Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is a premier destination for aspiring estheticians, offering a wide array of programs that prepare students for licensure in the booming skincare and beauty industry. California requires 600 hours of training for esthetician licensure, and the city’s schools provide comprehensive curricula that include facial treatments, waxing, makeup application, chemical peels, and business skills.
From budget-friendly public programs to specialized private academies offering advanced certifications in leading skincare brands, Los Angeles esthetician schools cater to diverse career goals and learning styles. This guide highlights the top esthetician schools in the Los Angeles area, based on program quality, tuition, and unique offerings.
Top Esthetician Schools in Los Angeles
1. Los Angeles College of Aesthetics
Los Angeles College of Aesthetics is a well-established trade school accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. The school offers the Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist program with tuition of $9,075, which is lower than the national average, and a program length of 600 hours typically completed in 6 months. The school provides comprehensive training in skincare, and students benefit from a supportive learning environment. In a recent year, 52 students completed the esthetician program. The campus is located at 1517 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006.
2. KC Beauty Academy
KC Beauty Academy is a trade school located in Los Angeles that offers the Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist program with tuition of $10,000 for 600 hours, completed in approximately 5 months. The school also offers cosmetology, barbering, and nail technician programs, providing a comprehensive beauty education environment. Students benefit from the school’s focused curriculum and practical training approach. KC Beauty Academy is located at 706 East 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012-4303.
3. International College of Beauty Arts and Sciences
International College of Beauty Arts and Sciences offers the Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist program with tuition of $11,100 for 600 hours, completed in approximately 5 months. The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and offers programs in cosmetology, barbering, and nail technology. In a recent year, 65 students completed the esthetician program, making it one of the larger programs in the region. The school is located at 5225 San Fernando Road West, Los Angeles, CA.
4. Savvy Beauty Academy
Savvy Beauty Academy in Los Angeles offers a 600-hour Esthetician program with flexible full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate working students. The curriculum covers classic facials, electrical facials, chemical services (peels and anti-aging treatments), brow lamination, lash lift, lash extensions, tinting, makeup, and waxing. A standout feature is the school’s partnerships with leading skincare brands, including Dermalogica, providing students with field trips, master classes, certification opportunities, and product discounts. The program kit includes Dermalogica products, an OFRA makeup kit, and Milady textbooks.
5. ZMS The Academy
ZMS The Academy is a private vocational school in Los Angeles offering training programs in esthetics, barbering, cosmetology, nail technology, and permanent makeup. The school serves as both a barber shop and cosmetology school, providing a practical, skills-focused training environment where students can refine their craft in real-world settings. The school is accredited and participates in federal financial aid for eligible students, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. ZMS is located at 2228 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
6. Professional Schools of Beauty, Fashion and Arts, Inc.
Located in Reseda, Professional Schools of Beauty, Fashion and Arts offers an Esthetician program of 600 hours with hybrid delivery, where theory instruction is available online. This flexibility is ideal for students who need to balance their education with work or other commitments. The school is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and offers programs in a hybrid format. The school is located at 6951 Reseda Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335.
7. Career Academy of Beauty
Career Academy of Beauty in Garden Grove, a short drive from Los Angeles, is a significant producer of esthetician graduates. In a recent year, 131 students completed the Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist program, all earning certificates. The school offers a very small, private for-profit learning environment that provides focused training in skincare. Its location in a large suburb offers a quieter learning environment while remaining accessible to the Los Angeles area.
8. Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy
Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy offers esthetician training and is known for its accelerated programs designed to get students licensed and earning quickly. In a recent year, 62 students completed the esthetician program. The school also offers nail technician programs, and students benefit from the academy’s strong track record of preparing students for state board examinations. Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy is located in Santa Fe Springs, accessible to Los Angeles residents.
9. Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena
Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena offers esthetician training through the prestigious Paul Mitchell brand, known for its professional standards and industry connections. In a recent year, 73 students completed the esthetician program. Students benefit from the school’s strong brand recognition, professional-grade products, and career placement support. The school is located in Pasadena, just outside Los Angeles, and offers access to the broader Southern California beauty industry.
10. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education offers esthetician training as part of its career and technical education programs. In a recent year, 123 students completed the esthetician program, all earning certificates. The public institution serves adult learners seeking career training and professional development in the beauty industry. Located in La Puente, the school offers affordable education and practical skill development.
11. Palace Beauty College
Palace Beauty College is a well-established institution located at 1517 S Western Ave in Los Angeles, founded in 2002. The college offers five comprehensive programs including Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetician, Teacher Training, and Cosmetics Makeup, Fashion and Style.
The curriculum covers a wide range of technical skills from shampooing, cutting, coloring, and hair extensions to manicuring, disinfection, bacteriology, facial hair removal, and makeup application. The school has been described as a professional institution where students receive quality education from dedicated teachers and staff.
12. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers one of the oldest and most established cosmetology and esthetician programs in the city, with a comprehensive curriculum covering cosmetology, esthetician, and barbering pathways on one campus.
The esthetician program is delivered with day and evening tracks available to accommodate diverse schedules. The program is notably affordable, with California resident tuition at $46 per unit, bringing total tuition to roughly $1,400 to $2,500, plus kit and books. Students must complete the full LACCD college application process, including placement assessment, counselor appointment, and orientation.
13. Citrus College
Located in Glendora, Citrus College is a large public two-year college that offers comprehensive esthetician programs with impressive graduation numbers. The college offers esthetician and cosmetology degree programs, providing students with both practical training and academic credentials.
With a student-teacher ratio of 77:1 and over 10,000 enrolled students, Citrus College provides a dynamic learning environment for aspiring beauty professionals. The program serves the eastern San Gabriel Valley and prepares students for various careers in the beauty industry with a focus on comprehensive training and skill development.
14. Golden West College
Located in Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public two-year college with a strong esthetician and cosmetology program that produces numerous graduates annually. The college offers degree programs combining hands-on training with academic coursework to prepare students for careers in the beauty industry.
With a student-teacher ratio of 84:1 and over 10,000 enrolled students, Golden West College provides a comprehensive educational experience for aspiring beauty professionals. The program serves the Orange County region with a commitment to practical skill development and career preparation.
15. Cerritos College
Located in Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public two-year college that offers comprehensive esthetician and cosmetology programs with a substantial number of graduates. The college offers three cosmetology degree programs, providing students with both practical training and academic credentials.
With a strong focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience, Cerritos College prepares students for various careers in the beauty industry. The program serves a diverse student body and is known for its comprehensive curriculum and supportive learning environment.
16. Saddleback College
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a very large public two-year college that offers comprehensive esthetician and cosmetology programs to students in the Orange County region. The college offers three cosmetology degree programs, combining hands-on training with academic coursework to prepare students for careers in the beauty industry.
With a student-teacher ratio of 81:1 and over 20,000 enrolled students, Saddleback College provides a dynamic learning environment for aspiring beauty professionals. The program focuses on practical skill development and career preparation.
17. Compton College
Compton College is a medium-sized public two-year college that offers comprehensive esthetician and cosmetology programs to students in the South Los Angeles area. The college offers three cosmetology degree programs, providing students with both practical training and academic credentials.
The program serves the Compton community and surrounding areas with a focus on accessible, high-quality beauty education. Students benefit from hands-on training in modern facilities and experienced faculty instruction.
18. Fullerton College
Fullerton College is a large public two-year college that offers strong esthetician and cosmetology programs to students in the Orange County area. The college offers two cosmetology degree programs, combining hands-on training with academic coursework to prepare students for careers in the beauty industry.
With a large student body and comprehensive facilities, Fullerton College provides a dynamic learning environment for aspiring beauty professionals. The program serves the Orange County region with a focus on practical skill development and career preparation.
19. Diamond Beauty College
Located in South El Monte, Diamond Beauty College is a private for-profit institution that offers comprehensive esthetician and cosmetology programs. The college offers three cosmetology degree programs, providing students with a range of training options.
The institution serves the eastern Los Angeles area with accessible beauty education and practical skill development. With its focused curriculum and hands-on training approach, Diamond Beauty College prepares students for state licensure and entry into the beauty profession.
20. Elite Permanent Makeup and Cosmetology College
Located at 11961 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles, Elite Permanent Makeup and Cosmetology College offers specialized training in permanent makeup and body contouring. The college’s programs include Hyalouron Pen and Body Contouring, providing students with advanced skills in emerging beauty techniques.
The institution is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and operates under state regulations. Elite serves students seeking specialized training in permanent makeup and related fields, offering a focused curriculum and practical instruction.
Comparison Table
| School | Location | Tuition | Program Length | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles College of Aesthetics | Los Angeles | $9,075 | 600 hours / 6 months | NACCAS accredited, 52 completers |
| KC Beauty Academy | Los Angeles | $10,000 | 600 hours / 5 months | 90% graduation rate |
| International College of Beauty | Los Angeles | $11,100 | 600 hours / 5 months | 65 completers, brand partnerships |
| Savvy Beauty Academy | Los Angeles | Varies | 600 hours | Dermalogica partnerships, flexible scheduling |
| ZMS The Academy | Los Angeles | Varies | Varies | Dual school and barbershop setting |
| Professional Schools of Beauty | Reseda | Varies | 600 hours | Hybrid (online theory) format |
| Career Academy of Beauty | Garden Grove | Varies | Varies | 131 completers |
| Beyond 21st Century | Santa Fe Springs | $17,560 (cosmetology) | Varies | Accelerated programs |
| Paul Mitchell – Pasadena | Pasadena | Varies | Varies | Brand recognition, industry connections |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult Ed | La Puente | Varies | Varies | Public institution, 123 completers |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Licensing Requirements: California requires 600 hours of training for esthetician licensure, and students must pass the California State Board examination to practice professionally. All programs listed are designed to meet these state requirements.
Program Length and Schedules: Most esthetician programs require 600 hours of training, which can be completed in 5 to 6 months on a full-time schedule. Part-time options are available at schools like Savvy Beauty Academy, offering evening and reduced-hour schedules to accommodate working students.
Financial Aid: Many esthetician schools participate in federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and student loans. Los Angeles College of Aesthetics reports that 49% of students receive financial aid through grants, and the average net price after aid is $21,354. KC Beauty Academy reports that 52% of students receive grants or scholarships, with an average award of $4,933.
Accreditation and Career Outcomes: Look for schools accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Schools like Savvy Beauty Academy offer certification and networking opportunities with leading skincare brands, including Dermalogica, which can help graduates secure employment. Graduation rates are also an important metric, with KC Beauty Academy reporting a 90% graduation rate.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a diverse array of esthetician education options, from affordable, NACCAS-accredited programs like Los Angeles College of Aesthetics and KC Beauty Academy to specialized academies offering advanced brand certifications and flexible scheduling.
Whether you are preparing for a career as a skincare professional, makeup artist, or lash specialist, the city provides a wealth of opportunities to learn from industry experts in well-equipped facilities. With options ranging from intensive full-time programs to flexible hybrid and part-time formats, there is an esthetician school in Los Angeles for every career ambition and learning style.