North Carolina is a calm, naturally beautiful state, which makes it a great place to visit a spa. But what about working in one? If you’re interested in the ins and outs of skin care and beauty treatments, you might find becoming an esthetician is a great career choice. And with our help, you’ll learn what to expect as you head off to a top cosmetology program at one of North Carolina’s great schools!

Raleigh, NC skyline
Raleigh, NC skyline

Hours Required & Classes At Esthetician Schools in NC

North Carolina has pretty strict laws for your hours of study, but they break down to be at least 600 hours at an accredited program where you will learn on both mannequins and live models.

You’ll learn skin treatments and hair stylings that include hair removal, brow, and lash coloring, and eyebrow arching. Your course will also cover makeup application and removal and sanitation and safety practices.

Find schools closest to you using your ZIP:

Getting Your Esthetics License In NC

After finishing your course to satisfaction, you will need to take the national practical and written exams. The North Carolina Board requires you to get at least a 75% on each exam to pass.

You must also bring your own kit and mannequin head to the exam. It will take three hours, which is twice the time of the written exam.

Once both are completed, you are officially eligible for your licensing, and you just need to fill out the application, either on paper or online.

If you need to work while you’re waiting for your next exam schedule to free up, you can apply for a temporary permit for six months. Just submit your proof of exam applications and your graduation certificate.

North Carolina offers license reciprocity with AK, AR, KS, KY, MS, NH, OK, TX and WV. If you are currently living in one of these states and would like to move and work in North Carolina, have your state licensing agency send your certification via email.

How To Renew Your License

North Carolina esthetician licenses must be renewed every two years between July 1st to Oct 1st. You are required to earn at least 8 credited hours of continuing education within the two-year period. There are plenty of different classes you can take to upgrade your knowledge and skills. For instance, you could learn about microblading or laser use.

Suppose your name has changed in the two-year period since your last renewal. In that case, you may also be required to provide additional documentation like a marriage certificate and current government-issued ID.

Where Can You Get An Esthetician Job In NC?

North Carolina is home to many spas and salons that employ skin care specialists. Especially in the Raleigh area, there are many plastic surgery clinics and spas. Look for jobs here.

After you complete the first three years, you may be eligible to become an esthetics instructor. It requires an additional 650 hours of study, and you will need to sit an additional exam and apply for a license, but it increases both your profile in the industry and your salary!

Check out our medical esthetician school page to find out what that subset of training is all about.

Some Esthetician Schools in North Carolina

NameAddressCostOther Programs
Academy of Nails & Esthetics415 Minuet Lane # A, Charlotte, 28217Tuition (600 hours @ $8.50 per hour): $5,100
Enrollment Fee: $100
Kit and Books: $795
TOTAL: $5,995
Nail Technology
Health and Style Institute500 4 Seasons Town Center, Greensboro, 27407Tuition: $9,995
Registration Fee: $150
Educational Materials: $1,850
Total: $11,995
Cosmetology, Make Up Artistry
Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design1011 Charles Boulevardd Suite A, Greenville, 27858UnknownCosmetology
Artistic Academy Of Wilkes114 Wilkesboro Avenue, North Wilkesboro, 28659UnknownCosmetology
Mitchell's Academy1301 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh,27606Tuition (18/19 academic year): $ 9115 Kit/iPad/MindTap/Textbook: $ 1385
Total: $10500
Cosmetology

Dudley Cosmetology University – Kernersville

Privai Academy – Asheville

The Fila Academy – High Point

The Medical Arts Massage and Esthetics School – Raleigh

Miller-Motte College – Cary

Miller-Motte College – Fayetteville

Other North Carolina schools for nail techs, barbers, cosmetologists and makeup artists.

Fun Video From North Carolina Esthetician Students:

Some School Websites:

dudleybeautycollegechicago.com

healthandstyleinstitute.com

miller-motte.edu

mitchells.edu

Did we miss any NC esthiology schools? Please contact us to let us know.