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Cosmetology Schools in North Carolina

21 accredited Cosmetology programs in NC

21

Schools in NC

$33,400

Avg. Salary

9-15 months

Program Length

15

Cities

Cosmetology Schools in North Carolina

Alamance Community College

1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC 27253

Alamance Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for the state licensing exam through hands-on training in hair styling, skincare, and nail care. The curriculum typically takes nine to fifteen months to complete and equips graduates to work as licensed cosmetologists in salons or pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques or other salon services.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementOnline Available
4.2 (61)

$5,056

2 years

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Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for careers in hair, skin, and nail services through hands-on training and classroom instruction. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and are ready to work in salons, spas, or start their own business. The program suits individuals seeking flexible scheduling and direct entry into the beauty industry.

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4.4 (29)

$5,764

2 years

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Beaufort County Community College

5337 US Highway 264 East, Washington, NC 27889

Beaufort County Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for careers in hair, makeup, and skincare over nine to fifteen months. The curriculum covers techniques needed for the state licensing exam, with opportunities to pursue specialty certifications in advanced color and other areas. Graduates work as salon professionals or start their own beauty businesses.

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4.4 (35)

$2,540

2 years

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Bladen Community College

7418 NC Hwy 41W, Dublin, NC 28332

Bladen Community College's cosmetology program prepares students for the state licensing exam through hands-on training in hair care, makeup application, and salon management. Completed in nine to fifteen months, the curriculum combines theory with practical experience in a working salon environment. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and are ready for employment in salons, spas, or other beauty businesses.

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4.1 (39)

$5,116

24 months

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Blue Ridge Community College

180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731

Blue Ridge Community College's cosmetology program prepares students for careers in hair, skin, and nail services through hands-on training and classroom instruction. Graduates earn the state cosmetology license and may pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques or related areas. The program suits anyone seeking a shorter pathway to employment in the beauty industry.

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4.1 (36)

$2,660

12 months

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Brunswick Community College

50 College Road NE, Bolivia, NC 28422

Brunswick Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for careers in salons, spas, and related beauty settings over nine to fifteen months. The curriculum covers hair styling, skincare, nail care, and chemical treatments needed to earn a state cosmetology license. Graduates enter a field with diverse specialization opportunities and flexible employment options throughout North Carolina.

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4.3 (32)

$2,532

1 year

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Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

2855 Hickory Boulevard, Hudson, NC 28638

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's cosmetology program prepares students for licensed practice in hair, skin, and nail services within 9–15 months. The curriculum covers foundational techniques and safety standards required for state licensure. Graduates pursue careers in salons, spas, and beauty establishments across the region.

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4.3 (55)

$4,560

2 years

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Cape Fear Community College

411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Cape Fear Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for the state license exam through hands-on training in hair, skin, and nail services. The curriculum typically takes nine to fifteen months to complete, making it ideal for those seeking a quick entry into the beauty industry. Graduates are equipped to work in salons, spas, or start their own beauty business.

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4.3 (37)

$2,748

2 years

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Central Piedmont Community College

1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28235

Central Piedmont Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for state licensure through hands-on training in hair, skin, and nail services. The curriculum typically takes nine to fifteen months and covers techniques needed for salon work or freelance careers. Graduates pursue the state cosmetology license and can specialize in advanced color or other techniques.

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4.2 (69)

$2,800

12 months

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Coastal Carolina Community College

444 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546

Coastal Carolina Community College offers a cosmetology program spanning nine to fifteen months that prepares students for North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners licensure. The curriculum covers foundational skills alongside specialty certifications and advanced color training. This program suits aspiring cosmetologists seeking affordable education with low in-state community college tuition.

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4.4 (68)

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1,500 hours (NC)

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Empire Beauty School - Charlotte (North Tryon)

4901 N Tryon Street, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28213

Empire Beauty School's Charlotte North Tryon location provides hands-on cosmetology training across hair, skin, and nail services. Students gain practical experience in a student salon where they work with real clients while building professional skills and a client base. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and are prepared for careers in salons, spas, or independent practice.

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4.5 (69)

$16,200

12-14 months

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Empire Beauty School - East Greensboro

2001 East Wendover Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405

Empire Beauty School – East Greensboro's Cosmetology program trains students in cutting, coloring, styling, and skincare fundamentals over nine to fifteen months. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on salon experience, preparing graduates to pass the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners licensure exam. This program suits anyone seeking entry into a flexible career in hair, makeup, or beauty services.

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4.5 (56)

$16,200

12-14 months

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Empire Beauty School - West Greensboro

1312 Bridford Parkway, Suite 105, Greensboro, NC 27407

Empire Beauty School West Greensboro prepares students for the North Carolina cosmetology license through hands-on training in hair, skin, and nail services. The program includes work in the student salon clinic where learners practice on real clients before taking the state board exam. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions in salons and spas across the beauty industry.

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4.2 (20)

$16,200

12-14 months

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Gaston College

201 Hwy 321 S, Dallas, NC 28034

Gaston College's Cosmetology program prepares students for work in salons, spas, and beauty establishments across North Carolina. The curriculum covers hair styling, coloring, chemical treatments, and skin care techniques, leading toward state licensure and specialty certifications. This program suits people seeking flexible careers in the beauty industry within a 9-15 month timeframe.

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4.1 (33)

Contact for pricing

2 years

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Guilford Technical Community College - Greensboro Campus

3505 East Wendover Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405

Guilford Technical Community College's Greensboro Campus offers a cosmetology program that prepares students for state licensure in hair, skin, and nail services. The curriculum typically takes 9 to 15 months and covers foundational techniques alongside advanced specializations like color theory. Graduates pursue careers as licensed cosmetologists in salons, spas, or establish their own beauty businesses.

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4.2 (60)

$4,500

12 months

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Guilford Technical Community College - Jamestown

601 East Main Street, Jamestown, NC 27282

Guilford Technical Community College's Cosmetology program in Jamestown prepares students for careers in hair, skin, and nail services through hands-on training completed in roughly nine to fifteen months. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and can pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques and other areas. The program suits anyone interested in creative, client-focused work in the beauty industry.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4 (61)

$4,500

12-24 months

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Paul Mitchell The School - Charlotte

1516 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204

Paul Mitchell The School Charlotte's Cosmetology program prepares students for North Carolina State Board licensure through hands-on training in cutting, styling, coloring, and skincare. The curriculum spans nine to fifteen months and readies graduates for careers in salons, spas, and beauty establishments throughout the region. Students gain practical experience while working toward state certification and specialty credentials in advanced techniques.

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4.1 (33)

$19,500

12-14 months

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Paul Mitchell The School - Raleigh

8551 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612

Paul Mitchell The School Raleigh's cosmetology program prepares students for North Carolina state licensure and careers in salons, spas, and freelance styling. The curriculum covers hair cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, and skincare fundamentals over nine to fifteen months. Graduates emerge ready to take the state cosmetology exam and pursue specialty certifications in advanced techniques.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (64)

$19,500

12 months (1,500 hours)

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Wake Technical Community College - Scott Northern Wake Campus

6600 Louisburg Road, Raleigh, NC 27616

Wake Technical Community College's cosmetology program prepares students for the state license exam through hands-on training in hair cutting, coloring, skincare, and nail services. Completed in nine to fifteen months, the program suits anyone seeking entry into the beauty industry. Graduates earn their state cosmetology license and can pursue specialty certifications in advanced color techniques or other areas.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (69)

$5,000

24 months

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Wake Technical Community College - Southern Wake Campus

9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603

Wake Technical Community College's Cosmetology program prepares students for state licensure through hands-on training in cutting, coloring, styling, and skincare techniques. The 9- to 15-month program suits aspiring beauty professionals seeking entry into salons, spas, or entrepreneurial ventures. Graduates pursue the state cosmetology license and can pursue specialty certifications in advanced color or other beauty services.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (36)

$4,500

12-24 months

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Winston Salem Barber School

1531 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27127

Winston Salem Barber School's cosmetology program spans approximately nine to fifteen months and covers a comprehensive 1,528-hour curriculum designed to prepare students for North Carolina's state licensing exam. The program suits individuals interested in hair styling, color application, and beauty services who want flexible scheduling options and access to campuses in both Winston-Salem and Greensboro.

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4.3 (25)

$14,895

1,528 hours / 44 weeks

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Cosmetology Training in North Carolina

North Carolina offers excellent opportunities for aspiring cosmetologys. With 21 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average cosmetology in North Carolina earns around $33,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 8% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Cosmetology programs in NC take 9-15 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as State Cosmetology License, Specialty Certifications, Advanced Color Training, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Cosmetology Training

Cosmetology programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like State Cosmetology License and Specialty Certifications that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.