Cosmetology Schools in Ohio
Ohio could be the perfect place to begin your cosmetology career! Schools in the state offer a well-rounded curriculum intended to prepare the state's beauty professionals to provide a wide range of services and achieve their unique goals. 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.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Ohio
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17901 Southpark Center Space 160
Strongsville, OH 44136
5555 Youngstown Warren Road Unit 606
Niles, OH 44446
1165 East Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805
175 Benedict Avenue
Norwalk, OH 44857
8419 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45239
2445 West State Street
Alliance, OH 44601
615 Boardman-Canfield Road
Boardman, OH 44512
3307 Center Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
815 Youngstown Warren Road
Niles, OH 44446
24761 Lorain Road North
Olmsted, OH 44070
34999 Euclid Avenue
Willoughby, OH 44094
Apex Academy Hair Skin Nails School of Cosmetology – Accredited
Ontario, OH 44906
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati – Accredited
West Chester, OH 45069
Canton City Schools Adult Community Education Center – Accredited
Canton, OH 44702
Columbus City School Adult and Community Education – Accredited
Columbus, OH 43211
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited
Centerville, OH 45459
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology Vandalia Campus – Accredited
Dayton, OH 45414
Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical Schools – Accredited
Groveport, OH 43125
Hope Valley School of Richland Correctional Institution – Accredited
Mansfield, OH 44905
Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Canal Winchester – Accredited
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Tri-Rivers Career Center & Center for Adult Education – Accredited
Marion, OH 43302
Wayne County Schools Career Center & Adult Ed – Accredited
Smithville, OH 44677
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 Ohio have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Ohio
- Cosmetology School Hours: 1500
- Cosmetology Apprenticeship Hours: N/A
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Requirements: 4 hours
- Median Cosmetologist Salary: $29,440
You need to complete cosmetology school, pass exams, and meet a variety of other requirements to earn your license in Ohio. Let's dig into what that looks like in more detail.
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Ohio
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in Ohio
Before taking your exams and applying for licensure, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school. The exact content of each program varies from school to school, but the curriculum must be split as follows:
Like the students who attend them, all cosmetology schools must obtain and maintain their licenses to continue operating. In addition, they must comply with the state cosmetology board's standards. If they don't, their licenses can be revoked.
Can I Become a Cosmetologist Via Apprenticeship in Ohio?
There is no approved way to obtain cosmetology licensure in Ohio through an apprenticeship.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Ohio
To get your cosmetology license in Ohio, you must first earn a license from the state board. To earn licensure, you must meet specific requirements. You must:
A criminal record 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.
Ohio Cosmetology License Exams
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 pass theory and practical exams. You can register for these on the eLicense Ohio website and pay a $40 sign-up fee per exam.
You may obtain a work permit when you schedule your exam, for a fee of $15. This will allow you to work (under supervision) while you wait to take your test, and it expires on the day of your first scheduled exam—even if you reschedule it. So, do your best to take your test on the planned day and pass it on the first try.
If you need to cancel your test, you have to email examcancellation@cos.ohio.gov. To reschedule, fill out an Exam Reschedule Application on eLicense Ohio.
On both exam days, it's important to arrive early. Late admittance isn't allowed; if you're not on time, you'll need to reschedule, losing your exam fee and paying a $55 rescheduling fee.
While some states only have a dress code for the practical exam, Ohio requires professional but practical attire (even if your clothing will be covered by a smock or apron. You won't be admitted to the test if you wear a tank top, a shirt with offensive language, beachwear, dirty or torn-up clothing, or anything that shows your midriff, lower back, or excessive cleavage.
You must bring a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Other personal items, including (but not limited to) smart watches, hoodies, and scarves, must be left at home or stored in an on-site locker.
If you have a disability and need exam accommodations, including access to assistive devices, you need to submit an accommodation request form. A school administrator, physician, or facility representative needs to fill this out.
The cosmetology theory exam comprises 100 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The questions cover the following subject areas:
The practical exam is split into the following timed sections:
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 $35 fee 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 the non-refundable $73.50 fee. You must also prove the following:
Active-duty military personnel and their spouses, as well as recently discharged veterans, may also transfer their out-of-state cosmetology licenses for use in Ohio.
Ohio is part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. If you move to Ohio from another member state and have obtained a multistate license in that jurisdiction, you should be able to practice in Ohio without additional training once the Compact is fully in effect.
Cosmetology Specialties in Ohio
Ohio has several cosmetology specialty licenses available. If you know that cosmetology is for you and want to take your existing career further, you can complete a 300-hour advanced cosmetology curriculum. Or you could become a cosmetology teacher through a different 300-hour program.
But maybe you want to do something in beauty, but not as broad! Other cosmetology licensure areas in Ohio are:
If you get your hair design license, you could choose to undergo a crossover program and only have to complete 500 additional school hours to get your cosmetology license.
Ohio Cosmetology License Renewal
License renewal period
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 $65.
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:
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.
However, you can choose to place your license in "escrow," rendering it inactive. While in escrow, you don't need to complete continuing education. However, you need to complete any required CE hours before you can restore it.
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.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Ohio
Cosmetologists in Ohio earn a median salary of $29,440 per year, or $14.15 per hour, as of 2024. Typical cosmetologist salaries in Ohio range from approximately $23,000 to $61,000. The amount a cosmetologist can earn varies greatly depending on factors such as the geographic area where 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 | 2024 Median Salary |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area | $32,430 |
| Columbus, OH Metro Area | $30,020 |
| Akron, OH Metro Area | $30,040 |
| West Northwestern Ohio Balance of State | $30,580 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH Metro Area | $30,350 |
Source: CareerOneStop (2025).
The number of jobs for cosmetologists in Ohio is expected to go down by 4% between 2022 and 2032.