Unlike California, Utah may not look like a hub of beauty and style, but with the tourist industry filling up spas, and the world’s most famous film festival filling the streets with celebrity guests, it’s a great place for the cosmetology industry. After you’ve decided on a career in beauty, choose one of Utah’s schools or even start beauty training in high school or try an apprenticeship program to get your license, and who knows where it will take you? Take the first step by reading this article.

Downtown Salt Lake City, UT
Downtown Salt Lake City, UT photo by NorthernMagnolia [GFDL

Education Requirements At Utah’s Cosmetology Schools

To become a certified cosmetologist in Utah, your first step is finding the right program in one of Utah’s many cosmetologist programs at a vocational or college level.

The curriculum should be at least 1600 hours long, and include both practical and theory classes in a variety of specializations. You may study courses in business and salon management, physiology of skin and nails, bacteriology and makeup training, as well as hair dressing training, and more.

You may also choose an apprenticeship route instead. You’ll need to check online with the Utah State Board, for individual apprenticeship requirements, and to be trained and supervised by a licensed cosmetologist for 2500 hours in total. Use our app below to find a school:

Getting Your Utah Cosmetology License

After you’ve completed your educational requirements and been through the joys and difficulties of beauty school, you’ll need to apply for your exams. You’ll need to pass both a written, and theory exam.

Remember to bring your own mannequin and kit to the examination where you will be tested on safety and sanitation as well as the skill set you will need for cutting and styling hair, and applying makeup and skin treatments.

You’ll also need to complete an open-book exam on Utah’s rules and regulations. After passing your exams and paying your fees, you will be automatically licensed by the state board.

Out-Of-State Applicants

If you have a license from another state, you may be able to work in Utah if you meet certain reciprocity requirements. Submit a Request for Verification of Out-of-State Licensure form.

If your home state requires less than 1600 hours of training at school, you will need to submit a Verification of Work Experience which can prove that you have enough work experience to make up the difference. If you completed an apprenticeship, you will need to include the Completion of Apprentice Program form instead.

You may still be required to sit the Utah exams.

How To Renew Your Utah Cosmetology License

The date of renewal for your license is October 30th of every odd-numbered year.

You are not required to submit continuing education hours, but choosing to continue your education can help you stay current in the beauty industry, with new techniques, technologies and certifications.

Beauty Work Opportunities in UT

A career in the beauty industry could mean working at a department store, salon, or spa.

You may also decide to strike out on your own, and open your own salon.

For info on finding work in Utah, and what you should be looking for to start your new career off right, check out jobs.utah.gov.

Some Utah Beauty Schools With Costs

Name Address Tuition Other Programs
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design539 West University Parkway, Orem, 84058$18,500Make Up Artistry, Barber, Microblading, Lash Extensions, Nail Technology, Hair Design, Esthetics
Avalon School of Cosmetology: Layton1992 Antelope Drive, Layton, 84041$16,100Esthetics,Barbering,Eyelash Extension,Make Up Artistry
American Beauty Academy87 West 600 South
Payson, 84651
$13,500Barber
Bonnie Joseph Academy164 South Main Street, Heber City, 84032$15,000Barbering, Esthetics, Nail Technician
The Forum Academy 648 East State Street, American Fork, 84003$13,700None
Cameo College of Essential Beauty124 East Mc Millan Lane, Murray, 84107$15,800Esthetics, Hair Design, Nail Technology, Make Up Artistry, Electrolysis


Other Utah schools for nail technicians, estheticians, barbers and makeup artists.

School Websites:
americanbeauty.edu
avalon.edu
evanscollege.com
evanscollege.com
francoisdcollege.com
hairitagehairacademy.com
mandalynacademy.com
hairschoolonline.com
shermankendall.com
taylorandrew.com
theforumacademy.com

Did we miss any Utah hair schools or cosmetology schools? Please let us know.