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

What You Learn in Cosmetology School | Hyphen Beauty School Orlando

If you’ve ever wondered what do they actually teach in cosmetology school? — the answer is: a lot more than haircuts and nail polish. A Florida-approved cosmetology program gives you the technical skills, theory, and business training to become a licensed professional ready for real clients.

At Hyphen Beauty School in Winter Park, we combine creativity with structure, helping Orlando students move from beginners to confident stylists in less than a year. Here’s a full look inside the cosmetology curriculum.

1. Haircutting and Styling Fundamentals

You’ll start with the foundation of all cosmetology: hair design. In the first phase, students learn:

Sectioning, elevation, and cutting angles

Tools and shear safety

Blow-drying and finishing techniques

Men’s and women’s haircutting

Up-dos, braids, and thermal styling

Practice begins on mannequins before progressing to live models in the student salon. This is where you develop precision, creativity, and speed—skills that make you salon-ready.

2. Hair Color and Chemical Services

Next comes color theory—the science and art of formulating tones and transformations. You’ll study:

Color wheel relationships (complementary/neutralizing tones)

Lighteners, toners, and corrective color

Grey coverage strategies

Safe application of perms, relaxers, and keratin treatments

Students perform supervised chemical services to learn timing, strand testing, and how to maintain hair health—an essential part of Florida’s licensing standards.

3. Texture and Specialty Treatments

Modern salons demand versatility. You’ll learn to work with all hair textures and conditions, from smoothing to perm wrapping. Florida clients range from curly coastal hair to color-treated blondes; your training ensures you can adapt confidently.

This segment also includes scalp and deep-conditioning treatments, product chemistry, and consultation skills for customizing services.

4. Nail Care and Artistry

Cosmetology students receive a base foundation in nail technology, including:

Basic manicuring, pedicuring, and sanitation protocols

Nail structure and disorders

Polish, gel, and dip techniques

Introductory nail art and design

While the nail section of the Cosmetology program covers the basics, you will not go into depth on nail art, repair and advanced manicuring and pedicuring techniques. However, Hyphen Cosmetology students do have access to our Nail Technology Instructors so they can sit in on any of these classes if they opt to do so.

5. Skincare and Makeup Basics

Even though estheticians specialize in advanced skin treatments, cosmetologists still study facials and makeup at an introductory level. You’ll learn:

Skin anatomy and analysis

Cleansing, exfoliation, and massage techniques

Waxing basics

Makeup theory, color matching, and product hygiene

While the skin section of the Cosmetology program covers the basics, you will not go into depth on lashes, advanced facials, chemical peels, and LED Light therapy techniques. However, Hyphen Cosmetology students do have access to our Esthetics Instructors so they can sit in on any of these classes if they opt to do so.

6. Salon Business & Professional Development

Cosmetology is both art and entrepreneurship. You’ll cover the essentials of operating in a salon or spa environment, such as:

Building a clientele and rebooking strategy

Retail sales and product knowledge

Time management and pricing services

Branding and social media presence

At Hyphen, students even practice mock consultations and client upsells to prepare for real-world salon success.

7. Hands-On Student Salon Experience

By the midpoint of your program, you’ll begin performing services on real guests under instructor supervision. These practical hours bring classroom concepts to life: consulting, performing, cleaning up, and managing time—all while perfecting technique.

It’s also where you gain confidence speaking with clients and handling feedback, setting you apart in Orlando’s competitive salon scene.

8. Preparing for the Florida State Board Exam

Throughout your training, you’ll take mock written exams covering theory, clinical procedures, and Florida law. Instructors provide exam simulations modeled after the Pearson VUE two-part written test (Theory + Clinical).

Hyphen students graduate already comfortable with exam language, timing, and sanitation sequences—making licensure the natural next step.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.