Cosmetology Schools in Ohio

Whether you plan to work in larger metropolitan areas like Columbus and Cincinnati one of the smaller towns throughout the state, becoming a cosmetologist in Ohio offers lots of exciting opportunities to grow your skills and income potential.

Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Ohio, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

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We researched all the cosmetology schools that Ohio has to offer and found the cream of the crop. View our list of the best cosmetology schools in Ohio.

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1165 East Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805

(419) 903-0440
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

175 Benedict Avenue
Norwalk, OH 44857

(419) 668-2333
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

8419 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45239

(513) 854-9715
Programs:
Cosmetology
Salon Institute – Accredited

50 West Powell Road
Columbus, OH 43035

Programs:
Cosmetology, Hair Design
Salon Institute – Accredited

3034 Wilford Drive
Toledo, OH 43615

14198664489
Programs:
Cosmetology, Hair Design
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Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

Alliance High School (high school students only) – Accredited

400 Glamorgan Street
Alliance, OH 44601

Apex Academy Hair Skin Nails School of Cosmetology – Accredited

1788 West 4th Street
Ontario, OH 44906

Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center – Accredited

1783 State Route 60
Ashland, OH 44805

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus – Accredited

1565 State Route 167
Jefferson, OH 44047

ATA College

225 Pictoria Drive
Glendale, OH 45246

Auburn Career Center – Accredited

8140 Auburn Road
Concord, OH 44077

Aveda Fredric's Institute – Accredited

7664 Voice Of America Centre Drive
West Chester, OH 45069

Aveda Institute – Accredited

889 Bethel Road
Columbus, OH 43214

Barberton High School (high school students only) – Accredited

555 Barber Road
Barberton, OH 44203

Brown Aveda Institute – Accredited

8816 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060

Brown Aveda Institute – Accredited

17901 Southpark Center Space 160
Strongsville, OH 44136

Buchtel High School (high school students only) – Accredited

1040 Copley Road
Akron, OH 44320

Buckeye Hills Career Center – Accredited

351 Buckeye Hills Road
Rio Grande, OH 45674

Buckeye Joint Vocational School – Accredited

545 University Drive Northeast
New Philadelphia, OH 44663

Butler Tech Hamilton Cosmetology – Accredited

3605 Hamilton Middletown Road
Fairfield Township, OH 45011

C-TEC – Accredited

150 Price Road
Newark, OH 43055

Canton City Schools Adult Community Education Center – Accredited

521 West Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44702

Casal Aveda Institute – Accredited

5555 Youngtown Warren Road
Niles, OH 44515

Choffin Career Center – Accredited

200 East Wood Street
Youngstown, OH 44503

Clay Senior High School (high school students only) – Accredited

5665 Seaman Road
Oregon, OH 43616

Cleveland Heights High School (high school students only) – Accredited

13263 Cedar Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Columbiana County Career and Technical Center – Accredited

9364 State Route 45
Lisbon, OH 44432

Columbus City School Adult and Community Education

270 East State Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Columbus City Schools Adult & Community Education – Accredited

2323 Lexington Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211

Columbus Downtown High School (high school students only) – Accredited

364 South 4th Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Coshocton County Career Center – Accredited

23640 Airport Road
Coshocton, OH 43812

Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology Centerville Campus – Accredited

568 Miamisburg-Centerville Road
Dayton, OH 45459

Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology Vandalia Campus – Accredited

7535 Poe Avenue
Dayton, OH 45414

Cuyahoga Falls High School (high school students only) – Accredited

2300 Fourth Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center – Accredited

8001 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

D. Russel Lee Career Center – Accredited

3603 Hamilton Middletown Road
Hamilton, OH 45011

David Ponitz Career Technical Center – Accredited

741 Washington
Dayton, OH 45402

Define Institute of Beauty – Accredited

11489 Princeton Pike
Glendale, OH 45246

Delaware Area Career Center – Accredited

4565 Columbus Pike
Delaware, OH 43015

East Liverpool High School (high school students only) – Accredited

100 Maine Boulevard East
Liverpool, OH 43920

Eastland Career Center – Accredited

4465 South Hamilton Road
Groveport, OH 43125

Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical Schools

4300 Amalgamated Place
Groveport, OH 43125

EHOVE Career Center – Accredited

316 West Mason Road
Milan, OH 44846

Elite Academy Of Hair Design – Accredited

56104 National Road
Bridgeport, OH 43912

Elite Hair Academy – Accredited

4033 Marshall Road
Kettering, OH 45429

Elite Institute of Cosmetology

1619 Chillicothe Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662

Fairfield Career Center – Accredited

3985 Coonpath Road
Carroll, OH 43112

Four County Career Center

22-900 State Route 34
Archbold, OH 43502

Four County Vocational School – Accredited

22-900 Street Route 34 Box 245 A
Archbold, OH 43502

Gerbers Akron Beauty School – Accredited

1915 West Market Street
Akron, OH 44313

Glen Oak School of Cosmetology – Accredited

1801 Schneider Road Northeast
Canton, OH 44721

Grant Career Center – Accredited

718 West Plane Street
Bethel, OH 45106

Great Oaks Career Campuses – Accredited

3254 East Kemper Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241

Great Oaks Career Campuses – Accredited

6375 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45247

Great Oaks Career Campuses – Accredited

5956 Buckwheat Road
Milford, OH 45150

Great Oaks Career Campuses – Accredited

300 Oak Drive
Wilmington, OH 45177

Greene County Career Center – Accredited

2960 West Enon Road
Xenia, OH 45385

Hair Academy – Accredited

62 Consumer Drive
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Handz R Us Beauty Academy – Accredited

15740 Broadway Avenue
Maple Heights, OH 44137

Inner State Beauty School

5150 Mayfield Road
Cleveland, OH 44124

Jefferson County Vocational School – Accredited

1509 County Highway 22A
Bloomingdale, OH 43910

Knox County Career Center – Accredited

306 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Knox Technical Center

308 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Lancaster High School (high school students only) – Accredited

1312 Granville Pike
Lancaster, OH 43130

Le Jeane Academe – Accredited

819 McKay Court
Boardman, OH 44512

Lorain County Adult Career Center – Accredited

15181 OH-58
Oberlin, OH 44074

Lorain County Community College

1005 North Abbe Road
North Ridgeville, OH 44035

Lorain County Joint Vocational School District – Accredited

15181 Street Route 58 South
Oberlin, OH 44074

Madison Adult Career Center – Accredited

600 Esley Lane
Mansfield, OH 44905

Mahoning County Career & Technical Center – Accredited

7300 North Palmyra Road
Canfield, OH 44406

Mansfield City Schools – Accredited

124 North Linden Road
Mansfield, OH 44906

Maple Heights High School (high school students only) – Accredited

5445 West Boulevard
Maple Heights, OH 44137

Maplewood Career Center – Accredited

7075 State Route 88
Ravenna, OH 44266

Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology – Accredited

5405 Roberts Road
Hilliard, OH 43026

Mayfield High School (high school students only) – Accredited

6116 Wilson Mills Road
Cleveland, OH 44143

Medina County Career Center – Accredited

1101 West Liberty Street
Medina, OH 44256

Meigs High School (high school students only) – Accredited

42091 Charles Chancey Drive
Pomeroy, OH 45769

Miami Valley Career Technology Center – Accredited

6800 Hoke Road
Clayton, OH 45315

Mid-East Career and Technology Centers – Accredited

400 Richards Road
Zanesville, OH 43701

Millstream Career Cooperative – Accredited

1150 Broad Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840

Moler Beauty Academy – Accredited

6142 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH 45213

Moler Hollywood Beauty Academy – Accredited

5951 South Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014

Morgan High School (high school students only) – Accredited

800 Raider Drive
McConnelsville, OH 43756

National Beauty College – Accredited

4642 Cleveland Avenue Northwest
Canton, OH 44709

New Directions Beauty Institute – Accredited

2013 East Dublin-Granville
Columbus, OH 43229

Normandy High School (high school students only) – Accredited

2500 West Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, OH 44134

Northern Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

669 Broadway
Lorain, OH 44052

Northwest High School (high school students only) – Accredited

10761 Pippin Road
Cincinnati, OH 45231

O C Collins Career Center – Accredited

11627 State Route 243
Chesapeake, OH 45619

Ohio Hi-Point Career Center – Accredited

2280 State Route 540
Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Ohio State Beauty Academy – Accredited

1760 North Eastown Road
Lima, OH 45807

Ohio State School of Cosmetology – Accredited

6077 Gender Road
Canal Winchester, OH 43110

Ohio State School of Cosmetology – Accredited

789 Hebron Road
Heath, OH 43056

Ohio State School of Cosmetology – Accredited

137 East Center Street
Marion, OH 43302

Ohio Valley Career and Technical Center – Accredited

175 Lloyd Road
West Union, OH 45693

Paramount Beauty Academy – Accredited

1745 11Th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

11956 Lebanon Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

3000 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43231

Paul Mitchell – Accredited

10735 Ravenna Road
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Penta Career Center – Accredited

9301 Buck Road
Perrysburg, OH 43551

Perfection Beauty Colleges – Accredited

7809 Waynetown Boulevard
Huber Heights, OH 45424

Perry High School (high school students only) – Accredited

632 Genoa Avenue Southwest
Massillon, OH 44646

Pickaway Ross Career & Tech Center – Accredited

895 Crouse Chapel Road
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Pioneer Career & Technology Center – Accredited

27 Ryan Road Box 309
Shelby, OH 44875

Polaris Career Center – Accredited

7285 Old Oak Boulevard
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Ponitz Career Technology Center

741 Washington Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Portage Lakes Career Center – Accredited

4401 Shriver Road
Uniontown, OH 44685

Preston’s Beauty Academy – Accredited

90 Acme Street
Marietta, OH 45750

Professional School of Cosmetology – Accredited

8555 Hough Avenue 2nd Floor
Cleveland, OH 44106

R. G. Drage Career – Accredited

2800 Richville Drive Southeast
Massillon, OH 44646

Raphael Barber Academy – Accredited

2731 Robbins Road
Niles, OH 44446

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc. – Accredited

2445 West State Street
Alliance, OH 44601

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc. – Accredited

3307 Center Road
Brunswick, OH 44212

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture – Accredited

615 Boardman-Canfield Road
Boardman, OH 44512

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture – Accredited

815 Youngstown Warren Road
Niles, OH 44446

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture – Accredited

27326 Lorain Road North
Olmsted, OH 44070

Raphael's School of Beauty Culture – Accredited

34999 Euclid Avenue
Willoughby, OH 44094

Remington College – Accredited

14801 Broadway Avenue
Maple Heights, OH 44137

Sandusky Career Center – Accredited

2130A Hayes Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

Scioto County Career Technical Center – Accredited

951 Vern Riffe Drive
Lucasville, OH 45648

Scott High School (high school students only) – Accredited

2400 Collingwood
Toledo, OH 43620

Sentinel Career Center – Accredited

793 East Township Road 201
Tiffin, OH 44883

Shaw High School of Cosmetology (high school students only) – Accredited

15320 Euclid Avenue
East Cleveland, OH 44112

South-Western Career Academy – Accredited

4750 Big Run South Road
Grove City, OH 43123

Southern Hills Career and Technical Center – Accredited

9193 Hamer Road
Georgetown, OH 45121

Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center – Accredited

1901 Selma Road
Springfield, OH 45505

Summit Salon Academy – Accredited

116 West South Boundary Street
Perrysburg, OH 43551

Swiss Hills Career Center – Accredited

46601 SR 78
Woodsfield, OH 43793

Sylvania Northview High School (high school students only) – Accredited

5403 Silica Drive
Sylvania, OH 43560

The Class Act School of Cosmetology – Accredited

49 East Main Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601

The Spa School – Accredited

5050 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43214

Theodore Roosevelt High School (high school students only) – Accredited

1400 North Mantua Street
Kent, OH 44240

Tiffin Academy of Hair Design – Accredited

104 East Market Street
Tiffin, OH 44883

Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture – Accredited

3341 Navarre Avenue
Oregon, OH 43616

Tolles Career & Technical Center – Accredited

7877 Route 42 Northeast
Plain City, OH 43064

Tri-County Adult Career Center – Accredited

15676 Oh-691
Nelsonville, OH 45764

Tri-Rivers Career Center & Center for Adult Education – Accredited

2222 Marion-Mt Gilead Road
Marion, OH 43302

Trumbull Career & Technical Center – Accredited

528 Educational Highway
Warren, OH 44483

Upper Valley Career Center – Accredited

8811 Career Drive
Piqua, OH 45356

Vanguard Vocational Center – Accredited

1306 Cedar Street
Fremont, OH 43420

Vanity School of Cosmetology

5236 Detroit Road
North Ridgeville, OH 44035

Vantage Career Center – Accredited

818 North Franklin Street
Van Wert, OH 45891

Warren County Career Center – Accredited

3525 North State Route 48
Lebanon, OH 45036

Washington County Career Center – Accredited

21740 State Route 626
Marietta, OH 45750

Washington High School (high school students only) – Accredited

1 Paul E. Brown Drive Southeast
Massillon, OH 44646

Wayne County Schools Career Center & Adult Ed – Accredited

518 West Prospect Street
Smithville, OH 44677

Whitmer Career & Technology Center – Accredited

5719 Clegg Drive
Toledo, OH 43613
Accredited School

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.

Cosmetology Schools Near Me

Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Ohio have to offer.

Best Cosmetology Schools in Ohio Metro Areas

We've ranked the top cosmetology schools in metro areas within or near Ohio to help you find your perfect fit.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Ohio

Ohio Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 8 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in Ohio is $30,040.
  • There is a predicted 0% job increase between 2016–2026 for cosmetologists.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Ohio

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Ohio means you'll need to meet several requirements before starting this exciting career:

  • Be age 16 or older
  • Possess the equivalent of a 10th grade Ohio public school education or higher
  • Provide evidence of a current driver's license, military ID, U.S. passport, or other government identification OR evidence of a temporary work permit if not a U.S. resident
  • Complete an approved training program consisting of at least 1,500 curriculum hours and provide certification of hours
  • Pass both the practical and theory examinations
  • Apply for licensure and pay the required fee

Ohio recently passed a law making it easier for those with criminal records to obtain professional licenses, including cosmetology.

It's important to note your cosmetologist license doesn't allow you to start your own business or offer medical procedures. The state has additional training and licensure requirements for both of these paths.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Ohio

$30,040

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Ohio

Cosmetologists practicing in the Buckeye State earned annual mean wages of $30,040 per year ($14.44 per hour) as of 2020, compared to the national average of $32,740 ($15.74). While Ohio's average salary might be slightly lower than the national average, it's important to remember Ohio maintains lower costs of living than other parts of the country.

Jobs for cosmetologists nationally are set to decline by 2% between 2019-2029. Those for Ohio-based cosmetologists should remain flat.

Annual pay can vary based on where a cosmetologist lives, how much experience they possess, who employs them, and what type of license they hold. We look at the highest-paying metro and non-metro areas in the state for cosmetologists below.

As of 2019 the highest-paying metro areas for cosmetologists in Ohio are:

  • Columbus, OH: $24,440
  • Cleveland-Elyria, OH: $23,240
  • Akron, OH: $23,070
  • Toledo, OH: $22,960
  • Lima, OH: $22,720

The highest-paying nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Ohio are:

  • Eastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area: $21,340
  • North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area: $20,870
  • West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area: $20,250
  • Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area: $19,420

Information sourced from the O*Net (2021)

State License Requirements

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

The 1,500-hour cosmetology curriculum outlined by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board is extensive and comprehensive, intending to help new cosmetologists get the training they need to be competent practitioners.

The board also provides a list of approved career-technical, private, and adult education schools to help learners pick a quality program.

  • Artificial Lashes/Extensions: 8 hours
  • Chemical Procedures & Practices: 480 hours
  • Cosmetology Laws & Rules: 20 hours
  • Facial Make-Up: 22 hours
  • Hair Procedures & Practices: 460 hours
  • Infection Control & Principles/Practices: 60 hours
  • Manicure and Pedicure Procedures & Practices: 120 hours
  • Properties of the Hair & Scalp: 120 hours
  • Salon Operations & Communication Skills: 120 hours
  • Skin Care Procedures & Practices: 90 hours

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Ohio?

Ohio doesn't offer licensure paths through apprenticeships for cosmetologists, hairstylists, estheticians, or nail technicians.

Ohio Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

To receive a cosmetology license in Ohio, you must take two exams, pay relevant fees, and follow all other guidelines. You need to create an eLicense account to register for the exams, each of which costs $31.50. The personal license itself costs $45.

The cosmetology practical exam lasts for two hours and 25 minutes plus an untimed thermal curling component. Examinees must arrive with a valid, government-issued photo ID and comply with all examination center guidelines to be admitted. They must also bring approved mannequin heads and hands along with general supplies. The exam consists of practical demonstrations in:

  • Set-Up and Client Protection
  • Thermal Curling
  • Haircutting
  • Chemical Wave
  • Hair Color Retouch

Foil Highlighting

  • Relaxer Retouch
  • Chemical Virgin Relaxer
  • Facial/Manicure Set-Up
  • Cleansing/Facial Massage
  • Manicure

The cosmetology theory exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions taken during a 90-minute testing window. Subject areas and the percentage of questions for each covered on the exam include:

  • Infection Control & Safety (24%)
  • Product Knowledge & Chemistry (5%)
  • Implements, Tools & Equipment (8%)
  • Anatomy & Physiology (27%)
  • Hair Care & Services (22%)
  • Skin Care & Services (7%)
  • Nail Care & Services (7%)

Examinees must send a cancelation email if they need to reschedule. Failing to do so results in rescheduling fees of $45 per exam. As of 2019, examinations are no longer offered in Vietnamese or Spanish and are now only in English.

If you need special ADA accommodations, you must fill out a form in advance of the testing date. If you're currently a student, you don't need to have a physician complete the form. However, if you've completed school, a physician must be involved.

The most common accommodations offered are extended time on the theory exam, a reader, or a sign language interpreter. However, others may be allowed if you can provide evidence of need.

You must earn 75 or higher on both the theory and practical examinations to qualify for licensure.

Ohio Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Ohio allows cosmetologists from states to receive licensure by reciprocity if they meet certain requirements. The primary mandates include:

  • Your license from the other state is valid and at least one year old.
  • Your training took at least 1,500 hours.
  • You had to pass exams.
  • Your current state offers reciprocity to those trained in Ohio.

If you meet all those requirements, in addition to asking your state board to send a copy of your license directly to the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board, you must supply the following materials:

  • Copy of a valid, government-issued photo ID
  • Certification of licensure from your current state's board
  • Copy of current license
  • Fee payment of $73.50

If you or your spouse is an active-duty member of the military, you can apply for a license transfer. You need to provide evidence of board certification from your current state, a copy of an active cosmetology license, documentation of your marriage, and military orders showing a new assignment in Ohio. The state doesn't charge a fee for this type of transfer.

It can take a while to transfer your cosmetology license from one state to another, so it's best to train in the state where you plan to work if at all possible. You can't practice until your Ohio license is valid, so start the process as soon as you know you're moving to the state.

Cosmetology Specialties in Ohio

In addition to cosmetology, Ohio offers training for hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, barbers, natural hairstylists, massage therapists, and cosmetology instructors.

To become a cosmetology instructor in Ohio, you must take part in a 300-hour training curriculum. This training needs to involve cosmetology laws and rules, curriculum development, learning styles, and classroom management. You must also hold a current, valid advanced cosmetology license and demonstrate at least 1,800 hours of work experience. After passing an instructor theory examination and paying a license fee, you can qualify for cosmetology instructor roles.

According to Salary.com, as of March 2021, cosmetology instructors earned between $32,708 and $51,496 per year. Pay varies based on factors like years of experience, additional training and certifications, and education level.

The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board provides comprehensive information about curricular requirements and testing details for the many related career paths available in the state.

After completing your cosmetology curriculum and receiving a license, you may want to consider adding some of the other available specialties to your portfolio. Some training hour requirements may be lessened based on topics covered in your cosmetology training program.

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

8 Hours

Continuing education required

Cosmetology licenses issued in Ohio must be renewed every two years, with evidence of continuing education (CE) experiences submitted no later than July 31. While the board waived five hours of CE requirements during the coronavirus pandemic, the full eight hours will be required starting in 2022.

Those eight hours are broken down into the following:

  • Laws and Rules: 1 hour
  • Safety and Infection Control: 2 hours
  • Your Specific Services: 5 hours

You can, of course, take additional CE courses in topics that interest you.

If you're 65 years old or older and have held a cosmetology license for at least 30 years, you don't have to take any CE hours. However, you must still renew your license every two years.

Ohio cosmetology license renewal costs $30.

Contact the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Ohio has long been an amenable state for those in the cosmetology field. Beauty professionals take pride in having a bevy of skills that bring customers back for more. They gain those skills thanks to a network of resources from these institutions.

Ohio Salon Association
OSA supports member salons by providing legislative advocacy, industry news, networking opportunities, and information about job openings throughout the state.

Ohio Association of Beauticians
OAB focuses on elevating and uniting the Ohio-based professionals working in the beauty industry throughout the state. The group maintains local chapters and offers opportunities to continue building skills.

Ohio Barber and Beauty Alliance
Membership in OBBA provides access to free professional development courses, information on building and marketing your beauty business, and advocacy at the state level.

Ohio Cosmetology Career Teacher Association
This close-knit group maintains a private Facebook page that brings together cosmetology educators throughout the state and offers collaboration and mutual learning opportunities.

Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Cosmetology
Ohio

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State