Continuing Education Cosmetology Classes: Five Inexpensive Courses That Are Worth Your Time (2025)
Whether your state requires continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your cosmetology license or just want to ensure your skills stay sharp, you probably want to find the best affordable classes in your field. We're here to help!
Let's look at five great and wallet-friendly continuing education (CE) classes for beauty professionals.
Continuing education is very important in the beauty industry because trends are always changing and new techniques are used. I recently went to a keratin treatment class so I could add new clientele and make extra income. It was a great class and I really enjoyed learning something new.
–Teal Mareska, a hair stylist in the Kansas City metro
5 Great Beauty Continuing Education Courses to Consider
The following cosmetology CE courses provide training in high-demand areas at low prices and are available online.
Note: Some of the options mentioned below are state-specific. In that case, you should double-check if it's an approved CEU program where you live. If it isn't, that doesn't mean it's not valuable—it could help you develop professionally.
Probiotic Skincare – The Ultimate Skin Microbiome Solution
Type of License: Cosmetology/Esthetics
Provider: Brilliance Advanced Beauty Education
Class Cost: $15.29
Class Length: 1 hour
Format: Online
You've probably heard of taking probiotics orally, but what about topically? This one-hour virtual course covers how to use topical probiotics in your skincare — helping your clients tackle their skin ailments in a holistic way. The class is available for professionals in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and North Carolina.
Autoimmune Disorders and Cosmetology
Type of License: Cosmetology
Provider: Elite Learning
Class Cost: $7
Class Length: 1 hour
Format: Online
For only $7, you can learn how to recognize autoimmune disorders and how they affect your client's hair and skin. This elective online course is available in Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina.
Easy Colour Correction
Type of License: Cosmetology
Provider: CE Training Courses
Class Cost: $39.95
Class Length: 4 hours
Format: Online
In this course, you can learn the secrets to perfecting your client's hair color. Offered in Illinois and North Carolina, the classes teach easy and effective methods for coloring hair.
Special Effects Makeup
Type of License: Cosmetology/Esthetics
Provider: National Beauty Training
Class Cost: $150-$165
Class Length: 6 hours
Format: Online
Learn how to do special effects makeup in this virtual class through National Beauty Training. The course includes a sanitation and disinfection 5-hour class for estheticians or a seven-hour class for cosmetologists, as well as sexual assault prevention training.
Advanced Technologies in Esthetics
Type of License: Esthetics
Provider: New Age Spa Institute
Class Cost: $59.99
Class Length: 5 hours
Format: Online
This course allows estheticians to dive into advanced skincare treatments, like microdermabrasion, oxygenation, and collagen masks. You can also learn to utilize advanced technologies like the KD-3090 Hot & Cool Light Spa and Bioelements products.
How to Find Beauty Continuing Education Classes
If your state requires CEUs, chances are your state board's website offers a list of approved providers. This can often be found under the site's renewal information, but they may have it elsewhere. If you're stuck, you can always try searching for your board's website and "continuing education."
It's also worth seeing if the state recognizes the topic you want to study. For instance, if you're a manicurist and want to do a beauty CE course that is not about nail techniques, verify that you can apply those credits to your renewal requirements.
The beauty school you attended may also offer continuing education classes, and graduates may sometimes take them for free or at a reduced cost.
However, if your state doesn't require CEUs or you want to learn a specific skill that doesn't meet state approval, search "[subject] classes" or "[subject] certification." Certification isn't the same as licensure; it means you have a certificate showing you've completed specialized coursework to advance your skills in your profession, which may be helpful in differentiating yourself from others in your field.
How to Succeed at Continuing Education Cosmetology Courses
It's not just about taking a CE class; it's about learning and growing your cosmetology skills. Here are some tips for succeeding in your beauty CE studies.
Pick the right cosmetology CE course for you
Consider your needs and career goals when finding the best beauty CE class for you. You should choose courses that can expand upon the services you offer, boost your business, or hone your skills. Be sure the course also sets you up for success. For instance, if it's an online class and learning online isn't your jam, try to find in-person alternatives.
Choose a legitimate CE course
With so many cosmetology CE providers nationwide, it can be hard to determine if the company is legitimate. In addition to state board approval, some things to look for are instructor credentials, years in business, and student reviews.
Consider online asynchronous CE classes
Unless online classes are off the table, consider asynchronous courses you can complete on your devices. These CEUs don't require attendance at a particular time (though there may be deadlines). Instead, you can watch lectures, upload videos, or communicate on message boards at any time of day or night.
Keep up with beauty trends so you know what CE classes to take
Part of success is making sure your certification will help your business. This means—among other things—that the skill you're learning or honing is worth it. If a service is outdated, it's probably not worth the time and money.