyone’s dream of becoming a licensed cosmetologist achievable.
Cost: $17,500 (for the cosmetology program)
Program Length: 1500 hours (for the cosmetology program)
Location: 5520 Johnston Street, Suite H2, Lafayette, LA 70503
Financial Aid: Pell Grants, G.I. Bill benefits (for applicable veterans), TOPS Awards, other federal loans, private loans through banks or credit unions, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
Other Programs Offered: Cosmetology Instructor program
2) The Salon at Remington College
Remington College is home to a number of vocational and trade programs that can help people start their careers in a number of industries, and cosmetology is no exception. This 12-month program takes on 30 students and is led by two instructors, but its claim to fame is all the hands-on practice students will get throughout their training. Throughout the program, students will familiarize themselves with products by acclaimed salon brands like OFRA, Matrix, Helen of Troy, Design Essentials, Andis, and Burmax Cuccio, to name a few.
Students will learn haircutting, coloring, styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facials, and wig care. Additionally, they’ll work with relaxers, perming solutions, and hair extensions so that they can give anybody the ‘do of their dreams. Their financial aid options are pretty extensive, too, with a number of available federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans in addition to a few great scholarship opportunities.
Cost: Inquire for tuition costs
Program Length: 1500 hours (for the cosmetology program)
Location: 303 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette, LA 70508
Financial Aid: Pell Grants, Stafford loans, Direct PLUS loans, G.I. Bill benefits (for applicable veterans), TOPS Awards, private loans through banks and credit unions, scholarship opportunities
Other Programs Offered: See course catalog
3) AVEDA Arts & Sciences Institute
AVEDA combines cosmetology theory and hands-on practice to deliver a comprehensive education to its students. Additionally, students will also receive business training that’ll not only help them navigate client interactions and administrative duties but will also boost their business acumen should they decide to manage a salon or open their own.
This program ultimately prepares students for state licensure exams, so they can expect to receive training that’ll prepare them for a number of careers in the cosmetology industry, such as cosmetologist, retail sales specialist, salon manager, or salon owner. The in-salon practice encompasses precision haircutting, coloring, styling, nail care, texture services, and makeup application. Like the other schools on this list, there are also a number of great financial aid options available, putting this program well within anyone’s reach.
Cost: $18,000 (for the cosmetology program)
Program Length: 1500 hours (for the cosmetology program): 29 weeks (35 hours a week on a quarters program), 46 weeks (22 hours a week on a semesters program), 63 weeks (16 hours a week on a semesters program)
Location: 2922 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503
Financial Aid: Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, G.I. Bill benefits (for applicable veterans), TOPS Awards, private loans through banks or credit unions
Other Programs Offered: Esthiology (i.e. Esthetician training) and Massage Therapy programs
4) Blue Cliff College (Lafayette Campus)
In Blue Cliff College’s cosmetology program, you can expect the usual training such as learning how to cut, color, and style hair. You’ll also put these skills into practice through their intensive, hands-on training that brings classroom theory to life in a practical setting. Students will also learn how to perform other cosmetological services like manicuring, pedicuring, skincare, and makeup artistry. Additionally, students will learn relaxing, perming, and extension and wig application for Black hair.
Like many of the other programs on this list, students will be prepared for state licensure upon graduation. Students also have access to a range of financial aid options, making this (slightly more expensive than average) program affordable. However, what really sets this program apart from the others, is its day and night program options; this means that busy professionals can still find time to fit school into their hectic work schedules.
Cost: $21,305 (for the cosmetology day program), $24,805 (for the cosmetology night program)
Program Length: 1500 hours (for the cosmetology program): 12 months (for the cosmetology day program), 19 months (for the cosmetology night program)
Location: 120 James Comeaux Road, Lafayette, LA 70508
Financial Aid: Pell Grants, Direct PLUS loans, Direct federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, Direct Consolidation loans, G.I. Bill benefits (for applicable veterans), TOPS Awards, Workforce Investment Act, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, private loans through banks or credit unions
Other Programs Offered: Esthetics and Massage Therapy programs
Closing Thoughts on Cosmetology Schools in Lafayette, LA
Aspiring cosmetologists will be happy to know that the overall industry has a projected 8% growth for the coming decade. Not only is this projected growth faster than average compared to other industries, but it means that cosmetologists will be in increasing demand over the next several years. There has never been a better time to enroll in a cosmetology program with that in mind.
There’s plenty to love about the bayou beyond its incredible food and Southern customs–just take it from us! As you can see, it’s also a pretty great place to start a career that will pave the way to a promising and rewarding future in cosmetology. Hopefully, we’ve helped make the decision a little easier for you, what with all the amazing schools we’ve listed here. Thanks for reading, and best of luck to you as you begin your cosmetology training!