The Ohio beauty industry may seem like an easy opportunity to make great money. But it requires certain traits, and a lot of hard work in cosmetology school. If you’re friendly, outgoing, and always looking to grow your skills, working as a beautician, manicurist, or makeup artist might be the perfect career for you.

Cleveland Skyline
Cleveland Skyline CC-BY-SA 3.0

Ohio offers great opportunities for cosmetologists who want to specialize. It also lets you earn further specializations as you work, so you can grow as a professional, and improve your rates. No matter what specialization you choose, the first thing is to choose your college and whether or not you want to train full-time or part-time.

In Ohio How Long Is Cosmetology School?

The first thing you need to know about getting an Ohio cosmetology license is that there is a difference between a hair designer license and cosmetologist. Hair design focuses on hair cutting and styling, and scalp care. Cosmetologist programs may cover everything from skin care, manicures and pedicures, and even massage work. A cosmetology program is also about 300 hours longer, at a total of 1500 hours.

Your Ohio Cosmetology License

To get your license, you’ll need to complete both your practical and theory exams in hair design and cosmetology. You’ll need to bring your own mannequin head and kit for the practical exam. After you’ve passed the exams with a minimum of 75% your test scores will be mailed, and the board will send you your license.

Out-Of-State

If you’re moving to Ohio from a different state, and you want to know if your current license qualifies you to work in the beauty industry, follow these steps: contact your state board and have them send your license to the state board in Ohio. You will also need to take the Ohio written and practical exams, since Ohio doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement for cosmetologist or beautician licenses.

Ohio Cosmetology License Renewal

Ohio requires renewal of your license on January 31st of every odd-numbered year. The state board requires at least 8 hours of continuing education. Contact the board online for information on what qualifies as continuing education.

Beauty Job Opportunities in Ohio

If you’re working as a cosmetologist in Ohio, a great move is to join the state cosmetology associations. These offer continuing education opportunities, and may even help you further your career at one of Ohio’s up-and-coming salons or spas.

Ohio has one of the highest employment rates for hair stylists and skin specialists in the country. Check out cleveland.com/jobs/ and take a look at your future prospects!

Also, did you know you can get an early start in your beauty training… at high school?

Some Cosmetology Schools in Columbus, Ohio and Other Cities

Name Address Tuition Other Programs
Moler-Hollywood Beauty Academy6142 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, 45213$17,200Esthetics, Manicuring
Ohio State School of Cosmetology6077 Gender Road, Canal Winchester, 43110$20,900 Esthetics, Nail Technology
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology7535 Poe Avenue, Dayton, 45414$17,198Esthetics, Nail Technology
Ohio State Beauty Academy1760 North Eastown Road, Lima, 45807$12,000Manicurist
Ohio Beauty College4556 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland, 44128UnknownEsthetics, Nail Technology
National Beauty College4642 Cleveland Avenue Northwest, Canton, 44709$15,750Esthetics, Manicurist

Aveda Institute Columbus – Columbus

Brown Aveda Institute – Cleveland/Rocky River

Brown Aveda Institute – Mentor

Regency Beauty Institute – now closed

Remington College – Cleveland

Empire Beauty School – Cincinnati

Paul Mitchell The School Toledo – Sylvania

TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy – Toledo

Other Ohio schools for nail technicians, estheticians, barbers and makeup artists
School Websites:
casalaveda.com
creativeimages.edu
summitsalonacademyperrysburg.com
brownaveda.com
tiffinacademy.com
toledoacademyofbeauty.com

Did we miss any beauty schools in Ohio? Please let us know.