Cosmetology Schools in Virginia

With a wide number of specializations to choose from, healthy future job potential, and above-average salaries, Virginia is the perfect place to begin your career in cosmetology. Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Virginia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

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10130-A Colvin Run Road Suites A and B
Great Falls, VA 22066

(703) 759-2700
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Electrology, Teacher Training

671 North Glebe Road Suite 1280
Arlington, VA 22203

(571) 366-4809
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Teacher Training

10807 Hull Street Road
Midlothian, VA 23112

(804) 745-9062
Programs:
Cosmetology, Nail Technology

12365 Hornsby Lane Suite C
Newport News, VA 23602

(757) 527-3227
Programs:
Cosmetology, Nail Technology

9049 West Broad Street 3
Richmond, VA 23294

(804) 270-2095
Programs:
Cosmetology, Nail Technology

116 South Independence Boulevard Suite 107
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 355-5530
Programs:
Cosmetology, Nail Technology

10132 Colvin Run Road Suite A
Great Falls, VA 22066

Programs:
Cosmetology

3700 Candlers Mountain Road Unit 68
Lynchburg, VA 24502

(434) 385-7722
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Massage Therapy
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A.C.C.H. Beauty Academy – Accredited

6510 Arlington Boulevard
Falls Church, VA 22042

Ai-Lien International Beauty Academy – Accredited

5541 Langston Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22207

Alana's Hair And Cosmetology Institute – Accredited

201 Preston Street Southwest
Abingdon, VA 24210

Alma Beauty Academy – Accredited

512 Maple Avenue West 200
Vienna, VA 22180

Alure Hair Academy – Accredited

1020 East Main Street Suite H
Purcellville, VA 20132

Anna Beauty Academy

778 23rd Street South
Arlington, VA 22202

Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School – Accredited

102 North Sycamore Street
Petersburg, VA 23803

Art Of Beauty Hair Institute – Accredited

4008 Indian River Road
Chesapeake, VA 23325

Asher Institute of Hampton – Accredited

4107 West Mercury Boulevard
Hampton, VA 23666

Audrey's Designer Of Fashion Hair – Accredited

417 Flat Rock Road
Kenbridge, VA 23944

Barbershop 27

2990 Churchland Boulevard
Chesapeake, VA 23321

Beatriz International Beauty Academy

3014 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204

Beatriz International Hair Salon – Accredited

210 West Glebe Road
Alexandria, VA 22305

Belleza Academy – Accredited

1549 Old Bridge Road Suite 205
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Beyond Beauty Academy – Accredited

2508 Build America Drive
Hampton, VA 23666

BJs Hair Gallery Academy – Accredited

200 Beech Drive Suite D
Newport News, VA 23601

Bombshell Beauty Salon & School – Accredited

1438 Roanoke Road
Daleville, VA 24083

C & S Beauty School – Accredited

8029 Centreville Road
Manassas, VA 20111

C.J. Hair School – Accredited

9667 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031

Cana Va Beauty College & Beauty Salon – Accredited

16096 Fancy Gap Highway
Cana, VA 24317

Chesapeake Career Center

1617 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Chesterfield Technical Center – Accredited

10101 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Circle Beauty Academy

9547 B Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031

Claudia Beauty Academy – Accredited

62 Plaza Street Northeast Unit C
Leesburg, VA 20176

College And Career Academy At Pruden – Accredited

4169 Pruden Boulevard
Suffolk, VA 23434

Columbia College – Accredited

8620 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182

Cosmopolitan Beauty and Tech School – Accredited

4201 John Marr Drive 206
Annandale, VA 22003

Crown Cutz Academy Bristol – Accredited

805 Commonwealth Avenue
Bristol, VA 24201

Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center – Accredited

311 South East Street 120
Culpeper, VA 22701

Danville Community College – Accredited

1008 South Main Street
Danville, VA 24541

Denbigh Beauty School – Accredited

14335 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23602

Dominican House Of Beauty Academy – Accredited

14404 Jefferson Davis Highway
Woodbridge, VA 22191

Dream Beauty Salon And School

13201 Rivers Bend Boulevard
Chester, VA 23836

Dream Sitara Beauty Academy – Accredited

11226 Waples Mill Road Unit B
Fairfax, VA 22030

Elite Barber Shop & Salon II

490-F Denbigh Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23602

Estern Shore Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

4247 Nelson Road
New Church, VA 23415

Exalt Academy Of Cosmetology – Accredited

102 Bonham Road Suite 4
Bristol, VA 24201

Flawless Styles Academy – Accredited

2706 Build America Drive Suite B
Hampton, VA 23666

Fusions School of Cosmetology

4800 Pleasant Hills Drive Suite 101
Roanoke, VA 24018

Golden Opportunities Beauty And Barber Academy – Accredited

5902 Woodfield Court North
Chesterfield, VA 23234

Graceful Touch Beauty Academy – Accredited

5756 Churchland Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23703

Grayson County Career And Technical Education Center – Accredited

110 Blue Devil Drive
Independence, VA 24348

Hair 4 U International Beauty & Barber College – Accredited

702 North Mallory Street
Hampton, VA 23663

Hair Fashions Salon & Beauty Academy – Accredited

7717 Richmond-Tappahannoak Highway
Aylett, VA 23009

Hair Technology Center – Accredited

2200 Colonial Avenue Unit 7
Norfolk, VA 23517

Haircentre Beauty Academy – Accredited

7115 Leesburg Pike Suite 104
Falls Church, VA 22043

Hanover Center For Trades & Technology

10002 Learning Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Infinity Beauty Academy – Accredited

13874 Metrotech Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151

Innocent Beauty Collections Academy – Accredited

9200 Stony Point Parkway Suite 197
Richmond, VA 23235

Innovation Beauty Institute – Accredited

8255 Shoppers Square
Manassas, VA 20111

J's Hair Design – Accredited

13895 Hedgewood Drive Suite 305
Woodbridge, VA 22193

Jazz Barber & Hairstyling Academy – Accredited

1024 East Washington Street
Petersburg, VA 23803

Kenny's Beauty Academy – Accredited

3461 Washington Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201

Kingdom Kuts Christian Cosmetology School – Accredited

304 General Mahone Highway Suite B
Wakefield, VA 23888

Kulture Kuts Barber & Styling Academy – Accredited

2313 Oaklawn Boulevard Suite A
Hopewell, VA 23860

LB Beauty Academy – Accredited

3114 West Marshall Street Suite A
Richmond, VA 23230

Le Arai Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

8630 Lee Highway Suite J
Farifax, VA 22031

Legacy School Of Hair Design – Accredited

1055 U.S. Highway 23 South
Weber City, VA 24290

Lotus Miracle – Accredited

1547 East Little Creek Road Unit B
Norfolk, VA 23518

Luckes Beauty Academy – Accredited

888 J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601

Magic Mirror School Of Cosmetology

1113 Spruce Street
Martinsville, VA 24112

Melanie Beauty Academy – Accredited

2415 Beacon Hill Road
Alexandria, VA 22306

Metamorphosis Academy – Accredited

10560 Main Street Suite LL 15
Fairfax, VA 22030

Miracle Beauty & Nails Academy – Accredited

3420 Holland Road Suites 102 and 112
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Miracle Universal Institute – Accredited

624 East Church Street
Martinsville, VA 24112

Miracles Academy & Salon – Accredited

1501 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209

Moda Beauty School – Accredited

9921 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110

Ms Kelli's School Of Cosmetology – Accredited

4157 George Washington Memorial Highway
Hayes, VA 23072

Naturally Yours Barber & Beauty Salon – Accredited

8014 Midlothian Turnpike Suite 311 North
Chesterfield, VA 23235

Nu Image Salon & Beauty School – Accredited

315 South Main Street
Blackstone, VA 23824

Outer You School Of Cosmetology & Nail

208 North South Street
Farmville, VA 23901

Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke – Accredited

658 Brandon Avenue Southwest Suite 210
Roanoke, VA 24015

Paul Mitchell The School Tysons Corner – Accredited

8041-L Tysons Corner Center
McLean, VA 22102

Paulette de Paris, International Beauty Academy – Accredited

8229 Boone Boulevard Suite 120
Vienna, VA 22182

People's Choice Beauty Academy – Accredited

34 East Church Street
Martinsville, VA 24112

Perfect Styles Beauty And Barber Academy

307 Oyster Point Road
Newport News, VA 23602

PR Partners Academy – Accredited

11740 Sudley Manor Drive
Manassas, VA 20109

Redefine Barber And Beauty Academy – Accredited

5330 Chamberlayne Road
Richmond, VA 23227

Romans Hair Empire & Beauty Academy – Accredited

480 South Commerce Avenue Suite D and E
Front Royal, VA 22630

Ruth Beauty Salon & Academy – Accredited

101 East Holly Avenue Suite 16
Sterling, VA 20164

Salon Eleven Academy – Accredited

185 South Liberty Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Salon LaBelle – Accredited

500 Peppers Ferry Road
Wytheville, VA 24382

Sean Paul Barber Braids And Beauty Academy

623 East Virginia Beach Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23510

Sharpen Your Skillz Continuing Education and Salon – Accredited

5265 Providence Road Suite 106
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Skyline Beauty Academy – Accredited

5124 Leesburg Pike
Alexandria, VA 22302

Southside Virginia Community College – Accredited

820 Bruce Street South
Boston, VA 24592

Southside Virginia Community College - Alberta

109 Campus Drive
Alberta, VA 23821

Southside Virginia Community College - Chase City – Accredited

316 North Main Street
Chase City, VA 23924

Spectrum Beauty Academy – Accredited

25 South Quaker Lane Suite 15
Alexandria, VA 22314

Springfield Beauty Academy – Accredited

4223 Annandale Road
Annandale, VA 22003

Star Beauty School – Accredited

2263 Valor Drive
Winchester, VA 22601

Statements The Academy – Accredited

2253 Old Bridge Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Staunton School of Cosmetology – Accredited

128 East Beverley Street
Staunton, VA 24401

Stepping Stone Career Training School – Accredited

1010 West Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227

Styles Unlimited Beauty School – Accredited

9044 James D Hagood Highway
Scottsburg, VA 24589

Super Hair's Beauty Academy – Accredited

165 Maple Avenue
Vienna, VA 22180

T And L Beauty Academy – Accredited

6316-B Horsepen Road
Richmond, VA 23226

The Esthetic Institute – Accredited

8381 Old Courthouse Road Suite 200
Vienna, VA 22182

Tomorrow's Image Barber & Beauty Academy of Virginia – Accredited

490 F Denbigh Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23608

Trojan Beauty And Barber College – Accredited

107 Pickwick Avenue
Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Ultimate Performance School Of Cosmetology

324 Memorial Boulevard
Martinsville, VA 24112

V Salon & Academy – Accredited

19341 Diamond Lake Drive
Lansdowne, VA 20176

VA Beach Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

4312 Holland Road Suite 109
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

VA Beauty College – Accredited

9200 Stony Point Parkway Suite 154-155
Richmond, VA 23235

Veluxe Salon And Academy

27 East Main Street
Salem, VA 24153

Victor Beauty Academy – Accredited

7254 Maple Place
Annandale, VA 22003

Victory Nails – Accredited

2735 Metro Plaza
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Virginia Beach Beauty and Barber Academy

4312 Holland Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Visions II Beauty Academy – Accredited

2557 South Crater Road Suite F
Petersburg, VA 23805

Whairhouse Academy – Accredited

2595 English Tavern Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501

Williamsburg Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

1505 A Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Yen Beauty Academy – Accredited

5511 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22205

Yuri Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

1601 Clarendon Boulevard Suite 101
Arlington, VA 22209

Z1 Hair Studios Academy – Accredited

3120 Kiln Creek Parkway Suite E
Yorktown, VA 23693
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

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Virginia

Virginia Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in Virginia is $37,400.
  • There is a predicted 17% job increase between 2020-2030 for cosmetologists.

To qualify for a cosmetologist's license in the state of Virginia, you must meet certain requirements, including the completion of at least one of the following:

  • 1,500 hours of training in a licensed cosmetology school
  • 3,000 hours of training in a licensed cosmetology apprenticeship
  • A licensed high school cosmetology program

In addition to this, you must also:

  • Pass written and practical exams
  • Apply for a license with the state board
  • Pay the required license fee of $95 (if before August 31, 2022) or $105 (if after)
  • Pass relevant criminal record background checks

Having a criminal conviction does not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a cosmetology license in Virginia. Applicants with past convictions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether their criminal history is related to the profession. If you do have previous convictions, you need to disclose them on a Criminal Conviction Reporting Form.

Virginia Cosmetology Careers

$37,400

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Virginia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetologists in Virginia earned average salaries of $37,400 ($17.98 per hour) in 2021. This is higher than the national average of $35,990. Future job prospects are also looking good, with a projected 17% job growth between 2020-2030. Each year, there will be an estimated 2,520 cosmetology positions available across the state.

Overall salaries vary, with reported annual wages between approximately $21,000 and $59,000. The variation is often due to differences in work experience, services, and geographical area. For example, someone performing specialized color services in a busy city center near D.C. will probably earn more than someone offering basic services in a lower cost of living area such as Newport News.

Some of the highest-paying metropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Virginia are:

Metro Area 2021 Median Salary
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $37,450
Lynchburg, VA $32,450
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $31,560
Charlottesville, VA $30,260
Richmond, VA $30,130
Winchester, VA-WV $29,800
Staunton-Waynesboro, VA $29,630

Table information sourced from the O*Net (2022)

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Virginia

1,500 Education Hours OR 3,000 Apprentice Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

The first step toward earning your cosmetology license in Virginia is registering to attend a state-approved cosmetology program and completing the required 1,500 hours of training. (See our Virginia cosmetology school directory above.) You'll cover a wide range of topics relevant to the job during your education, such as hair cutting, coloring, styling; manicuring; and facials. You'll also learn a range of business-related topics, such as marketing, finance, and safety practices. The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology states that all cosmetology schools must cover the following in their core curriculum:

  • Hairstyling: 320 hours
  • Hair shaping: 50 hours
  • Finger waving and thermal waving: 30 hours
  • Cold permanent waving or chemical relaxing: 25 hours
  • Sculptured nails, nail tips, and wraps: 20 hours
  • Manicures and pedicures: 15 hours
  • Tinting: 15 hours
  • Hair and scalp treatments: 10 hours
  • Bleaching and frosting: 10 hours
  • Temporary rinses: 10 hours
  • Semi-permanent color: 10 hours
  • Wig care, styling, placing on model: 5 hours
  • Basic facials and waxing: 5 hours

As with individual practitioners, cosmetology schools in Virginia must also be licensed. The state board closely monitors them to ensure they maintain a high standard of education and clean, safe facilities for staff, students, and clients.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Virginia?

If you don't want to attend a regular cosmetology program, you can earn your license through an apprenticeship. Cosmetology apprenticeships last for 3,000 hours over 18 months. During this time, the curriculum is organized as follows:

  1. Hair cutting and grooming: 1,200 hours
  2. Orientation and hygiene: 600 hours
  3. Chemical relaxers, perms, coloring, and bleaching: 800 hours
  4. Business and Salon Management: 400 hours

Once all 3,000 hours are complete, you will earn a Certificate of Completion and can apply to take your practical and written exams to obtain your license.

Virginia Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

After completing your required training hours, you can apply to take the necessary practical and written exams. To do this, you first need to register with the state board's examiner, PSI, and provide them with the following:

  • A 2" x 2" passport color photo taken within the last six months
  • Any documents required to verify your chosen training method (e.g., Training and Experience and Verification forms)
  • Criminal history documents (if required)
  • A copy of your Social Security card or Virginia DMV Photo ID
  • Examination Agreement Form
  • The examination fee, which is set at $86 per exam, whether this is the first time you take the exam or a retake

Applicants can take the exams at several locations across the state, a full list of which is available on the PSI website. The written exam is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean, but the practical portion of the text is in English.

On the day of your exams, plan to arrive 30 minutes before the tests begin, making sure you bring two forms of valid ID with you, as well as all required exam supplies. Once complete, you'll receive your results immediately. You need to score at least 75 on both parts of the exam to pass.

You can take the two tests on different dates, though you must pass both within 12 months of each other. If you fail, you can retake the exams as many times as needed during that year-long period, though you'll need to repay the $86 exam fee each time.

The theory exam contains 110 questions, of which 100 contribute to your final score. They cover the following topics:

  1. Scientific Concepts: 30%
  2. Hair Care and Services: 40%
  3. Skin Care and Services: 15%
  4. Nail Care and Services: 15%

The practical exam covers 11 different sections, timed as follows:

  1. Work area and client prep and set-up (client one): 15 minutes
  2. Thermal curling: 10 minutes
  3. Hair cutting: 30 minutes
  4. Work area and client prep and set-up (client two): 15 minutes
  5. Chemical waving: 20 minutes
  6. Predisposition test and strand test: 10 minutes
  7. Highlighting with foil: 15 minutes
  8. Hair color retouch: 10 minutes
  9. Virgin hair relaxer application: untimed
  10. Blood exposure procedure: 10 minutes
  11. Hair removal of eyebrows with tweezing and soft wax: untimed

All examination centers comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and extra accommodations are available if needed. If you believe you need extra help, you must provide appropriate documentation of your condition and how you expect it to affect your ability to take the test under standard conditions.

Virginia Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

You may be eligible for license reciprocity in Virginia via endorsement if you've previously earned your cosmetology license in another state. To qualify for this, you must:

  • Hold a current cosmetology license issued by another state or U.S. territory
  • Have equivalent training to Virginia's requirement (at least 80% of the hours and content)
  • Have passed substantially equivalent examinations
  • Pay the required $115 fee

Veterans and their spouses may also be eligible for reciprocity, with military training and service counting toward Virginia licensure. In addition, the state board will expedite the licensure process and grant a 12-month temporary license for active-duty service members and spouses who are licensed in other states but moved to Virginia due to military transfer.

Cosmetology Specialties in Virginia

In addition to a Virginia cosmetology license, you can gain several additional licenses for other beauty specializations, too. These involve additional training hours and exams but could lead to an exciting career trajectory. Specializations include:

  • Barber
  • Master Barber
  • Nail Technology
  • Wax Technology
  • Esthetics
  • Master Esthetics
  • Body Piercing
  • Tattooing
  • Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing
  • Master Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

Cosmetologists in Virginia must renew their license every two years at the end of the month in which they first received it. Active-duty military personnel and their spouses may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension on renewals. Until August 31, 2022, the fee for renewing your license is $95, but beginning September 1, 2022, it will increase to $105.

There are no continuing education requirements for cosmetologists in Virginia, though it's recommended cosmetologists brush up their skills frequently to stay on top of the latest industry trends and techniques.

Contact the Virginia State Board of Cosmetology

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Beauty care is a fine art in the state of Virginia, and this is reinforced with the abundance of quality salon facilities there. Cosmetology is a field looked upon with favor, and enterprising applicants look to learn more from these institutions.

PSI Services LLC
PSI is the examination company responsible for organizing and providing cosmetology exams. Resources include candidate information bulletins, exam information, and more.

Virginia State Beauticians Association
A state-wide group that aims to educate, promote, and enhance the beauty industry and its professionals.

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Cosmetology
Virginia

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State