Jonathan BensonThe beauty industry continues to grow rapidly in the United States, creating strong demand for skilled cosmetologists, hairstylists, makeup artists, and skincare specialists. If you are planning to begin a career in cosmetology in Des Moines, there are several reputable schools that provide professional training and hands-on salon experience.
Most cosmetology programs in Iowa require students to complete approximately 1,550 training hours before they are eligible to take the state licensing exam. Programs typically take 10 to 15 months to complete depending on whether students attend full-time or part-time.
Cosmetology schools in Des Moines offer training in areas such as hair cutting, coloring, hairstyling, skincare treatments, makeup artistry, and nail technology. Many schools also provide training in business management to prepare students for salon ownership.
This guide explores the top cosmetology schools in Des Moines and their estimated tuition fees, helping you choose the right program to launch your beauty career.
Top 10 Cosmetology Schools In Des Moines And Fees
1. Aveda Institute Des Moines
Aveda Institute Des Moines is one of the most well-known cosmetology schools in the region. The institute is part of the global Aveda education network, which is recognized for its high-quality beauty training and environmentally conscious approach to cosmetology.
Students receive extensive instruction in hair design, haircutting techniques, hair coloring, skincare treatments, and makeup artistry. The program also includes lessons on salon management, client consultation, and professional development.
One of the biggest advantages of studying at this institute is the opportunity to train with professional Aveda products while working in the school’s student salon. Students gain hands-on experience by performing services for real clients under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Graduates often have strong employment prospects because Aveda schools maintain strong connections with professional salons.
Estimated Tuition:
$21,000 – $22,000 including equipment kits.
2. Iowa School of Beauty
Iowa School of Beauty is one of the most established cosmetology training institutions in the Des Moines area. The school has built a strong reputation for producing skilled beauty professionals who work in salons and spas across the state.
The cosmetology program offers comprehensive training in hair cutting, hair coloring, chemical treatments, nail services, skincare, and makeup application. Students also learn sanitation practices, client communication, and salon business fundamentals.
A key highlight of the program is the student salon, where trainees perform beauty services for real clients while being supervised by licensed instructors. This hands-on training helps students build confidence and practical skills before entering the workforce.
The school also provides career guidance to help graduates find employment after completing their training.
Estimated Tuition:
Around $23,000 including tools and supplies.
3. Capri College
Capri College is another respected cosmetology institution serving students in the Des Moines region. The college is known for providing career-focused education designed to prepare students for real-world beauty industry jobs.
Students learn a wide range of cosmetology skills including haircutting, hairstyling, chemical services, skincare treatments, nail care, and makeup artistry. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to practice their skills regularly in a professional training salon.
In addition to technical training, Capri College also teaches students about marketing, client retention, and salon management. These skills are essential for individuals who want to run their own beauty businesses.
Graduates from Capri College often secure jobs in salons, resorts, and beauty studios shortly after completing the program.
Estimated Tuition:
$20,000 – $21,000 including books and supplies.
4. La’James International College
La’James International College offers modern cosmetology training programs that focus on both creativity and professional development. The college has several campuses across Iowa and serves many students from the Des Moines area.
Students receive training in hair cutting, hairstyling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, skincare services, and nail care. The program also includes lessons in customer service and business operations.
One unique aspect of La’James International College is the opportunity for students to participate in fashion shows, beauty competitions, and industry events. These experiences allow students to showcase their creativity and network with professionals in the beauty field.
The college’s experienced instructors guide students through every stage of their training to ensure they develop strong technical skills.
Estimated Tuition:
Approximately $17,000 – $20,000.
5. PCI Academy
PCI Academy, located near Des Moines in Ames, is a well-known cosmetology school offering comprehensive beauty training programs.
The academy focuses heavily on hands-on education and encourages students to practice their skills frequently in the student salon environment. Students learn haircutting techniques, hair coloring, chemical services, skincare treatments, nail technology, and makeup artistry.
The school also emphasizes professional development by teaching students how to build a loyal client base and manage salon operations.
PCI Academy graduates are known for their strong technical skills and professional readiness, which helps them secure jobs in salons and spas across the region.
Estimated Tuition:
$18,000 – $20,000.
6. La James College
La James College in Johnston provides cosmetology training programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the beauty industry.
The program includes instruction in hair design, coloring techniques, hairstyling, skincare treatments, and nail services. Students also learn professional communication skills and salon business practices.
The college’s facilities include modern classrooms and student salons where trainees practice their techniques on real clients.
Students benefit from experienced instructors who provide personalized guidance throughout the program.
Estimated Tuition:
$16,000 – $19,000.
7. American Hair Academy
American Hair Academy is known for providing practical cosmetology training that prepares students for entry-level salon careers.
Students receive hands-on instruction in haircutting, hairstyling, coloring techniques, and chemical treatments. The curriculum also includes skincare and makeup artistry training.
A major part of the program involves working in the student salon, where students gain real-world experience serving clients.
The academy also provides career counseling and job placement support for graduates.
Estimated Tuition:
$15,000 – $18,000.
8. College of Hair Design
The College of Hair Design focuses on developing strong technical cosmetology skills through intensive training and hands-on practice.
Students learn haircutting techniques, hairstyling, hair coloring, nail care, skincare treatments, and sanitation procedures.
The school emphasizes practical training so that graduates feel confident performing beauty services in professional salon environments.
Small class sizes also allow instructors to provide more personalized attention to students.
Estimated Tuition:
$14,000 – $17,000.
9. Trend Setters School of Cosmetology
Trend Setters School of Cosmetology provides a supportive learning environment where students can develop both technical and creative skills.
The cosmetology program includes training in hair design, coloring techniques, makeup artistry, skincare treatments, and nail services.
Students are encouraged to experiment with creative styling techniques while learning the foundational skills required for professional salon work.
The school’s instructors provide detailed guidance to help students improve their techniques and build confidence.
Estimated Tuition:
$13,000 – $16,000.
10. Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central Community College offers a cosmetology program designed for students seeking an affordable path into the beauty industry.
Community college cosmetology programs often cost less than private beauty academies while still providing high-quality training.
Students learn haircutting, hairstyling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, skincare services, and salon management skills.
The program includes practical training in a student salon where trainees perform beauty services for real clients.
Graduates leave with the skills and training required to pass the Iowa cosmetology licensing exam.
Estimated Tuition:
$10,000 – $14,000.
Why Study Cosmetology In Des Moines?
Des Moines has a thriving beauty and wellness industry with many salons, spas, and beauty studios across the city. This makes it a great place for aspiring cosmetologists to train and eventually find employment.
Benefits of studying cosmetology in Des Moines include:
- Access to reputable beauty academies
- Hands-on training in student salons
- Opportunities to work with real clients while studying
- Strong demand for licensed cosmetologists
Students graduate with practical skills and industry knowledge that allow them to pursue careers in salons, spas, fashion, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
Comparison Table of Top Cosmetology Schools In Des Moines
| School | Location | Program Focus | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Institute Des Moines | West Des Moines | Professional cosmetology training | $21,000 – $22,000 |
| Iowa School of Beauty | Des Moines | Cosmetology & esthetics | $23,000 |
| Capri College | Iowa | Career cosmetology education | $20,000 – $21,000 |
| La’James International College | Iowa | Beauty & cosmetology programs | $17,000 – $20,000 |
| PCI Academy | Ames | Cosmetology training | $18,000 – $20,000 |
| La James College | Johnston | Hair design training | $16,000 – $19,000 |
| American Hair Academy | Iowa | Cosmetology education | $15,000 – $18,000 |
| College of Hair Design | Iowa | Hair design programs | $14,000 – $17,000 |
| Trend Setters School of Cosmetology | Iowa | Cosmetology training | $13,000 – $16,000 |
| Iowa Central Community College | Iowa | Affordable cosmetology program | $10,000 – $14,000 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right cosmetology school in Des Moines can significantly impact your career in the beauty industry. The city offers several reputable institutions that provide professional training, hands-on experience, and preparation for the Iowa cosmetology licensing exam.
Schools such as Aveda Institute Des Moines, Iowa School of Beauty, and Capri College are among the most popular options because of their strong training programs and industry connections.
Before selecting a school, consider important factors such as tuition costs, program length, hands-on training opportunities, and job placement support. With the right education and dedication, you can build a successful career as a cosmetologist, hairstylist, makeup artist, skincare specialist, or even a salon owner.