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

Online Cosmetology School Offerings in Orlando, Florida

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. While Florida does now allow for a fully online cosmetology program, schools are allowed to offer hybrid programs combining in-person salon training with online learning.

Hyphen's hybrid program gives Orlando students the flexibility to attend just 3 days per week while still completing the full 1,200-hour Florida Board-approved curriculum in 9 months.

Here’s how it works.

1. What Is a Hybrid Cosmetology Program?

A hybrid program blends traditional, hands-on cosmetology classes with online learning components. All lectures are delivered online so instead of spending five full days a week in class, you’ll split your time between:

On-Campus (3 Days per week): 2 hours of theory review in the morning followed by 7 hours of hands-on salon practice under instructor supervision.

Online (self-paced): All lectures are played on-demand via Hyphen’s eLearning platform.

This model provides the same education and licensure eligibility as a traditional program. However, will you get more hands-on time when attending Hyphen.

2. Why Florida Students Love Hyphen’s 3-Day Schedule

Most cosmetology schools in Florida require 4–5 days per week, which makes it difficult to maintain a job while attending school. Hyphen’s 3-day hybrid format allows many students to continue their work or family commitments while attending school.

Since you are only coming on campus 3-days per week, you are also spending less time commuting to school.

3. Inside the eLearning Platform

Hyphen’s custom eLearning portal allows students to:

Watch HD video demonstrations from instructors

Watch and replay cosmetology theory lectures

Review graded quizzes and exams

Track hours and progress digitally

All of the hours done online are tracked so any work done online will count towards the 1,200 hours required by the State of Florida.

The platform is mobile and tablet-friendly, so students can log in from any device — perfect for learning between work shifts or after hours.

4. How the Schedule Works

A typical week at Hyphen will unfold accordingly:

Monday to Wednesday 9am to 7pm: First two hours are dedicated to reviewing materials covered online. The subsequent seven hours are dedicated to hands-on practical work.

Thursday to Sunday: Students will work on materials assigned in class, at their own pace using Hyphen's proprietary eLearning platform.

The total number of hours on-campus = 27 hours and you will graduate in 9 months.

You will commute to campus three times per week

A typical week at a chain school (like Aveda or Paul Mitchell) will unfold accordingly:

Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm: First three hours are dedicated to lectures. The subsequent four hours are dedicated to hands-on practical work.

Friday to Sunday: Students will work on materials assigned in class, using Milady's CIMA platform

The total number of hours on-campus = 28 hours and you will graduate in 12 months.

You will commute to campus four times per week

5. Who Benefits Most from a Hybrid Program?

Working adults wanting to switch careers

Parents managing school and family commitments

Students with long commutes from areas like Four Corners, Kissimmee, or St. Cloud

Self-motivated learners comfortable studying online

If you’ve delayed beauty school because of time or cost, Hyphen’s model removes both barriers.

Cosmetology Students working together as a class

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 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.

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.