Cosmetology Program
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$1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS Available For ALL Students Who Start Classes in October 2026 Choose DAY or EVENING Classes to Fit Your Schedule!
Cosmetology School in San Francisco, California
At Cinta Aveda Institute, our instructors can provide you with the range of skills you need to pursue a successful career as a licensed cosmetologist. Our innovative curriculum concentrates on theory, practical hands-on experience, and business strategies to give you a comprehensive understanding of the ever-evolving beauty industry. With our state-of-the-art campus in San Francisco, we serve as the only Aveda institution in Northern California.
Cosmetology at a glance
| Program | Cosmetology, 1,000 clock hours (hybrid: one session a week of theory online) |
| License | Prepares you for the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology cosmetologist exam |
| Length | 35 weeks on a daytime schedule, or 56 weeks on the evening schedule |
| Evenings | Yes: Tuesday–Thursday, 5:30–10:00 pm, plus 4.5 hours online on Monday |
| Total cost | $20,910, including tuition, eBooks, an iPad and your supplies kit. No registration fee. |
| Start dates | New classes start throughout the year. Contact admissions for the next start date. |
| Financial aid | FAFSA accepted (school code 041800) for students who qualify |
| Campus | San Francisco (305 Kearny Street) |
OCTOBER 2026 COSMETOLOGY
✨ Your future starts here! ✨
Aveda Institute San Francisco is proudly offering a $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP to EVERY student who enrolls in our October 2026 classes!
Dreaming of joining a salon team or working independently one day? Explore cosmetology at Cinta Aveda and talk with admissions about your goals, the program, and your October start.
Enroll for October 2026 and receive $1,000 toward your education.
Ask About October CosmetologyHow long does cosmetology school take?
The program is 1,000 hours, the minimum California requires before you can take the cosmetology license exam. Choose the schedule that fits around your life:
| Schedule | Days and hours | Hours a week | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday days | Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm on campus; Thursday, 6 hours online | 28.5 | 35 weeks |
| Late-week days | Thursday–Saturday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm on campus; Wednesday, 6 hours online | 28.5 | 35 weeks |
| Evenings | Tuesday–Thursday, 5:30–10:00 pm on campus; Monday, 4.5 hours online | 18 | 56 weeks |
Daytime schedules include a one-hour lunch break.
How much does cosmetology school cost?
| Item | 1,000-hour program |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,765 |
| eBooks and iPad | $600 |
| Supplies kit | $3,545 |
| Registration fee | $0 |
| Total program cost | $20,910 |
Books, iPad, tools and supplies are all included, so there’s no separate kit or textbook bill. You also pay a $75 application fee before enrolling and, after you finish, a $125 exam fee to the State Board. Students who enroll for October 2026 classes receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Life at Cinta Aveda
A closer look at the creativity, community, and hands-on learning at Cinta Aveda.
What you will Learn
The program starts with the fundamentals of cutting, styling, and chemical restructuring of hair, skincare, nail care, make-up, and the related sciences. The demonstrations, lectures, and workshops reinforce classroom knowledge and help students build their ability and accuracy. This portion of the program teaches students about retailing, guest servicing, personal development, and state safety requirements.
Beyond developing basic skills, you will learn to unlock your creativity at our cosmetology school. We expose you to the latest techniques and trends in hair cutting, coloring, styling, chemical restructuring, and permanent waving. The time you spend in the clinic will build your confidence in your professional abilities, strengthening your career-advancing and employment skills, such as interviewing and resume writing.
Our program prepares you to take the skill certification examination and the California State Board Exam for licensure. After passing these tests, you will have the competency to pursue various careers in cosmetology.
How the 1,000 hours are divided:
| Subject | Hours |
|---|---|
| Hairstyling and haircutting: shears, razors, clippers, blow drying, styling | 200 |
| Chemical hair services: coloring, bleaching, waving, straightening | 200 |
| Skin care and facials | 150 |
| Manicure and pedicure | 100 |
| Health and safety | 100 |
| Disinfection and sanitation | 100 |
| Hair removal, lashes and brows | 50 |
| California cosmetology laws and regulations | 50 |
| Business development and job training | 50 |
Why Attend Cosmetology School?
If you have a passion for hairstyling, make-up, and the beauty industry in general, cosmetology school is an ideal option for jumpstarting your career. A cosmetology education also may be a viable choice if you are unsure what professional field to pursue. Consider the following benefits you can experience with a job in cosmetology:
More Straightforward Career Path
Cosmetology school offers a more focused approach to education than a traditional four-year college program. Students learn the skills they need to pursue careers in the beauty industry without spending time on classes unrelated to their career goals. For this reason, cosmetology school usually is shorter and more affordable than other college programs.
People also can begin their professional life sooner by attending cosmetology school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require students to be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school to start their career. At Cinta Aveda, you need to be at least 17 and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Professional Independence
Many cosmetologists are self-employed, giving them the autonomy to develop a distinct brand, be more creative with their services, and make their own schedules. Even if you do not work for yourself, you will have more schedule flexibility as a cosmetologist. You can work full-time or part-time, during the morning or evening, or on the weekends to suit your preferences or needs.
Job Security
Although beauty trends come and go, the cosmetology industry is not going out of style anytime soon. The job market for cosmetologists continues to grow, giving those who pursue the professional field job security. Beauticians also recognize their industry constantly evolves and have the skills necessary to adapt their services according to the latest developments in hair, make-up, and nails.
Personal Connection With Customers
Since cosmetologists work with clients directly, they rarely worry about getting lonely on the job. You can interact with people from various walks of life and form long-term relationships that ultimately increase customer loyalty. Additionally, you reap the unique emotional reward of helping clients build their confidence and self-esteem with a new look.
