Cosmetology Schools in Connecticut

When you attend a state-approved cosmetology school in Connecticut, you can expect to learn a variety of techniques in hair care and styling, skin and nail care, and other topics such as hygiene and basic business practices.

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

Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Connecticut

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1010 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 6108

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Makeup Artistry

950 Yale Avenue Unit 20
Wallingford, CT 6492

(203) 294-9496
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Makeup Artistry

65 Whiting Street
Plainville, CT 6062

(860) 571-0330
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry

632 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 6109

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Makeup Artistry

153 North Street
Seymour, CT 6483

(203) 286-4533
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics
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Ace Cosmetology and Barber Training Center - Ansonia

370 East Main Street
Ansonia, CT 6401

Ace Cosmetology/Barber Training Center

625 Wolcott Street
Waterbury, CT 6705

Asnuntuck Community College

170 Elm Street
Enfield, CT 06082

Belle Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

27A South Commons Road
Waterbury, CT 6704

Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology - Branford – Accredited

251 West Main Street
Branford, CT 6405

Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology - Bridgeport – Accredited

1450 Barnum Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 6610

C.E.H.J. Cosmetology & Barbering Academy

555 Franklin Avenue
Hartford, CT 6114

Cosmetology Refresher Courses

93 Faren Avenue
New Haven, CT 6513

Dolce The Academy – Accredited

91 Schraffts Drive Suite 7
Waterbury, CT 6705

Education Tree of Cosmetology

60 Church Street 3-A Second Floor
Wallingford, CT 6492

Gorgeous by Glam

938 East Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 6607

Hair Magic Academy

24 Norwich Avenue
Colchester, CT 6415

Paul Mitchell The School North Haven – Accredited

97 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 6473

Shear Brilliance Institute of Hair Design

495 Campbell Avenue West
New Haven, CT 6516

Sono Academy

108 Washington Street
Norwalk, CT 06854

TIGI Hairdressing Academy - Guilford – Accredited

860 Boston Post Road Building C
Guilford, CT 6437

TIGI Hairdressing Academy - Newtown – Accredited

99 South Main Street
Newtown, CT 6470
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 Connecticut have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Connecticut

Connecticut Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education 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 Connecticut is $35,180.
  • There is a predicted 33% job increase between 2020 and 2030 for cosmetologists.

In Connecticut, cosmetologists are actually categorized as hairdressers, and they are licensed to dress, arrange, curl, wave, weave, cut, singe, bleach, and color hair. They may also perform basic skin and nail care services, and they can braid hair.

The requirements to become a hairdresser in Connecticut include:

  • Complete at least 9th grade or the equivalent (demonstrated by completing general education development tests)
  • Complete 1,500 training hours at a board-approved beauty school
  • Pass the written examination
  • Apply for a license and pay the $100 fee

After completing your hairdressing education, you can apply for your license online. When you submit your application for licensure, you must include an Affidavit of Hours Form from your school to confirm, a photograph, and your $100 application fee.

You may need to send any supporting documentation to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Connecticut

$35,180

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Connecticut

The Connecticut cosmetology industry has a bright outlook in the coming years, with a 33% projected job growth for Connecticut hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists through 2030.

Cosmetologists also make a decent living in the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cosmetologists in Connecticut earned an average salary of $35,180 ($16.91 per hour) in 2021. These wages are on par with the rest of the U.S. In 2021, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists nationwide earned an average of $35,990 per year or $17.30 per hour.

Salaries for cosmetologists in metropolitan areas in Connecticut are:

Metropolitan Area 2021 Median Salary
Worcester, MA-CT $36,970
Springfield, MA-CT $34,290
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT $30,580
Danbury, CT $28,870
Hartford West-Hartford East-Hartford, CT $28,600
Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI $28,530
New Haven, CT $28,480
Waterbury, CT $28,200

Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Connecticut

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

To become a licensed hairdresser in Connecticut, you have to complete at least 1,500 training hours from a board-approved beauty school. Connecticut provides a complete list of approved cosmetology, hairdresser, and barber schools.

All beauty schools in the state must get approval by obtaining a certificate of authorization from the Office of Higher Education and the Connecticut Board of Examiners before instructing students. New schools also need to provide a letter of intent, a list of instructors, and the curriculum they plan to use.

The Connecticut hairdresser curriculum must include the following subjects and hours:

  • Sanitation and Hygiene: 15 classroom hours; 20 clinical hours
  • Anatomy and Physiology: 15 classroom hours
  • Chemical Procedures: 30 classroom hours; 200 clinical hours
  • Hair Care and Treatment: 20 classroom hours; 200 clinical hours
  • Skin Care, Facials, Make-up & Manicuring: 30 classroom hours; 120 clinical hours
  • Hair shaping, Styling & Shaving: 75 classroom hours; 750 clinical hours
  • Business and Professional Relations: 10 classroom hours; 10 clinical hours
  • State Laws for Hairdressers and EEOC Guidelines: 5 classroom hours

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Connecticut?

Connecticut doesn’t currently have an apprenticeship program for cosmetologists. However, it does have a barbering apprenticeship opportunity.

Connecticut Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

You must complete 1,500 training hours and pass the written theory examination to obtain your license. Connecticut works with Prometric to administer the test, so you can sign up for the examination by registering on Prometric’s website. You have to pay the exam fee when you schedule. Make sure your name matches your government-issued ID exactly, or you may not be permitted to take the exam.

You can find detailed step-by-step instructions for scheduling your exam and the candidate information bulletin on the Prometric site.

To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, submit your request during the application process. Prometric must approve all ADA accommodations before you register for the exam. You should receive an email with information about scheduling your exam through an ADA Coordinator.

On the day of the test, show up at the testing center with your admission letter and two forms of valid ID. The testing center will take your photo and ask you to submit to a security wand check at the door. Leave bags, books, and electronic devices at home.

Before the test begins, expect to complete a demonstration or sample exam. The tutorial shows the functions and format of the exam, and Prometric offers information on what to expect on exam day. The exam has 110 questions, and to pass, you must receive a 70% or higher score.

After completing the test, you will get your results in the mail. Then you submit your Prometric Licensing Examination Scores to the licensing board. If you don’t pass the exam, you are automatically reregistered to retake the exam.

Connecticut Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you have a current out-of-state cosmetology license, you can apply to become licensed in Connecticut. You must have previously completed a cosmetology program and passed the state’s examination.

If your previous state didn’t require examination, you’re still eligible for licensure in Connecticut if you have practiced for at least five years and submit proof of your experience by submitting:

  • A license verification form
  • Proof of experience, such as a letter from your previous employer, coworkers, or clients
  • A copy of tax returns showing cosmetology as your occupation

Applicants must also submit a photograph and the $100 fee with the online application.

Cosmetology Specialties in Connecticut

If you’re interested in working in natural hair care or braiding, Connecticut may be a fantastic location to earn your licensure. Natural hairstyling is covered in the state’s hairdressing curriculum, so you don’t need to complete an additional program or specialty.

In addition to hairdressing and barbering, Connecticut offers licensing for electrologists, estheticians, eyelash technicians, and nail technicians.

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

In Connecticut, your hairdressing license expires every two years. You should receive a renewal notification in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date, with a final 30-day notice just before expiration. You may renew the license online and pay the $100 renewal application fee. If you fail to renew in time, there’s an additional $100 reinstatement fee.

If you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may request an exemption from the license renewal fee. You need a letter from your commanding officer attesting to your time and proof of legal Connecticut residence, such as a voter registration card.

Contact the Connecticut State Board of Cosmetology

Department of Public Health

Prometric
This is the licensing examination source for hairdressers in Connecticut. Use the website to register for the examination, prepare for the test day, or find answers to your exam-related questions.

CT Beauty Association
Formed during COVID-19, this nonprofit industry association is dedicated to representing the interests of beauty professionals in the areas of policy, licensing, sanitation requirements, and funding.

Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Cosmetology
Connecticut

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State

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