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 vs. Esthetician: Choosing the Right Beauty Career

If you love helping people look and feel their best, the beauty industry offers two main career directions: cosmetology and esthetics. Both are creative, hands-on, and growing fields — but they focus on different specialties. Understanding those differences will help you decide which path fits your personality, schedule, and long-term goals.

At Hyphen Beauty School in Winter Park, we meet many students in Orlando who start their decision process by asking: “Should I go to cosmetology school or esthetician school?” Here’s how to find your answer.

1. Cosmetology: The Full-Spectrum Beauty License

Cosmetology is the broader license that covers hair, nails, and basic skin care. Cosmetologists are trained to provide haircuts, coloring, styling, chemical services, manicures, pedicures, facials, and makeup applications.

Florida requires 1,200 training hours at an approved cosmetology school to qualify for the state board exams. The cosmetology curriculum covers the following core topics:

Hair and scalp structure, anatomy, disorders and diseases

Hair design, styling and cutting

Braiding, hair extensions and wigs

Hair coloring and chemical texture services

Hair removal

Makeup, basic facials and skin health

Nail manicuring and pedicuring

Nail extensions, acrylic and gels

The cosmetology program typically takes 9 to 12 months to complete and is largely focused on hair. You will only spend 2 months out of that time covering esthetics and nails topics.

2. Esthetics: The Skin and Wellness Specialist

Esthetics focuses exclusively on skincare, skin health, facials, and spa treatments. In Florida, the esthetics (or “facial specialist”) license only requires 220 training hours at an accredited school.

The esthetics program will dive deeper into each of the topics below (as compared to cosmetology):

Skin analysis, basic facial treatments and extractions

Advanced facials, chemical peels and light therapy

Waxing and hair removal

Makeup artistry and lash/brow services

The esthetics program can be completed in just 2.5 months.

3. Which is the Right Path for You?

For students who have a passion for skincare, skin science, wellness and enjoy the relaxing environment of a spa, the esthetics license is a faster path to licensure.

However, if are not sure which area you are passionate about or if you like variety, a cosmetology license will allow you to cover a larger scope of client services with every day bringing different challenges and creativity.

Hyphen Beauty School offers free tours where you get 1-on-1 time with our instructors. Book a tour to get all of your questions answered:

4. Career Opportunities After Graduation

With a Cosmetology License, you can work in:

Full-service hair salons

Resort spas and blow-dry bars

Bridal and event styling

Color or texture specialty studios

Freelance and mobile beauty services

Salon ownership or management

With an Esthetician License, you can work in:

Day spas and medspas

Dermatology or plastic surgery clinics

Lash and brow bars

Wellness resorts and cruise lines

Product or brand education roles

In Orlando’s hospitality market, both licenses offer strong employment demand, but estheticians often find opportunities in resort spas and clinical environments, while cosmetologists dominate the salon scene.

5. Salary & Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for both fields — around 11% for cosmetologists and 12% for skincare specialists through 2031, faster than the national average.

In Florida, average earnings range from:

Cosmetologists: $38,000–$55,000+, depending on clientele and tips

Estheticians: $42,000–$60,000+, often higher in medspas or resorts

6. How to Choose the Right Path

Ask yourself:

Do I want to specialize in skincare, or do I love hair and nails too?

Do I enjoy fast-paced salon life, or prefer a relaxing spa or clinical setting?

How soon do I want to start working? (Esthetics has a shorter path.)

Long-term, would I rather run a salon or work in skincare and wellness?

If you love creative transformation and variety, cosmetology may be your match. If you’re fascinated by skincare science and self-care, esthetics may be ideal. Some graduates even pursue both — starting with esthetics and later adding cosmetology for full career flexibility.

7. The Hybrid Career Option: Full Specialist License

Florida also offers a Full Specialist License (400 hours) which combines nail technology and esthetics training. It’s a perfect middle ground for students who want to work in a spa or salon setting without the full 1,200-hour cosmetology requirement.

At Hyphen, many students choose this option because employers strongly prefer Full Specialists. While a large resort can book 28 days out of 30 with facials, the spa may need more staff doing nails for two days out of the month so staff with a Full Specialist license is always preferred.

8. Why Choose Hyphen Beauty School

Hyphen Beauty School offers both Cosmetology and Esthetics programs. What is unique about our programs is that we only meet 2 or 3 days per week which allows you to continue working while attending school.

We are able to do this because we built one of the top eLearning platforms in Florida. All lectures are delivered online at the comfort of your home. This means that you will spend more time doing hands-on work in school.

Cosmetology Students working together as a class

Ready to Begin Your Beauty Journey?

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.

Online Cosmetology School Offerings in Orlando

What are the options for going to cosmetology school online? If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a licensed cosmetologist but worry that school will take too much time away from work or family, you’re not alone.

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.

Ready to Take the Leap?

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.