Claire ThompsonStepping into the beauty industry is an exciting career move, but finding the right training ground is critical for your long-term success.
If you’re passionate about hair, skincare, or wellness, you want an education that actually prepares you for the floor.
The search for the best beauty school in Columbus means looking past the glossy brochures to find hands-on experience and solid career support.
Whether you eventually want to open your own salon, partner with top recruitment agencies, or specialize in high-demand services like a therapeutic massage, your journey starts with a solid foundation.
Let’s look at the top programs ready to equip you with the skills you need.
How much does attending beauty school cost in Columbus?
Beauty education in Ohio’s capital typically ranges from $9,000 to over $26,000, depending on your chosen specialty, required kits, and school fees.
| Program Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Cosmetology | $15,000 – $24,000+ |
| Esthetics | $9,000 – $12,000 |
| Overall Average (Tuition, Kits, Fees) | $10,000 – $26,000 |
1. Paul Mitchell The School Columbus
Website: https://paulmitchell.edu/
Address: 3000 Morse Road
Contact: (614) 478-0922
Hours: Monday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Paul Mitchell The School Columbus is the obvious big-name pick if you want the structure and recognition of a national beauty brand.
The program covers cosmetology and esthetics in a highly organized setting, which can help students feel plugged into current techniques instead of learning from outdated worksheets.
What I like most is the mix of clinic-floor practice and career support. A recent graduate told me the team was active about salon placement after licensing, which matters when you’re trying to turn school into an actual job.
The main tradeoff is that student clinic services can be uneven. Since learners are still building speed and confidence, appointment times and final results may vary depending on the day and instructor oversight.
2. Nurtur Aveda Institute Columbus
Website: https://avedafi.edu/
Address: 889 Bethel Rd.
Contact: (614) 291-2421
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Nurtur Aveda Institute Columbus is a strong fit for students who want beauty training tied to a bigger, sustainability-minded brand.
Its curriculum leans into plant-based products and environmentally responsible techniques, which gives the school a clear identity beyond standard cosmetology instruction.
The supervised student clinic also gives trainees a chance to work with real clients while building confidence with Aveda systems and product knowledge. That connection to the larger Aveda salon network can be useful when graduates start looking for work.
Based on student feedback, however, schedule shifts and course timing changes can feel frustrating when they’re communicated late or affect an already busy routine.
3. Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy & Manicuring
Website: https://masonanthony.edu/
Address: 6353-6363 Presidential Gateway
Contact: (614) 710-1025
Hours: Full-time: Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, plus Monday distance learning; Part-time: Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, plus Monday distance learning, or Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, plus Wednesday distance learning
Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy & Manicuring stands out because it keeps several beauty and wellness paths under one roof.
That range is helpful if you’re still deciding between hair, skincare, nails, or massage, or if you want to understand how those services can work together in a spa setting.
I also like that the school emphasizes smaller class sizes and individualized attention. A colleague who went through the esthetics side said the community events helped make the training feel more real-world than classroom-only.
The drawback is consistency. Unexpected staff changes have sometimes disrupted hands-on clinic time, so students who need a very predictable week-to-week setup may want to ask detailed scheduling questions upfront.
4. Salon Institute – Columbus
Website: https://www.saloninstitute.edu/
Address: 50 Powell Rd, Lewis Center
Contact: (614) 860-5074
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Salon Institute in the Columbus area is best for students who want to move through training with a stronger sense of urgency.
Its accelerated cosmetology setup is designed around getting students licensed and ready for salon work without dragging out the process longer than necessary.
The curriculum is shaped with industry input, so the training feels connected to the trends and services students may see once they start working behind the chair. I also like that the placement team helps students prepare for interviews, not just exams.
Still, the pace can be a lot. Complete beginners may need extra study time because some lessons move quickly and don’t always slow down for people starting from zero.
Customer Reviews
The students grow in confidence
This is a salon school. The students are carefully watched over and graded and instructors are available to answer questions. It’s a wonderful experience for both the customer and the students. The students grow in confidence and learn to work with the public. I would highly recommend this school.
- Mary Coffield | Google Review
Best education I’ve seen from a beauty school
The Salon Institute has hands down the best education I’ve seen from a beauty school. Offering top notch educators and the best hands on learning experience in Columbus. Students have such an amazing opportunity here to truly set them up for the best success in the industry, offering extension certification, eye lash certification and so much more.
- Dani Ruhlen | Google Review
5. The Art of Skin Esthetics Academy
Website: https://www.theartofskinacademy.com/
Address: 3403 Farm Bank Way, Grove City
Contact: (614) 991-0035
Hours: Full-time: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, plus Friday distance learning; Part-time: Monday-Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, plus weekend distance learning
The Art of Skin Esthetics Academy is the most specialized option on this list, and that focus is exactly why it stands out.
Instead of spreading attention across every beauty discipline, the academy keeps its training centered on esthetics, facials, and skin-focused techniques.
The small class sizes make the learning environment feel more personal, especially for students who want direct feedback instead of getting lost in a large group.
The program also prepares students for Ohio licensure while giving them a focused path into skincare work.
However, their attendance and participation rules are strict, and some clinical requirements may fall outside a student’s preferred schedule. So, it works best for someone who can commit fully.
Customer Reviews
A great place to go to learn
I loved my experience. Definitely a great place to go to learn. Training is very to the T and structured. Instructors are friendly and direct. And the building is lovely 🙂 Thank you for having me!
- Kelli La | Google Review
This is definitely the best school
I had the pleasure of visiting during the open house and WOW! The space is gorgeous, the equipment is very high quality and the owner/instructor Ms. Gabi is very knowledgeable and professional. If you’re interested in Esthetics, this is definitely the best school in the Columbus area to go to!
- Hannah | Google Review
