How Long Does Cosmetology School Take?

Deciding to pursue a career in cosmetology can be a huge step toward a creative and flexible profession. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or considering a career change, cosmetology school is the foundation that will prepare you for a career in hair, makeup, nails, and more. One of the most common questions prospective students have is, “How long does cosmetology school take?”

The length of your cosmetology program will depend on your availability, whether you opt for a full-time or part-time schedule, and your personal life. At Shear Excellence, we offer several scheduling options to meet the needs of students with different lifestyles. In this blog, we’ll break down the duration of our cosmetology program to help you decide which path works best for you.

How Long Is Our Cosmetology Program?

At Shear Excellence, our comprehensive cosmetology program requires 1,200 hours of hands-on training and classroom instruction.

Our program is designed to provide students with everything they need to succeed in the beauty industry, from mastering haircuts and color techniques to gaining expertise in makeup application and nail care.

How Long Does It Take to Complete Cosmetology School?

The duration of our cosmetology program varies depending on whether you’re enrolled as a full-time day student or a part-time evening student. Below, we’ll discuss each option in detail.

1. Full-Time Day Program (30 Hours Per Week)

Our full-time day program is ideal for students who are able to commit to a consistent weekday schedule. This program provides a fast track to completing your cosmetology education, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner.

• Class Start Date: A new class begins on the first Tuesday of every month.
• Weekly Schedule: Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., giving students 30 hours of instruction per week.
• Program Length: It takes 40 weeks (approximately 10 months) to complete the 1,200-hour program as a full-time day student.

This program is perfect for individuals who want to dedicate themselves fully to cosmetology school and complete their education as quickly as possible. Since classes are held during the day, it’s best suited for those who have the flexibility to attend during traditional workday hours.

Pros of the Full-Time Day Program:

• You’ll complete your training in less than a year, allowing you to start your cosmetology career sooner.
• You’ll have a consistent weekday schedule, with weekends free for relaxation, study, or part-time work.
• You’ll be able to immerse yourself fully in your studies, with less time between classes to lose focus.

Considerations for the Full-Time Day Program:

• The full-time schedule can be intense, so you’ll need to manage your time effectively.
• This program may not be ideal for those with day jobs or family obligations during the day.

2. Early Evening Program (26 Hours Per Week)

For those who can’t attend school during the day but are still looking for a relatively fast route to completing their cosmetology education, our early evening program is a great option.

• Class Start Date: A new class begins on the first Monday night of every month.
• Weekly Schedule: Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an additional session on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., totaling 26 hours per week.
• Program Length: It takes 48 weeks (approximately 11.5 months) to complete the 1,200-hour program in the early evening schedule.

This option offers flexibility for students who may be working during the day or have other responsibilities but still want to complete their training within a reasonable time frame. The early evening schedule also allows for part-time employment or other commitments while attending school.

Pros of the Early Evening Program:

• The slightly reduced weekly schedule still allows you to complete the program in under a year.
• Evening and Saturday classes provide flexibility for students who need to work or take care of other responsibilities during the day.
• You’ll have Friday and Sunday free for personal time, work, or study.

Considerations for the Early Evening Program:

• Balancing work, school, and personal life can be challenging.
• The program will take slightly longer to complete compared to the full-time day program.

3. Part-Time Evening Program (22 Hours Per Week)

If you’re looking for the most flexible schedule possible, our part-time evening program offers the longest program duration but provides more manageable weekly hours, ideal for those with busy lives.

• Class Start Date: A new class begins on the first Monday night of every month.
• Weekly Schedule: Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an additional session on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., totaling 22 hours per week.
• Program Length: It takes 54 weeks (approximately 13.5 months) to complete the 1,200-hour program on this part-time schedule.

This part-time option allows students to manage a cosmetology education while maintaining other commitments, such as a full-time job or family obligations. Although the program takes longer to complete, the reduced weekly hours make it a great option for those who need flexibility.

Pros of the Part-Time Evening Program:

• The most flexible option, allowing students to balance school, work, and family responsibilities.
• The weekly schedule is less intense, providing more time to focus on work or personal obligations.
• It’s a great choice for those who can’t commit to a full-time schedule but still want to pursue their cosmetology education.

Considerations for the Part-Time Evening Program:

• The program takes the longest to complete, so you’ll need to be prepared for a longer commitment.
• Balancing a job, school, and other commitments over a year and a half can be challenging.

Which Schedule is Right for You?

The best schedule for you will depend on your current obligations and how quickly you want to complete your cosmetology education. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding which program is right for you:

1. How soon do I want to start my career?
   • If you’re eager to get into the beauty industry quickly, the full-time day program may be your best option. You’ll complete your training in just 10 months and be ready to take the licensing exam shortly after.
2. What are my current commitments?
   • If you have a day job or family responsibilities, one of the evening programs might be a better fit. The part-time evening program offers the most flexibility, while the early evening program strikes a balance between speed and flexibility.
3. Can I manage a fast-paced schedule?
   • The full-time day program is intensive, with 30 hours of class per week. If you’re ready to commit to a rigorous schedule, this could be the fastest route to starting your career.
4. How do I handle long-term commitments?
   • If a shorter program feels overwhelming, the part-time evening program might be more manageable. You’ll have fewer weekly hours, but the program will take longer to complete.

The Shear Excellence Advantage

At Shear Excellence, we understand that every student’s situation is different. That’s why we offer multiple scheduling options to meet the diverse needs of our students. Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, raising a family, or ready to immerse yourself fully in cosmetology school, we have a program for you.

Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you succeed, no matter which schedule you choose. You’ll receive hands-on training in our state-of-the-art facilities, preparing you for a successful career in the beauty industry.

Ready To Take The First Step?

No matter which option you choose, you’ll be well on your way to a career in the beauty industry. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from enrollment to graduation and beyond.

Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to learn more about enrolling in one of our cosmetology programs and start your journey to becoming a licensed cosmetologist!