Cosmetology (1,000 Hours)

For students aspiring to put their creative talent into the beauty industry, the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute New York City’s Cosmetology program prepares you for the career you were meant for. From our modern, buzzing DUMBO campus, our team of instructors cover essential topics in hair cutting, coloring, care, and more.

In our NYC Cosmetology program, you’ll learn to use your creativity and talent in hair, skin, nail care, and makeup application to enter the career of your dreams. The program combines theory classes with hands-on practical salon experience and essential business-building skills, all led by our industry-leading team of Aveda Purefessionals and educators.

Over half of the program focuses on hair care. Hair care coursework includes essential knowledge in hair analysis and chemistry related to cosmetology, as well as shampooing, cutting and shaping hair, styling techniques (such as fingerwaving, roller styling, twisting, weaving, extensions, and locking and braiding), and chemical techniques and hair coloring.

As a Cosmetology student in our New York campus, you’ll also learn skin care, basic makeup application, and nail care. Skin care topics include understanding skin conditions and the structure of skin, wet and dry exfoliation, and hair removal techniques. Makeup application will include instruction on basic looks you’ll often be asked for as a practicing beauty pro. Nail care topics include nail shape and color analysis, basic manicure and pedicure techniques, and how to work with nail tips, nail wraps, and liquid and powder extensions.

Express your creativity and talent in hair, skin, nail care, and makeup application. Our Cosmetology program includes 1,000 hours of extensive hands-on training to provide you with a complete understanding of beauty and wellness. The program incorporates the basic fundamentals and the related subjects of hair, skin, nail care, and makeup application that are necessary for a well-rounded education.

The Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute New York is where passion, innovation, and sustainability converge to shape the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals.

Our New York campus isn’t just another place to learn the basics of hair and beauty—we foster a diverse, inclusive culture that celebrates individuality and promotes self-expression.

Our unique commitment to artistry and wellness sets us apart from other schools. We have three certified Aveda Purefessionals on staff and an innovative curriculum that blends professional techniques with vital retail and business-building skills, emphasizing all-natural Aveda products.

Here’s what a few of our recent graduates have to say about their experiences at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute New York:

To enroll in the cosmetology program at our New York City campus, you must meet the following requirements:

Age: 16 years

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Other Requirements: Pay relevant fees, complete an interview, and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, and a copy of your Social Security card

You will receive a written notice of acceptance or rejection. To schedule an informational interview, call the Admissions Department at (888) 511-AINY or (212) 807-1492.

3-Day (full time): 45 weeks, 22.5 hours a week, Monday through Wednesday or Thursday through Saturday, 9 am – 5:30 pm (1-hour break).

Upcoming start dates: November 16, 2026.

Tuition is not shown because the school’s current sources publish different figures for this program; contact the campus financial aid office for the current cost.

To access the institute’s e-text, students must have access to an iPad that is able to update to the most current operating system with a minimum of 16GB. The institute’s kit includes an iPad, but if a student already owns this device, he or she is not required to purchase it through the school.

Required textbooks are included in the kit cost, but students can choose to purchase their textbooks from another source, in which case the kit fee is reduced by the applicable cost.

Students may make full payment at the time of enrollment; otherwise, students receive a payment schedule in their enrollment contract.

Financial aid is available for those students that meet the necessary requirements. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes participate in the Pell Grant Program and the Federal Direct Loan Program. Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov using federal school code 038393.

Veterans’ benefits are not available in all institute locations, and only to those who qualify.

Award Year 2026-27 Cost of Attendance (estimated room, transportation and personal expenses per month in the largest program): living with parent and no dependents $1,502.00; all others $2,869.00.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute graduates who enroll in another program receive a 15% discount off the published tuition rate.

Net Price Calculator: https://avedaarts.edu/wp-content/themes/avedaarts/net-price-calculators/npcalc-newyork.htm

The program is intended to train students to enter the workforce as an entry-level hair stylist, with the technical, personal, and business skills to work in a professional salon as a stylist, retail sales specialist, salon manager, or salon owner.

Graduation, placement and licensure (NACCAS 2024 Annual Report; cohort of all students scheduled to graduate in 2023 — New York, Cosmetology): graduation 70.87%, placement 92.86%, licensure 100%.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes do not guarantee employment to students; however, the schools assist students in finding employment, hold annual job fairs, and can assist with out-of-state placement subject to licensing transfer.

Now located at 21 Pearl Street in Brooklyn, the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute New York campus is housed in a stunning, purpose-built facility inside the historic 20 Jay Street building. This space blends DUMBO’s iconic architecture with modern functionality, offering an elevated beauty school experience that’s as inspiring as it is educational.

Our new campus features advanced classrooms, professional salon and spa environments, a full Aveda retail boutique, and a photo studio designed for content creation and portfolio development. The design also reflects our commitment to sustainability, with countertops and architectural elements crafted from Smile Plastics—an innovative recycled material used in commercial design.

Easily accessible via public transit, the DUMBO location is minutes from the York Street subway station (F train) and within walking distance of waterfront parks, galleries, and independent boutiques. Local favorites like Usagi, Fontainhas, and AIR Gallery create a vibrant, artistic energy that complements our mission to develop confident beauty professionals ready to succeed in a fast-evolving industry.

At Aveda Arts New York, you’ll learn from passionate instructors who help you master technical skills and cultivate your unique talents, preparing you to achieve your dreams. Join a global team dedicated to artistic, business, and environmental excellence, and grow both professionally and personally.