Colorado is the home of ski resorts and mountain lodges. All those icy chilled winds can have a terrible impact on your skin.
If you take a lot of pride in keeping your skin healthy and glowing, you might choose to spread that talent around by pursuing a career as an esthetician. There are many top cosmetology schools and college-level programs in the state to help you get started.
School Hour Requirements for Esthetician Students in CO
You must be at least 16 years old to study at esthetician schools in Colorado. To get your license, you need to clock 600 hours of study. There is even a holistic school for skin care in Co.
At least 75% of your coursework needs to be practical, teaching you the finer points of facial massage, skin care technology, hair treatments, and makeup techniques.
The other 25% is spent on theory, covering chemistry, skin conditions, and safety procedures.
That means you get a well-rounded knowledge of anything you might tackle in your profession. Some institutions also offer the opportunity to specialize in particular treatments or techniques like microblading, for instance.
Getting Your Colorado Esthetics License
Once you’ve finished your education requirements, you’ll need to sit a practical, and a theory exam. You’ll need to apply for the examination by paying a fee and submitting proof of your hours, either online or on paper.
You should receive approval to take the exams within 48 hours.
The first exam is a written exam distributed by PSI Services.
The practical exam requires that you bring your own mannequin head and kit. Special attention is paid to set-up, safety procedure, and disinfection, as well as a variety of the services you’re expected to know before you start working.
Once you have passed the exams, the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (aka CO board) issues you your esthetician license, and you can immediately begin working.
Out-Of-State
If you’re moving to Colorado, and you want to be sure your license is still active where you’re working, you can apply via endorsement for a Colorado license. You’ll need your licensing agency to send proof of a current license in good standing. You also need to fill out an online application.
How To Renew Your Esthetics License in Colorado
Licenses issued in Colorado are good until the next odd-numbered year. You’ll need to renew before March 31st. You aren’t required to do any continuing education hours to renew, but you need to fill out a renewal form to complete the process.
Even though it is not necessary to do any CE it isn’t a bad idea. These days you can even study some skin care classes from home if you like.
Jobs, Work, Employment
As in most other places in the United States, there is a growing need for skin care specialists, and the industry is expected to grow exponentially over the next ten years. If you’re looking for ways to grow your business, specializing is a great way to expand your skills, and set yourself apart in the job market.
Colorado requires a separate certification for specialist treatments like laser or like permanent makeup, which takes an extra 132 hours of training, or chemical peels, which takes 24. Advanced training takes time and effort, but it’s a great way to boost your profile, and increase your hireability and your rates in this growing industry.
Check out our page on esthetician training costs, so you know what you’re getting into financially.
Some Colorado Esthetician Schools
| Name | Address | Cost | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Esthetician School | School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics | 1221 Galapago Street, Denver, 80204 | Tuition $9,300 Deposit $250 | None |
| The Salon Professional Academy Colorado Springs | 4388 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, 80918 | Unknown | Cosmetology,Esthetics,Nail Technology,Barbering |
| College of International Esthetics, Inc. | 7330 West 52nd Avenue, Arvada, 80002 | Admission Fee: $ 50.00 (non refundable) Registration Fee $ 150.00 Tuition $ 14145.00 Books, kit, supplies: $ 725.00 Total $ 15070.00 | Make-up, Derma, Sugaring |
| Westland Beauty Academy | 2484 Kipling Street, Lakewood, 80215 | Tuition: $5,100.00 Registration fee: $100.00 Kits and books: $900.00 Total Cost of Program:$6,100.00 | Hairstyling, Nail Technician |
| International Academy of Elite Esthetics and Micropigmentation | 4045 Wadsworth Boulevard, Wheat Ridge, 80033 | Tuition: $385 Fee: $95.00 Materials: $25.00 Total: $500.00 | Make-up, Manicuring, Massage Techniques |
| Designing Beauty Academy | 419 Main Street, Windsor, 80550 | Unknown | Cosmetology,Esthetician,Hair Stylist Program ,Nail Technician |
Academy of Beauty Culture – Grand Junction
Center Beauty College For Nail – Pueblo
Colorado School of Paramedical Esthetics – Lakewood
Cuttin’ Up Beauty Academy – Denver
Elan Institute of Cosmetology – Wheatridge
Glenwood Beauty Academy – Glenwood Springs
International Salon and Spa Academy – Colorado Springs
Jante International Skin Care Institute – Lakewood
Littleton Academy of Hair Design – Littleton
Majestic Beauty College – Aurora
MJM Institute of Cosmetology – Grand Junction
National Beauty and Massage Therapy – Denver
Roni’s Academy of Hair Design – Englewood
Ultima College of Cosmetology – Westminster
The Salon Professional Academy – Colorado Springs, Grand Junction
Yesenia’s Beauty Salon & School – Denver
Other schools for nail techs, barbers, cosmetologists and makeup artists.Video – Cleaning and Disinfecting Guide for Colorado Estheticians
Aveda Institute – Denver
Did we miss any esthetician academies in Colorado? Please contact us to let us know.