Iowa has some of the best-quality cosmetology schools in the country thanks to their education requirements and impressive school options. Check with your high school to see if you can take cosmetology classes and maybe even get your course for free.
If you’re a fan of staying on top of the latest beauty trends, and you love making people feel comfortable, beautiful, and excited about their look, a career as a cosmetologist can be a rewarding way to earn a living. You can work flexible hours, and can even open build your own business. And it all begins with getting your license!
Education Requirements For Iowa Beauty Academies
Iowa schools that teach cosmetology are required to include at least 2100 hours of instructions (source) in makeup, hair care and treatment, and skin care. This on the high end of the required hours in the U.S. At California beauty schools, for instance, students need only complete 1,600 hours.
You’ll be taking classes in acrylic nails, hair and scalp treatments, facials, makeup application, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn career management skills, and how to grow your own business and build a customer base. Beauty college is a fantastic adventure that can lead to plenty of rewards, and the training is not long and hard if you’re passionate about it!
Your Iowa Cosmetology License
Once you have completed your studies, you’ll need to plan for your exams. Iowa cosmetologists must pass the National Interstate Council exam. You can apply online, and you must pass both the written and the theory exams with 75% or higher in order to qualify for licensing.
How To Get License If You Are From Out-Of-State
If you are currently holding a license in good standing in another state, but are relocating to Iowa, you will need to apply for a license by endorsement. You will need a notarized copy of your passing NIC theory exam. You also need a letter of verification of licensure sent directed to the Iowa board of cosmetology. Finally you need proof that you are currently holding a cosmetology license in another state for at least 12 months of the previous two years.
How To Renew Your Iowa Cosmetology License
Your Iowa license needs to be renewed every other year by March 31st. You’ll receive a renewal notice in the mail. Iowa has a continuing education requirement of eight hours or 8 credits per licensing period. Check with the board for specific requirements of your education credits. At least half of the eight hours should be spent in cosmetology courses, and two hours should be spent on Iowa rules and regulations and an update of sanitation and safety requirements.
Iowa Employment In The Beauty Industry
Your career in cosmetology will likely start in one of the many salons. You can grow a client base by renting a chair, or take on a job within an existing company to grow your skills. However you choose to get started, an Iowa job search can help you learn about your options and give you an idea about expected salary.
Some Cosmetology Schools in Iowa
| Name | Address | Tuition | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa School of Beauty | 3305 70th Street, Urbandale, 50322 | $17,700 | Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Continuing Education |
| La' James International College | 5205 North Brady Street, Davenport, 52806 | $17,700 | Massage Therapy, Esthetics, Nail Technology |
| Capri College | 2540 East 53rd Street, Davenport, 52807 | $17,300 | Massage Therapy, Esthetics, Nail Technology |
| EQ School of Hair Design | 2600 South 9th Street Council Bluffs, 51501 | $18,700 | None |
| Faust Institute of Cosmetology | 1543 18th Street Spirit Lake, 51360 | $13,500 | Nail Technology |
| PCI Academy | 309 Kitty Hawk Drive Ames, 50010 | $20,700 | Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy |
Other Iowa schools for makeup artists, estheticians, nail techs and barbers.
Podcast Video On Beauty School Expenses In Iowa
School URLs:
americanhairacademy.com
eqschool.net
faustinstitute.com
capricollege.edu
hairtech.us
iowaschoolofbeauty.com
lajames.com
lemarsbeautycollege.com
mcohd.com
pci-academy.com
Did we miss any beauty schools in Iowa in this list. Please let us know.