Cosmetology Schools in Washington State: Beauty Listings & License Info

With mountains, plains and sea Washington is a beautiful state with many great beauty schools as well! To become a cosmetologist in WA requires several steps starting with choosing a cosmetology school that’s right for you. If you’ve already decided keep reading to find out what else you need to do before you can work as a cosmetologist in state.

Panorama of Tacoma, WA photo by Patrick Rodriguez [CC BY 3.0]

How Many Hours Will It Take?

Schools in Washington will provide a mix of hands-on training and theoretical background. The minimum hours mandated by the state board is 1,600 hours.

Cosmetology courses in Washington are similar to other states in that they will cover many aspects of beauty. If you go to nail school or esthetician school you will focus on just nails or just skin care, but with cosmetology you will get some training in nails, esthetics, hair styling and cutting, makeup, and even a little massage sometimes.

Find a school near you using the form below:

If you choose to do training via apprenticeship you must do at least 2,000 hours. Otherwise your training will cover the same topics as a school. The added benefit of this style of learning is that you can get paid while you learn! Schools on the other hand may cost quite a lot and you may need to get a loan to be able to attend. So, if you are in high school and are already passionate about beauty consider starting you training before you graduate as you may even get it for free!

You may also be able to take night classes at a school near you. This will enable you to keep working at least part time while you learn so that you don’t need to go in to debt as much as if you were attending f/t.

Taking The Exams

If you’re school instructors are happy with your skills and that you have come through the challenges of school well, and you have gone through the exam preparation guide you should do fine on the exams.

There are two exams. One tests your knowledge of cosmetology practices and theory while in the other you prove you are capable of actually performing various beauty procedures such as chemical wave, haircutting, manicuring, and keeping you and your client safe. One and a half hours is allowed for the written exam while two and a half is allowed for the practical.

Washing Cosmetology Licensing

If you’ve passed the exams you will then need to get a license before you start working. All that is required for this stage is patience and a fee. If you are a working beauty pro from another state and you want to work in WA you will need to actually apply for a license.

To renew you license you are required to apply and pay a fee two years from the date your initial license was granted. There is no continuing education requirements at present.

To start you career you may want to find a job/employment using every means you can: friends, your school, even websites.

Cosmetology Schools in Washington State With Costs

Name	Address	Cost	Other Programs
Elite School Of Beauty	2613 Northeast 114th Avenue, Vancouver, 98684	Registration fee: $100 Kit fee: $700 Tuition: $6,000 Total:$6,800	None
Gary Manuel Aveda Institute	1514 10th Avenue, Seattle, 98122	Enrollment Fee: $100 Tuition: $15,500 Kit fee: $1,750 Sales Tax: $177 Total: $17,527	Esthetics
Gene Juarez Academy North	6007 244th Street Southwest, Mountlake Terrace, 98043	$19,960	Manicuring
Glen Dow Academy	309 West Riverside Avenue, Spokane, 99201	Tuition: $12,230.25 Equipment, Textbook, Supplies: $1,672.17 Registration/Application Fee: $100 Uniforms: $95 Fees: Lab Fee: $116.22 / Drop Fee: $150 / Re-entry Fee: $100 Total Cost: 14,404.51	Esthetics, Manicuring
Paul Mitchell the School Spokane	15303 East Sprague Avenue, Veradale, 99037	$16,250	Hair design, Barbering
Spokane Community College	1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, 99217	$17,000	many