Cosmetology Schools in Michigan

Looking for a career where you can help people feel good about themselves, flex your creative skills, and earn a solid income? Becoming a cosmetologist in Michigan might be just the career path for you.

Michigan boasts a healthy cosmetology industry, with jobs expected to increase much faster than the national average—making now a great time to earn your cosmetology license.

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

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31739 John R Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training

31450 Gratiot Avenue
Roseville, MI 48066

(586) 296-3225
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

23125 Ecorse Road
Taylor, MI 48180

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

455 Standale Plaza Northwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49534

(616) 735-9680
Programs:
Cosmetology

6091 Constitution Boulevard
Portage, MI 49024

(269) 220-7823
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

3583 Alpine Avenue Northwest
Walker, MI 49544

(616) 349-7026
Programs:
Cosmetology, Teacher Training

4390 Dixie Highway
Waterford Township, MI 48329

(248) 618-6394
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

3498 Rochester Road
Troy, MI 48083

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Teacher Training
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Bayshire Beauty Academy - Bay City – Accredited

917 Saginaw Street
Bay City, MI 48708

Bayshire Beauty Academy - Saginaw

3132 Boardwalk Drive
Saginaw, MI 48603

Beautiful Luxe School of Cosmetology

2084 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Brighton Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

10543 Citation Drive
Brighton, MI 48116

Cadillac Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

205 North Mitchell Street
Cadillac, MI 49601

Careerline Tech Center

13663 Port Sheldon Street
Holland, MI 49424

Charm Beauty School – Accredited

25050 West Warren Avenue
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Craft Education

24310 Meadowbrook Road
Novi, MI 48735

Creative Hair School of Cosmetology – Accredited

4205 Miller Road Suite 45023
Flint, MI 48507

D&S School of Cosmetology – Accredited

4180 Elizabeth Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328

David Pressley School of Cosmetology - Royal Oak – Accredited

1127 South Washington Avenue
Royal Oak, MI 48067

David Pressley School of Cosmetology - Taylor – Accredited

21255 Wick Road
Taylor, MI 48180

Douglas J Aveda Institute - Ann Arbor – Accredited

333 Maynard Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Douglas J Aveda Institute - East Lansing – Accredited

331 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, MI 48823

Douglas J Aveda Institute - Grand Rapids – Accredited

138 Commerce Avenue Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Douglas J Aveda Institute - Royal Oak – Accredited

125 West 4th Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Dymond Designs Beauty School – Accredited

3300 East Jefferson Suite 450
Detroit, MI 48027

Elevate Salon Institute - Royal Oak – Accredited

4050 Crooks Road
Royal Oak, MI 48073

French Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

111 West Exchange Street Suite A
Spring Lake, MI 49456

Gogebic Community College

E4946 Jackson Road
Ironwood, MI 49938

Hair It Iz The Beauty School

19320 West McNichols
Detroit, MI 48219

Hillsdale Beauty College - Coldwater

440 Marshall Street
Coldwater, MI 49036

Hillsdale Beauty College - Hillsdale – Accredited

64 Waldron Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242

Huron Valley Beauty Academy

7025 East Michigan Avenue Suite A
Saline, MI 48176

Kim'z Elevation School of Cosmetology

20958 Van Dyke
Warren, MI 48089

Kirtland Community College

4800 West 4 Mile Road
Grayling, MI 49738

L'Esprit Academy - Canton – Accredited

42083 Ford Road
Canton, MI 48187

L'Esprit Academy - Royal Oak – Accredited

501 South Washington
Royal Oak, MI 48067

M. J. Murphy Beauty College – Accredited

201 West Broadway Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Michigan College of Beauty - Monroe – Accredited

1020 South Monroe Street
Monroe, MI 48161

Michigan College of Beauty - Waterford – Accredited

5620 Dixie Highway
Waterford, MI 48329

Mosley School of Cosmetology – Accredited

4454 Breton Road Southeast
Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Mott Community College

1401 East Court Street
Flint, MI 48503

Multimedia Makeup Academy

200 Kirts Boulevard
Troy, MI 48084

Northern Michigan University

1401 Presque Isle Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855

Nuvo College of Cosmetology – Accredited

919 West Norton Avenue
Norton Shores, MI 49441

P&A Beauty School – Accredited

12001 Grand River Avenue
Detroit, MI 48204

Paul Mitchell The School Farmington Hills – Accredited

27590 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Paul Mitchell The School Grand Rapids – Accredited

2855 29th Street Southeast Suite B
Kentwood, MI 49512

Paul Mitchell The School Great Lakes – Accredited

2950 Lapeer Road
Port Huron, MI 48060

Paul Mitchell The School Michigan – Accredited

40688 Van Dyke Avenue
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Protege Academy - East Lansing – Accredited

4960 Northwind Drive
East Lansing, MI 48823

Protege Academy - Mt. Pleasant – Accredited

4884 East Pickard Road
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Skinology Beauty Institute

25033 West Warren Street
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Southwest Michigan Beauty Shool – Accredited

703 South Centerville Street
Sturgis, MI 49091

Stricker Cosmetology & Esthetics

877 West Midland Road
Auburn, MI 48611

Teach 2 Reach School of Cosmetology

3268 Cheyenne Avenue G
Burton, MI 48529

The Salon Professional Academy - Battle Creek – Accredited

1416 West Columbia Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49015

The Salon Professional Academy - Holland – Accredited

2975 West Shore Drive
Holland, MI 49424

Traverse City Beauty College – Accredited

920 Hastings Traverse
Traverse City, MI 49686

Tulip City Beauty College – Accredited

500 East 8th Street 500
Holland, MI 49423

Twin City Beauty College - Saint Joseph – Accredited

2600 Lincoln Avenue
Saint Joseph, MI 49085

Unlimited Beauty Institute

27170 Grand River Redford
Redford, MI 48240

West Michigan College of Barbering and Beauty

3200 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Wright Beauty Academy

1555 West Columbia Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49015
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 Michigan

Michigan Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours or 2 year apprenticeship 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 Michigan is $31,760.
  • There is a predicted job increase between 2018 and 2028 for cosmetologists.

If you want to become a cosmetologist in Michigan, there are several requirements you need to meet. You must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Have the equivalent of a 9th-grade education
  • Complete a 1,500-hour training course or serve as an apprentice for a minimum of two years in a licensed cosmetology business
  • Take and pass both the theory and practical cosmetology exam
  • Answer the Good Moral Character Question, stating that you agree to serve the public in a fair and honest manner
  • Provide a Social Security number or proof of exemption
  • Apply for a license online and pay the required fees

You won't need to complete a background check to become a cosmetologist in Michigan. Still, you must answer the Good Moral Character Question, which includes a statement that you've been rehabilitated after any past crimes and can show the crime is not reasonably related to your new profession.

Michigan Cosmetology Careers

$31,760

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Michigan

Nationally, the cosmetology industry is on a slight decline. However, it's expected to grow in Michigan, with a projected growth rate of 16% between 2020 and 2030.

Cosmetologists in Michigan earned a mean annual salary of $44,070 ($21.19 per hour) in 2021. However, there's room for growth, with top cosmetologists in the state earning as much as $75,470 per year. Salaries are affected by factors like your amount of education, years of experience, and specific location.

As of 2021, the highest median pays for Michigan metro areas are:

  • Kalamazoo-Portage - $35,630
  • Muskegon - $35,270
  • Lansing-East Lansing - $30,490
  • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn - $29,910
  • Ann Arbor - $29,850

The highest-paying nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Michigan are:

  • Upper Peninsula - $29,260
  • Northwest Lower Peninsula - $28,270
  • Balance of Lower Peninsula - $29,250
  • Northeast Lower Peninsula - $24,680

Information sourced from O*Net (2022)

State License Requirements

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

The first step to becoming a licensed Michigan cosmetologist is to complete the required 1,500 hours of training through an approved beauty school.

While cosmetology programs can vary by school, most programs offer similar classes and requirements. Here are the types of courses and requirements you can expect to complete during your time at a state-approved Michigan beauty school.

  • Applied Anatomy: 45 hours
  • Applied Chemistry/Theoretical Chemistry: 30 hours
  • Artificial Nail Application and Removal: 20 hours
  • Chemical Hair Restructuring: 220 hours
  • Facials, Skin Analysis, Electricity, and Hair Removal: 115 hours
  • Hair Coloring and Lightening: 210 hours
  • Haircutting and Styling: 525 hours
  • Manicuring/Pedicuring: 70 hours
  • Sanitation and Salon Management: 130 hours
  • Scalp and Hair Treatments: 25 hours

Your courses may also cover other beauty-related services, including textured hair care, business and marketing skills, relaxers, and eyebrow shaping.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Michigan?

2 Years Apprenticeship

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Michigan offers an apprenticeship path to earn your cosmetology license. Rather than completing (and paying tuition for) the 1,500-hour training program, you can choose to apprentice for two years at a licensed cosmetology business.

After completing your apprenticeship, you must take and pass the same tests to obtain your license. Though this path is longer, it may be ideal for students who don't have the time or money for school.

Michigan Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

After completing your 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or two years of apprenticeship, you'll be eligible to take the practical and theoretical cosmetology exams.

Before taking the cosmetology exams, you must apply via the online portal MyLicense. Once you've applied, pay the application fees and schedule your exam on the PSI website.

The Michigan cosmetology exam has two parts: a practical exam and a theory exam. The practical exam, which lasts 190 minutes, is a hands-on exam where you show your ability to cut and style hair, apply makeup, wax, and perform other cosmetology services. The practical test must be taken in person, and its passing score is 75%.

The theory test is a 120-minute computer-based test where you demonstrate your knowledge of cosmetology regulations, best practices, and theory. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam, and the results will indicate only "pass" or "fail."

Exam results are mailed within seven days of taking the exam and can also be found online on the PSI website. You may retake the exam if needed, but you must pay the same exam fee.

After completing your training and passing both the written and practical exam, you can apply online for your Michigan cosmetology license.

Michigan Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Michigan offers reciprocity, which means cosmetologists licensed in other states may become licensed in the state without undergoing additional training or retaking exams. In some cases, experience may be substituted for training hours.

Verification of licensure should be submitted to the cosmetology board by your current state's licensing agency.

Limited Cosmetology Specialties in Michigan

As a licensed cosmetologist in Michigan, you can provide a wide range of services, including hair cutting and styling, manicures, esthetician services, and natural hair care, among others. However, several limited licenses require less training and allow you to provide a limited number of services. These include:

  • Esthetician: Providing skincare services after completing 400 hours of training or six months of apprenticeship and passing the esthetician exam
  • Manicurist: Cleaning, filing, and beautifying the nails of the hands and feet after completing at least 400 hours of training or six months of apprenticeship at a licensed cosmetology establishment and passing the required exam
  • Electrologist: Removing hair from the body using electricity after completing at least 400 hours of training or six months of apprenticeship and passing the required exam.
  • Natural Hair Culturist: Providing hair services for natural hair, such as twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, or braiding. This license is voluntary and does not include techniques that change hair structure, such as chemical straightening, curling, or dyeing. The license requires 400 hours of training or six months as an apprentice and passing the required exam.

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

Michigan requires all licensed cosmetologists to renew their license every two years. Renewal applications must be completed online and require a $48.00 fee. You must also accept a renewal attestation.

No continuing education courses are required, though taking classes can help you learn new skills to build your business and find a job in the industry.

If your license expires, you have three years to reapply following the standard renewal procedure. After three years, you must repass the cosmetology exams or prove you've held a license in another state.

Contact the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

The Michigan State Board of Cosmetology can help you answer additional questions about obtaining a Michigan state cosmetology license.

Many who have chosen a cosmetology career in Michigan have found that it is a rewarding experience. Coupled with state projections also looking toward an added lift in the numbers of new professionals in the next few years, the field has also led to more business development. All will get their start by consulting these groups.

PSI Exams
This is the body responsible for proctoring the Michigan cosmetology exam. Their site includes an online practice test, information about test results, and what to expect on the day of your exam.

Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals
This organization is dedicated to raising the bar of the beauty industry in Michigan through education, events, and networking.

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