Kentucky is a great place to learn the ins and outs of the beauty industry. Not only is it a place with great cosmetology schools, it’s also got a growing industry, that offers flexibility when getting your license including choosing between part-time and full-time.

You can start work right away with an apprenticeship program, or you can choose to go to a great beauty school, and meet people who can help you advance your new career.

Louisville KY skyline
Louisville KY skyline by Stevietheman [CC BY 2.0]

KY Cosmetology State Requirements: Hours For School & Classes

Cosmetology school is the best way to build up the skills you need to join in the beauty industry.

With a suspected 15% increase in job opportunities in cosmetology for the next ten years, it’s a great way to make your living while helping others and learning all about the latest trends. Kentucky requires 1800 hours (a little more time than the average state) of education in everything from hair coloring, the sanitation and safety, Kentucky Law and manicure and pedicure techniques, among other things.

Use the app below to find a school close by:

If you find you can’t get to a cosmetologist school, you can apply via apprenticeship. This way it’s like your going to a free school. Your apprenticeship should be at least 6 months long and consist of at least 20 hours per week in a licensed salon under an instructor whose license is currently active and in good standing.

Once you have completed your course requirements or apprenticeship hours, you will need to sit your exams to apply for licensure.

Kentucky Cosmetology License Requirements

Your written and practical exams need to be taken on the same day. When you take your practical exam, you must bring your own kit, and your own mannequin.

You’ll need a 75% or higher to pass and qualify for your license. Once you’ve taken and passed your exams, you will immediately be issued your license.

Licensing Out-Of-State

If you hold a cosmetology license in another state, you may be eligible for a Kentucky State license. You must have worked for at least two years in your home state, as well as proving at least 1800 hours of education. You will also need to sit an Out Of State License exam to qualify.

How To Renew Your Kentucky Cosmetology License

Your Kentucky cosmetologist license will need to be renewed annually. The deadline for the renewal date is July 31st. No continuing education hours are required, but you may choose to take continuing education anyway, to learn new trends and techniques and stay on the cutting edge of the industry.

KY Employment For Cosmetologists

With Kentucky’s every-growing beauty industry, you won’t find yourself scrambling for job opportunities.

Whether you choose to work at a department store, or luxury salon or spa, or to build your own client list and work from a rented chair in an established salon, you will be able to utilize your people skills to begin a great career. And it all starts with the right job offer.

In school you’ll probably learn about the importance of keeping your skin hydrated and what products work well in beauty salons and at home.

Some Kentucky Cosmetology School

Name Address Tuition Other Programs
Barrett & Co. School of Hair Design 973 South Main Street, Nicholasville, 40356$17,900Nail Technician
PJ's College of Cosmetology920 Happy Valley Road, Glasgow, 42141$17,600Nail Technician
Trend Setter's Academy Of Beauty Culture Inc622 Westport Road # B, Elizabethtown, 42701$16,700Nail Technology
Empire Beauty School151 Chenoweth Lane, Louisville, 40207UnknownNone
Summit Salon Academy1300 East New Circle Road #110, Lexington, 40505$15,600Esthetics, Nail Technology
Paducah Beauty School124 South 4th Street, Paducah, 42001$5,100None

Other Kentucky schools for nail technicians, estheticians, barbers and makeup artists

School websites:
barrett.edu
kctcs.edu
durhambeautyschooldanville.com
ennyleaacademy.com
michaelscollege.com
mrjimscollegeofcosmetology.com
nutekcosmetologyschool.com
paducahbeauty.com
reginawebbacademy.com
southeastschoolcosmetology.com
trendsettersabc.com

Did we miss any beauty schools in Kentucky in this list. Please let us know.