Cosmetology Schools in Connecticut
If you're considering attending cosmetology school in Connecticut, now may be a great time to begin! Not only is the field growing at a much faster rate than the national projection, but it tends to pay more than average as well.
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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950 Yale Avenue Unit 20
Wallingford, CT 6492
Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology - Branford – Accredited
Branford, CT 6405
Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology - Bridgeport – Accredited
Bridgeport, CT 6610
International Institute of Cosmetology - Plainville – Accredited
Plainville, CT 6062
International Institute of Cosmetology - Wethersfield – Accredited
Wethersfield, CT 6109
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.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Connecticut have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Connecticut
- Cosmetology Program Hours: 1,500
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Hours Required: 0
$44,620 - Expected Job Growth (2022-2032): 16%
In Connecticut, cosmetologists are called "hairdressers," and they're licensed to dress, arrange, curl, wave, weave, cut, singe, bleach, and color hair. They may also perform basic skin and nail care services and braid hair.
To become a hairdresser in CT, you must:
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.
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Connecticut
Required to earn a cosmetology license
To become a licensed hairdresser in CT, you must complete at least 1,500 training hours at a board-approved beauty school. Connecticut maintains a searchable database of approved vocational programs, including beauty schools, in the state.
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:
The Connecticut cosmetology board recognizes that textured hair has unique needs and styles. As a result, all cosmetologists in the state are expected to know how to properly care for natural hair. All cosmetology programs must dedicate part of their classroom and clinical hours to this topic:
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Connecticut?
You can earn your Connecticut license through a 2,150-hour cosmetology apprenticeship. This training includes 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 150 hours of classroom study. All apprenticeships must be completed through an approved program. You need to register as an apprentice before you can begin.
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 register on Prometric's website to schedule the exam. 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.
To request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, submit your request during the application process. Prometric must approve all accommodations before you register for the exam. You should receive an email with information about scheduling your exam through an ADA Coordinator.
On test day, arrive at the testing center with your admission letter and two valid forms of 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 you must score 70% or higher to pass.
You'll receive 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're automatically re-registered to retake it. However, your previous payment doesn't apply, and you'll need to pay again when you schedule your new test date.
Connecticut Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you have a current out-of-state cosmetology license and have no active disciplinary actions or complaints against you, 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 an examination, you're still eligible for licensure in Connecticut if you have been licensed and practicing for at least five years and submit proof of your experience by submitting:
Applicants must also submit a photograph and the $100 fee with the online application.
Cosmetology Specialties in Connecticut
If you think you may be interested in a more specialized beauty career, consider one of the other licenses offered in Connecticut. These include:
License Renewal
License renewal period
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're 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.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Connecticut
Median yearly salary for cosmetology in Connecticut
The Connecticut cosmetology industry has a bright outlook in the coming years, with a 16% projected job growth for Connecticut hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists through 2032. Nationally, the anticipated growth is 6%.
In 2025, cosmetologists in Connecticut earned an average salary of $44,620 per year ($21.45 per hour). That's significantly higher than the national average of $35,790.
Cosmetologists' earnings depend on factors like location, years of experience, and services offered. The median amounts that cosmetologists in Connecticut metropolitan areas earn are:
| Metropolitan Area | 2025 Median Salary |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metro Area | $46,470 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT Metro Area | $44,270 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT Metro Area | $42,650 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT Metro Area | $36,430 |
| New Haven, CT Metro Area | $36,480 |
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)
Contact the Connecticut State Board of Cosmetology
- Mailing Address: Connecticut Department of Public Health – Hairdresser Licensing
410 Capitol Ave., MS # 12 APP
PO Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134 - Website: Examining Board
- Email: dph.hairdresserteam@ct.gov
- Call: 860-509-7603
- Fax: 860707-1930