How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in Orlando, Florida
Cosmetology is the widest door into beauty. The license covers hair, skin, nails and makeup. Orlando's salons, spas and resorts hire year-round.
Here's how to get there, step by step. It also shows how Hyphen's 9-month program can fit a busy schedule of kids and work.
1. Know What a Licensed Cosmetologist Does
A Florida cosmetologist cuts, colors and styles hair. The license also covers basic skin care, manicures, pedicures and makeup. The Florida Board of Cosmetology issues it. You need training at an approved school before you can serve clients for pay.
2. Enroll in an Approved Cosmetology Program
Hyphen's cosmetology program is 1,200 hours. You learn haircutting and styling, color and chemical services, textured hair, basic skin and nail care, sanitation and Florida law.
All lectures happen online through our eLearning platform, which runs in English and Spanish. That's why you only meet on campus 3 days a week. Your time on campus goes to hands-on work, not slides. Some of that training happens online. See Hyphen's online cosmetology school offerings.
See the full Cosmetology School program in Orlando
3. Complete Your Hours
- Length: 1,200 hours, 9 months
- Campus: 3 days a week. Graduate in 9 months.
- Theory: Online, at your own pace
- Start dates: A new cosmetology class starts every three months. Contact the Admissions Office for the next upcoming start date.
- Tuition: $8,995, Hyphen's Burmax kit with three real-hair mannequins and state license fees included. Textbooks are purchased separately so that students may choose e-books or find a better price for printed books online.
Most Hyphen students keep working while they're in school. The cosmetology floor takes walk-in clients. You build real experience behind the chair long before graduation.
4. Pass the Florida State Board Exam
Cosmetology requires a state board exam. When your hours are done, Hyphen sends your paperwork to the state so you can be scheduled. In our experience, the exam invitation arrives about a month after graduation.
You won't study alone. Hyphen provides access to its custom AI study tool trained on class material and Florida law to help you prep. Some of our instructors came from Aveda and Paul Mitchell.
5. Apply for Your License
After you pass state boards, Hyphen's staff will walk you through the license application process with DBPR. In our experience, the license takes about another month. That puts the full path at roughly 10 to 11 months from your first day of class.
How long it takes to become a cosmetologist in Orlando
6. Start Your Career
New cosmetologists in Orlando often start as stylists or assistants in local salons. They build a book through social media and word of mouth. Others work in resort spas around Lake Buena Vista and Winter Park, do freelance styling or open their own studio.
Career services are free for every Hyphen student. We work with salons, spas and major employers across Orlando. Our placement rate is 90 to 95%. We also teach business classes for graduates who want to rent a chair or open their own place.
How Hyphen's career services work
7. Keep Learning
The industry moves fast. Hyphen offers follow-on classes once you're licensed. The Bridal Updo and Bridal Makeup class is one, and it adds higher-ticket services to your menu.
Bridal Updo and Bridal Makeup class
Licensed Cosmetologist FAQ
Is there a state board exam for cosmetology in Florida?
Yes. Hyphen's program prepares you for it, and in our experience the exam invitation comes about a month after graduation.
Do I need experience to enroll?
No. Most students start with none.
How long does the whole process take?
About 9 months of school, then roughly a month for the exam and another month for the license. Around 10 to 11 months total in our experience.
Is financial aid available?
Federal financial aid is not currently available at Hyphen. You pay $660 at enrollment and the balance interest-free in 9 monthly payments while you're in school.
Come see the cosmetology floor, meet your future instructor and get the next start date. A tour takes about 30 minutes.
Select Book a Free Tour, choose the cosmetology program and an available time. Prefer to book by phone? Call (321) 323-3216 and ask Admissions to schedule your visit.