Which Degree Is Best for Cosmetology?
Fri Apr 04 2025Cosmetology degree is a profession that includes beauty therapy, skincare, hairdresser services, and much more. Whether you aspire to be a makeup artist, skin care specialist, or hairstylist, a career in cosmetology offers the freedom to work your creative mind and help others feel their best and look their best. With all the options open to them, however, it is difficult to determine what degree best fits cosmetology. In this article, we will be talking about the various educational paths in cosmetology, the best courses, and everything you need to know in order to choose the correct career path in the beauty industry.
🎓What Is A Cosmetology Degree?
A degree in cosmetology can generally be used to describe the graduation of a course offering qualifications for a career in personal and beauty care. These degrees differ based on concentration, which could be hairdressing, makeup, skincare, or even nail art. In other nations, a degree in cosmetology can also be described as a diploma or certification since various institutions tend to provide specialized courses that are more vocationally oriented than conventional academic degrees.
Cosmetology courses usually have a broad scope of subjects, ranging from simple haircuts and styling to complex skincare treatments and makeup. Once you have finished a course, you can become a beauty therapist, hairstylist, makeup artist, or even start your own beauty salon.
💸Cosmetology Courses Fee
One of the most critical considerations in selecting a cosmetology degree is the tuition fees. Cosmetology course tuition charges are significantly dependent on where you enroll, the duration of the program, and the degree of certification you seek.
Given below is a table showing the average tuition fees for various cosmetology courses:
🎓Cosmetology Courses After 12th

If you are looking to pursue a career in cosmetology after 12th grade, there are a number of options. Cosmetology courses after 12th are offered by most beauty schools that aim to provide students with the hands-on skills and knowledge necessary to begin their careers. These courses are perfect for those who are interested in beauty and personal care but do not wish to pursue a conventional 4-year degree.
For students who have done their 12th in the science stream, BSc in Cosmetology or Diploma in Cosmetology can be a wonderful option. These courses will encompass a variety of subjects, such as hairstyling, skin and hair care, makeup, and salon management. A certification or diploma after 12th can put you in the beauty sector immediately and start making money.
💁♀️BSc Cosmetology
A BSc in Cosmetology is the desired choice among students who want enhanced knowledge in the area of beauty and personal grooming. It's a three-year undergraduate degree offering an extended period of study over the science aspect of cosmetology. The courses will have a diverse spectrum covering topics from the biology of hair and skin, chemical therapies, to specialty beauty procedures.
🎓Cosmetology Bachelor’s Degree
If you desire a more academic and comprehensive approach in cosmetology, then a bachelor's degree in cosmetology will be a good choice. A four-year bachelor's degree gives insight into the academic and theoretical framework of cosmetology, with a stronger grounding in both concepts and practices of cosmetology.
The cosmetology bachelor's degree has the opportunity for higher-level beauty industry positions such as management within a salon, marketing, or even cosmetology education itself.
⏳Cosmetology Course Duration
The duration of the cosmetology course will depend on the level and the school that offers the course. Generally, certificate courses or diplomas can take between 6 months to 1 year to finish. But if you opt for a BSc in Cosmetology, the course will generally last about 3 years. Specialized courses or advanced courses, like makeup artistry or spa management, will take longer to finish.
Given below are the courses and their duration:
✅Cosmetology Course Eligibility
Prior to joining a cosmetology program, one should be aware of the eligibility criteria. In most cases, beauty schools and colleges have the following requirements:
Age Requirement: The majority of cosmetology programs have a requirement that their candidates must be at least 16 years old, but that may differ per program.
Educational qualifications: For diploma & certification programs, a high school diploma or 10+2 is required. For a BSc in Cosmetology, you are required to have 10+2.
Personal Traits: Creativity, effective communication skills, and interest in beauty and personal grooming are necessary qualities that enable students to excel in cosmetology.
🌟Best Cosmetology Courses in India
There are numerous institutions in India that provide top-notch cosmetology courses. You have various options for diplomas, certificates, and degrees.
Given below is the list of top cosmetology courses in India provided by leading beauty schools and universities:
📚Cosmetology Course Syllabus
The cosmetology course syllabus covers a wide range of topics to ensure that students get both technical and practical knowledge. The topics covered are as following:
Hair styling
Skin & body care
Makeup Artistry
Nail care & design
Salon management
📋Cosmetology Course Details
A course in cosmetology is suitable for individuals who desire to become professionals in the field of beauty and personal grooming. The course trains you in skills pertaining to skin care, hair dressing, cosmetics, and nail treatments. The courses are perfect for anyone seeking to become a professional beauty worker, be it in a salon, spa, or as an independent artist.
The course usually deals with a variety of subjects that include:
1. Cutting and Styling Hair: How to do various haircuts, styling, and operating hair appliances such as scissors, straightening machines, and curling machines.
2. Skin Care: Familiarization of skin types, facials, and product suggestions for varying skin requirements.
3. Make-Up: Skills to apply makeup on various occasions like daily look, bridal, and special effects makeup.
4. Nail Treatment: Manicure, pedicure, and nail painting skills.
5. Beauty and Wellness: A few courses also cover body treatments, waxing, and even massages.
A cosmetology course is of varying duration but typically takes around 6 months to 2 years. Once you complete the course, you can become a hairstylist, makeup artist, nail technician, or even start your own beauty salon.
💭Conclusion
In summary, in selecting the most suitable degree for a career in cosmetology, there are a number of alternatives that can serve as a starting point. A Diploma in Cosmetology or a Certificate Program is the most typical and straightforward option, offering the fundamental skills in hairstyling, makeup, skincare, and nail care.
Ultimately, the most suitable degree for you is up to your aims and interest in the beauty business. Regardless of whether you aspire to become a stylist or establish your own salon, you need to have the proper education. CollegeHai is here to walk you through your choices and provide expert guidance on degree programs, best schools, and cosmetology career options. You will be making an educated decision to begin your beauty career with CollegeHai!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the qualification of cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist usually needs a high school diploma or equivalent and the completion of a formal program in cosmetology from an approved school. They also have to pass a state licensing test to practice as professionals.
2. What is the salary of cosmetologist in India?
The income of an Indian cosmetologist is also based on experience, location, and specialization and ranges from ₹2 to ₹5 lakh per year. Professionals with experience or those who have their own establishments can earn much more.
3. What is the highest paying cosmetology job?
The highest-paid cosmetology career is usually a plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist, but they do need extra medical credentials. These specialists work in advanced skin care, cosmetic surgery, and anti-aging procedures.
4. Does cosmetology have scope?
Yes, cosmetology offers much potential as beauty and personal care industries keep booming, providing employment opportunities in the salon, spas, product manufacturing, and other fields. The requirements of experienced professionals in skincare, hair care, and makeup are always on the rise.
5. Is cosmetologist a Dr?
No, a cosmetologist is not a doctor. Cosmetologist focuses on beauty treatments, while doctors like dermatologist focuses on treating health conditions.
6. Who is called cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist is a professional who has been trained to specialize in beauty treatments such as haircuts, skincare, makeup, and nail care. They usually work in salons, spas, or own their own beauty businesses.
7. Can I become Cosmetologist without MBBS?
Yes, you can be a cosmetologist even without an MBBS degree. Cosmetology is a distinct discipline that deals with beauty and personal grooming and does not involve medical degrees such as MBBS.