Cosmetology Schools in New York State

Whether you're interested in becoming a cosmetologist in the hustle and bustle of New York City or working as one in one of the many other beautiful towns in the state, now may be the time to begin.

New York is the most beauty-obsessed state in the country, meaning your skills may be in high demand among both residents and visitors alike.

Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in New York, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

Browse All Cosmetology Schools in New York

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233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013

(212) 807-1492
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics

251 West Route 59
Nanuet, NY 10954

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Design, Makeup Artistry

39 North Plank Road
Newburgh, NY 12550

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Makeup Artistry, Hair Design

2384 86th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11214

(718) 373-2400
Programs:
Cosmetology

2190 Walden Avenue
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

(716) 206-3386
Programs:
Cosmetology

22 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

(804) 773-4266
Programs:
Cosmetology

19 Bank Street
Peekskill, NY 10566

(929) 344-0138
Programs:
Cosmetology

38-15 Broadway
Queens, NY 11103

(470) 617-1718
Programs:
Cosmetology

340 Elmridge Center Drive
Rochester, NY 14626

(585) 225-4796
Programs:
Cosmetology
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Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

Aa Plus Beauty School

154-05 Northern Boulevard Room 309
Queens, NY 11354

American Beauty Institute - New York

30 West 32nd Street 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001

American Beauty School - Bronx – Accredited

1380 Metropolitan Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462

Arrojo Cosmetology School – Accredited

56 King Street
New York, NY 10014

Beauty Beauty International School

41 7th Avenue South
New York, NY 10014

Beauty Bookings International

1441 Broadway
New York, NY 10018

Beauty Culture Academy – Accredited

233 Stobe Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306

Beval International Beauty School

985 Church Street
Baldwin, NY 11510

Brittany Beauty Academy - Bronx – Accredited

210 East 188th Street Floor 2
Bronx, NY 10458

Brittany Beauty Academy - Brooklyn – Accredited

375 86th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Brittany Beauty Academy - Levittown – Accredited

3274 Hempstead Turnpike
Levittown, NY 11756

Buffalo School of Cosmetology

2625 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216

Capital Region BOCES

900 Watervliet Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12205

Career School of NY – Accredited

350 St. Marks Place
Staten Island, NY 10301

Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES

1585 Military Turnpike
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Continental School of Beauty - Mattydale – Accredited

2803 Brewerton Road
Mattydale, NY 13211

Continental School of Beauty - Rochester – Accredited

633 Jefferson Road
Rochester, NY 14623

Continental School of Beauty - West Seneca – Accredited

1050 Union Road
West Seneca, NY 14224

Dermaglo Beauty Institute

42 Broadway Suite 1-252
New York, NY 10004

Eastern Suffolk BOCES - Oakdale

375 Locust Avenue
Oakdale, NY 11769

Eastern Suffolk BOCES - Riverhead

970 North Griffing Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901

Erie 1 BOCES – Accredited

1526 Walden Avenue Suite 200
Cheetowaga, NY 14225

Grace International Beauty School – Accredited

136-31 41st Avenue
Queens, NY 11355

Hair on Hudson Academy

21 Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Hudson Valley Community College

80 Vandenburgh Avenue
Troy, NY 12180

International Barber & Beauty Institute

118 East Suffolk Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722

International Beauty Institute

163-07 Depot Road Suite 100
Flushing, NY 11358

Leon Studio One School of Beauty Knowledge – Accredited

5385 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221

Long Island Beauty School - Bay Shore – Accredited

173-A Fulton Avenue
Bay Shore, NY 11550

Long Island Beauty School - Hauppauge – Accredited

544 Route 111
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Luxurious Beauty Academy

368 Hempstead Avenue
West Hempstead, NY 11552

Modern International Beauty School

4802 8th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220

Nassau BOCES

1196 Prospect Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES – Accredited

110 Elmwood Davis Road
Liverpool, NY 13088

Orlo School of Hair Design and Cosmetology – Accredited

232 North Allen Street
Albany, NY 12206

Parisien Beauty School

50-15 Roosevelt Avenue
Woodside, NY 11377

Paul Mitchell The School NYC – Accredited

187 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306

Paul Mitchell The School Schenectady – Accredited

411 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305

Schuyler Steuben Chemung Tioga Allegany BOCES – Accredited

459 Philo Road
Elmira, NY 14903

Shear Ego International School of Hair Design – Accredited

525 Titus Avenue
Rochester, NY 14617

Suny Empire State College

207 Genesee Street Office Suite 606
Utica, NY 13501

The Capital District Educational Opportunity Center

30 North Russell Road
Albany, NY 12205

The Salon Professional Academy - Tonawanda – Accredited

2309 Eggert Road
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Tribeca Barber & Beauty Academy

95-16 63rd Road
Rego Park, NY 11374

Truly Happy Beauty

373 Broadway suite 307
New York, NY 10013

Ulster BOCES – Accredited

175 Route 32 North
New Paltz, NY 12561

Visions School of Beauty

1765 North Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14621

Westchester Barber Academy

168 East 3rd Street
Vernon, NY 10550

Westchester School of Beauty Culture – Accredited

6 Gramatan Avenue 2nd Floor Suite 200
Mount Vernon, NY 10550

Western Suffolk BOCES – Accredited

152 Laurel Hill Road
Northport, NY 11768
Accredited School

You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Find a Cosmetology School Near You

Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in New York have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in New York

New York Cosmetology Careers At A Glance
  • 1,000 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 4 years.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for cosmetologists in New York is $40,330 ($19.39/hour). This is higher than the national average of $35,990 ($ 17.30/hour).
  • There is a predicted 6% job increase between 2018–2028 for cosmetologists. This is lower than the expected national growth of 19%.

If you're considering a cosmetology career in New York, you must meet several requirements before you can work.

Those requirements include:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Complete the required 1,000 hours of study at a state-approved beauty school
  • Take and pass a written and practical exam
  • Complete the required one-hour domestic violence course
  • Apply for a license and pay the required license fee
  • Get a physical and submit a health certification form

You don't need to complete a background check or have a high school diploma to become a cosmetologist in New York.

A cosmetologist license doesn't permit you to run a business or perform medical procedures. You need additional licenses for these jobs, which may require further education.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in New York

$40,330

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in New York

As of 2021, cosmetologists in the state of New York earned an average salary of $40,330 or an hourly rate of $19.39. Pay ranged from $26,950 to $60,920.

The broad difference between the highest and lowest pay could be caused by the varied costs of living in different areas, cosmetologists' specialties, and career length. For example, a stylist of 10 years providing high-end cuts and dye jobs at a Manhattan salon often earns far more than a cosmetologist of five years in a rural area offering basic services.

The highest-paying areas for cosmetologists in New York are:

Metro Area 2021 Median Salary
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $34,780
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA $30,440
Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area $29,760
Kingston, NY $29,310
Utica-Rome, NY $29,260
Syracuse, NY $29,140
Central East New York nonmetropolitan area $29,060

Table data from O*Net (2022)

The number of cosmetologist jobs is projected to increase by 6% between 2018 and 2028. Though this number is lower than the national expectation, the estimate doesn't factor in things like people retiring or leaving the state.

A unique aspect of working in New York cosmetology is their gender-neutral pricing and services law. You can't charge clients different amounts for the same services based on their genders. For instance, if two clients of different genders come in with long, straight hair and want it all cut off, the prices must be equal.

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in New York

1,000 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

The first step to earning your cosmetologist license in New York is completing 1,000 hours of training through a state-approved beauty school.

Your training teaches you a wide range of skills, including hair cutting, styling, coloring, manicures, pedicures, and facials. You may also learn business skills to help you build your clientele.

While the program you choose may vary slightly, most New York cosmetology programs include the following courses: 

  • Anatomy and Physiology: 15 hours
  • Chemical Restructuring: 180 hours
  • Chemistry as Applied to Cosmetology: 5 hours
  • Hair Analysis: 10 hours
  • Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases: 10 hours
  • Hair Coloring and Lightening: 180 hours
  • Hair Cutting and Shaping: 175 hours
  • Hair Styling: 245 hours
  • Health and Safety: 26 hours
  • Nail Care and Procedures: 40 hours
  • Professional Requirements Training: 24 hours
  • Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners, and Treatments: 30 hours
  • Skin Care and Procedures: 60 hours

After completing the program, you should be well-prepared to maintain health and safety requirements, perform hair and skin care skills, provide good customer service, and understand the variety of jobs available to you as a licensed cosmetologist.

Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in New York?

New York doesn't offer an apprenticeship path to cosmetology licensure.

New York Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

After completing 1,000 hours of cosmetology training, apply to take the written and practical cosmetology exams. To schedule the exams and pay the $15 per test fee, you must sign up for an NY.gov ID account.

The New York written cosmetologist exam is a 2.5-hour, multiple-choice test. On the exam day, bring a valid, government-issued ID, a copy of your exam confirmation with your candidate number, and two sanitized #2 pencils. Food, drinks, large bags, or reference materials aren't permitted at the exam site.

The test is scored as pass or fail, and results are delivered via the MyNY.gov website. You'll receive an email when your test results are ready. If you fail the written test, you can reapply via the MYNy.gov website.

If you require ADA accommodations, call 518-474-4429.

You may apply to take the New York practical cosmetology exam before or after completing the written exam. Registration for the exam's practical portion is done through the same online portal and requires a $15 fee.

The practical exam requires you to demonstrate the skills you learned in beauty school, including:

  • Preparing your work area
  • Haircutting (50 minutes)
  • Blow-drying and styling (15 minutes)
  • Thermal curling and curling iron procedures (15 minutes)
  • Roller placement on top of the head (10 minutes
  • Permanent waving (10 minutes)
  • Diagonal pin curl waving or C-shaping (10 minutes)
  • Finger waving (10 minutes)
  • Simulated foiling (15 minutes)
  • Simulating hair coloring (10 minutes)
  • Relaxing without rods (25 minutes)
  • Cleanup

On the exam day, bring a valid government ID and relevant cosmetology supplies, including a mannequin.

To pass, you must earn a score of at least 70%. Exam results are available online via the MYNY.gov website. If you fail the exam, you may request an exam analysis within 60 days.

After passing the written and practical exams, you can apply for your license online. You must upload required documentation, including proof of a physical by a doctor, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner and verification you've completed the domestic violence course.

You must also pay a $20 application fee by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa.  

New York Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

New York has reciprocity or endorsement agreements with 27 states. Unlike many states with blanket rules, New York varies policies by state.

States with New York cosmetology license reciprocity and their requirements are:

  • Alaska: Current license
  • Arizona: Current license and at least one year of experience
  • Colorado: Current license and at least five years of experience
  • Idaho: Current license and at least three years of experience
  • Louisiana: Current License
  • Maine: Current License
  • Massachusetts: Current license, at least two years of experience, and two experience statements
  • Minnesota: Current license and at least two years of experience
  • Mississippi: Current license
  • Missouri: Current license and at least five years of experience
  • Montana: Current license and at least four years of experience
  • Nevada: Current license
  • North Carolina: Current License
  • North Dakota: Current license and at least one year of experience
  • Oklahoma: Current License
  • Pennsylvania: Current license, at least three years of experience, and two experience statements
  • South Dakota: Current License
  • Tennessee: Current license and at least two years of experience
  • Vermont: Current license and at least two years of experience
  • Virginia: Current License
  • Washington, DC: Current license and at least five years of experience

Reciprocity applicants must submit certification from their current cosmetology board, an application, and a $40 fee. The experience statements required in a few states are to be filled out by another person stating they know your employment status.

New York has endorsement agreements with a few other states, which require current licensure and some additional training:

  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Contact the board if you're a cosmetologist in a state not listed and plan to move to New York.

Cosmetology Specialties in New York

New York offers a variety of other licenses in the beauty industry, including estheticsnail technology, and barbering. Additional licenses allow you to perform more services and open up to more clients.

Another popular beauty field in New York, particularly in NYC, is creating looks for the performing arts. There are dozens of live theatres in the city, including Broadway, off-Broadway, and more. Plus, a ton of movies and TV shows are filmed there.

While you don't need a cosmetology license for this type of work, training is essential as it's highly specialized. It's worth taking classes in theatre makeup, prosthetics, and more. Some of these may be offered as standalone continuing education classes. However, many who enter this field opt to earn a theatre or film degree.

Still, it's wise to consider earning your cosmetology license even though you don't need one for theatre and film work. This lets you have relatively reliable paychecks and build your portfolio while looking for jobs in this field.

License Renewal

4 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

New York requires cosmetologists to renew their licenses every four years. Renewal applications are available online, and you must pay a $40 license renewal fee. You're eligible to renew up to three months before your license expires.

The board adds $10 to your fee if you pay late.

You must retake the written exam if you fail to renew your license within five years of expiration.

There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal. However, additional courses can help expand your service offerings and increase your income.

Contact the New York State Board of Cosmetology

New York Dept. of State Division of Licensing Services

NY Hispanic Cosmetology & Beauty Chamber of Commerce
This non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of beauty professionals through education, counseling, networking, and job opportunities.

Appearance Enhancement Business Licensure
New York requires a specific license to own a cosmetology business. You can find the information on going this route here.

Financial Aid for Beauty Students
This page provides a ton of information about how to pay for your cosmetology education.

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Cosmetology
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