Top 30 Beauty Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a rich and regulated landscape for beauty education, governed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The state requires students to complete specific hours of instruction to qualify for licensure, including 1,000 hours for cosmetology operators and 750 hours for estheticians.

With a national median pay of $38,350 and a projected 7% job growth, the beauty industry offers a stable and rewarding career path . Whether you are seeking a branded education at Paul Mitchell, a prestigious CIDESCO-accredited program, or affordable community college options, Texas has a program to fit your goals.

Top 30 Beauty Schools In Texas

1. Paul Mitchell The School Dallas

Located in Dallas, this school offers comprehensive cosmetology and esthetics programs as part of the renowned Paul Mitchell network. Students receive hands-on training in haircutting, coloring, skincare, and makeup using professional products. The school prepares graduates for the Texas board exam and successful careers in the beauty industry.

2. Paul Mitchell The School Houston

Paul Mitchell The School Houston offers a dynamic learning environment in the Memorial area with programs in Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Manicurist. Students learn real-world techniques using professional products in a salon environment, with the school operating since 2007. The program emphasizes creativity and business skills for career success.

3. Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio

Located in the Legacy shopping center in San Antonio’s Stone Oak district, this 24,000-square-foot campus opened in 2007 . The school offers leading programs in cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics, providing students with a comprehensive brand-name education. Just recently, 74 students graduated from the cosmetology program.

4. Paul Mitchell The School Austin

This Austin location offers programs in cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics as part of the Paul Mitchell network . Students receive hands-on training from experienced instructors and gain practical experience working with clients in a professional salon environment. The program prepares graduates for immediate entry into the beauty industry.

5. Paul Mitchell The School Arlington

Located in Arlington, this Paul Mitchell school offers cosmetology and barbering programs, along with a manicure program. Students learn classic and contemporary techniques in haircutting, coloring, grooming, and nail care. The school is known for its supportive learning environment and brand recognition.

6. Paul Mitchell The School Clear Lake

This location in the Clear Lake area offers a comprehensive cosmetology program within the Paul Mitchell network. Students receive hands-on training in professional salon settings using Paul Mitchell products and techniques. The program emphasizes creativity, professionalism, and business development.

7. Avenue Five Institute

Avenue Five Institute, established in 2007, is a nationally accredited beauty and wellness school with campuses in North and South Austin. The institute offers comprehensive programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and nail technology. It has achieved the prestigious CIDESCO accreditation, placing it among the elite in beauty and spa therapy education.

8. Collin College – Esthetician Program

Collin College offers an entry-level certificate program designed to prepare students for state licensure as estheticians. The program consists of 750 state-required hours of classroom and lab instruction, with hands-on training in skin analysis, facials, and chemical exfoliation. Students practice in Collin’s on-site esthetician lab, and upon completion, graduates are eligible for the TDLR exam.

9. Kilgore College – Cosmetology Program

Kilgore College’s Cosmetology program, offered at the KC-Longview campus, prepares students to successfully complete the TDLR written and practical examinations. Students gain preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on salon experience while working with real clientele. The program offers the Operator Certificate, which provides foundational knowledge for salon management and business ownership.

10. San Jacinto College – Barber Program

San Jacinto College offers a Barber Certificate of Technology that requires 1,000 hours of instruction. The curriculum covers clipper cutting, shaving, facials, and men’s styling, along with business management skills. Students who successfully complete the program are qualified to sit for the TDLR Class A barber examination.

11. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – Dallas

Ogle School is a renowned beauty school with a history dating back to 1973, offering comprehensive cosmetology and esthetics programs in Dallas. The school uses a salon-modeled approach to training, preparing students for real-world careers. Graduates pursue careers as hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty educators.

12. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – San Antonio

Ogle School’s San Antonio campus offers comprehensive cosmetology and esthetics programs with a student-centered approach. The school provides flexible scheduling for full-time and part-time students to balance education with other responsibilities. In 2024, the campus graduated 195 esthetics students, making it one of the largest providers in the city.

13. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – Houston North

The North Houston campus of Ogle School offers comprehensive cosmetology and esthetics programs with a salon-modeled approach. The school provides hands-on training and professional development for aspiring beauty professionals. Graduates can pursue various career opportunities in the beauty industry.

14. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – Houston South

The Houston South campus of Ogle School offers comprehensive cosmetology and esthetics programs with flexible scheduling options. The school provides a student-centered approach to training, preparing graduates for careers as hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty educators. The school is known for its supportive learning environment.

15. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – San Antonio

This institute is affiliated with the prestigious Aveda brand, known for its commitment to natural and environmentally-friendly beauty products. Students receive hands-on training from experienced instructors in state-of-the-art facilities that emphasize sustainable practices. Just recently, the institute graduated 146 esthetics students.

16. Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology – Plano

Since 2009, Tint School of Makeup & Cosmetology in Plano has offered a comprehensive curriculum in cosmetology, specialized makeup, and expert nail instruction. Students practice their skills in on-site hair salon and nail facilities. The program prepares students to pass the Texas State Board exam and be salon-ready upon graduation.

17. Deluxe Barber College – San Antonio

Located in San Antonio, Deluxe Barber College is a private for-profit institution with 94 students enrolled in just recently. Tuition and fees are $12,100, with books and supplies costing approximately $1,900. The student body is 84% male, with a demographic makeup of 51.1% Hispanic/Latino and 45.7% Black or African American students.

18. Michael’s Barber & Hair Stylist Academy – Irving

This private for-profit academy in Irving has 42 students enrolled just recently, with a student body that is 71.4% male. Tuition and fees are $15,185, with books and supplies costing $1,902. The demographic breakdown is 64.3% Black or African American, 26.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.1% White students.

19. Amenti Beauty Academy – Odessa

Amenti Beauty Academy, located in Odessa, Texas, offers cosmetology education conveniently located in West Texas. The school provides training for students seeking careers in the beauty industry in the Permian Basin region.

20. En GLAM Beauty Academy – Odessa

En GLAM Beauty Academy is a specialized academy in Odessa focusing on professional training in aesthetics, makeup, skincare, and eyelash extensions. The school offers intensive, practical programs in Spanish for students in West Texas. The academy emphasizes building entrepreneurs and professional artists.

21. Academy of Hair Design – Austin

Academy of Hair Design offers comprehensive training in the beauty industry, focusing on hair design, makeup, and aesthetics in Austin. The school promotes a student-focused approach to education. Students receive practical training in a supportive environment.

22. Baldwin Beauty Schools – Austin

Baldwin Beauty Schools has been educating cosmetologists, estheticians, and manicurists for over 50 years in Austin. The school offers comprehensive training in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology. Baldwin Beauty Schools has multiple locations serving the Austin area.

23. Instituto de Belleza y Arte – McAllen

Located in McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley, Instituto de Belleza y Arte offers cosmetology training for students . The school serves a diverse student population and has been impacted by new state licensing requirements regarding legal status. The director reports that 30-40% of students who have obtained licenses are impacted by these changes.

24. East Texas Cosmetology College – Lufkin

East Texas Cosmetology College in Lufkin offers comprehensive education in beauty and cosmetology. The school provides programs in cosmetology, esthetics, manicure, eyelash extension, and instructor programs. It serves the East Texas region with career-focused training.

25. Empire Beauty Academy – Paris

Empire Beauty Academy of Paris LLC provides comprehensive training in cosmetology and esthetician courses in Paris, Texas. The school offers flexible part-time options for students balancing other commitments. It serves the Northeast Texas region.

26. El Paso Beauty and Barber Academy

Located in El Paso, this academy serves as a premier beauty school dedicated to training aspiring beauty and barbering professionals. The school provides comprehensive education in cosmetology and barbering for the West Texas region. It prepares students for state licensure and professional practice.

27. Keller Center for Advanced Learning – Cosmetology

The Keller Center for Advanced Learning offers a cosmetology program in a high school setting, featuring a complete salon set-up. Students can earn their license prior to high school graduation . The program requires 1,500 total hours, with 1,000 hours in cosmetology curriculum and 500 academic credit hours.

28. Lewisville ISD Cosmetology Program

Lewisville ISD offers a two-year cosmetology program geared towards high school students interested in obtaining a state license. The curriculum focuses on anatomy, chemistry, safety, and infection control . Students learn essential skills to pass the TDLR state board exam.

29. Dallas ISD Cosmetology Programs

Dallas Independent School District offers cosmetology programs at various high schools, allowing students to earn hours toward state licensure while completing high school. Students receive hands-on training in professional salon environments. The program helps students prepare for careers in the beauty industry.

30. Houston ISD Cosmetology Programs

Houston Independent School District offers cosmetology programs at various high schools throughout the district. Students can earn hours toward state licensure while in high school, giving them a head start on their careers. The program provides practical training in professional salon settings.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a Beauty School

Start by confirming the school is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to ensure your education counts toward state licensure requirements.

Consider the cost differences between private and public options; Deluxe Barber College offers tuition at $12,100, while private academies may have higher costs.

For a debt-free education, look into high school cosmetology programs through ISDs like Keller, Lewisville, Dallas, and Houston, which offer free or low-cost training.

For specialized training, schools like Avenue Five Institute offer CIDESCO accreditation, the global gold standard in beauty and spa therapy.

Finally, consider your career goals; the beauty industry offers median pay of $38,350 and projected 7% job growth, making it a stable career path.

Closing

Texas offers a comprehensive and diverse beauty school landscape, from branded networks like Paul Mitchell and Ogle School to prestigious CIDESCO-accredited institutions and affordable community college programs. With state-mandated training hours and TDLR licensure requirements, students graduate prepared for successful careers in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, and nail technology.

Whether you are a high school student seeking an early start or a career changer entering the profession, Texas beauty schools provide the training, facilities, and industry connections needed for success. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.