South Carolina has a unique and diverse beauty profile. Maybe it’s the four distinct seasons, or the mix of urban and rural areas, but whatever the reason, South Carolina’s beauty industry has a lot to offer. If you’re interested in learning the art and science of skin care, the work of an esthetician might be a good fit for you. And your first step, is choosing among the schools.

Greenville, SC skyline
Greenville, SC skyline by Carolinaliving

School Requirements For Estheticians in South Carolina

To meet your education requirements to become an esthetician, you must be at least 16 years old and have a 10th grade education. The South Carolina Board requires that you complete at least 450 hours of esthetician training. This training includes courses on dermatology, and the science of human skin, as well as theoretical practice with waxing, body wraps and makeup application. There is also ten hours of study on the South Carolina rules and laws for skin care technicians. There are probably schools near you… check by entering your ZIP in our app below:

Getting Your Esthetician License in SC

Once you have completed the required hours of study, you need to apply for your exams. Your institution will submit an affidavit showing you’ve successfully completed your training. It which includes the breakdown of all subjects studied, your enrollment and graduation dates, and other academic information.

You must pass both the written and theory exams with a grade of 75% or higher to apply for your license.

Out-of-State Applicants: If you have a valid license with no disciplinary actions taken against you, you may be able to apply for a North Carolina license via North Carolina’s reciprocity agreements. Check online with the board to see if you need to apply via mail application or through email. No reciprocity agreement exists for the state of Florida. To move your license from Florida to SC, you will need to take the South Carolina exams over.

How To Renew Your South Carolina Esthetician License

The renewal period for state issued esthetician licenses is from July 1st to Oct 1st. Your license should be renewed in that time every two years.

You will also need to take 12 hours of continuing education to renew. At least three hours must be an updated sanitation, health or safety course. The other 9 hours can go towards training in things like laser use, or a variety of other classes.

SC Esthetician Career Options

South Carolina is home to some of the most luxurious spas and hotels in the country. That makes it a great place to work in the beauty and skin care industry…

If you’re looking for a job, your chosen school can offer great opportunities and advice.

South Carolina has one of the most stable and secure beauty industries in the country, with even further opportunities for advancement if you are interested in esthiology instruction, or opening your own salon!

Take a look at our esthetics school costs page to get an idea how much you’ll be paying for your studies.

Esthetician Schools in South Carolina

NameAddressCostOther Programs
Academy of Hair Technology3715 East North Street Suite F, Greenville, 29615Registration Fee $100

Tuition (0-300 hours) $2950

Tuition (302-600 hours) $2950

Total for Program $6,000
Cosmetology, Nail Technician
Charleston Cosmetology Institute8484 Dorchester Road, Charleston, 29420$9,050 for tuition and feesCosmetology, Nail Technician, Continuing Education
Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology Spartanburg1515 John B White Senior Boulevard, Spartanburg, 29301Application Fee: $100
Tuition: $7,350
Kits + Tax: $1,095
Books: $475
Lab Fees: $450
Total: $9,470
Cosmetology
Miller-Motte Technical College8085 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, 29406$11,403Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Barbering, Nail Technology
Strand College of Hair Design423 79th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, 29572$40 – Application Fee
$60 – Registration Fee
$8,550 – Tuition
(Includes: Kit / Books / Supplies)
$8,650 – Total
Cosmetology
Vski Cosmetology SchoolB322, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charleston, 29407Application fee $100.00 (Non-refundable)
Registration fee $1600.00(Non-refundable)
includes: Accounting fees ($450)
Books ($1150)
Tuition $6900.00
TOTAL $8500.00
Cosmetology

Other South Carolina schools for nail techs, barbers, and cosmetologists.

School Websites:

hairchamps.info

charlestoncosmetology.com

kennethshuler.com

miller-motte.edu

strandcollege.com

Did we miss any SC esthetics colleges? Please contact us to let us know.