Phillip EdwinTexas offers a rich and regulated landscape for hair and cosmetology education, governed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which requires 1,000 clock hours for the cosmetology operator license and 1,000 hours for the Class A barber license . The state is home to a diverse array of programs, from private academies like the Paul Mitchell franchise to public community colleges and small local schools, providing a pathway for students to enter the growing beauty industry.
With a median pay of $38,350 and a projected 7% job growth for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, these schools prepare students for careers in hair design, salon management, and men’s grooming .
Top 30 Hair Schools In Texas
1. Paul Mitchell the School Arlington
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Arlington, Texas, Paul Mitchell the School Arlington is a leading beauty education provider offering courses in cosmetology, barbering, and manicuring programs. The school is dedicated to providing a unique, multifaceted education that prepares students for careers in the beauty and barbering industries, with year-round open enrollment and various start dates available.
It offers both full-time and part-time schedule options to accommodate different student needs, making it a flexible choice for aspiring beauty professionals . As an independently owned and operated franchise, it delivers the nationally recognized Paul Mitchell curriculum and brand experience to students in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
2. Baldwin Beauty School – South Austin Campus
Baldwin Beauty School is a private for-profit institution in Austin with over 27 years of history in providing beauty education . The school offers training in cosmetology, aesthetics and skin care, and nail technology, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 . Baldwin Beauty Schools are family-owned and operated, with a reputation for small class sizes and personalized instruction in a supportive learning environment. The South Austin campus provides students with hands-on training and preparation for state licensing exams.
3. Central Texas Beauty College
Central Texas Beauty College has been training students in cosmetology and manicuring courses for over 60 years, serving the Round Rock, Temple, and Greater Austin area. The college emphasizes providing the highest quality training possible at a fair price, aiming to help students graduate without the burden of school loans . It offers hands-on training in hair, nail, and spa services, with students providing services to the public under instructor supervision . With a 4.3 rating from over 130 reviews, the college is a well-regarded local institution with a strong community focus .
4. Exposito School of Hair Design
Located in Amarillo, Exposito School of Hair Design is a family-owned and operated cosmetology school that has been training aspiring beauty professionals for over 42 years . The school offers comprehensive training to help students develop award-winning skills and top-performing attitudes, ensuring they are ready to work in any salon. Graduates praise the friendly and supportive environment, as well as the school’s assistance in helping them pass state board exams and obtain their licenses . Instructors are hands-on and provide expert advice, often jumping in to demonstrate techniques, resulting in clients receiving exceptional service.
5. Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design
Located in Brenham, Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design is a very small private for-profit institution with approximately 8 students enrolled. The school has a strong access mission, with 71% of students receiving Pell Grants and a low average net price of $11,283 after financial aid . The average median debt at graduation is $7,924, making it a highly affordable option for students seeking a cosmetology education in a small, intimate setting. In 2024, the school awarded 4 degrees in General Cosmetology.
6. San Jacinto College – Barber Program
San Jacinto College offers a Barber Certificate of Technology program, a 31-credit, 1,000-hour program that prepares students to sit for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Class A barber exam. The curriculum covers clipper cutting, shaving, facials, men’s styling, and chemical texturizing techniques, along with barbershop management skills, marketing, and professional ethics . The program emphasizes both the theoretical foundation and the practical skills necessary for entry into the workplace.
7. Kilgore College – Cosmetology Program
Kilgore College’s cosmetology program, offered at the KC-Longview campus, prepares students to successfully complete the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation written and practical examinations required for licensure . Students gain preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on salon experience while working with real clientele, with the program including the Operator Certificate pathway. Possible career paths include cosmetologist, hair stylist, color specialist, nail technician, esthetics professional, salon manager, beauty consultant, and salon owner .
8. Kilgore College – Barber Program
Kilgore College’s barber program at the KC-Longview campus prepares students to take the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation examination, and upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to become licensed Class A barbers in Texas. The curriculum focuses on men’s grooming, hair cutting, beard design, shaving services, and salon ownership . The program qualifies students for the TDLR examination and includes hands-on training in a professional salon environment.
9. Collin College – Esthetician Program
Collin College’s Esthetician Program is an entry-level certificate designed to prepare students for state licensure as Facial Esthetics and Skincare Specialists. The program consists of 750 state-required classroom and lab hours, completed in Collin’s on-site esthetician lab, and covers skin analysis, product advising, specialized facials, and both manual and chemical exfoliation . Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to take the state-regulated written and practical exams through the TDLR, and graduates can pursue careers in cosmetic and medical spas, laser centers, dermatology clinics, and skincare facilities.
10. South Texas College – Cosmetology Program
South Texas College offers a Cosmetology Operator certificate program approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, providing creative knowledge and hands-on training in hair styling, chemical texture, coloring, hair cutting, manicuring, pedicuring, skin care, facial services, and safety and sanitation. The program prepares students for employment as licensed cosmetologists, with classes offered Monday through Friday and career opportunities including salon hair stylist, freelance makeup artist, brand product representative, nail technician, and salon owner.
11. Michael’s Barber & Hair Stylist Academy
Located in Irving, Michael’s Barber & Hair Stylist Academy is a private for-profit, less-than-two-year institution with 42 students enrolled, offering certificates in less-than-one-year and one-but-less-than-two-year programs . The student body is 71.4% male, with a demographic breakdown of 64.3% Black or African American, 26.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.1% White students . Tuition and fees are $15,185, with books and supplies costing approximately $1,902.
12. Champion Beauty College
Champion Beauty College is an accredited cosmetology school in Houston specializing in cosmetology, hair styling, and barbering, offering a program that requires 1,000 hours with an average completion time of 8 months. The school has an impressive 89% graduation rate and a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with tuition at $10,750 for the cosmetology program. Champion Beauty College has been serving the Houston community since 2000.
13. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – Fort Worth
Ogle School’s Fort Worth campus offers a comprehensive curriculum covering hair, skin, and nails with a strong focus on business skills to help graduates succeed as salon owners or beauty consultants. The school is less expensive than some private options, with a standard pace program taking approximately 11 months and a more relaxed pace taking about a year and a half. The school has a 74% graduation rate and median earnings of $29,857.
14. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – Arlington
Ogle School’s Arlington campus provides the same comprehensive training as the Fort Worth location, with a 63% graduation rate and median earnings of $28,696. The curriculum covers hair design, skin care, and nail technology while integrating business management and client relations skills. Ogle School’s focus on entrepreneurship helps prepare graduates for diverse career paths in the beauty industry.
15. Ogle School Hair Skin Nails – Houston
Ogle School’s Houston location offers the same career-focused cosmetology and esthetics programs, providing hands-on training in hair cutting, coloring, skin care, and nail services while building professional skills. The school offers flexible scheduling options and job placement assistance to help graduates launch their beauty careers in the Houston market.
16. Milan Institute – San Antonio Ingram
Milan Institute of Cosmetology at the San Antonio Ingram campus offers a full cosmetology curriculum with a business training component covering salon management, retail skills, and client relations. The school has an 80% retention rate and serves 379 students with a 14.8% productivity score. Milan Institute provides students with practical skills needed for success in the beauty industry.
17. Milan Institute of Cosmetology – San Antonio Military
The Military campus in San Antonio offers comprehensive cosmetology training with an 85% retention rate and serves 225 students, including theory and practical instruction in hair services, nail care, and skincare. Students at the Military campus benefit from the same career-focused education as the Ingram location with a 12.4% productivity score.
18. Avenue Five Institute – Austin
Avenue Five Institute’s South Austin campus provides cosmetology and esthetics training with an 87% graduation rate and median earnings of $35,714. The BOC Score of 51.7 for the South Austin campus and 45.9 for the main campus reflect strong program outcomes. Avenue Five offers comprehensive beauty education with a focus on practical skills and business development.
19. Paul Mitchell The School – Dallas
Located in Carrollton, Paul Mitchell The School – Dallas offers the comprehensive brand-name education, with a 65% retention rate and 19.2% productivity score. The program features a 65% retention rate and prepares students for careers in hair styling and cosmetology. The Dallas location provides convenient access for students in the DFW metroplex seeking a premier cosmetology education.
20. Paul Mitchell The School – Houston
Paul Mitchell The School – Houston offers a comprehensive cosmetology program that emphasizes practical experience through its “Learn-by-Doing Club” where students participate in community events and offer services to the public. Students learn a wide array of techniques from basic haircutting to complex coloring through a structured three-phase program. Tuition costs vary but are competitive for private beauty schools in the Houston area.
21. Paul Mitchell The School – Austin
Paul Mitchell The School – Austin delivers the full Paul Mitchell curriculum with a 69% graduation rate and median graduate earnings of $33,969. The school scores 40.6 on the BOC Score, an independent measure of outcomes including graduation, earnings, and retention. Students benefit from hands-on training in a professional salon setting while learning both technical skills and business practices.
22. Paul Mitchell The School – Clear Lake
Located in Webster, Paul Mitchell The School – Clear Lake features a remarkable 95% retention rate and a 49.6% productivity score, serving 133 students and offering the same nationally recognized Paul Mitchell cosmetology program. Students gain practical experience in haircutting, styling, chemical services, and client consultation while building a professional portfolio. The Clear Lake campus provides easy access for students in the Houston metropolitan area.
23. Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – San Antonio
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute – San Antonio provides training with a holistic and environmentally-friendly approach to beauty and wellness, focusing on hair, skin, makeup, and nail care while emphasizing the connection between body, mind, and spirit. With a 100% retention rate and 40.0% productivity score, the institute enrolls 250 students and offers a comprehensive cosmetology curriculum. Aveda’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart from other beauty schools.
24. South Plains College – Cosmetology
South Plains College offers cosmetology education through a public college format with in-state tuition of $2,568, a 53% retention rate, and 20.9% of students completing their programs. South Plains College provides an affordable pathway to cosmetology licensure through its public community college system, serving 9,098 students. The program is an excellent choice for students seeking a cost-effective education.
25. North Central Texas College – Cosmetology
North Central Texas College offers cosmetology and instructor degree programs with a 66% retention rate and in-state tuition of $2,760, serving 8,106 students with 12 fields of study. As a public college, North Central Texas College provides accessible, affordable cosmetology education with a strong completion rate of 25.3%.
26. Vernon College – Cosmetology
Vernon College provides cosmetology education through its public college system with in-state tuition of $2,400 and a 41% retention rate, serving 2,299 students with 13 program fields and a 28.5% completion rate. Vernon College offers an affordable option for students in North Texas seeking quality cosmetology training.
27. Cisco College – Cosmetology
Cisco College offers a cosmetology program with a 67% retention rate and in-state tuition of $5,760, serving 3,160 students in a remote rural area. Cisco College provides accessible cosmetology education with affordable tuition and a high retention rate.
28. El Paso Community College – Cosmetology
El Paso Community College offers cosmetology programs with in-state tuition of $2,784 and a 63% retention rate, serving 25,567 students with 28 program fields. EPCC provides an affordable, accessible cosmetology education in West Texas through its public community college system.
29. McLennan Community College – Cosmetology
McLennan Community College offers cosmetology and esthetician programs with a BOC Score of 53.3 and median graduate earnings of $47,348, providing online coursework options while hands-on training is completed in person. Students are prepared for state licensing exams and immediate employment in the beauty industry.
30. Navarro College – Cosmetology
Navarro College offers a comprehensive cosmetology certificate program requiring 1,500 hours over three semesters, with a 33-credit-hour curriculum covering cosmetology fundamentals, haircutting, hair coloring, nail technology, skin care, and preparation for the state licensing exam. Students must complete all requirements to qualify for the TDLR licensing examination.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Focus | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Mitchell the School Arlington | Arlington | Cosmetology, Barbering, Manicuring | Year‑round enrollment, full‑time/part‑time options |
| 2 | Baldwin Beauty School | Austin | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Tech | 9:1 student‑faculty ratio, Just Recently history |
| 3 | Central Texas Beauty College | Round Rock | Cosmetology, Manicuring | Just Recently in business, local community focus |
| 4 | Exposito School of Hair Design | Amarillo | Cosmetology | Just Recently, family‑owned |
| 5 | Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design | Brenham | Cosmetology | 71% Pell grants, $11,283 net price |
| 6 | San Jacinto College | Pasadena | Barber | 1,000‑hour, 31‑credit TDLR exam prep |
| 7 | Kilgore College – Cosmetology | Longview | Cosmetology | Operator Certificate, salon management training |
| 8 | Kilgore College – Barber | Longview | Barber | Class A barber license preparation |
| 9 | Collin College | Plano | Esthetician | 750 hours, on‑site esthetician lab |
| 10 | South Texas College | McAllen | Cosmetology | TDLR approved, hands‑on training |
| 11 | Michael’s Barber & Hair Stylist Academy | Irving | Barber | $15,185 tuition, 42 students |
| 12 | Champion Beauty College | Houston | Cosmetology, Barbering | 89% graduation rate, $10,750 tuition |
| 13 | Ogle School – Fort Worth | Fort Worth | Cosmetology | 74% graduation, business skills focus |
| 14 | Ogle School – Arlington | Arlington | Cosmetology | 63% graduation, entrepreneurship focus |
| 15 | Ogle School – Houston | Houston | Cosmetology | Flexible scheduling, job placement |
| 16 | Milan Institute – Ingram | San Antonio | Cosmetology | 80% retention, business training |
| 17 | Milan Institute – Military | San Antonio | Cosmetology | 85% retention, career‑focused education |
| 18 | Avenue Five Institute | Austin | Cosmetology, Esthetics | 87% graduation, $35,714 earnings |
| 19 | Paul Mitchell – Dallas | Carrollton | Cosmetology | 65% retention, brand‑name training |
| 20 | Paul Mitchell – Houston | Houston | Cosmetology | Learn‑by‑Doing Club, community events |
| 21 | Paul Mitchell – Austin | Austin | Cosmetology | 69% graduation, $33,969 earnings |
| 22 | Paul Mitchell – Clear Lake | Webster | Cosmetology | 95% retention, 49.6% productivity |
| 23 | Aveda San Antonio | San Antonio | Cosmetology | 100% retention, eco‑friendly approach |
| 24 | South Plains College | Levelland | Cosmetology | $2,568 tuition, public community college |
| 25 | North Central Texas College | Gainesville | Cosmetology | $2,760 tuition, 66% retention |
| 26 | Vernon College | Vernon | Cosmetology | $2,400 tuition, affordable option |
| 27 | Cisco College | Cisco | Cosmetology | 67% retention, $5,760 tuition |
| 28 | El Paso Community College | El Paso | Cosmetology | $2,784 tuition, 63% retention |
| 29 | McLennan Community College | Waco | Cosmetology | $47,348 median earnings, online coursework |
| 30 | Navarro College | Corsicana | Cosmetology | 1,500‑hour, 33‑credit program |
Success Tips for Choosing a Hair School
Start by verifying the school is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to ensure your education counts toward state licensure requirements and that you are eligible to sit for the TDLR examination.
Consider the cost difference between private schools and public community colleges; public options like South Plains College offer tuition around $2,568, while private schools may cost $5,000 to $21,000.
Evaluate the school’s graduation and retention rates, as these indicate student satisfaction and program quality; schools like Champion Beauty College boast an 89% graduation rate.
For small and intimate class sizes, consider schools like Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design, which has only 8 students.
For high school students, look into cosmetology programs offered through local school districts that allow you to earn your license before graduation. Visit campuses to see the facilities and speak with current students.
Finally, research each school’s job placement services and industry connections to ensure a smooth transition from training to employment.
Closing
Texas provides a comprehensive and accessible cosmetology and barbering education landscape, from nationally recognized schools like Paul Mitchell and Aveda to affordable public community colleges and small local institutions. With state-mandated training hour requirements and TDLR licensure, students graduate prepared for successful careers as cosmetologists, barbers, and estheticians.
The beauty industry offers a median pay of $38,350 and a projected 7% job growth, making it a stable and rewarding career path . Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or seeking a specialized program, Texas hair schools offer 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.