Most Popular Beauty Schools in Boston, MA Metro Area
Popularity isn't everything, but a beauty school's high enrollment often suggests it's well-liked and attracts a variety of students. Attending a popular beauty school can also indicate a quality education, which doesn't go unnoticed by local employers. Below are the most popular beauty schools in the Boston area.
Boston, MA Most Popular Beauty Schools
#1: Jupiter Beauty Academy — Boston
527 students enrolled
Jupiter Beauty Academy is committed to helping prospective cosmetologists pass the state board exam, obtain licensure, and work as beauty professionals.
The beauty school has cosmetology, nail technology, esthetics, massage therapy, and eyelash extension certification programs. The 1,000-hour cosmetology program, in particular, has an extensive curriculum covering topics in manicuring (including 12.5 hours of instruction in artificial nail techniques), hair removal, facials, skin care, and hair styling, cutting, and coloring.
Coursework also involves wig instruction, shampooing, scalp treatments, sanitation and hygiene procedures, and best salon business practices. Students learn through oral, written, and practical tests to be sufficiently prepared for the state licensing exams.
Former students praise the academy's teaching staff for their expert knowledge and friendly demeanor in online reviews. "They are caring and nurturing and help you do your absolute best. I was super prepared for and confident when leaving to begin my career," a former student explains in a Google review.
#2: Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy — Worcester
358 students enrolled
Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy offers a 1,000-hour cosmetology program to prepare students for their state licensure exams and a successful salon career. Training is comprehensive, with hair, skin, makeup, and nail classes. The program includes classic haircutting techniques and marketing skills for a well-rounded education.
The school isn't only popular with prospective students—it's popular with former learners! "I went here as a student, and it is a wonderful school!! They go above and beyond with the teaching. I still come here to get my hair done once in a while," a former student wrote in a Google Review.
#3: New England Hair Academy — Malden
294 students enrolled
New England Hair Academy is a leading private beauty school offering cosmetology, barbering, and manicuring training. Students can complete the school's 1,000-hour cosmetology program in just seven months, and day and evening classes are available to fit any student's schedule.
The well-rounded curriculum involves basic cosmetology instruction along with foundational business and ethics training. Classes are a mix of theoretical and hands-on instruction with a strong emphasis on career preparation. Students hone their skills in the school's full-service salon and gain the professional traits needed to succeed in the beauty industry. Your connection to the school doesn't end when you graduate, however. The school also offers alumni job placement assistance to help them get interviews with top salons.
"[Ne]w england hair academy did exactly what they promised me when i signed up, which was to get the hours and education needed to go on to the state board exam. i am now a licensed cosmetologist working on newbury street, and i will always say one of the best decisions i ever made was going to school here. i loved the staff, especially ms. nagat!!" says a 2020 graduate of the school in a Google review.
#4: Spa Tech Institute — Plymouth
285 students enrolled
Spa Tech Institute's Plymouth location offers massage, esthetics, and polarity therapy programs. As one of its newer branches, the location boasts an impressive 6,000 square feet of space, with five classrooms doubling as clinic rooms. Along with these top-notch facilities, the school provides a comprehensive curriculum.
The Institute aims to help its students succeed outside the classroom. They prioritize job placement assistance with a career portal, newsletter, and job fair. The school also invites alumni for seminars and connects current students with alumni to help with job placement.
On Facebook, one reviewer wrote, " The staff at Catherine Hinds is so professional, caring, innovative and motivated to get the students an unforgettable learning experience! There's a good reason why every Salon/ Med Spa/ Physician I've met in New England loves to work with Catherine Hinds graduates! If you're thinking about a career in the aesthetic field- you just have to come and check it out with your own eyes." So, it's not just word-of-mouth from students that increases the school's popularity.
#5: Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics — Woburn
245 students enrolled
Popularity goes beyond offering an excellent education—though the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics is renowned for its program! Becoming a popular school involves a superb reputation for kindness and strong outreach efforts.
The Institute regularly engages in charitable efforts, such as hosting a diaper drive and donating proceeds to rebuilding Maui after its catastrophic fires and to the Woburn Council of Social Concern to celebrate Woburn Kindness Day.
You can also find regular open houses at the school, where prospective students are invited to learn about the Institute and take tours.
On Niche, one prospective learner agrees that the welcoming atmosphere is a draw. "I have not started yet; I am still in the admissions process. So far, I have gone for a tour and met with a couple different advisors. Everyone has been very nice and extremely helpful with assisting me during these beginning stages of enrollment. I look forward to attending."
#6: Spa Tech Institute — Westborough
243 students enrolled
#7: Rob Roy Academy — Worcester
204 students enrolled
#8: Empire Beauty School — Malden
130 students enrolled
#9: Massachusetts School of Barbering — Quincy
89 students enrolled
#9: Lowell Academy Hairstyling Institute — Lowell
89 students enrolled
#10: Alexander Academy — Lunenburg
77 students enrolled
#11: Electrology Institute of NE — Tewksbury
72 students enrolled
More Boston-Area Beauty School Rankings
Methodology and Editor’s Notes
We compared educational institutions from the Beauty Schools Directory database of beauty programs across the U.S. Those analyzed for these rankings were educational institutions that:
Data was sourced from 2022, the latest available as of publication date.