Cosmetology courses are primarily concerned with improving people’s physical appearance through skincare and treatments. Although cosmetology and beautician courses are similar, they are primarily professional courses that prepare students for the beauty industry. Students can complete their Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cosmetology. The average duration of Cosmetology courses ranges from two months to three years depending on the academic level of the course.
The Cosmetology courses syllabus and subjects vary according to the institutions but the primary subjects include studies based on anatomy and physiology, skin analysis, nail structure, and skin disorders. The minimum eligibility criteria to apply for a Cosmetology course is to complete higher secondary education with at least 50% marks in aggregate. Also, Cosmetology courses admission are merit and entrance exam-based. Some popular colleges that offer this course are Uttarakhand Open University, DAV College, Pearl Academy, Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine, etc. The average course fee for Cosmetology courses in India may vary from INR 15,000 to 1,00,000. After completion of the course, graduates opt for cosmetology courses jobs such as makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion show stylists, nail technicians, beauty therapists, salon sales consultants, cosmetologists, beauty magazine writers, beauty care distributors, etc. with an average starting salary of INR 3-8 LPA. Continue reading to learn more about Cosmetology courses, eligibility criteria, top colleges, specialisations offered, top recruiters, and more.
Cosmetology Courses Highlights
The following table provides some important highlights about Cosmetology courses:
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Cosmetology Courses |
| Courses Offered |
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| Duration |
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| Eligibility Criteria |
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| Average Course Fees |
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| Top Job Prospects | Hair Stylist, hairdresser, nail artist, makeup artist, etc. |
| Average Salary |
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Why Choose Cosmetology Courses?
You will learn several skills that the youth of today need in this cosmetology course. It now has one of the highest levels of employability. As mentioned in the infographic below and explained in the subsequent section, here are a few reasons to choose cosmetology courses.
Flexibility and Creativity: If you are looking for a job that blends your creative side with lucrative chances, cosmetology courses may be a fascinating option. It all comes down to stretching the creative envelope to develop a fresh look for beauty.
Productive Career Options: After completing the programme, a cosmetologist might choose to start practising as a cosmetologist upon graduation or specialise in a more advanced field of study. They are also qualified to work in salons, resort spas, day spas, and aesthetic beauty centres. Additionally, within cosmetology, one can choose other areas of specialisation to become a recognised specialist while staying employed.
Industry Growth: Reports indicate that the beauty and wellness sector in India is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of over 18%. It is a safe career decision because the industry is predicted to grow gradually in the next few years.
Practical Skills: Enrolling in cosmetology courses will provide you with real-world expertise working in the field. Your skill set will be resilient to any economic slump as a result of practical experience and classroom instruction.
Glamorous Exposure: Cosmetology courses are the right career option for you if you feel called to serve the elite of the glamorous sector with beauty and upkeep services. If you have the right skill set, you can work consistently with well-known customers and earn money.
What are Online Cosmetology Courses?
Several universities in India provide online cosmetology courses that allow students to complete the course curriculum whenever and wherever they choose. In India, these online courses are also available alongside clinical and medical cosmetology and aesthetic medicine.
While there are many distinct types of online courses available for cosmetology, prospective students should finish their undergraduate and graduate degrees — if they so choose — by attending traditional, on-campus classrooms. This is because they could utilise the skills and expertise they have gained on live patients. Short-term courses, like online diploma or certificate cosmetology courses, are still allowed, though, since they prioritise theoretical knowledge over hands-on instruction, which gives graduates a foundational understanding of the subject. Online cosmetology courses are offered by organisations like IQRAMED at many academic levels, including fellowships, certificates, diplomas, and postgraduate diplomas for doctors with BDS, BHMS, MBBS, and other degrees.
Types of Cosmetology Courses
Cosmetology courses can be done on three levels — Certificate, Diploma, and Degree courses (bachelor’s and master’s degree) in both online and offline modes of schooling. Let us understand this one by one in the subsequent sections.
Certificate Cosmetology Courses
The duration of these courses is one to six months and therefore these are also known as short-term courses. Students who wish to get employed right after their 12th can apply for certificate courses in cosmetology. These courses can be done either online or offline.The table below lists some of the most popular offline Cosmetology course certificates:
| Course Name | Institute Name | Average Course Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in cosmetology |
|
10,000 to 85,000 |
| Certificate course in basic beauty | Hazel International Institute of Beauty and Wellness | 25,000 to 50,000 |
| Certificate course in basic hair designing | Hazel International Institute of Beauty and Wellness | 45,000 to 60,000 |
| Certificate course in professional makeup | Hazel International Institute of Beauty and Wellness | 10,000 to 25,000 |
| Certificate course in artistry makeup | ISAS, JD Institute of Fashion Technology | 10,000 to 30,000 |
Diploma Cosmetology Courses
The duration of these courses is six months to two years. Candidates who wish to work in retail pharmacies and other pharmaceutical companies can apply for a diploma in cosmetology courses.
| Course name | College/university | Average Course Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology |
|
45,000 to 60,000 |
| Diploma in Beauty Care | Hazel International Institute of Beauty and Wellness | 30,000 to 75,000 |
| Diploma in Hair Designing | Hazel International Institute of Beauty and Wellness | 15,000 to 40,000 |
| Diploma in Beauty and Sspa Management |
|
45,000 to 60,000 |
| PG Diploma in Medical Cosmetology | Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine | 30,000 to 80,500 |
| PG Diploma in Clinical Cosmetology | Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine | 50,000 to 1,00,000 |
Bachelor Cosmetology Courses
The duration of these courses is two to three years. Students who want to pursue a full-time career in cosmetology after graduation must apply for degree courses in cosmetology. Some best undergraduate courses are:
| Course Name | College Name | Average Course Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in cosmetology |
|
1,50,000 to 2,50,000 |
| Bachelor of Science in Beauty Cosmetology |
|
5,00,000 to 8,50,000 |
| Bachelor of Cosmetic Technology |
|
3,00,000 to 10,00,000 |
Masters Cosmetology Courses
The duration of these courses is two years. Students who want to pursue an academic career in cosmetology after graduation and want to carry out research in pharmaceutical sciences must apply for master’s courses in cosmetology. Some of the best postgraduate courses are:
| Course Name | College Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master of cosmetic technology |
|
2 years |
| MTech in cosmetic technology |
|
2 years |
Cosmetology Courses Eligibility Criteria
The prerequisites for Cosmetology courses can change based on the specific type of academic course, programme level, and particular college providing the course. Nonetheless, the table below lists a few essential eligibility criteria for cosmetology courses that prospective applicants must fulfil based on their type of programme:
| Course Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Certificate Courses | After completing their Class 10 at an accredited board or college, candidates are eligible to enrol for a cosmetology certificate programme. Both online and offline applications are accepted for certification cosmetology courses. |
| Diploma Courses | Once they pass the higher secondary test, candidates can opt to pursue a diploma programme in cosmetology. Certain diploma programmes allow applicants to apply even after completing secondary education. Several reputable universities sometimes hold entrance exams to get admission. |
| PG Diploma Courses | Students who have obtained their bachelor’s degree in the same or a related discipline may apply for a postgraduate diploma in cosmetology courses. In certain cases, to qualify for a degree, applicants must provide proof of an internship or at least six months of employment history. |
| UG Courses | Applicants who have completed higher secondary education with at least 45% to 50% aggregate marks may apply for a UG degree in cosmetology. As of the respective application year, applicants must be at least 17 years old to be considered for a Bachelor of Cosmetology course. They might also have to pass an entrance exam administered by their desired institution to be admitted. |
| PG Courses | To pursue a postgraduate degree in cosmetology, candidates must first earn a professional diploma in the relevant discipline or a bachelor’s degree. In addition, they must provide proof of at least six months of work experience. |
Cosmetology Courses Entrance Exams
There are no specific national-level entrance exams specifically for Cosmetology courses. The institutes may conduct examinations on their own for admission to Cosmetology. Some of the exams for getting admission to Cosmetology are:
- Institute of Cosmetology & Laser Science Entrance Exam
- VLCC Institute of Beauty, Health, & Management Entrance Exam
- Pearl Academy of Fashion Entrance Exam
- All India Trade Tests
Cosmetology Courses Admission Process in India
Admission to cosmetology courses is done purely on a merit basis. However, some institutes may administer their own entrance exam to sieve potential applicants. There is no fixed academic qualification that is required. Various institutes have different criteria for admission. Here are some important guidelines regarding the Cosmetology course admission procedure:
- The admissions process for Cosmetology online courses is extremely simple. Students can simply need to go to the course provider’s official website and enrol.
- The offline courses are admitted using the standard procedure. Fill out the Cosmetology course application form and apply for the course.
- There are no specific eligibility requirements. Students who have completed the eighth grade may also apply in some cases.
Cosmetology Course Admission Process For Various Academic Levels
The following table highlights the admission process for Cosmetology courses per various academic levels.
| Course Level | Admission Details |
|---|---|
| Diploma and PG Diploma |
|
| Bachelor’s Degree Courses |
|
| Master’s Degree Courses |
|
Cosmetology Courses Fees in India
The average cosmetology course fees may vary according to the type of course chosen. Diploma and certificate courses are comparatively less expensive than degree courses, among which some are free to take. The following table will give you an idea of the average fees for different Cosmetology courses.
| Course Level | Average Fee (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Certificate | 500 to 20,000 |
| Diploma and PG Diploma | 10,000 to 1,50,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 15,000 to 2,00,000 |
| Master’s degree | 20,000 to 2,00,000 |
Career Options After Cosmetology Courses
In India and other countries, the profession of cosmetology has a broad scope. Because of the advancement in lifestyle, cosmetology is a promising career for young people. The basic requirement for practising medical cosmetology is a medical degree from a reputable medical college. Dermatologists with a diploma or master’s degree may also practice medical cosmetology. Following completion of an MBBS degree, aspirants may pursue a training/certification programme to become specialists or trainers. With a General Cosmetology degree, you can work in a salon or a spa. Aspirants can also work in various specialised areas of cosmetology, such as nail technicians (manicures, pedicures, nail art, and so on). Those with a skin treatment license or certificate can work as assistants in a skin clinic.
Jobs After Cosmetology Courses
Candidates who take cosmetology courses have a variety of job opportunities since they learn about chemistry and bacteriology for addressing disorders connected to skin, hair, and other beauty-related issues. Following cosmetology schooling, the following are some job profiles that students may consider opting for to advance their careers:
| Job Profile | Description |
|---|---|
| Spa Therapist | A practitioner with training in providing a variety of health and relaxation treatments at spas and wellness centres is known as a spa therapist. |
| Nail Artist | A nail artist sometimes referred to as a manicurist or nail technician, is a trained specialist in the maintenance and aesthetics of nails. |
| Manicurist | A manicurist is a specialist in nail art and aesthetics, focusing on manicures and pedicures. |
| Hair Stylist | A practitioner with training in the art and science of hair care, styling, and grooming is referred to as a hairstylist or hairdresser. |
| Beauty Consultant | A trained individual who advises and helps clients with skincare, cosmetics, hair care, and general personal grooming is known as a beauty consultant. |
Salary After Cosmetology Courses
The career options available after cosmetology courses are wide and rewarding. If you have the correct skill set and interest in this field, cosmetology jobs can prove to be a good career option for you. The average starting Cosmetology salary can range between INR 3-5 LPA and can increase with years of experience. The following table outlines salary after cosmetology courses:
| Job option | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Hairstylist | 2-3 LPA |
| Fashion show stylist | 4-5 LPA |
| Nail technician | 2-3 LPA |
| Makeup artist | 3-4 LPA |
| Salon sales consultant | 0.5-1 LPA |
| Beauty Therapist | 2-3 LPA |
| Beauty magazine writer | 8-9 LPA |
| Cosmetology instructor | 3-4 LPA |
Top Recruiters for Cosmetology Course Graduates
There are many different job options in the cosmetology industry, and specialists in these professions can work in a variety of sectors. Top employers in cosmetology and beauty culture include wellness centres, cosmetic companies, wellness centres, and beauty academies. The top employers for graduates of cosmetology courses are listed in the table below:
- VLCC
- Unilever
- Sugar
- Shahnaz Husain
- Natures
- Lotus
- Lakme
- L’Oreal
- Herbals
- Habib’s
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Clinique
- Biotique