Cosmetology is an ever-growing field across the United States and Oregon. No one’s going to catch up to California, though! A beauty career requires a personable, calm manner, training in chemistry and anatomy, and a love for making people feel beautiful!

If you think you’re up for the challenge and you think the career is right for you, Oregon’s cosmetology schools may give you the rewarding career you’ve always wanted. Take the plunge. Check out some of the great institutes and everything they have to offer.

Street sign in the Pearl District, Portland, Oregon
Street sign in the Pearl District, Portland, Oregon by AtlasPDX82 [CC BY-SA 3.0]

Schooling & Other Requirements To Get Your Oregon Cosmetology License

Oregon recognizes five separate fields of practice for those in the beauty industry. These include hair care, barbering, nail technology, esthetics, and hair design. Each of these have different educational requirements. You’ll need to choose a specialty before you enter a college or program.

For a full cosmetologist license, you will need 2300 hours of study. One of the longest in the country. The courses you take will cover everything in each specialty, including skin care, anatomy, sanitation, hair styling, and makeup.

Oregon Cosmetology Exams & License

You will need to pass your written exam to be licensed. If you are tackling multiple specialities, you must take multiple exams.

Hair design and barber certificates also require a practical exam, to test your practical knowledge of hair treatments.

You need to apply for your speciality applications separately, including paying any applicable fees. You’ll need to provide a certification of completion from the board, and proof of your exam scores in all cases.

If you are applying for both barbering and hair design, you will only need a single application.

Out-Of-State

If you’re moving to Oregon, you can get an Oregon cosmetology license if your state requirements are similar to Oregon’s.

You will also need to provide proof of your licensure from your home state, and it needs to be in good standing, with no black marks on your record. You’ll also be required to take the Oregon Laws and Rules examination.

Renew Your Beauty License in Oregon

Cosmetologist licenses must be renewed every two years. You are not required to take any continuing education courses, unless you specialize in electrology and permanent makeup. These are certified by a separate board, and have their own requirements.

Employment As A Beauty Professional in OR

Oregon’s dedication to specializing in the beauty industry means they’re some of the best trained in the country.

Whatever career you choose, you will undoubtably find yourself in a busy new job. Look for work online or via networking.

Many beauty specialists decide to specialize in multiple fields, and increase their client base. And specializing means that you can start working earlier, and continue your education as you earn, and make a higher salary!

Some Cosmetology Schools in Oregon

Name Address Tuition Other Programs
Beau Monde Academy of Cosmetology2032 Lloyd Center, Portland, 97232UnknownBarbering, Hair Design Esthetics, Nail Technology
Phagans' Medford Beauty School2320 Poplar Drive, Medford, 97504$20,340Barbering, Esthetics, Nail Technology
Tangled Ends Hair Academy136 Chemawa Road North, Keizer, 97303UnknownEsthetics
Imani Institute of Cosmetology2425 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, 97520$19,000Esthetics, Nail Program, Hair Program
IBS School of Cosmetology388 West 7th Avenue
Eugene, 97401
$10,500Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Barbering
College of Hair Design Careers 1684 Clay Street, Northeast Salem, 97301$19,000Esthetics, Nail Technology

Academy of Hair Design – Salem

Dalles Academy of Hair Design – The Dalles

Image Designers College of Cosmetology – Portland / Eastside

Northwest College – Beaverton

Northwest College – Clackamas

Northwest College – Eugene

Northwest College – Hillsboro

Northwest College – Medford

Northwest College – Tualatin

Oregon Institute of Cosmetology – Medford

Paul Mitchell The School – Portland

Pendleton College of Hair Design – Pendleton

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

School Websites:
beaumondeacademy.com
bellainstitute.com
collegeofhairdesigncareers.com
ibs-or.com
imaniinstituteofcosmetology.com
nwcollege.edu
phagans.com
portlandbeautyschool.com

Did we miss any cosmetology colleges in Oregon? Please let us know.