Cosmetology Schools in Ohio

Are you considering a cosmetology career in Ohio but unsure where to start? Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Ohio, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

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1165 East Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805

(419) 903-0440
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

175 Benedict Avenue
Norwalk, OH 44857

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

8419 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45239

(470) 857-6622
Programs:
Cosmetology

2445 West State Street
Alliance, OH 44601

(330) 574-4862
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

615 Boardman-Canfield Road
Boardman, OH 44512

(330) 574-7181
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy

3307 Center Road
Brunswick, OH 44212

(330) 574-9518
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

815 Youngstown Warren Road
Niles, OH 44446

(330) 574-7893
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology

24761 Lorain Road North
Olmsted, OH 44070

(330) 574-6605
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology

34999 Euclid Avenue
Willoughby, OH 44094

(330) 574-9054
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology
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Alliance High School – Accredited

400 Glamorgan Street
Alliance, OH 44601

Apex Academy Hair Skin Nails School of Cosmetology – Accredited

1788 West 4th Street
Ontario, OH 44906

Apollo Career Center – Accredited

3325 Shawnee Road
Lima, OH 45806

Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center – Accredited

1783 State Route 60
Ashland, OH 44805

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus – Accredited

1565 State Route 167
Jefferson, OH 44047

Auburn Career Center – Accredited

8140 Auburn Road
Concord Twp, OH 44077

Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati – Accredited

7664 Voice of America Centre Drive
West Chester, OH 45069

Aveda Institute Columbus – Accredited

889 Bethel Road
Columbus, OH 43214

Barberton High School – Accredited

555 Barber Road
Barberton, OH 44203

Brown Aveda Institute Mentor – Accredited

8816 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060

Brown Aveda Institute Strongsville – Accredited

17901 Southpark Center Space 160
Strongsville, OH 44136

Buchtel High School – Accredited

1040 Copley Road
Akron, OH 44320

Buckeye Career Center – Accredited

545 University Drive Northeast
New Philadelphia, OH 44663

Buckeye Hills Career Center – Accredited

351 Buckeye Hills Road
Thurman, OH 45685

Butler Tech Hamilton Cosmetology

3605 Hamilton Middletown Road
Fairfield Township, OH 45011

C-TEC – Accredited

150 Price Road
Newark, OH 43055

Canton City Schools Adult Community Education Center – Accredited

521 West Tuscarawas Street
Canton, OH 44702

Casal Aveda Institute – Accredited

5555 Youngstown Warren Road Unit 606
Niles, OH 44446

Choffin Career Center – Accredited

200 East Wood Street
Youngstown, OH 44503

Clay Senior High School – Accredited

5665 Seaman Road
Oregon, OH 43616

Cleveland Heights High School – Accredited

13263 Cedar Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Columbiana County Career and Technical Center – Accredited

9364 State Route 45
Lisbon, OH 44432

Columbus City School Adult and Community Education – Accredited

2323 Lexington Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211

Columbus Downtown High School – Accredited

364 South 4th Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Coshocton County Career Center – Accredited

23640 Airport Road
Coshocton, OH 43812

Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

568 Miamisburg-Centerville Road
Centerville, OH 45459

Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology Vandalia Campus – Accredited

7535 Poe Avenue
Dayton, OH 45414

Cuyahoga Community College District

700 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115

Cuyahoga Falls High School – Accredited

2300 Fourth Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center – Accredited

8001 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

D. Russel Lee Career Center – Accredited

3603 Hamilton Middletown Road
Hamilton, OH 45011

David Ponitz Career Technical Center – Accredited

741 Washington
Dayton, OH 45402

Delaware Area Career Center – Accredited

1610 Street Route 521
Delaware, OH 43015

Eastland Career Center – Accredited

4465 South Hamilton Road
Groveport, OH 43125

Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical Schools – Accredited

4300 Amalgamated Place
Groveport, OH 43125

EHOVE Career Center – Accredited

316 West Mason Road
Milan, OH 44846

ELHS Career and Technical Education – Accredited

100 Maine Boulevard East
Liverpool, OH 43920

Elite Academy Of Hair Design – Accredited

56104 National Road Suite 115
Bridgeport, OH 43912

Elite Hair Academy – Accredited

4033 Marshall Road
Kettering, OH 45429

Fairfield Career Center – Accredited

3985 Coonpath Road
Carroll, OH 43112

Four County Career Center – Accredited

22-900 State Route 34 Box 245-A
Archbold, OH 43502

Four County Vocational School – Accredited

22-900 Street Route 34 Box 245 A
Archbold, OH 43502

Gerbers Akron Beauty School – Accredited

1915 West Market Street Suite 800
Akron, OH 44313

Glen Oak School of Cosmetology – Accredited

1801 Schneider Road Northeast
Canton, OH 44721

Grant Career Center – Accredited

718 West Plane Street
Bethel, OH 45106

Great Oaks Career Campus - Diamond Oaks – Accredited

6375 Harrison Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45239

Great Oaks Career Campus - Laurel Oaks – Accredited

300 Oak Drive
Wilmington, OH 45177

Great Oaks Career Campus - Live Oaks – Accredited

5956 Buckwheat Road
Milford, OH 45150

Great Oaks Career Campus - Scarlet Oaks – Accredited

3254 East Kemper Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241

Greene County Career Center – Accredited

532 Innovation Drive
Xenia, OH 45385

Hair Academy – Accredited

144 Consumer Drive
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Handz R Us Beauty Academy – Accredited

15740 Broadway Avenue
Maple Heights, OH 44137

Inner State Beauty School – Accredited

5150 Mayfield Road
Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Jefferson County Vocational School – Accredited

1509 County Highway 22A
Bloomingdale, OH 43910

Knox County Career Center – Accredited

306 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Knox Technical Center – Accredited

308 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Lancaster High School - Lancaster, OH – Accredited

1312 Granville Pike
Lancaster, OH 43130

Lorain County Adult Career Center – Accredited

15181 State Route 58 South
Oberlin, OH 44074

Lorain County Community College

1005 North Abbe Road
Elyria, OH 44035

Madison Adult Career Center – Accredited

600 Elsey Lane
Mansfield, OH 44905

Mahoning County Career & Technical Center – Accredited

7300 North Palmyra Road
Canfield, OH 44406

Maplewood Career Center – Accredited

7075 State Route 88
Ravenna, OH 44266

Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology – Accredited

6363 Presidential Gateway
Columbus, OH 43231

Mayfield High School – Accredited

215 Alpha Park Drive
Highland Heights, OH 44143

MCS Career Technical Education – Accredited

124 North Linden Road
Mansfield, OH 44906

Medina County Career Center – Accredited

1101 West Liberty Street
Medina, OH 44256

Meigs High School – Accredited

42091 Charles Chancey Drive
Pomeroy, OH 45769

Miami Valley Career Technology Center – Accredited

6800 Hoke Road
Englewood, OH 45315

Mid-East Career and Technology Centers – Accredited

400 Richards Road
Zanesville, OH 43701

Millstream Career Cooperative – Accredited

1150 Broad Avenue
Findlay, OH 45840

Moler Beauty Academy - Cincinnati – Accredited

6142 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH 45213

Moler Beauty Academy - Fairfield – Accredited

5951 South Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH 45014

Morgan High School – Accredited

800 South Riverside Drive Northeast
McConnelsville, OH 43756

National Beauty College – Accredited

4642 Cleveland Avenue Northwest
Canton, OH 44709

New Directions Beauty Institute – Accredited

4390 Karl Road
Columbus, OH 43224

Normandy High School – Accredited

2500 West Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, OH 44134

Northern Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited

669 Broadway
Lorain, OH 44052

Northwest High School – Accredited

10761 Pippin Road
Cincinnati, OH 45240

O C Collins Career Center – Accredited

11627 State Route 243
Chesapeake, OH 45619

Ohio Hi-Point Career Center – Accredited

2280 State Route 540
Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Ohio State Beauty Academy – Accredited

1760 North Eastown Road
Lima, OH 45807

Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Canal Winchester – Accredited

6077 Gender Road
Canal Winchester, OH 43110

Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Heath – Accredited

789 Hebron Road Suite J
Heath, OH 43056

Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Marion – Accredited

137 East Center Street
Marion, OH 43302

Ohio Valley Career and Technical Center – Accredited

175 Lloyd Road
West Union, OH 45693

Paramount Beauty Academy – Accredited

1745 11th Street
Portsmouth, OH 45662

Paul Mitchell The School Cincinnati – Accredited

11956 Lebanon Road
Cincinnati, OH 45241

Paul Mitchell The School Cleveland – Accredited

10735 Ravenna Road
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Paul Mitchell The School Columbus – Accredited

3000 Morse Road
Columbus, OH 43231

Paul Mitchell The School Toledo – Accredited

5549 Monroe Street
Sylvania, OH 43560

Penta Career Center – Accredited

9301 Buck Road
Perrysburg, OH 43551

Perfection Beauty College – Accredited

7809 Waynetowne Boulevard
Huber Heights, OH 45424

Pickaway Ross Career & Tech Center – Accredited

895 Crouse Chapel Road
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Pioneer Career & Technology Center – Accredited

27 Ryan Road Box 309
Shelby, OH 44875

Polaris Career Center – Accredited

7285 Old Oak Boulevard
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130

Ponitz Career Technology Center

741 Washington Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Portage Lakes Career Center – Accredited

4401 Shriver Road
Uniontown, OH 44685

Preston’s Beauty Academy – Accredited

90 Acme Street
Marietta, OH 45750

Professional School of Cosmetology – Accredited

8555 Hough Avenue 2nd Floor
Cleveland, OH 44106

R. G. Drage Career – Accredited

6805 Richville Drive Southeast
Massillon, OH 44646

Remington College - Maple Heights – Accredited

14801 Broadway Avenue
Maple Heights, OH 44137

Salon Institute - Lewis Center – Accredited

50 West Powell Road
Lewis Center, OH 43035

Salon Institute - Toledo – Accredited

3034 Wilford Drive
Toledo, OH 43615

Sandusky Career Center – Accredited

4501 Venice Heights Boulevard
Sandusky, OH 44870

Scioto County Career Technical Center – Accredited

951 Vern Riffe Drive
Lucasville, OH 45648

Scott High School – Accredited

2400 Collingwood
Toledo, OH 43620

Shaw High School of Cosmetology – Accredited

15320 Euclid Avenue
East Cleveland, OH 44112

South-Western Career Academy – Accredited

4750 Big Run South Road
Grove City, OH 43123

Southern Hills Career and Technical Center – Accredited

9193 Hamer Road
Georgetown, OH 45121

Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center – Accredited

1901 Selma Road
Springfield, OH 45505

Summit Salon Academy - Perrysburg – Accredited

116 West South Boundary Street
Perrysburg, OH 43551

Swiss Hills Career Center – Accredited

46601 SR 78
Woodsfield, OH 43793

Sylvania Northview High School – Accredited

5403 Silica Drive
Sylvania, OH 43560

The Class Act School of Cosmetology – Accredited

49 East Main Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Theodore Roosevelt High School – Accredited

1400 North Mantua Street
Kent, OH 44240

Tiffin Academy of Hair Design – Accredited

104 East Market Street
Tiffin, OH 44883

Tolles Career & Technical Center – Accredited

7877 Route 42 Northeast
Plain City, OH 43064

Tri-County Adult Career Center – Accredited

15676 State Route 691
Nelsonville, OH 45764

Tri-Rivers Career Center & Center for Adult Education – Accredited

2222 Marion-Mt Gilead Road
Marion, OH 43302

Trumbull Career & Technical Center – Accredited

528 Educational Highway
Warren, OH 44483

Upper Valley Career Center – Accredited

8811 Career Drive
Piqua, OH 45356

Vanguard Vocational Center – Accredited

1306 Cedar Street
Fremont, OH 43420

Vanguard-Sentinel Career Center – Accredited

793 East Township Road 201
Tiffin, OH 44883

Vantage Career Center – Accredited

818 North Franklin Street
Van Wert, OH 45891

Warren County Career Center – Accredited

3525 North State Route 48
Lebanon, OH 45036

Washington County Career Center – Accredited

21740 State Route 626
Marietta, OH 45750

Washington High School – Accredited

1 Paul East Brown Drive Southeast
Massillon, OH 44646

Wayne County Schools Career Center & Adult Ed – Accredited

518 West Prospect Street
Smithville, OH 44677

Whitmer Career & Technology Center – Accredited

5719 Clegg Drive
Toledo, OH 43613
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 Ohio have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Ohio

Ohio Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in Ohio is $31,750.
  • There is a predicted 0% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.

To work as a cosmetologist in Ohio, you must first earn a license from the state board. To earn licensure, you must meet specific requirements. You must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Have an Ohio public school 10th-grade education (or equivalent)
  • Submit a written application, including proof of ID
  • Complete 1,500 training hours in a state-board-approved cosmetology program
  • Pass licensure exams, including practical demonstrations and written and oral tests
  • Pay a $45 licensing fee
  • Submit to relevant criminal background checks

A criminal background doesn't automatically stop you from gaining a cosmetology license in Ohio. Each application is reviewed by the board. If your application is denied, the reasons why will be put in writing and sent to you.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Ohio

$31,750

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Ohio

The average cosmetologist in Ohio earns an annual salary of $31,750 per year, or $15.26 per hour. This is below the national average of $35,990 per year ($17.30 per hour). But the cost of living in Ohio is also lower than the national average, so a smaller wage is potentially less of a concern here than in more expensive areas.

Typical cosmetologist salaries in Ohio range from a low end of $19,090 or less to highs of $47,080 or more. The amount a cosmetologist can earn varies greatly depending on factors such as the geographical area in which they're based, the services they offer, where they work, and their experience level.

The highest-paying areas for cosmetologists in Ohio are:

Metro Area 2021 Median Salary
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $29,540
Columbus, OH $29,220
Dayton, OH $29,160
Cleveland-Elyria, OH $29,120
Akron, OH $28,550

Table information sourced from the O*Net (2022).

On a less-positive note, job growth for cosmetologists in Ohio has stalled, with a predicted rise of 0% overall predicted between 2020 and 2030. However, this expected rate doesn't include estimates of people who may retire or leave their careers for other reasons and need others to replace them.

What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Ohio

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Before taking your exams and applying for licensure, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a state board-approved cosmetology school. The exact content of each program varies from school to school, but the curriculum must be split as follows:

1. Infection Control, Principles, and Practices (60 hours)

  • Bacteriology
  • Dispensary requirements and operations

2. Properties of the Hair and Scalp (120 hours)

  • Trichology
  • Draping techniques and client protection
  • Shampoos, rinses, and treatments
  • Disorders, diseases, and conditions
  • Chemistry

3. Hair Procedures and Practices (460 hours)

  • Styling and finishing
  • Thermal styling
  • Formal styling
  • Haircutting basics
  • Haircutting techniques and tools

4. Chemical Procedures and Practices (480 hours)

  • Chemical texturizing
  • Hair coloring

5. Manicure and Pedicure Procedures and Practices (120 hours)

  • Structure of nails
  • Diseases, disorders, and conditions
  • Basic manicure and pedicure
  • Manicure and pedicure tools and equipment
  • Hand, arm, foot, and leg massage
  • Artificial nail enhancements and maintenance

6. Skincare Procedures and Practices (90 hours)

  • Skin theory
  • Diseases, disorders, and conditions
  • Basic facials
  • Relaxation treatments and health history
  • Electricity

7. Artificial Lashes and Extensions (8 hours)

8. Facial Makeup (22 hours)

  • Brow tinting

9. Salon Operations and Communication Skills (120 hours)

  • Salon operation and management
  • Communication skills

10. Cosmetology Laws and Rules (20 hours)

  • Ohio administrative code, Ohio revised code, inspection, and enforcement
  • Continuing education
  • Human trafficking

Like the students who attend them, all cosmetology schools must gain and keep their licenses to continue working. In addition, they must abide by the standards set forth by the state cosmetology board. If they don't, they can have their licenses revoked.

Cosmetology Apprenticeships in Ohio

There is no approved way to gain licensure as a cosmetologist in Ohio via an apprenticeship.

Ohio Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Once you've completed 1,500 hours of training, you should be ready to advance to the next stage of the process to achieve licensure. To obtain licensure in Ohio, all cosmetology students must take (and pass) theory and practical exams. You must sign up for these on the state board website and pay a $40 sign-up fee per exam.

The cosmetology theory exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The questions cover the following subject areas:

  • Infection Control and Safety: 24%
  • Product Knowledge and Chemistry: 5%
  • Implements, Tools, and Equipment: 8%
  • Anatomy and Physiology: 27%
  • Haircare and Services: 22%
  • Skincare and Services: 7%
  • Nailcare and Services: 7%

The practical exam is split into the following timed sections:

  • Setup and Client Protection (15 minutes)
  • Thermal Curling (untimed)
  • Haircutting (30 minutes)
  • Chemical Wave (20 minutes)
  • Hair Color Retouch (10 minutes)
  • Foil Highlighting (10 minutes)
  • Relaxer Retouch (10 minutes)
  • Chemical Virgin Relaxer (10 minutes)
  • Facial/Manicure Setup (15 minutes)
  • Cleansing/Facial Massage (5 minutes)
  • Manicure (20 minutes)

On the day of your exams, you must arrive before your start time. If you arrive late, you won't be allowed to enter, must give up your exam fee, and have to reschedule (and pay a rescheduling fee of $45 per exam or $90 for both).

You must bring at least one form of government-issued current photo ID to every exam. You must also wear appropriate clothing and perform all parts of the practical exam on a mannequin head—live models aren't allowed. Both exams used to be available in multiple languages, but as of August 1, 2019, they're available in English only. Therefore, all supplies must also be clearly labeled in English.

The state board follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in providing special accommodations for candidates who require help. If you feel that you need extra help to be able to take either exam, you can request it.

You must score at least 75 on both exams to pass. If you don't pass either exam on your first attempt, you may retake them as often as needed. You must pay a fee of $31.50 for each retake.

Ohio Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you currently hold a valid cosmetology license in another state, you may be eligible to obtain an Ohio license through reciprocity. To apply for reciprocity, submit an application and pay a non-refundable fee of $73.50. You must also prove the following:

  • You have held an active cosmetology license (or equivalent) for at least one year.
  • You've completed at least 1,200 training hours from a licensed cosmetology school.
  • You have taken (and passed) both theory and practical exams at a facility managed by a centralized body that governs licensure.

You must complete Ohio's practical and theory exams if you've held your license for less than one year. Otherwise, you shouldn't need to retake your exams.

Active-duty military personnel and their spouses may also transfer their out-of-state cosmetology licenses for use in Ohio by filling out this application.

Cosmetology Specialties in Ohio

In addition to the standard cosmetology procedures license allows you to perform in Ohio, there may be other services you wish to offer your clients that need an additional license.

For example, you may wish to complete a 450-hour natural hair license and specialize in working with black hair. Cities such as Cincinnati and Columbus provide ample opportunities for specialized careers and present plenty of options for cosmetologists who take the time to pick up additional skills.

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

4 Hours

Continuing education required

All Ohio cosmetology licenses expire on January 31st of every odd-numbered year, meaning they must be renewed every two years. Renewals cost $55.

You don't need to complete continuing education (CE) hours for your first renewal period. You must still pay the $55 renewal fee, however.

After your first license renewal, you must complete a prescribed amount of CE each time you renew. Currently, this is set at 4 hours, consisting of the following:

  • 1 hour concerning state board laws and rules
  • 3 hours concerning safety and infection control

If you fail to pay your renewal fee for two consecutive periods (four years), your license moves to a "lapsed" status. To reactivate a lapsed license, you must pay all delinquent and current licensing fees and complete the required number of CE hours missed, based on how long your license has been lapsed.

If you’re over 65 or have been licensed for over 30 years, you don't need to complete any CE to renew your license.

Contact the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Ohio Salon Association
The OSA looks to connect with cosmetologists and salon owners across Ohio to communicate vital information about the industry within the state.

Ohio Association of Beauticians, Inc.
This association began 88 years ago and exists to elevate, unite, and serve the beauty industry across Ohio.

The Ohio Barber and Beauty Alliance
The OBBA is a statewide network of barbers and beauty professionals that works to advocate for those working in the industry.

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Cosmetology
Ohio

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State