Cosmetology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How do you become a cosmetologist in Canada?

  To become a cosmetologist in Canada – or any related role like makeup artist, nail technician, or skincare specialist – you need a high school diploma, followed by some sort of college of beauty school program.

  Accreditation requirements vary from province to province, but some, including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, require cosmetologists to graduate from an accredited training program and pass a licensing exam in order to practice. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, cosmetology jobs like esthetician, nail technician, and skincare technician are considered trades, and are regulated by the provincial Apprenticeship commission.

  Once you’ve graduated from your beauty school program and passed a licensing exam if required, your next step is gathering hands-on experience in salons, spas, and other client service spots, either through apprenticeship or an entry level role.

• What education is required to be a cosmetologist in Canada?

  There are a variety of offerings at beauty and cosmetology schools in Canada, from one-day workshops to two-year full-time diploma programs.

  Those looking for a full-time, immersive training experience might want to look at a diploma program. These programs typically take one to two years to complete, including practical, hands-on training at campus spas or industry placements. These programs typically take a generalist approach to education, offering training in skincare, hair removal, manicures and pedicures, makeup application, and more. Students not yet sure how or if they want to specialize in a certain area of cosmetology, or eager to get a basic foundation across the field, would be well suited to this type of program.

  Prospective students wanting a shorter program, that focuses more specifically on their areas of interest like makeup artistry or nail art techniques, should consider certificate programs. Certificates tend to be more narrow in scope, completed in a number of weeks instead of years. This is a great option for those with clarity about their intended specialization, or cosmetologists already practicing who want to develop new skill sets or offer additional services.

  Certain programs are offered part-time and online, which is ideal for students who prioritize flexibility and being able to learn on their own schedule, potentially while working another job.

  If you live in a province like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, where there are training and licensing requirements, ensure that your school of choice will adequately prepare you for your exam and fulfills any requirements laid out by the provincial regulatory body in charge of licensing for cosmetology.

• How long is a cosmetology course?

  Workshops, certificates, and other short term training courses typically take 8-16 weeks to complete, though some hyper-specific training could be completed in a one to two day course. These are often designed to be part-time, meaning roughly 10-20 hours of studying a week. Diplomas typically take one to two years to complete, and are usually full-time schedules.

• How much does cosmetology school cost in Canada?

  Depending on the program you choose, the prices for cosmetology courses can vary greatly. The most affordable courses cost between $1,500 and $5,000 – which include individual certificates offered by private beauty schools and diploma programs at public colleges. The more expensive programs offered by private colleges can cost between $17,000 and $21,000 – though there are a number of schools whose programs find themselves somewhere in between.