Iowa may feel like a quiet little state, but it is bursting with possibility. If you’re hard-working and personable, and you’ve got a passion for the beauty industry, Iowa beauty schools can help set you on track for a great career as a makeup artist.

Getting your license means learning the ins and outs of the business, building a great portfolio, and best of all, staying on top of makeup and beauty trends. Before long, you’re sure to be the go-to beauty expert you’ve always dreamed of being.

davenport, ia
Davenport, IA skyline

How Much Education Does An Iowa Makeup Artist Require?

Iowa does not require a specific makeup artist license, but it does require you to study at a registered and state approved beauty school before setting up as a certified makeup artist.

You must choose between an esthetics course, or a cosmetology course. Esthetics are about skin care as well as makeup application, and take only 600 hours of study. Cosmetology courses in the state take at least 2,100 hours of study. They take longer, because they cover more. Theatrical makeup schools also require extra training. Find a school near you:

If you feel like you might one day branch out into hair cutting and styling, or other services, you may want to consider cosmetology. However, cosmetologists and estheticians have different licensure requirements, and a different renewal process, so consider your options carefully.

Getting Your Iowa Makeup License

Before you get your license, whether for cosmetology or esthetics, you’ll need to sit your National Interstate Cosmetology Board exams. There are two exams, the practical and the theory exams. You need at least a 75% to pass, and then you will automatically be issued your license.

Moving From Out-Of-State?

If you are moving to Iowa from another state where you currently hold a license in either cosmetology or esthetics, you may be eligible for a transfer of your license. You’ll need to prove that your state requirements for licensure are the same or greater than those of Iowa, and depending on your home state, you may be required to sit the NIC exams, if you have not done so.

Renew Your Iowa Makeup Artist  License

The license for your chosen discipline must be renewed every two years. You’ll need to renew before March 31st of the year you expire. The board requires at least 8 hours of continuing education after your second renewal period, per renewal period: 2 hours about Iowa cosmetology laws, rules, safety, and sanitation, 4 hours in your discipline, and two hours of your choosing.

After You Finish Iowa Beauty School – Then What?

Flexibility is one of the biggest draws in the beauty industry. However you choose to use your knowledge of the makeup industry, you’re sure to find a rewarding career if you follow your passion. Choose a makeup demonstration career for companies like Avon, and you’ll be able to help women of all ages to feel more beautiful.

Choose to become a makeup artist in a salon and you will help bring more beauty to a variety of occasions, from brides, to proms, to graduation and more.

With your creativity, hard work, and the training you’ll receive, you’re sure to find yourself a bright and beautiful career. Your first job will start you on the path, and you can take it from there, anywhere you want to go.

Iowa Makeup Artist Schools Listings

Iowa School of Beauty – 609 2nd Street West, Ottumwa, IA 52501 + 3 other locations

Capri College – 2540 East 53rd Street, Davenport, IA 52807 + 3 other locations

La’ James International College – 6322 University Avenue, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 + 5 other locations

PCI Academy – 309 Kitty Hawk Drive, Ames, IA 50010

EQ School of Hair Design – 2600 South 9th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

World of Beauty Academy – 3409 SE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50320

Aveda Institute Des Moines – 6905 Mills Civic Parkway #120, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Faust Institute of Cosmetology – 1543 18th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360 + 1 other location

Total Look School of Cosmetology – 806 3rd Street West, Cresco, IA 52136

Did we miss any IA makeup training schools? Please contact us to let us know.

Other Iowa schools for nail technicians, estheticians, cosmetologists and barbers.

School Websites:
iowaschoolofbeauty.com
capricollege.edu
pci-academy.com
ljic.edu
eqschool.net
worldofbeautyschool.com
avedainstitutedesmoines.com
faustinstitute.com