Cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania have an interesting accomplishment they can collectively boast about, they have a higher on-time completion rate than those of any other state in the nation.
Pennsylvania schools also have a solid track record for getting students out the door without huge piles of student loans to pay off. In short, the state is a great place to get a solid education in style without breaking the bank.
Cosmetology isn’t the most popular major in the world, but it’s not the least popular either. To be more precise it ranks #226 in popularity out of 395 majors in the country.
So if you are trying to find the top cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania, continue reading to learn more about the top cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania as well as how to become a cosmetologist in Pennsylvania.
What Is Cosmetology
Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skincare, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, non-permanent hair removal such as waxing and sugaring, and permanent hair removal processes such as electrology and intense pulsed light (IPL).
Related: 10 Best Cosmetology Schools in New Jersey
10 Of The Best Cosmetology Schools In Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for a list of the top cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania, look no further. Click on a facility to learn more about it. Also, see the address to know how to get there.
Altoona Beauty School Inc
Altoona Beauty School’s fine reputation has been maintained since its establishment in August 1956. Thousands of professionals have graduated from Altoona Beauty School. Many of the graduates have gone on to work as stylists, salon managers, or platform artists. A great deal has opened salons and surpassed even their dreams.
Altoona Beauty School continually strives to update and improve its facility and curriculum to offer students the best education at an affordable price.
The objective at Altoona Beauty School is to prepare its students for a successful career in today’s modern world of cosmetology. To achieve these goals, they have a team of instructors who are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology.
The staff attends various seminars and workshops throughout the year to stay on top of today’s ever-changing hair trends, as well as teaching techniques. Altoona Beauty School practices no discrimination based on race, creed, age, religion, sex, financial status, or ethnic origin. It is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Altoona Beauty School boasts instructors who continuously attend professional development to stay current and a curriculum that includes digital technology and the latest techniques.
Its cosmetology program includes 1,250 hours of hairdressing, nail care, skin care, and makeup training. After the first 300 hours of classwork, students begin gaining experience in the school’s salon.
Altoona provides comprehensive training in personal development, retail, customer service, growing a clientele, and other business skills associated with operating a salon business. The school has a solid business training program and puts students on the right track immediately by graduating them with very little loan debt.
Tuition at Altoona costs $12,560, it is one of the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania.
Address: 1528 Valley View Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602, United States
Phone: +1 814-942-3141
South Hills Beauty Academy
Since 1969, South Hills Beauty Academy has been inspiring students to begin an exciting career in the evolving industry of Beauty and Wellness. It provides service to Pittsburgh, all of western Pennsylvania, as well as areas in West Virginia and Ohio. It is one of the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania.
It offers comprehensive programs in Cosmetology and Hair Design, Manicuring and Nail Design, Esthetics-Skin Care and Make-up, and an Instructor’s Program.
It is dedicated to the student’s success during school and after graduation, therefore, providing comprehensive and advanced education as standard instruction. The advanced education classes include Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion, Airbrush Make-up and Spray Tanning Eyelash Extensions, and Microblading.
Also, since the school is open to the public, students learn by working with actual clients in a real salon setting, giving them the confidence and knowledge to join the beauty world.
South Hills Beauty Academy prides itself on innovative instruction. It has modern classrooms, a salon/spa, and advanced materials and curriculum. It also allows for interaction with industry leaders and boasts career support both before and after graduation.
Students receive a complete materials kit, including uniforms, styling tools, and more. The cosmetology and hair design program at South Hills is 9 months of instruction. Tuition at South Hills Beauty Academy costs $15,625.
Address: 3269 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, United States
Phone: +1 412-561-3381
Also read: 11 Top Rated Cosmetology Schools in Ohio
The Beauty Institute
Another one of the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania, the Beauty Institute provides you with fundamental beauty training that is anything but basic. The curriculum is carefully crafted and adaptive to meet market demands. It prides its reputation on preparing the most skilled professionals, and its hands-on instruction paired with cutting-edge techniques allows it to do just that.
The program features the Milady cutting curriculum, as well as Schwarzkopf Professional digital learning assets. The Beauty Institute works diligently to maintain relationships with industry professionals, salon owners/managers, and stylists both locally and nationwide. The curriculum aims to help students see progress on measurable goals. They offer a professional-quality salon and a faculty of experienced, successful professionals.
Teaching methods at the school stress careful, step-by-step training with hands-on experience. This careful approach rewards students with high on-time completion and job placement rates.
The school also has a career services department to help graduates get the jobs they want. VA benefits are accepted and scholarships are available to each class. Students typically leave the school with almost nothing left to pay on their student loans. The cosmetology program takes 14 months to complete and tuition costs $15,850.
Address: 344 Stroud Mall Rd #308, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, United States
Phone: +1 570-421-3387
Metro Beauty Academy
Opened in 2007, Metro Beauty Academy was created to produce the best, most skilled stylists in the beauty industry. Metro Beauty Academy strives to provide instruction in cosmetology and business techniques. Salon owner Chad Schneider founded the school in 2007 because he struggled to find staff.
Metro Beauty Academy makes use of the Pivot Point digital learning platform to connect with students, facilitate learning, and provide additional resources. Students can sign up for classes, track their academic progress, and keep track of school events all in one, convenient location.
The school works with Dermalogica, Wella, and Davines. So, they tutor students about their techniques and products. Whether it’s interactive learning on electronic devices, state-of-the-art classroom projectors, or the latest in hair color innovation, Metro provides it to you. This is one of the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania.
Students will learn from the Salon Fundamentals textbooks (published by award-winning Pivot Point International) by utilizing both the online textbook as well as engaging in classroom discussion. Students will also gain the broad-based foundation to become a stylist through extensive practice with mannequins and regular clients.
As you proceed in your studies, coloring and texturizing concepts and procedures will become second nature. Advancing further, you will learn esthetic services like skin treatments and makeup application. Metro Beauty Academy will also prepare you with adequate knowledge of nail techniques such as manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail application.
Address: 4977 Medical Center Cir, Allentown, PA 18106, United States
Phone: +1 610-398-6227
Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork
Another one of the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania, The Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork is an accredited school that was founded and incorporated in 1979. It is located in Lancaster Township East, on the corner of Ranck Avenue and Clark Street.
In addition to being licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology, it is licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The Lancaster School of Cosmetology and Therapeutic Bodyworks offers professional cosmetology and therapeutic massage school that educates and trains students so they can work in the fields of their choice. The curriculum is designed to provide training that will allow the students to have numerous marketable skills in the job market.
The cosmetology program lasts for 10 months. It also offers barbering, waxing, makeup, nail, skincare, business, and state law instruction, and tuition costs $12,600. With 78 percent of the school’s graduates landing a job immediately upon graduation, strong business skills training prepare graduates for the business side of the salon industry.
Address: 50 Ranck Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602, United States
Phone: +1 717-299-0200
Related: 7 Top Cosmetology Schools in Massachusetts
Other Cosmetology Schools In Pennsylvania
Some other top cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania include:
Bucks County School of Beauty Culture
Address: 1761 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053, United States
Phone: +1 215-322-0667
Beaver Falls Beauty Academy
Address: 720 13th St, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, United States
Phone: +1 724-843-7700
Professional Academy of Cosmetology, LLC
Address: 516 E Marshall St, Norristown, PA 19401, United States
Phone: +1 610-277-7390
Kittanning Beauty Academy
Address: 120 Market St # A, Kittanning, PA 16201, United States
Phone: +1 724-548-2031
Berks Career and Technology Center West Campus
Address: 1057 County Rd, Leesport, PA 19533, United States
Phone: +1 610-374-4073
FAQs
See below the most asked questions about the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania.
What are the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania?
Here are some of the best cosmetology schools in Pennsylvania
- Altoona Beauty School Inc
- South Hills Beauty Academy
- The Beauty Institute
- Metro Beauty Academy
- Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork
How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Pennsylvania?
The Cosmetology Law requires 1,250 hours of instruction for licensure as a cosmetologist, which CTC students typically complete over three years (grades 10, 11, and 12). Likewise, the Barbers’ License Law requires 1,250 hours of instruction for licensure as a barber.
How long is a cosmetology license good in Pennsylvania?
Cosmetology license types are valid for 2 years. Cosmetology apprentice registrations do not expire and remain valid until notification of completion or termination is received by the Department, or the establishment license expires
What skills do you need to be a cosmetologist?
10 Skills Every Cosmetologist Should Master
- Innovativeness and Creativity.
- Cosmetology Education.
- Good Customer Service.
- Time Management.
- Good Grooming Habits.
- Trend Awareness.
- Physically Fit.
- Familiarity With Products.
Can a cosmetologist in Pennsylvania work in a barber shop?
A licensed cosmetologist in Pennsylvania can work in a barber shop, but only if a licensed barber is also working there. The same works and vice versa.
Pharm Somtochukwu Oluka P. is a licensed pharmacist with a burning desire to explore his zeal and interest in the field of pharmacy.