Cosmetology Schools in Kentucky
If you’ve always loved beauty and want to make clients look and feel their best, Kentucky may be a great place to begin your cosmetology career. Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Kentucky, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Kentucky
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
554 Westport Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
151 Chenoweth Lane
Louisville, KY 40207
5120 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40216
Campbellsville University - Hodgenville – Accredited
Hodgenville, KY 42748
College for Technical Education - Nicholasville – Accredited
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Edge Academy of Beauty – Accredited
Manchester, KY 40962
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Bowling Green – Accredited
Bowling Green, KY 42101
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Louisville – Accredited
Louisville, KY 40220
West Kentucky Community and Technical College – Accredited
Paducah, KY 42002
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Kentucky have to offer.
Cost of Cosmetology School Across KY
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Lexington | $18,077 |
| Cincinnati | $17,145 |
| Louisville | $16,302 |
| Bowling Green | $16,258 |
| Charleston / Huntington | $12,400 |
| Kingsport / Bristol | $10,500 |
Comparing Program Costs in KY
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $13,083 - $19,316 |
| Lowest range: $6,850 - $13,083 |
| Average: $15,797 |
| Esthetics/Skin Care School Costs |
| Highest range: $10,700 - $13,600 |
| Lowest range: $7,800 - $10,700 |
| Average: $11,014 |
| Nail Technology School Costs |
| Highest range: $6,597 - $9,444 |
| Lowest range: $3,750 - $6,597 |
| Average: $7,105 |
| Barbering School Costs |
| Highest range: $17,250 - $17,250 |
| Lowest range: $17,250 - $17,250 |
| Average: $17,250 |
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Kentucky
- 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every year.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Kentucky is $25,790.
- There is a predicted 17% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.
In Kentucky, cosmetologists learn how to perform hair cutting, coloring, and styling. They also receive training in the basics of eyebrow hair removal, facials, manicures, and cosmetology theory.
To become a cosmetologist in Kentucky, you must meet the following requirements:
Applying for a license and paying the $50 licensing fee and $75 exam fee
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Kentucky
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Kentucky
The employment outlook is bright for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Kentucky, with projected job growth of 17% from 2020 through 2030.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Kentucky earned an average salary of $25,790 per year or $12.40 per hour in 2021.
However, salaries vary based on services offered and location. For example, you may earn more by offering more specialized services or working in a city environment.
These are some median salaries for cosmetologists in metropolitan areas across Kentucky:
| Metropolitan Areas | 2021 Median Salary |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $29,540 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $27,470 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $24,170 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | $23,550 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $23,270 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $21,640 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $21,610 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Kentucky
Required to earn a cosmetology license
To earn your cosmetologist license in Kentucky, you must complete 1,500 training hours at an approved beauty school. The board offers a list of approved beauty schools in the state—you can find a program by searching for schools in your county.
All cosmetology programs in Kentucky must include the following subject areas:
Basics:
General Sciences:
Hair Care:
Skin Care:
Nails:
Business Skills:
Cosmetology program hours in Kentucky include:
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Kentucky?
Unfortunately, Kentucky does not have an apprenticeship program for cosmetologists.
Kentucky Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
After completing the 1,500 training hours, you're ready to take your exams. Kentucky requires you to pass both a written and practical exam, but you must submit the applications for each exam separately.
First, submit an application to the board to register for your theory (written) exam. Theory exams take place at a testing site, with multiple locations for applicants. Each testing center determines the available dates and times. When the board approves your application, you receive a link via email to schedule the exam.
Visitors and personal items are not allowed in the testing center. For admission to the theory examination, you must bring the following (perhaps among other things):
The theory exam is 90 minutes. You can find a list of sample questions and other test information on the theory candidate information bulletin. The exam comprises 110 items broken up based on four domains: scientific concepts, hair, skin care, and nails.
Applicants must pass the theory exam before applying for the practical portion. You'll receive scores for both exams via email within five days of completion—scores cannot be released over the phone or by the testing facility.
After passing the written exam, you can submit the application, fee, and preferred testing location for your practical exam. The examination fee for cosmetologists is $85, and the board will email you a link to schedule. Practical exams also take place at a testing center, but the locations and times follow a regular schedule:
In addition to the testing center requirements for entry, you need the following for the practical exam:
If you don't arrive on time or fail to bring any of the necessary items to the testing center on the day of your exam, you must reschedule. You can find a complete list of the suggested supplies for examination at NIC Testing.
Kentucky Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you're an out-of-state applicant with licensure from another state board, you can apply for license reciprocity in Kentucky. However, you must have completed 1,500 training hours and have at least a 12th-grade education.
To apply, submit certification of your hours and license from your previous state to the Kentucky board. You must request this information from your licensing agency and ask they send the documents directly to Kentucky. The board cannot accept certifications from applicants or school transcripts. You also need to submit the following documentation with your application:
If your previous state has the same training hour requirements, you may apply as an Out-of-State Exam applicant. Anyone holding an out-of-state license with a nationally certified examination can apply for licensure in Kentucky without taking the exams.
But if you don't have enough training hours to match Kentucky's 1,500-hour requirement, you must complete the remaining hours at an approved school before applying for licensure. You also must take the written and practical exams and pay a $175 examination fee. The board normally processes out-of-state transfer applications within 30 days.
The board gives special consideration to spouses or members of the U.S. Armed Forces in Kentucky. If you hold an active license in another state, you can transfer your license by submitting the Military Sponsor License Transfer Application with your documentation and fee.
Cosmetology Specialties in Kentucky
In addition to cosmetology licenses, Kentucky also offers licenses for nail technicians, estheticians, and cosmetology instructors.
The board offers specialty permits in threading, eyelash extensions, and makeup artistry if you're looking to specialize.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
In Kentucky, cosmetologists must renew their licenses every year in July. You'll apply to the board for renewal with a $50 renewal fee each year before July 31st. If your license expires, you must pay an additional $100 restoration fee. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal.
Contact the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology
- 1049 US HIghway 127 Annex #2, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Website: Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
- Email: Contact Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
- Call: 502-564-4262
- Fax: 502-324-6192
The Bluegrass State knows a bit about personal style, and cosmetologists have contributed to it a great deal. Beauty professionals in the state employ a keen blend of Southern tradition and modern polish in their work. Aspiring beauty professionals get their data from these groups.
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
The state cosmetology board website provides information about the required cosmetology education and the regulatory standards for the state.
NIC Testing.org
The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) 's website offers information on testing, education, regulation, and more.