Jonathan BensonThe beauty industry is booming across the United States, and cosmetology offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about hair, makeup, skincare, and nail care. Cincinnati, Ohio, is home to several reputable cosmetology schools that provide comprehensive training and prepare students for the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam.
Most cosmetology programs in Ohio require around 1,500 training hours, typically completed in 10–13 months, depending on your schedule. Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $24,000, depending on the school, program length, and whether supplies and kits are included.
In this guide, we provide detailed information on the top 15 cosmetology schools in Cincinnati, including tuition fees, programs offered, and what makes each school a top choice for aspiring beauty professionals.
Top 15 Cosmetology Schools In Cincinnati And Fees
1. Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati is one of the most respected beauty schools in the region. The school focuses on environmentally conscious beauty practices while providing high-quality professional training.
Students receive instruction in hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, makeup artistry, waxing, and nail care. The program also includes retail education and salon business management, giving students the tools to succeed in professional settings.
The school’s hands-on approach includes a salon-style learning environment where students work with real clients under supervision. Graduates from this institute are highly sought after in upscale salons, spas, and beauty brands.
Estimated Tuition:
$21,575 plus supplies
2. Paul Mitchell The School Cincinnati
Paul Mitchell The School Cincinnati is part of the internationally recognized Paul Mitchell network. The school is known for its modern, creative approach to cosmetology education.
Students learn hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, makeup artistry, and nail care. The program emphasizes professional development, portfolio building, and preparation for the state licensing exam.
Additional benefits include career workshops, networking events, and job placement assistance. Students also stay up to date with industry trends through guest instructors and professional events.
Estimated Tuition:
$18,915 tuition + $3,700 supplies
3. Empire Beauty School – Cincinnati
Empire Beauty School is part of one of the largest beauty school networks in the U.S., offering high-quality training with experienced instructors and modern facilities.
The curriculum covers hair design, coloring techniques, skincare treatments, makeup application, and nail technology. Students gain hands-on experience through a fully operational student salon, preparing them for professional salon work.
The school emphasizes practical learning and helps students develop the skills needed to build client relationships and succeed in the beauty industry.
Estimated Tuition:
$19,385
4. Cincinnati School of Barbering and Hair Design
This school specializes in barbering and hair design, but also offers programs that allow students to cross-train in cosmetology. Students learn haircutting, beard grooming, hairstyling, and salon management.
The program emphasizes practical experience, with students performing services for real clients. Graduates are prepared for work in barbershops, salons, and grooming studios.
Estimated Tuition:
$20,000 including kits and books
5. Moler Beauty Academy
Moler Beauty Academy is one of the oldest and most established cosmetology schools in Ohio. It offers comprehensive programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology.
The school emphasizes hands-on training through its student salon, allowing students to practice their skills on real clients while gaining practical experience.
Graduates from Moler Beauty Academy are well-prepared to enter the workforce or start their own beauty businesses.
Estimated Tuition:
$14,000 – $18,000 depending on the program
6. Brown Aveda Institute
Brown Aveda Institute is an Aveda-affiliated school near Cincinnati, providing advanced training in cosmetology using professional Aveda products.
Students learn haircutting, hair coloring, styling, skincare treatments, and makeup artistry. The program emphasizes creativity, environmental responsibility, and professional salon etiquette.
Estimated Tuition:
$18,000 – $22,000
7. Dayton School of Medical Massage – Esthetics Programs
Although primarily a massage therapy school, this institution offers esthetics programs that complement cosmetology careers.
Students learn facial treatments, skin analysis, and wellness therapies, which can enhance career opportunities in spas and wellness centers.
Estimated Tuition:
$8,000 – $12,000
8. Ohio State School of Cosmetology – Nearby Campus
Ohio State School of Cosmetology offers comprehensive training designed to meet Ohio state licensing requirements.
Students study hair styling, coloring, skincare, makeup, and nail services. The program also includes salon business training, preparing graduates for careers in professional salon environments.
Estimated Tuition:
$16,000 – $20,000
9. Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture
Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture provides extensive hands-on training in hair design, skincare, nail services, and makeup artistry.
The school emphasizes practical experience through student salon services and teaches professional development skills for salon and beauty business success.
Estimated Tuition:
$15,000 – $19,000
10. Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology
Creative Images Institute focuses on practical cosmetology training, allowing students to develop hands-on skills in hair, makeup, skincare, and nails.
The school also offers salon business training, helping students prepare for employment or self-employment in the beauty industry.
Estimated Tuition:
$13,000 – $17,000
11. Elite Institute of Cosmetology
Elite Institute of Cosmetology offers programs in cosmetology and esthetics, preparing students for careers in salons and spas.
Students gain training in hair styling, coloring, skincare, waxing, and nail services. The curriculum also covers customer service and retail skills.
Estimated Tuition:
$14,000 – $18,000
12. Regency Beauty Institute (Former Cincinnati Campus)
Regency Beauty Institute previously operated several campuses in Ohio, including Cincinnati. Its cosmetology programs emphasized hands-on training in hair, makeup, nails, and skincare.
Although some campuses have closed, Regency’s programs influenced cosmetology education in the region.
Estimated Tuition (historical):
$15,000 – $18,000
13. Summit Salon Academy (Nearby)
Summit Salon Academy offers advanced training in cosmetology, focusing on modern salon practices and career readiness.
Students learn haircutting, hair coloring, skincare treatments, and salon business management. Leadership development and career placement support are also provided.
Estimated Tuition:
$16,000 – $21,000
14. The Salon Professional Academy
The Salon Professional Academy provides industry-focused training in cosmetology, including hair styling, skincare, makeup artistry, and nail care.
Students work in a professional salon environment under instructor supervision, gaining real-world experience while completing the program.
Estimated Tuition:
$17,000 – $22,000
15. International College of Broadcasting – Beauty Media Support
While primarily a media-focused school, this college offers programs that complement cosmetology careers, such as beauty marketing, social media, and makeup for broadcast.
Students looking to combine beauty skills with media careers may find this school valuable for building a unique professional niche.
Estimated Tuition:
Varies depending on courses
Comparison Table of Top Cosmetology Schools in Cincinnati
| School | Location | Program Focus | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Cosmetology, esthetics | $21,575 |
| Paul Mitchell The School Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Cosmetology | $18,915 + $3,700 supplies |
| Empire Beauty School | Cincinnati | Cosmetology | $19,385 |
| Cincinnati School of Barbering | Cincinnati | Barbering & hair design | $20,000 |
| Moler Beauty Academy | Ohio | Cosmetology | $14k – $18k |
| Brown Aveda Institute | Nearby | Cosmetology | $18k – $22k |
| Dayton School of Medical Massage | Dayton | Esthetics | $8k – $12k |
| Ohio State School of Cosmetology | Ohio | Cosmetology | $16k – $20k |
| Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture | Ohio | Cosmetology | $15k – $19k |
| Creative Images Institute | Ohio | Cosmetology | $13k – $17k |
| Elite Institute of Cosmetology | Ohio | Cosmetology | $14k – $18k |
| Regency Beauty Institute | Ohio | Cosmetology | $15k – $18k |
| Summit Salon Academy | Nearby | Cosmetology | $16k – $21k |
| The Salon Professional Academy | Nearby | Cosmetology | $17k – $22k |
| International College of Broadcasting | Cincinnati | Beauty media support | Varies |
Conclusion
Cincinnati offers a wide variety of cosmetology schools for aspiring beauty professionals. Schools like Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati, Paul Mitchell The School Cincinnati, and Empire Beauty School provide comprehensive hands-on training, career support, and preparation for the Ohio licensing exam.
When choosing a school, consider tuition costs, hands-on training opportunities, accreditation, and career support. Completing a cosmetology program from a reputable school will prepare you for a rewarding career as a licensed cosmetologist, hairstylist, makeup artist, or salon owner in Cincinnati or beyond.