Licensed Cosmetology Program in Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA
Train in hair, skin, and nail services through the Licensed Cosmetology Program at Aveda Institute Portland. This hands-on program prepares you for state licensure and a career in the beauty industry with structured classroom instruction and supervised salon practice.
Accredited training that meets Oregon and Washington state board licensing requirements. This program is designed to prepare students for state licensure in cosmetology and entry into professional beauty careers.
What Will You Learn in the Cosmetology Program
In the Licensed Cosmetology Program at Aveda Institute Portland, you will learn through hands-on instruction and supervised salon and spa practice at your designated campus in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA. Students develop technical and professional skills for Oregon and Washington state licensing exams and entry-level skincare careers.
Cosmetology Curriculum
The cosmetology curriculum includes hair cutting, styling, coloring, color theory, skincare, nail care, client consultations, and hands-on salon training. Our hybrid program combines instructor-led classes, online coursework, and practical training to prepare students for state board licensing requirements.
Hair Cutting & Styling Training
In our hair cutting & styling courses, learn Aveda-certified haircutting techniques focused on precision and versatility. Training covers haircut design, styling across different hair textures and densities, building practical skills for working with a range of clients in salon settings.
Nails Technician Training
Our nail technician training covers the essentials of manicure, pedicure, and nail care services with an emphasis on nail structure and hygiene. The program includes foundational nail services and gel or shellac applications, preparing you to perform standard treatments in salon and spa settings.
Hair Color Training
Our hair color training teaches Aveda’s color system along with core color theory and application methods. The course covers changing, adjusting, and maintaining hair color, as well as basic chemical services such as perms and relaxers used in salon environments.
Esthetician Training
Esthetician Training includes hands-on instruction in lash extensions, brow lamination, and lash lifts. Learn skin analysis, facial treatments, and body hair removal techniques to provide esthetic services focused on skin care, hygiene, and client treatment procedures.
Learn from Experienced Cosmetology Educators
At Aveda Institute Portland, cosmetology students learn from licensed beauty professionals with real-world salon and industry experience. Our educators provide Instructor-led practice, demonstrations, mentorship, and feedback designed to help students build confidence and technical skills throughout the program.
Meet Some of Our Cosmetology Educators!
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Brian Cline, Cosmetology Instructor |
Chelsea Hof, Cosmetology Instructor |
Cosmetology Program Cost and Enrollment Information
The Cosmetology Program at Aveda Institute Portland is designed to meet state licensing requirements in both Oregon and Washington. Program length and tuition vary by state, with Oregon requiring 1,835 hours and Washington requiring 1,600 hours of training. Total program costs include tuition, registration fees, and student kit fees, providing the tools and education needed for hands-on cosmetology training. A $20 application fee applies for all applicants
Total Cost of Attendance details can be found here: COA Budget.
Career Outcomes
- Graduate with hands-on salon and spa experience
- Prepare for state licensure examinations
- Access career placement assistance
- Learn from industry professionals
- Build a professional portfolio
Category: |
Oregon |
Washington |
| Hours: | 1835 | 1600 |
| Total cost: | $23,900 | $20,800 |
| Inclusions: |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
Registration fee, kit fee, and tuition |
| Application Fee: | $20 | $20 |
Training is available at both our Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington campuses. Students train in a professional salon and spa environment with licensed instructors.
What Career Paths are in the Beauty Industry?
Career paths in the industry include opportunities for graduates eligible to apply for Oregon and Washington state cosmetology licensing exams. After licensure, graduates can work in salons, spas, media, education, or independent beauty services and related professional roles.
Licensed Cosmetology Careers:
- Salon Stylist
- Salon Owner
- Salon Manager
- Master Stylist
- Color Specialist
- Hair Extension Specialist
- Curly Hair Specialist
- Bridal Stylist
- Personal Stylist
- Makeup Artist
- Lash and Brow Specialist
- Fashion, Runway, and Event Stylist
- Film, Television, and Theatre Stylist
- Editorial and Advertising Stylist
- Brand Educator / Platform Artist
- Independent / Freelance Beauty Professional
Cosmetology Program FAQs
Have questions about the cosmetology program? Get answers about curriculum, scheduling, hybrid learning, salon training, enrollment, and licensing requirements. Book a tour to meet with a representative and learn more. Review our Admissions Process before your visit.
How long is the Cosmetology program?
The Cosmetology program requires 1835 hours in Oregon and 1600 hours in Washington to meet state licensing requirements. Program length will also depend on your full time or part time status. During your admissions appointment, we'll review the required training hours, scheduling options, and expected graduation timeline.
What can you do with a Cosmetology license?
Graduates are eligible for licensure in the state where they completed training in entry-level careers as hairstylists, color specialists, salon professionals, makeup artists, salon managers, educators, or platform artists. Many also continue building specialized skills as their careers grow.
Do I need experience to enroll in beauty school?
No. Our program is designed for beginners as well as individuals looking to start a new career. You'll learn foundational techniques before advancing to more specialized services.
Is cosmetology the right career path for me?
f you enjoy creativity, working with people, and helping others look and feel their best, cosmetology may be an excellent career choice. Cosmetologists develop skills in hair, skincare, makeup, and professional client care, creating opportunities in a variety of beauty settings. To learn more about whether a beauty career aligns with your interests, read our blog, Three Signs Beauty May Be the Right Career Path for You.
What skills will I learn in the Cosmetology program?
Students learn haircutting, hair coloring, texture services, styling, skincare fundamentals, makeup application, nail care basics, sanitation practices, guest consultation, retail knowledge, and business skills needed for a successful beauty career.
How much hands-on salon experience will I receive?
Students begin by developing their technical skills in the classroom before progressing to supervised guest services in the student salon. This hands-on experience helps prepare graduates for licensure and professional salon environments.
Will I work with professional Aveda products during training?
Yes. Throughout the program, students train with Aveda's professional hair care, color, skincare, and styling products. Learning with salon-quality products helps prepare students for careers in professional salon environments.
What is a typical day like in the Cosmetology program?
Each day combines classroom learning with hands-on practice. Depending on your stage in the program, you may participate in demonstrations, practice technical services, work with salon guests, or develop consultation and business skills under educator supervision.
Can I specialize after graduating from cosmetology school?
Yes. Many graduates continue their education through advanced classes or specialize in areas such as hair color, extensions, texture services, bridal styling, barbering, makeup artistry, or salon leadership.