Cosmetology Schools in Ohio
Are you considering a cosmetology career in Ohio but unsure where to start? Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Ohio, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Ohio
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Alliance High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Alliance, OH 44601
Apex Academy Hair Skin Nails School of Cosmetology – Accredited
Ontario, OH 44906
Aveda Fredric's Institute Cincinnati – Accredited
West Chester, OH 45069
Brown Aveda Institute Strongsville – Accredited
Strongsville, OH 44136
Butler Tech Hamilton Cosmetology – Accredited
Fairfield Township, OH 45011
Canton City Schools Adult Community Education Center – Accredited
Canton, OH 44702
Cleveland Heights High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Columbus City School Adult and Community Education – Accredited
Columbus, OH 43215
Columbus Downtown High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Columbus, OH 43215
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology Centerville Campus – Accredited
Dayton, OH 45459
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology Vandalia Campus – Accredited
Dayton, OH 45414
Cuyahoga Falls High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
East Liverpool High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Liverpool, OH 43920
Lancaster High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Lancaster, OH 43130
Maple Heights High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Maple Heights, OH 44137
Mayfield High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Cleveland, OH 44143
Meigs High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Pomeroy, OH 45769
Morgan High School (high school students only) – Accredited
McConnelsville, OH 43756
Normandy High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Parma, OH 44134
Northwest High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Cincinnati, OH 45231
Perry High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Massillon, OH 44646
Shaw High School of Cosmetology (high school students only) – Accredited
East Cleveland, OH 44112
Sylvania Northview High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Sylvania, OH 43560
Theodore Roosevelt High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Kent, OH 44240
Tri-Rivers Career Center & Center for Adult Education – Accredited
Marion, OH 43302
Washington High School (high school students only) – Accredited
Massillon, OH 44646
Wayne County Schools Career Center & Adult Ed – Accredited
Smithville, OH 44677
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.
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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 Ohio have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Ohio
- 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Ohio is $31,750.
- There is a predicted 0% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.
To work as a cosmetologist in Ohio, you must first earn a license from the state board. To earn licensure, you must meet specific requirements. You must:
A criminal background doesn't automatically stop you from gaining a cosmetology license in Ohio. Each application is reviewed by the board. If your application is denied, the reasons why will be put in writing and sent to you.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Ohio
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Ohio
The average cosmetologist in Ohio earns an annual salary of $31,750 per year, or $15.26 per hour. This is below the national average of $35,990 per year ($17.30 per hour). But the cost of living in Ohio is also lower than the national average, so a smaller wage is potentially less of a concern here than in more expensive areas.
Typical cosmetologist salaries in Ohio range from a low end of $19,090 or less to highs of $47,080 or more. The amount a cosmetologist can earn varies greatly depending on factors such as the geographical area in which they're based, the services they offer, where they work, and their experience level.
The highest-paying areas for cosmetologists in Ohio are:
| Metro Area | 2021 Median Salary |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $29,540 |
| Columbus, OH | $29,220 |
| Dayton, OH | $29,160 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $29,120 |
| Akron, OH | $28,550 |
Table information sourced from the O*Net (2022).
On a less-positive note, job growth for cosmetologists in Ohio has stalled, with a predicted rise of 0% overall predicted between 2020 and 2030. However, this expected rate doesn't include estimates of people who may retire or leave their careers for other reasons and need others to replace them.
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Ohio
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Before taking your exams and applying for licensure, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a state board-approved cosmetology school. The exact content of each program varies from school to school, but the curriculum must be split as follows:
1. Infection Control, Principles, and Practices (60 hours)
2. Properties of the Hair and Scalp (120 hours)
3. Hair Procedures and Practices (460 hours)
4. Chemical Procedures and Practices (480 hours)
5. Manicure and Pedicure Procedures and Practices (120 hours)
6. Skincare Procedures and Practices (90 hours)
7. Artificial Lashes and Extensions (8 hours)
8. Facial Makeup (22 hours)
9. Salon Operations and Communication Skills (120 hours)
10. Cosmetology Laws and Rules (20 hours)
Like the students who attend them, all cosmetology schools must gain and keep their licenses to continue working. In addition, they must abide by the standards set forth by the state cosmetology board. If they don't, they can have their licenses revoked.
Cosmetology Apprenticeships in Ohio
There is no approved way to gain licensure as a cosmetologist in Ohio via an apprenticeship.
Ohio Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Once you've completed 1,500 hours of training, you should be ready to advance to the next stage of the process to achieve licensure. To obtain licensure in Ohio, all cosmetology students must take (and pass) theory and practical exams. You must sign up for these on the state board website and pay a $40 sign-up fee per exam.
The cosmetology theory exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The questions cover the following subject areas:
The practical exam is split into the following timed sections:
On the day of your exams, you must arrive before your start time. If you arrive late, you won't be allowed to enter, must give up your exam fee, and have to reschedule (and pay a rescheduling fee of $45 per exam or $90 for both).
You must bring at least one form of government-issued current photo ID to every exam. You must also wear appropriate clothing and perform all parts of the practical exam on a mannequin head—live models aren't allowed. Both exams used to be available in multiple languages, but as of August 1, 2019, they're available in English only. Therefore, all supplies must also be clearly labeled in English.
The state board follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in providing special accommodations for candidates who require help. If you feel that you need extra help to be able to take either exam, you can request it.
You must score at least 75 on both exams to pass. If you don't pass either exam on your first attempt, you may retake them as often as needed. You must pay a fee of $31.50 for each retake.
Ohio Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you currently hold a valid cosmetology license in another state, you may be eligible to obtain an Ohio license through reciprocity. To apply for reciprocity, submit an application and pay a non-refundable fee of $73.50. You must also prove the following:
You must complete Ohio's practical and theory exams if you've held your license for less than one year. Otherwise, you shouldn't need to retake your exams.
Active-duty military personnel and their spouses may also transfer their out-of-state cosmetology licenses for use in Ohio by filling out this application.
Cosmetology Specialties in Ohio
In addition to the standard cosmetology procedures license allows you to perform in Ohio, there may be other services you wish to offer your clients that need an additional license.
For example, you may wish to complete a 450-hour natural hair license and specialize in working with black hair. Cities such as Cincinnati and Columbus provide ample opportunities for specialized careers and present plenty of options for cosmetologists who take the time to pick up additional skills.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
All Ohio cosmetology licenses expire on January 31st of every odd-numbered year, meaning they must be renewed every two years. Renewals cost $55.
You don't need to complete continuing education (CE) hours for your first renewal period. You must still pay the $55 renewal fee, however.
After your first license renewal, you must complete a prescribed amount of CE each time you renew. Currently, this is set at 4 hours, consisting of the following:
If you fail to pay your renewal fee for two consecutive periods (four years), your license moves to a "lapsed" status. To reactivate a lapsed license, you must pay all delinquent and current licensing fees and complete the required number of CE hours missed, based on how long your license has been lapsed.
If you’re over 65 or have been licensed for over 30 years, you don't need to complete any CE to renew your license.
Contact the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
- 1929 Gateway Circle Grove City, OH 43123
- Website: Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
- Email: sue.gatwood@cos.state.oh.us
- Call: 614-466-3834
- Fax: 614-644-6880
Ohio Salon Association
The OSA looks to connect with cosmetologists and salon owners across Ohio to communicate vital information about the industry within the state.
Ohio Association of Beauticians, Inc.
This association began 88 years ago and exists to elevate, unite, and serve the beauty industry across Ohio.
The Ohio Barber and Beauty Alliance
The OBBA is a statewide network of barbers and beauty professionals that works to advocate for those working in the industry.