Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to a wide variety of hair schools, from prestigious brand-name academies to specialized barbering colleges and affordable community-oriented training centers. Whether you are pursuing a career in cosmetology, barbering, or esthetics, the city offers accredited programs that prepare students for California State Board licensing exams.
Many schools also function as working salons, providing real-world experience while offering affordable services to the public. This guide highlights the top hair schools in the Los Angeles area, based on program offerings, accreditation, and student resources.
Top Hair Schools in Los Angeles
1. Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks
Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks is a well-regarded beauty education provider offering courses in barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics. The school offers year-round enrollment with flexible full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate students with different needs. Students benefit from the prestigious Paul Mitchell brand, known for its professional standards and industry connections.
The esthetics department has received particular praise for its services, with clients noting that hydro facials were the best they have ever had. Clients also commend the facility for its cleanliness, the professionalism of staff, and the detailed explanations of treatments. The school is located at 15301 Ventura Blvd P2 in Sherman Oaks.
2. 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.
3. ZMS The Academy
ZMS The Academy is a private vocational school in Los Angeles offering training programs in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, 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.
This dual role creates a unique appeal for those seeking services in a learning-oriented atmosphere while supporting the next generation of beauty professionals. The school is accredited and participates in federal financial aid for eligible students. ZMS The Academy is located at 2228 East Cesar E Chavez Avenue in Los Angeles.
4. KC Beauty Academy
KC Beauty Academy is a trade school located at 706 East 1st Street in Los Angeles that offers six vocational programs in the beauty and grooming fields. The largest program is Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist, with tuition of $10,000 and a program length of 600 hours, typically completed in 5 months.
The cosmetology program costs $11,500 for 1,000 hours, completed in approximately 7 months, which is notably lower than the national average of $16,042. The school also offers barbering and nail technician programs. With a student population of 41 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, KC Beauty Academy provides focused instruction.
5. Borner’s Barber College
Borner’s Barber College is a trade school located at 8913 S Western Ave in Los Angeles that specializes in barbering training. The college offers the Barbering/Barber program with tuition of $13,500, which is lower than the national average, and a program length of 1,500 hours, typically completed in 13 months. The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and has a student population of 41 with a graduation rate of 80%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15 to 1, ensuring personalized instruction. 58% of students receive financial aid with an average award of $5,351.
6. Letty’s Barbering and Cosmetology College
Letty’s Barbering and Cosmetology College is located at 4926 Whittier Blvd in Los Angeles, offering a Barbering program conducted in Spanish. The program has a tuition of $10,500 and is offered at the diploma/certificate level. The program prepares students for the California State Barbering examination, equipping them with the skills needed to work effectively in the beauty industry. This institution serves the East Los Angeles community with accessible, Spanish-language barbering education.
7. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) Los Angeles
FIDM Los Angeles, located at 919 South Grand Avenue, offers a Cosmetology/Cosmetologist program that prepares individuals to cut, trim, and style scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; and massage the head and extremities.
The program includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws. The program offers an Associate’s Degree, providing students with both practical skills and academic credentials.
8. Aveda Institute Los Angeles
Aveda Institute Los Angeles, located at 10935 Weyburn Avenue in West LA, stands out as a cosmetology school and hair salon that combines academic training with stylish, real-world services. Neighbors highlight it as a hidden gem for those seeking a reasonably priced hair salon and an affordable hair colorist, especially for blondes and those with brown or darker hair.
Its focus on expert color work and highlights appeals to clients wanting a much lighter shade of blonde or regular root maintenance without the high prices of a traditional salon. Positioned as both a trade school and a working salon, it attracts people searching for quality-conscious hair services in Westwood and the broader West LA area.
9. Temple City Beauty College
Temple City Beauty College offers programs in cosmetology, hairdressing/barbering, skin care, and nail technology with flexible scheduling including full-time, part-time, and weekend options. The school also offers a Professional Scalp Therapy Program, a recommended option for those interested in wellness-focused hair services. This institution provides a comprehensive education for students seeking careers in various beauty disciplines.
10. Los Angeles County Barbers and Cosmetologist J.A.C.
Los Angeles County Barbers and Cosmetologist J.A.C. offers a 24-month apprenticeship program for those interested in learning barbering through hands-on experience while earning a starting wage of $10.00 per hour. This program is ideal for students who prefer learning on the job rather than in a traditional classroom setting. The apprenticeship provides practical, real-world experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Comparison Table
| School | Location | Key Programs | Tuition Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks | Sherman Oaks | Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics | Varies | Year-round enrollment, flexible schedules |
| Palace Beauty College | Los Angeles | Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Tech | Varies | Since 2002, 5 comprehensive programs |
| ZMS The Academy | Los Angeles | Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics | $8,395–$12,395 | School and barbershop dual role |
| KC Beauty Academy | Los Angeles | Cosmetology, Esthetician, Barbering | $10,000–$11,500 | 42 completers in esthetician program |
| Borner’s Barber College | Los Angeles | Barbering | $13,500 | 80% graduation rate, NACCAS accredited |
| Letty’s Barbering and Cosmetology College | Los Angeles | Barbering (Spanish) | $10,500 | Spanish-language instruction |
| FIDM Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Cosmetology | Varies | Associate’s Degree program |
| Aveda Institute Los Angeles | Los Angeles | Cosmetology | Varies | Hidden gem, affordable salon services |
| Temple City Beauty College | Temple City | Cosmetology, Barbering, Skin Care | Varies | Flexible scheduling, scalp therapy program |
| Los Angeles County Barbers and Cosmetologist J.A.C. | Los Angeles | Barbering | Apprenticeship | Earn while learning, 24-month program |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Licensing Requirements: California requires specific training hours for cosmetology and barbering licensure. Cosmetology programs typically require 1,000 hours, while barbering programs require 1,500 hours. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete training more quickly.
Accreditation: Look for schools accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Accreditation is important for financial aid eligibility and quality assurance. Schools like Borner’s Barber College and Palace Beauty College maintain accreditation.
Financial Aid: Many hair schools participate in federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and student loans. KC Beauty Academy offers tuition of $11,600 for its cosmetology program with books and supplies costing $2,150. Borner’s Barber College reports that 58% of students receive financial aid with an average award of $5,351.
Hands-On Experience: Many schools function as working salons where students provide services to the public under supervision. This provides invaluable real-world experience while offering affordable services to clients. Aveda Institute Los Angeles and Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks are both known for their student salon services.
Specialized Programs: For those seeking specific training, Temple City Beauty College offers a Professional Scalp Therapy Program. Letty’s Barbering and Cosmetology College offers barbering instruction in Spanish. Los Angeles County Barbers and Cosmetologist J.A.C. offers a 24-month apprenticeship program for hands-on learning.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a diverse array of hair and beauty education options, from brand-name academies like Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks and Aveda Institute Los Angeles to specialized barbering colleges like Borner’s Barber College and Letty’s Barbering and Cosmetology College.
Whether you are preparing for a career as a cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, or nail technician, the city provides a wealth of opportunities to learn from industry professionals in well-equipped facilities. With options ranging from intensive full-time programs to flexible part-time formats and specialized training in barbering, esthetics, and cosmetology, there is a hair school in Los Angeles for every career ambition and learning style.