If you are interested in working in the cosmetology field in the state of Florida, it is important to know that there are certain requirements you must meet to become licensed. These requirements are mandated by the Florida Board of Cosmetology, Florida Barber Board, and the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Here are the requirements:
- Cosmetologist: 1,200 training hours
- Manicurist: 240 training hours
- Barber: 1,200 hours of barber training
- Massage Therapist: 500 hours of massage training
Now that you know what’s needed let’s take a look at some of the top schools in this industry that Florida has to offer!
Aveda Institute, Tallahassee
Aveda Institute offers a variety of programs for individuals seeking a career in the beauty/cosmetology field. Here are the top programs offered at Aveda:
- Cosmetology
- Esthiology Full Specialist
- Barbering
- Esthiology Full Specialist/Massage Therapy (SPA)
- Massage Therapy
- Eyelash Extensions
Tuition at the Aveda Institute includes all state and licensing fees in their tuition. This means, once you complete your program, you won’t need to spend extra money to earn your state licensure.
The average cost of tuition for this school is $17,656.
La Belle Beauty Academy, Miami & La Belle Beauty School, Hialeah
Both of the La Belle campuses are ranked individually as top cosmetology schools in Florida. While their campuses might be slightly different, they both offer the same line of programs:
- Cosmetology
- Massage Therapy
- Full Specialist
- Skin Care & Make-up
- Nail Technology
- Instructor Training
It’s important to note that La Belle is accredited by The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences; Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education and Florida Department of Education; Regulated by The Department of Business and Professional Regulations for Cosmetology and Barber Professions. It is also an approved school to teach massage therapy by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy.
La Belle also accepts Federal Financial Aid, which means if you file the FAFSA®, you can pay for tuition with money you receive from any Pell Grant or Federal Student Loans!
The average cost of tuition is approximately $15,000, so make sure you file!
Paul Mitchell the School, Jacksonville
Paul Mitchell the School offers students opportunities to become licensed cosmetologists. They have a 3-level Cosmetology program: Core, Adaptive, and Creative. As students advance through each level, they learn skills to build upon their techniques.
The cost of tuition varies depending on the credit hours you take:
- Cosmetology 1200 hours: Total cost is around $16,400
- Cosmetology 1300 hours: Total cost is around $18,850
The cost of tuition listed above does include all of the fees, a student kit, textbooks, and supplies. While each program lists the number of hours required for completion, the 1300-hour program also includes 100-hours of their Ultimate Face Make-Up Program and Dulce Lash certification.
Tenaj Salon Institute, The Villages
The Tenaj Salon Institute offers a 9-month Cosmetology Program where you’ll learn skills such as:
- Hair Color
- Skin Care
- Hair Cutting
- Anatomy/Chemistry
- Relaxing/Chemical Waving
- Make-Up
- Eye Lash Application
- Hair Removal
- Manicuring, Pedicuring and other skills
They have a student salon that allows students to work on real clients. While the students perform the services that clients would receive in high-end salons, it’s important to note that they act under the supervision of experienced cosmetology educators, similar to a mentorship program.
The average cost to attend this school is around $18,000. Be sure to check their website for a list of scholarships offered to incoming students.
Regardless of which school you decide to attend, whether listed above or not, it’s important to check each school’s accreditations and licensing. Schools that include state licensing in their tuition could help you save money.
Ultimately, all cosmetology schools specialize in their own techniques, and they all have their pros and cons. So, do your research and make sure you pick the school that is right for you.
