Cosmetology Schools in New York City
New York City is considered by many to be the fashion center of the U.S. This is because people in the city work hard to look their best—not just the 18 million-plus residents of the metropolitan area, but also the tourists who swarm the streets.
That means cosmetologists are in high demand. As a result, NYC is brimming with opportunities you can't find elsewhere. If you are interested in becoming a cosmetologist in New York City, check out the schools below.
Program: Cosmetology
Program: Cosmetology
Program: Cosmetology
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Cosmetology Schools Near You
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301 Gibraltar Drive Suite 1A
Morris Plains, NJ 7950
233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
45 Sunset Strip and Route 10 East
Succasunna, NJ 7876
121 Watchung Avenue
North Plainfield, NJ 7060
1458 Route 35 South
Ocean Township, NJ 7712
312 State Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 8861
5518 Bergenline Avenue
West New York, NJ 7093
Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics and Cosmetology – Accredited
Pine Brook, NJ 7058
Westchester School of Beauty Culture – Accredited
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
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.
Cosmetologist Salary and Job Growth in NYC
In May 2021, cosmetologists in the New York City metropolitan area earned a mean salary of $40,920 per year ($19.67 per hour). New York cosmetology job opportunities are growing rapidly, with the state expecting the number of positions to expand by 57% between 2020 and 2030.
That's far above the national average; cosmetology jobs should grow by only 11% nationally.
New York City cosmetologists also earn more than the state average, with pay ranging from about $27,000 to $61,000 per year.
Featured Cosmetologist Employers in NYC
NYC has no shortage of unique beauty locations. Here are a few places that represent the types of locations where cosmetologists work in the city.
The Beauty Bar
231 E 14th St.
New York, NY, 10003
facebook.com/thebeautybarnyc
At first glance, this may look like a retro cocktail bar, but it's also a salon! This nighttime salon offers drinks, live music, standup comedy … and manicures. Customer reviews on Facebook talk about how much fun they have going to this location—they even have regulars—and how friendly and experienced the staff is.
If you're a night owl who loves music and parties as much as doing nails, this could be a great place to work.
CutLoose
78 Dobbin St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
cutloosebk.com
Who doesn't love a good theme? CutLoose is a retro-style hair salon owned by internationally known stylist Siobhan Benson. Her salon features vintage hits and workers who understand looks from the 70s, 80s, and beyond.
Benson strives to create an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity mixed with fun and nostalgia. The location offers hair, nail, makeup, and niche services.
whistle
267 East 10th St.
New York, New York 10009
whistlesalon.com
Don't let the motto of "Look less ugly" fool you—this tongue-in-cheek statement is just part of the laid-back and fun environment the salon's staff strives to have. In fact, they refer to their patrons as "the world's greatest clientele," The first thing you notice when looking at whistle stylists is owner Will Johnson's smile and fun pose.
In addition to cuts and color, this salon also offers Olaplex treatments and special event looks. So if you want to work in a place like this, getting special training can't hurt!
Stylists who succeed here are creative, passionate, and dedicated to improving their clients' days. Though this salon isn't dedicated to any brand, it hires people who studied at brand-specific schools.
Note: Inclusion on this list doesn't mean a location is currently hiring.
Cosmetology Supply Stores in NYC
You can't work as a cosmetologist without supplies! Luckily, NYC isn't one of the beauty capitals of the world for nothing. You can find all sorts of shops catering to your professional needs. Here are just a few:
CosmoProf
3828 Nostrand Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
cosmoprofequipment.com
With several locations around NYC and many more around the country, CosmoProf is the largest beauty supplier in the United States. You can shop in-store or online, with pickup and same-day delivery options.
Whether you need shampoo or a shampoo unit, CosmoProf has it all—though you may have to order online for some of the larger supplies.
In addition to its product offerings, CosmoProf has educational events and in-store learning opportunities to help professionals stay on top of their games.
Optima Beauty
84-15 Roosevelt Ave.
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
optimabeautysupply.com
For 25-plus years, Optima Beauty has prided itself on creating loyal customers through having a knowledgeable staff and ample supplies. This family-owned store began as a small venture and has become a favorite supplier of many professionals throughout NYC.
Whether you need extensions, facial or makeup tools, or nail supplies, Optima has you covered.
SalonCentric
307-309 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
stores.saloncentric.com/ny/brooklyn/3413
SalonCentric distributes beauty supplies—from products you run through quickly to long-term solutions like floor mats—to professionals across the country. Only licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, and other beauty professionals can purchase from this establishment.
The company offers classes, networking events, and supplies, so this could be a great place for veterans and newbies.
NYC Cosmetology Resources
Last but not least, NYC cosmetologists need community. Here are a few resources that enable networking opportunities to find your peers in the city.
Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW)
You don't need to identify as a woman or consider yourself an executive to be a member of CEW. This organization is for all beauty professionals, particularly those who operate small businesses. It offers networking opportunities and virtual events, among other perks.
International Beauty Show – New York
This convention is by professionals, for professionals. The goal is to celebrate the unsung heroes behind the salon chairs with educational opportunities, the ability to try new products, and more.
Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists – NYC Facebook Group
This group helps beauty professionals around NYC connect about job opportunities, classes, local trends, and more.
The Makeup Show
This is the largest beauty event for professionals in the U.S. The event consists of shopping opportunities, expert demos, and networking opportunities, among other activities.
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:
Find Other Cosmetology Schools in New York
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in New York have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State
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