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.

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554 Westport Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

(270) 600-4047
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Teacher Training

7285 Turfway Road
Florence, KY 41042

(859) 568-5311
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

151 Chenoweth Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

(503) 925-5816
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

5120 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40216

(502) 308-2446
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training
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Allure Beauty College – Accredited

74 Parkway Plaza Loop
Whitesburg, KY 41858

Appalachian Beauty School – Accredited

25429 U.S. Highway 119 North
Belfry, KY 41514

Ashland Community and Technical College

1400 College Drive
Ashland, KY 41101

Bellefonte Academy Of Beauty – Accredited

420 Bellefonte Street
Russell, KY 41169

Berea Beauty Academy – Accredited

213 Pauline Drive Suite 1
Berea, KY 40403

Big Sandy Community and Technical College

1 Bert Combs Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41653

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

500 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40506

Campbellsville University - Campbellsville – Accredited

212 Nancy Cox Drive
Campbellsville, KY 42718

Campbellsville University - Harrodsburg – Accredited

1166 Danville Road
Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Campbellsville University - Hodgenville – Accredited

813 Old Elizabethtown Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748

Campbellsville University - Liberty – Accredited

1 Petty John Street
Liberty, KY 42539

Campbellsville University - Louisville – Accredited

2300 Greene Way
Louisville, KY 40220

Campbellsville University - Paris – Accredited

2236 Martin Luther King Boulevard
Paris, KY 40361

Campbellsville University - Somerset – Accredited

3825 South Highway 27 Suite C
Somerset, KY 42501

Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training – Accredited

5659 Main Street
Thelma, KY 41260

College for Technical Education - Lexington – Accredited

1165 Centre Parkway 120
Lexington, KY 40517

CTE School Of Cosmetology – Accredited

2135 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Edge Academy of Beauty – Accredited

356 Manchester Square Shopping Center Suite 19
Manchester, KY 40962

Great Ambitions School of Cosmetology – Accredited

1102 Paris Road Suite 19
Mayfield, KY 42066

Hazard Community and Technical College

1 Community College Drive
Hazard, KY 41701

Hopkinsville Community College

720 North Drive
Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Ideal Beauty Academy - Louisville – Accredited

10213 Linn Station Road
Louisville, KY 40223

Jefferson Community and Technical College

109 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202

Lindsey Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

1059 Shive Lane Bowling
Bowling Green, KY 42103

Louisville Beauty Academy – Accredited

1049 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40204

Madisonville Beauty College – Accredited

270 Madisonville Square Drive
Madisonville, KY 42431

Maysville Community and Technical College

1755 U.S. Highway 68
Maysville, KY 41056

Paul Mitchell The School Lexington – Accredited

3644 Boston Road
Lexington, KY 40514

Paul Mitchell The School Louisville – Accredited

156 North Hurstbourne Parkway
Louisville, KY 40222

PJ's College of Cosmetology - Bowling Green – Accredited

1901 Russellville Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101

PJ's College of Cosmetology - Glasgow – Accredited

920 Happy Valley Road
Glasgow, KY 42141

PJ's College of Cosmetology - Louisville – Accredited

2911 South Hurstbourne Parkway
Louisville, KY 40220

Regina Webb Academy – Accredited

2425 Scottsville Road Suite 116
Bowling Green, KY 42104

Somerset Community College

808 Monticello Street
Somerset, KY 42501

South Eastern Beauty Academy – Accredited

318 Second Street
Paintsville, KY 41240

Summit Salon Academy - Lexington – Accredited

1300 New Circle Road Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40505

Taylor County High School – Accredited

2705 Hodgenville Road
Campbellsville, KY 42718

The Beauty Institute - Maysville – Accredited

111 West 2nd Street
Maysville, KY 41056

West Kentucky Community and Technical College – Accredited

4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, KY 42002
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 Kentucky have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Kentucky

Kentucky Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 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:

  • Being 18 years old and having at least a 12th-grade education
  • Completing 1,500 training hours at an approved beauty school
  • Passing written and practical exams

Applying for a license and paying the $50 licensing fee and $75 exam fee

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Kentucky

$25,790

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

1,500 Education Hours

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:

  • History and Career Opportunities
  • Life Skills
  • Professional Image
  • Communications

General Sciences:

  • Infection Control: Principles and Practices
  • General Anatomy and Physiology
  • Skin Structure, Growth, and Nutrition
  • Skin Disorders and Diseases
  • Properties of the Hair and Scalp
  • Basic Chemistry
  • Basics of Electricity

Hair Care:

  • Principles of Hair Design
  • Scalp Care, Shampooing, and Conditioning
  • Hair Cutting
  • Hair Styling
  • Braiding and Braid Extensions
  • Wig and Hair Additions
  • Chemical Texture Services
  • Hair Coloring

Skin Care:

  • Hair Removal
  • Facials
  • Facial Makeup
  • Application of Artificial Eyelashes

Nails:

  • Manicuring
  • Pedicuring
  • Nail Tips and Wraps
  • Monomer Liquid and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancement
  • Light Cured Gels

Business Skills:

  • Preparation for Licensure and Employment
  • On the Job Professionalism
  • Salon Businesses

Cosmetology program hours in Kentucky include:

  • Science and theory: 375 hours
  • Clinic and practice hours: 1,085 hours
  • Applicable Kentucky statutes and administrative regulations: 40 hours

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):

  • Candidate admission letter (printed)
  • Government-issued photo ID

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:

  • Lawrenceburg testing site: Every Monday
  • Big Sandy Community College in Paintsville: Every 2nd Monday of the month
  • Madisonville Community College: Every 3rd Monday of the month

In addition to the testing center requirements for entry, you need the following for the practical exam:

  • Solid-colored scrubs with no identifying information (non-white)
  • EPA-registered disinfectant or hand sanitizer
  • Mannequin stand
  • Supply kit
  • Two disposal containers

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:

  • Copy of driver's license or state-issued ID
  • Proof of 12th-grade education
  • $50 application fee

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

1 Year

License renewal period

0 Hours

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

Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

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.

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How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State