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.

Choosing the Right Cosmetology School

Cosmetology Students at Hyphen Beauty School in Orlando

How to Choose the Right Cosmetology School (Tips for Orlando Students)

Choosing a cosmetology school is one of the most exciting—and important—decisions you’ll make on your beauty career journey. The right program sets the foundation for your technical skills, professional confidence, and future earning potential.

For career-changers and working adults in Orlando, the biggest factors usually come down to schedule flexibility, program length, and quality of training. Here’s how to make the smartest choice—and why Hyphen Beauty School stands out with its 3-day hybrid schedule and 9-month fast-track curriculum.

1. Know Your Goals and Lifestyle

Before comparing schools, take stock of your priorities.

Do you need to keep a part-time or full-time job while studying?

Are you balancing childcare or other responsibilities?

How soon do you want to graduate and start earning?

These answers determine whether a traditional 5-day schedule or a hybrid 3-day program fits best.

2. Compare Program Length and Schedule Options

Most cosmetology programs in Florida take 12 months to finish. Hyphen’s unique structure allows students to graduate in just 9 months—without any compromise to learning.

Here's how:

Hybrid eLearning Platform: Theory lessons and assignments are completed online through Hyphen's eLearning system, accessible 24/7.

3-Day On-Campus Schedule: Students meet on-campus three days a week from 9am to 7pm. The first two hours are used to review material covered online and the rest of the day is dedicated to hands-on work with clients.

Specialized Instructions: We have dedicated Nail Technology and Esthetics Instructors who help teach this part of the curriculum. This allows students to deep-dive into topics with experts.

Out schedule gives students two free weekdays for part-time jobs or family time—ideal for adults who want to work while attending school at the same time.

4. Evaluate Instructor Experience and Class Size

It is important to take a tour of the school and meet with your future instructor. You will be spending most of the year studying under this teacher so it is important to establish chemistry.

Additionally, you should look at the class size. If the instructor is too busy to make time to meet you during the tour, it is likely that they will not give you much 1-on-1 time when you become a student.

5. Check the Reviews

Read each school's reviews on Google using the following criteria:

Filter out all of non-student reviews. Oftentimes clients who come in for public service pollute the feed so that it is not clear how students rank the school.

Filter for reviews about your cosmetology instructor or the cosmetology program.

Filter for reviews that talk about the school administration.

Hyphen Beauty School is one of the highest rated schools in Orlando. Read the reviews and see for yourself.

6. Understand Tuition and Financial Options

There are two types of funds provided by the government. Mainly the Pell Grant (caps out at $7,395) and loans which need to be paid back. Don't assume that the Pell Grant will cover much of your tuition ... most of the tuition will be covered in the form of a loan which you will need to pay back. Taking a loan with a lower upfront cost isn’t always better since your student loan accrues interest.

Hyphen offers affordable tuition ($7,995) which is half the price charged by our peer schools. You only need to pay $600 at enrollment and then a monthly payment of $890 while you are in school. Graduate free of debt.

7. Look for Modern Facilities and Technology

The best schools mirror the environments of professional salons. During your tour, note whether stations, tools, and sanitation protocols reflect today’s industry standards.

Hyphen’s campus near I-4 and Lee Road is only a year old so all of the equipment is in great condition. The school has a clean, modern look with plenty of tech and an advanced online platform that supports you throughout your learning journey.

8. Visit Each Campus Before Deciding

We cannot stress how important it is to visit the school. Meet instructors, observe a class, and chat with current students. Pay attention to the atmosphere—supportive energy matters.

During your Hyphen Campus Tour, you’ll see live classes, the student salon in action, and the eLearning portal. Most visitors say the modern vibe and friendly instructors make the decision easy.

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.

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).

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 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.

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.

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.