The Most Famous Beauty Schools in the United States

beauty school in united states

Content Table

1. Paul Mitchell Schools

Name: Paul Mitchell Schools
City: The first school was established in Costa Mesa, California, but they now operate over 100 locations worldwide.
CEO: Winn Claybaugh serves as the Dean of Paul Mitchell Schools. He co-founded the Paul Mitchell Advanced Education with John Paul DeJoria and Angus Mitchell.
Founded: The original concept by Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria began in 1980, and the educational division, Paul Mitchell Schools, was launched in 2000.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Covering everything from haircutting and coloring to makeup and skin care.
  • Barbering: Focused on hair cutting, styling, and grooming for men.
  • Esthetics: Specializing in skin care, makeup, and waxing.
  • Nails: Offering training in manicures, pedicures, and nail art.
  • Makeup: Advanced training in various makeup techniques for different settings.
  • Instructor Program: Designed for those who want to teach cosmetology.

Official Website: Paul Mitchell Schools

2. Aveda Institutes

Name: Aveda Institutes
City: The first Aveda Institute opened in Minneapolis, Minnesota. but now they are in Multiple locations across the United States
CEO: The Aveda Institutes were founded by Horst Rechelbacher. Currently, they are part of the Estée Lauder Companies.
Founded: The first institute was established in 1977.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Includes training in hair cutting, color, texture, makeup application, and nail care.
  • Esthiology: Focuses on skin care combining Ayurvedic traditions with modern techniques.
  • Massage Therapy: Offers education in various massage techniques including Swedish and deep tissue massage, complemented by Ayurvedic principles.
  • Barber: Training in traditional and modern barbering techniques.
  • Hairstyling: Covers all aspects of hair styling, from basic cuts to advanced styling for fashion and media.
  • Educator Training: Prepares students to teach future beauty professionals.

Official Website: Aveda Institutes

3. Empire Beauty Schools

Name: Empire Beauty Schools
Cities: Empire Beauty Schools has multiple locations across the United States including but not limited to Pottsville, PA, New York City, NY, Los Angeles, CA, and Chicago, IL, among others.
CEO: The executive team includes Joseph Piazza as Chief Financial Officer. Specific details about the CEO were not disclosed in the resources accessed.
Founded: 1934
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive beauty services including hair care, skin care, and makeup.
  • Esthetics: Specialized training in skin care and makeup application, preparing students for spa and clinical settings.
  • Barbering: Focuses on male grooming, hair cutting, and styling.
  • Hair Styling and Coloring: Techniques for creative and professional hair design and color.
  • Nail Artistry: Techniques in nail care and design.

Official Website: Empire Beauty Schools

4. Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy

Name: Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy
Cities: Toni & Guy academies are located in multiple cities across the United States including Dallas, Texas, and Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as international locations.
CEO: As of the latest updates, Nigel Darwin serves as the CEO, appointed in January 2019.
Founded: The brand was founded in 1963 in Clapham, London, by the Mascolo brothers—Toni, Guy, Bruno, and Anthony.
Courses Offered:

  • Beginner’s Courses: Introductory courses for those new to hairdressing.
  • Salon Foundation: Courses focusing on cutting and color techniques.
  • Creative Cutting and Coloring: Advanced courses showcasing innovative styling and coloring.
  • Session and Editorial Styling: Specialized training in high-fashion and editorial looks.
  • Balayage and Blending Techniques: Courses on popular coloring techniques.
  • Men’s Hairdressing: Courses in men’s styling and cutting techniques.
  • Avant-Garde Styling: Pushing creative boundaries in hair styling.

Official Website: Toni & Guy Education

5. Regency Beauty Institute a related image to The Most Famous Beauty Schools in the United States - closed 1

Name: Regency Beauty Institute
Cities: Multiple locations across the United States including Illinois, Indiana, and Texas before closure.
CEO: Not specified in the available resources.
Founded: 1950
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training in hair styling, coloring, and beauty services.

Official Website: No longer operational as the institute closed in 2016.

6. Pivot Point Academy

Name: Pivot Point Academy
Cities: Located in Bloomingdale, Illinois, with additional influence and locations in the Chicago area.
CEO: Robert Passage
Founded: The original Pivot Point school opened in 1962 in Chicago, Illinois by Leo Passage.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training in hair styling, cutting, coloring, and beauty services.
  • Barbering: Includes haircutting, shaving, and grooming.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare, make-up, and related industries.
  • Makeup Artist School: Collaboration with Make-up Designory (MUD) to elevate makeup education.
  • Instructor Training: Prepares students to teach in cosmetology or barbering fields.

Official Website: Pivot Point Academy

7. Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails

Name: Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails
Cities: Located in Texas with campuses in Arlington, Dallas, North Dallas, Fort Worth, Hurst, Denton, and San Antonio.
CEO: John & Luther Ogle.
Founded: The school was founded by Shelton Ogle in 1973.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: A comprehensive program that covers hairstyling, manicures, salon management, and more, typically completed in about 12 months for full-time students.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare, makeup, and related beauty treatments, usually completed in about 6 months for full-time students.
  • Instructor Training: Designed for those looking to teach cosmetology or esthetics, this program usually lasts about 4 months.

Official Website: Ogle School

8. Douglas J Aveda Institutes

Name: Douglas J Aveda Institutes
Cities: The Institutes have locations across Michigan (Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Royal Oak), and in Chicago, IL and Knoxville, TN.
CEO: Scott Weaver, who serves as President and Co-Owner of the Douglas J Aveda Institutes and Salons.
Founded: Douglas J Aveda Institutes was founded in 1967. The educational centers were inspired and influenced by Aveda’s holistic beauty concepts, which were themselves established in 1978.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training in hair, skin, and nail care along with salon management.
  • Esthiology: Specializes in skin care, makeup application, and other beauty treatments.
  • Massage Therapy: Focuses on various massage techniques and their therapeutic benefits.
  • Barbering: Covers all facets of barbering, including cutting, styling, and facial hair grooming.

Official Website: Douglas J Aveda Institutes

9. Vidal Sassoon Academy

Name: Vidal Sassoon Academy
Cities: The Academy has locations in key cities such as London, Manchester, and Beverly Hills, among others.
CEO: Unknown.
Founded: Vidal Sassoon, the founder, opened his first salon in 1954 in London, marking the beginning of a global influence in hairdressing.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Covers comprehensive hairdressing skills from basic to advanced techniques.
  • Barbering: Focuses on both traditional and modern men’s grooming techniques.
  • Colouring: Advanced courses in hair colouring techniques.
  • Styling: Specialized courses in styling for various occasions and professional needs.

Official Website: Vidal Sassoon Academy

10. Jean Madeline Aveda Institute

Name: Jean Madeline Aveda Institute
Cities: The institute has three locations within the Philadelphia area.
CEO: Unknown.
Founded: The original Jean Madeline salons were established over 70 years ago by Jean Kurlan and Madeline Brown. The educational branch, Jean Madeline Education Center of Cosmetology, opened in 1987.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training covering hair, skin, and nail care, with programs designed to be completed in as little as ten months.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare, makeup application, and other beauty treatments, can be completed in about three months.
  • Make Up: Specialized training in makeup application techniques.
  • Teacher Training: Designed for professionals in the beauty field who wish to become educators.

Official Website: Jean Madeline Aveda Institute

11. Bellus Academy

Name: Bellus Academy
Cities: Bellus Academy has campuses located in Poway, El Cajon, Chula Vista in California, and Manhattan, Kansas.
CEO: Lynelle Lynch is the President of Bellus Academy.
Founded: Bellus Academy was established in 1976.
Courses Offered:

  • Barbering: Provides technical and entrepreneurial skills for barbering professionals.
  • Barbering Cosmetology: Prepares students for state license exams in both barbering and cosmetology.
  • Cosmetology: Award-winning curriculum that combines foundational knowledge with advanced technical training in hair cut, color, and extensions.
  • Esthetics: Training to become a skincare specialist.
  • Spa Nails: Advanced training beyond basic manicuring, including spa treatment techniques.
  • Nail Technology: Comprehensive training in nail care beyond the basics.

Official Website: Bellus Academy

12. Marinello Schools of Beauty a related image to The Most Famous Beauty Schools in the United States - closed 1

Name: Marinello Schools of Beauty
Founded: Established in 1905 by Ruth Maurer.
Courses Offered: Marinello provided education in cosmetology, skin care, manicuring, barbering, hair design, massage therapy, advanced facial and body treatments, and master esthetics with laser certification. They also offered teacher training and short programs and workshops.
Official Website: The schools are now closed, and therefore, their official website is no longer operational.

13. Rudy & Kelly Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner School

Name: Rudy & Kelly Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner School
City: Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Includes training in haircutting, coloring, styling, makeup, skin care, and nails. Students learn through a combination of classroom theory and hands-on practice in a salon environment.
  • Barbering: Focuses on barbering techniques combined with cosmetology training.
  • Esthetics: Specialized training in skincare.
  • Nail Technology: Covers all aspects of nail care and spa treatments.

Official Website: Rudy & Kelly Academy

14. Eric Fisher Academy

Name: Eric Fisher Academy
City: Wichita, Kansas
CEO: The academy is led by Eric Fisher, a renowned hair stylist and educator.
Founded: The specific founding year isn’t mentioned, but Eric Fisher has been a significant figure in the beauty education industry for many years.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: A comprehensive program that includes hair removal, makeup application, hair styling, permanent waving, color theory, and more, divided into phases such as Launch, Fresh Talents, Salon Life, and Thrive.
  • Esthetics: A program divided into three 9-week phases including Skin Sense, Skintelligence, and The Specialist Phase, focusing on comprehensive skincare education.
  • Barbering: Details about barbering courses specifically are not mentioned, but they likely include training as part of broader cosmetology education.

Official Website: Eric Fisher Academy

15. Federico Beauty Institute

Name: Federico Beauty Institute
City: Sacramento, California
CEO: Jeremy Federico
Founded: The institute was established in 1946 by James Federico and his brother Sam.
Courses Offered:

  • Barbering: Integrates traditional techniques with contemporary trends.
  • Cosmetology: Focuses on in-depth elements of hair design and styling.
  • Esthetics: Provides comprehensive training in spa and skincare treatments.

Official Website: Federico Beauty Institute

16. Avalon School of Cosmetology

Name: Avalon School of Cosmetology
City: The school has campuses in Mesa, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Layton, UT; and other locations.
Founded: Originally founded in 1967, the school was purchased by EA Education, Inc. in 2008 and renamed Avalon School of Cosmetology in 2009.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Includes hair cutting, styling, coloring, and other beauty services.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare, facials, and other skin treatments.
  • Makeup Artistry: Covers basic to advanced makeup application techniques.
  • Barbering: Offers traditional and contemporary haircutting and grooming for men.
  • Nail Technician: Training in manicures, pedicures, and nail art.
  • Massage Therapy: Techniques for relaxation and therapeutic massage.

Official Website: Avalon School of Cosmetology

17. Xenon Academy

Name: Xenon Academy
City: Locations include Grand Island and Omaha, Nebraska
CEO: The current CEO information isn’t specifically mentioned, but the academy is closely associated with its founder, Peter Franelli, known professionally as Xenon.
Founded: Xenon Academy was founded in 1986 by Peter Franelli, better known as Xenon, alongside Bob Peel of Peel’s Salon Services.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Training covers hair, skin, and nails, aiming to build a broad set of beauty skills.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare, makeup, and spa services.
  • Barbering: Emphasizes hair and beard design and coloring techniques.
  • Instructor Training: Offers programs for those who want to teach cosmetology and esthetics.

Official Website: Xenon Academy

18. The Salon Professional Academy

Name: The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA)
Cities: TSPA has multiple locations across the United States including Fargo, ND; Altoona, PA; Appleton, WI; and many others.
Founded: The specific founding year of TSPA as a franchise isn’t explicitly mentioned, but the franchise network has been developed with the support of the L’Oréal Professional Products Division and Redken.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training in hair, skin, and nails.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare treatments and techniques.
  • Barbering: Covers all aspects of barbering, including hair and beard design.
  • Massage Therapy: Available at select locations, this program covers various massage techniques.
  • Instructor Training: Prepares students to teach future beauty professionals.

Official Website: The Salon Professional Academy

19. Blue Cliff College – Cosmetology

Name: Blue Cliff College – Cosmetology
Location: The college has campuses in Alexandria, LA; Gulfport, MS; Lafayette, LA; and Metairie, LA.
Founded: Blue Cliff College was originally founded in 1987 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Courses Offered: The cosmetology program at Blue Cliff College covers a broad range of topics and skills, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, skin care, nails, and several business-related aspects of working in a salon. The program is structured to prepare students for the state licensure exams, which are necessary to work as a cosmetologist.

  • Introduction to Cosmetology
  • Fundamentals in Haircare
  • Haircutting and Hairstyling
  • Texturizing Services
  • Salon Business Management
  • Hair Color Techniques
  • Skin Care
  • Nail Technology

Program Length: The day program typically takes 12 months to complete, while the evening program can take up to 19 months.

Official Website: Blue Cliff College – Cosmetology

20. Summit Salon Academy

Name: Summit Salon Academy
City: Tacoma, Washington
CEO: Joanne Powers
Founded: 2006
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Includes hair styling, cutting, coloring, and beauty services.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skincare treatments and techniques.
  • Instructor Training: Prepares students to teach in the field of cosmetology and esthetics.

Official Website: Summit Salon Academy

21. Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers

Name: Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers
City: The institute has campuses in Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Margate, and Casselberry, Florida.
CEO: Not specifically mentioned in available resources.
Founded: 1974
Courses Offered:

  • Barbering: Haircuts, hairstyling, haircolor, straight razor techniques, and beard design.
  • Cosmetology: Hairstyling, haircare, skincare, nail care, and chemical treatments.
  • Electrology: Focuses on electrolysis, the FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal.
  • Massage Therapy: Includes a variety of massage modalities and techniques for healing and relaxation.
  • Nail Technology: Training in manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, repairs, and nail art.
  • Skin Care: Facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, makeup, and waxing.

Official Website: Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers

22. Cameo Beauty Academy

Name: Cameo Beauty Academy
City: Oak Lawn, Illinois
Founded: 1960
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology Course: Covers all phases of hair design, skin care, makeup, and nail technology.
  • Esthetics Course: Focuses on skin care specialties and spa experience.
  • Cosmetology Teacher Course: Designed for those who want to teach cosmetology.

Official Website: Cameo Beauty Academy

23. Penrose Academy

Name: Penrose Academy
City: Scottsdale, Arizona
Courses Offered: Penrose Academy offers innovative and flexible programs in beauty education including:

  • Cosmetology Hybrid: A blend of online and in-person training focusing on hair cutting, coloring, and styling.
  • Hair Hybrid: Specialized training focusing solely on hair styling skills.
  • Esthetics: Comprehensive skincare training, including makeup and professional development skills.
  • Laser Technician: Training on popular laser procedures and medical surveillance practices, all completed in a short timeframe of 88 hours.

Official Website: Penrose Academy

24. Elevate Salon Institute

Name: Elevate Salon Institute
Cities: The institute has campuses in Royal Oak and Utica, Michigan.
Courses Offered: Elevate Salon Institute offers a range of programs that cater to different aspects of beauty education, including:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training in hair, skin, and nails.
  • Cosmetology Instructor Training: Prepares students to teach cosmetology arts and sciences.
  • Esthetics: Focuses on skin care and spa treatments.
  • Limited Specialty Instructor: For those looking to specialize in teaching specific beauty disciplines.
  • Manicuring: Nail care and design.
  • Massage Therapy (Available in Utica only): Techniques for various massage therapies.

Official Website: Elevate Salon Institute

25. Xenon International Academy

Name: Xenon International Academy
Cities: Located in Omaha and Grand Island, Nebraska
Founded: The academy was founded over thirty years ago through a partnership between Xenon, an internationally acclaimed guest artist, and Peels Salon Services, a provider of quality products and equipment to beauty professionals.
Courses Offered:

  • Cosmetology: Comprehensive training in all aspects of beauty services.
  • Esthetics: Specializes in skincare and spa treatments.
  • Barbering: Focuses on hair cutting and styling (Note: Currently not offered at the Grand Island location).
  • Instructor Training: Programs for those aiming to teach in cosmetology and esthetics.

Official Website: Xenon International Academy

26. Innovate Salon Academy

Name: Innovate Salon Academy
Cities: Ewing, South Plainfield, and Brick, New Jersey
Founded: 2009 by a group of successful stylists and salon owners aiming to introduce a new approach to beauty education.
CEO: Sean Sickles, co-owner, plays a pivotal role in leading the academy.
Courses Offered: Innovate Salon Academy offers a variety of programs including:

  • Cosmetology: Covering comprehensive hair, skin, and nail services.
  • Esthetics: Specializing in skin care treatments and techniques.
  • Barbering: Focused on grooming, styling, and men’s hairstyling.
  • Educator Training: Prepares students to teach future beauty professionals.
  • Advanced Certifications: Includes specialized training like eyelash extensions and airbrush makeup.

Official Website: Innovate Salon Academy

27. Carousel Beauty Colleges a related image to The Most Famous Beauty Schools in the United States - closed 1

Name: Carousel Beauty Colleges
Cities: Dayton, Springfield, Huber Heights, Kettering, and Middletown, Ohio
Founded: Established for 57 years before closing in 2016
Courses Offered: Carousel Beauty Colleges offered a variety of beauty and cosmetology programs.
Official Website: Not available as the institution has closed.

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