Michigan’s beauty industry is vast and vibrant as the state itself, which is reflected in the diversity of its schools and apprenticeship programs which you can even start in high school. Work as a cosmetologist is challenging and rewarding, and can help you learn more about yourself and people. Plus, you’ll be doing genuine good for others, whether you choose to work in a salon, the hospitality industry, or in the medical field. Getting your license as a beauty expert is your first step to a fantastic new life.

Grand Rapids, MI skyline
Grand Rapids, MI skyline by Dehk [CC BY-SA 3.0]

How Many Hours Is School For Cosmetologists in Michigan

To get started in the exciting industry of cosmetology, you will need to begin with a great education. You can do this one of two ways. Either choose a 1500 hour program for cosmetology, where the bulk of your time will likely be spent practicing on clients, or through a two year apprenticeship. School is faster… find one using our app below:

Both have their upsides and downsides. College is a great place to meet like-minded people in your industry, and to ensure you are tested on all the basics. It also tends to be a lot faster unless you try to do it part-time or evenings. An apprenticeship will get you working right away, and help you make a name for yourself with clients right from the start. However you choose to get your education, be sure to log your hours, and have your training approved by the Board before you take your exams.

Get Your MI Cosmetology License

Michigan requires a written and practical exam. You can take them both on the same day, and pay a single fee for both if you choose. You will need to provide your own mannequin head, hand and supplies for the exam. You can find a list of supplies on the Board’s website. You must score 75% on the practical and 70% on the written exam to be issued a license. You will immediately qualify as soon as you pass, and can start working right away.

Out-Of-State Applicants

To transfer your license out of state, you must prove that education requirements in your home state are equal to or greater than those in Michigan. Work experience can help you make up the difference. 6 months of work experience equals 100 hours of training. Once you have proven you fit the requirements, simply apply for the reciprocity license, and pay the transfer fee.

Renewal

Your Michigan cosmetology license should be renewed for the first time the August following the date of issue. After that, it should be renewed every two years in August. No continuing education is required, simply submit the application and pay the fee.

Employment As A Beautician in MI

Michigan has plenty of work for hard-working cosmetologists. Your school can help you secure your first job, or you can try one of the many great job hunting sites in the state: www.mlive.com.

The beauty industry in Michigan is experiencing a growth that is expected to continue over the next ten years. So you’re sure to find a great salon, spa, or even medical office to hone your skills, before venturing out on your own with a private salon, or even becoming an instructor!

… so how much does college cost anyway, and how will you pay for it.

Some Michigan Cosmetology Schools With Costs

Name Address Tuition Other Programs
Michigan College of Beauty3498 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083$16,100Nail Technician, Esthetics
French Academy of Cosmetology111 West Exchange Street # A, Spring Lake, 49456$13,000Esthetician, Nail Technician
Brighton Institute of Cosmetology10543 Citation Drive
Brighton, 48116
$15,200Manicuring, Esthetician
David Pressley School Of Cosmetology21255 Wick Road, Taylor, 48180$14,200Esthetics
L’esprit Academy501 South Washington
Royal Oak, 48067
$15,600Esthetics
Marketti Academy of Cosmetology4390 Dixie Highway, Waterford, 48329$13,800Manicure, Esthetics

A New Age Academy of Cosmetology – Middleville

Adrian Beauty Academy – Adrian

Brighton Institute of Cosmetology – Brighton Institute of Cosmetology is dedicated to training top-quality cosmetologists, manicurists and estheticians. Our students are encouraged to learn and grow in a secure environment. Each program offered by the school is designed to provide a sound education to make students ready for work upon graduation.

Beauty-Tech College – Adrian

BeautyStars Cosmetology College – Grandville

Booker Institute-Cosmetology – Hudsonville

Cosmetology University – Auburn

Daniels Hair Styling Academy – Muskegon

Diane’s School of Cosmetology – Kingsley

Empire Beauty School – Grand Rapids-Walker,

Empire Beauty School – Kalamazoo

Highland Park School of Cosmetology – Highland Park

Howell College of Cosmetology – Howell

Miss Katie’s College of Beauty – Canton

Mr. David’s School of Cosmetology – Flint

Paul Mitchell The School – Michigan – Sterling Heights

Paul Mitchell The School Great Lakes – Port Huron

Regency Beauty Institute – Detroit

Regency Beauty Institute – Flint

Regency Beauty Institute – Grand Rapids

Regency Beauty Institute – Lansing

Renaissance Academy of Beauty – Escanaba

Sally Esser Beauty School Inc – Dearborn Heights

Scholar Cosmetology University – Ann Arbor

School For Creative Hair Design – Coldwater

Taylortown School of Beauty – Taylor – providing all students with the training, and wisdom necessary to pass the State Examination, and of course to be job-ready. We give students an environment that makes learning interesting, with classes conducted by instructors who are passionate about their profession.

TBA School of Cosmetology – Traverse City

Transitions School-Cosmetology – Flint

U.P. Academy of Hair Design – Escanaba

Virginia Farrell Beauty Schools – Southfield

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

Cosmetology Practical Exam Demo Video

School Websites:
bluewatercollege.com
instituteofcos.com
creativehairschool.com
davidpressleyschool.com
dorsey.edu
douglasj.com
excelcosmetology.com
hairforceacademy.com
instituteofcos.com
kirtland.edu
mjmbc.net
marketticosmetology.com
michigancollegeofbeautytroy.com
michigancollegeofbeauty.com
nuvocollege.com
pandascholars.com
platinumcollegeofcosmetology.com
protegeacademy.com
salonacademymi.net
tcbeautycollege.com
wba.edu

Did we miss any cosmetology colleges in Michigan in this list? Please let us know.