How long is cosmetology school and when can I start?

Our cosmetology program is 1200 hours, typically completed in 9 months. We operate on a 9-month rotating “wheel,” with new entry points available year-round. Please contact our admissions team in order to map out the upcoming start dates.

Do I need prior experience?

No. Beginners are welcome. You just need a high school diploma or GED by the time you graduate.

Do I have to take a state exam?

Yes. At the 1,000 hour mark, Hyphen will generate an invitation to test for the State exam.

Is financial aid available?

We are in the process of getting accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and we are scheduled to be accredited in March 2026. In the meantime, we offer interest-free payment plans so you only need to pay $600 at enrollment and the balance can be paid monthly while you are in school. You will not have any student debt when you graduate.

What books are required for the class?

We use the latest Milady textbooks. Please bring the books (or e-books) to your first day of class: Milady Standard Cosmetology Textbook, 14th Edition and Foundations Workbook Bundle, ISBN: 978-0-357-87149-2. Spanish speakers will use the following textbooks: Milady Standard Cosmetology Spanish Textbook, 13th Edition. ISBN: 978-1-285-77262-2; Milady Standard Cosmetology Spanish Exam Review, 2016 Edition. ISBN: 978-1-285-76958-5; Milady Standard Cosmetology Spanish Study Guide, 13th Edition. ISBN: 978-1-285-76964-6.

Cosmetology Students at Hyphen Beauty School in Orlando

Cosmetology School vs. Traditional College: Which Path Is Right for You?

If you’ve ever wondered whether to go to college or beauty school, you’re not alone. Many students — especially women in their 20s and 30s — want a meaningful career but aren’t sure if a four-year degree is worth the time and debt.

At Hyphen Beauty School in Winter Park, we meet countless students who once thought college was their only option, only to discover that cosmetology offers a faster, more flexible path to success.

Here’s how the two paths compare — and how to decide which one fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Time to Career

Traditional College: 4+ years for a degree, often followed by internships or entry-level positions before full employment.

Cosmetology School: At Hyphen, you can complete your 1,200-hour program and become a licensed professional in just 9 months.

That means you can be working, earning, and building a client base before most college graduates start their sophomore year of college.

3. Hands-On Learning vs. Lecture-Based Education

In college, most learning happens through lectures, readings, and theory — not practical experience.

In cosmetology, learning is hands-on from the first week. You practice real skills on mannequins and live clients, developing confidence and muscle memory that textbooks can’t teach.

At Hyphen, the first two hours of each day are spent reviewing theory online — the rest of the day (9am–7pm) is dedicated to hands-on salon practice. That balance ensures you graduate truly job-ready.

4. Career Outcomes

College Graduates: Many degree holders struggle to find immediate work in their chosen field. The first few years can involve unpaid internships or unrelated jobs.

Cosmetology Graduates: Hyphen students often secure salon or spa positions even before graduation — some start as assistants or receptionists while completing their hours.

Within three months of licensing, many are earning steady income through salon work, resort spas, or independent studios.

5. Lifestyle and Schedule

Traditional College: Typically full-time attendance, 5 days a week, with limited flexibility for working adults.

Hyphen Beauty School: Meets only 2–3 days per week (9am–7pm) with all theory completed online through our hybrid eLearning platform.

This structure allows students to work part-time while training, making it ideal for those transitioning from retail, hospitality, or service jobs.

6. Creative Freedom vs. Academic Path

College paths often lead to structured corporate roles. Cosmetology offers something different: creativity, independence, and flexibility.

Whether you dream of becoming a salon stylist, color specialist, makeup artist, or even a beauty educator, your license gives you control over your career path — and the freedom to work for yourself.

Cosmetology Students working together as a class

7. Job Security and Demand

Beauty services can’t be outsourced or automated. No matter the economy, people will always need haircuts, color, and skincare.

Florida’s hospitality and tourism industries keep beauty professionals in constant demand, especially across Orlando’s resorts, medspas, and luxury salons.

So while some degree fields face oversaturation, licensed cosmetologists enjoy consistent opportunities and the ability to grow their clientele anywhere.

8. Financial Return on Investment

When comparing long-term value, cosmetology’s ROI is hard to beat.

A traditional college degree might cost $30,000+ and take 4 years, with uncertain pay afterward. Hyphen’s cosmetology program costs about $8,000 and leads directly to income — often $40,000–$70,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

That’s a strong financial return, especially considering most stylists can begin working within their first year.

11. Long-Term Growth

Both college and cosmetology can lead to long-term success, but in different ways.

With a cosmetology license, you can build up your client base and open your own business, become an educator or beauty spokesperson, specialize in advanced services and grow your income based on skill and reputation.

At Hyphen, we help you build not just technical skills, but the business mindset to create your own future.

Ready to Learn Your Way?

Your dream career starts with one step — enrolling in cosmetology school. Take control of your future and join the growing number of women in Orlando who’ve transformed their lives through beauty education.

Schedule a campus tour today or contact Hyphen Beauty School to learn more about upcoming class start dates.

Schedule a Tour

And picture your next career evolution

How do You Get Your Cosmetology License in Florida

A comprehensive guide covering the path from enrollment to licensure – including required training hours, state board exams, and application process in Florida.

What Do You Learn in Cosmetology School

An outline of the typical cosmetology program curriculum, highlighting key subjects and skills gained. For example, topics like hair cutting/styling, hair coloring chemistry, basic skin care, makeup, nail care, anatomy, and even salon business basics.

Career Opportunities After Cosmetology School

An exploration of various career paths a cosmetology license opens up. We’ll discuss working as a hairstylist or colorist in salons, becoming a makeup artist or nail technician, jobs in spas or resorts, freelance and mobile services, opportunities in entertainment (photo shoots, film, theater), and even salon ownership

How to Choose the Right Cosmetology School

Guidance on evaluating and selecting a beauty school. Key factors include accreditation and state approval, program length and schedule flexibility, tuition cost and financial aid options, school reputation and reviews, job placement support, and location convenience. For local relevance, stress the importance of visiting campuses and considering schools with strong ties to the Orlando beauty industry.

What is the Cost of Financing Cosmetology School

When choosing a cosmetology school, cost is one of the biggest factors to consider. Many students hear about “financial aid” and assume it means beauty school will be completely covered — but that’s rarely the case.

Cosmetology vs. Esthetician: Choosing the Right Beauty Career

An in-depth comparison of the cosmetologist and esthetician roles, training scope, and career opportunities. This will clarify the differences (e.g. cosmetology covers hair, nails, basic skin; esthetics focuses on advanced skin care).

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for a cosmetology school near you in Orlando, Hyphen Beauty School offers the perfect balance of flexibility, quality training, and career support. Don’t let distance, cost, or scheduling hold you back from pursuing your passion.

With small classes, bilingual instruction, and a curriculum designed to prepare you for the Florida state exam, you’ll graduate confident, licensed, and career-ready in just nine months.

Book your tour today and see why Hyphen is one of Orlando’s top choices for cosmetology training. Call our admissions staff at (321) 323-3216 so they can arrange a tour and block off 5-minutes with your future instructor.