District of Columbia Cosmetology and Beauty Schools

The District of Columbia is one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the United States! It’s home to thousands upon thousands of important legislators, lawyers, politicians, and other people in high-powered positions. If you’ve ever been interested in starting a cosmetology career in an area with lots of high-end salons and busy clients, a beauty career in Washington DC is the next step for you.

Washington DC licenses almost every beauty profession. Depending on your interests, skills, and prior experience, you might consider becoming a cosmetologist, barber, hair braider, esthetician, nail technician, or another beauty specialist.

Ready to jump right in and start serving the people of Washington DC? Check out different program options below to get started.

All Beauty Programs in District of Columbia

Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

Audrey Bethards Hair and Makeup

Washington, DC

Make-Up Artist Training / Hair Design

Bennett Career Institute – Accredited

Washington, DC

Cosmetology / Esthetics/Skin Care / Barbering / Make-Up Artist Training / Hair Braiding / Teacher Training / Salon Management

Dudley Beauty College - Washington – Accredited

Washington, DC

Cosmetology / Nail Technology / Teacher Training

School Accreditation

You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.

Education Requirements for Beauty Programs in District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, beauty professions are regulated by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. However, most of your testing and paperwork actually goes through Pearson VUE.

Training requirements are based on the career you decide to pursue. You need 1500 hours of education to become a cosmetologist or barber. Hair braiders must complete a 100-hour program. To go into esthetics or electrolysis, you can go through a 600-hour class. Training requirements for nail technicians include 350 hours of education.

There are some topics that are required in any cosmetology or beauty program, including:

– Personal hygiene
– Ethics and salesmanship
– Courtesy, professional conduct, and District of Columbia law
– Anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, electricity, chemistry, and pathology

Other classes you take are decided by the type of program you are enrolled in. In different specialties, you get to explore skills like:

– Manicuring/pedicuring
– Shampooing
– Chemical straightening and curling
– Scalp treatments
– Styling and cutting
– Facials
– Shaving and beard trimming
– Artificial nails
– Massage
– Microdermabrasion

After you have finished the training portion of the licensing process, you can go on to take your licensing exams and submit your applications. When you sign up to take your exams and get your license, you must pay a range of fees. For most beauty specialties, the total amount due is $230.

Working as a Beauty Professional in District of Columbia

There are lots of things you can do to set yourself up for success in your new career. Making a name for yourself is important. This includes networking with other beauty professionals as well as potential clients. You might maintain social media profiles to showcase your work and your skills, attend local training and networking events, and take advantage of other professional resources. The Professional Beauty Federation is headquartered in Washington DC. Members can meet other beauty professionals and have a voice in laws that affect the industry. Events and shows occur throughout the year, including the O*Net, 2015). Job openings may swell 18% by the year 2022 (O*Net, 2015).

Washington DC is the perfect place to start a new beauty career. You can learn from the best in the industry and be part of decisions that affect cosmetology professionals across the country.

Request information on program options and start dates with our list of beauty schools in Washington DC below.

The District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology

The District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology practice regulates licensing for barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians. All specialties require applicants take and pass the relevant written and practical examinations for their field.

List of Schools in District of Columbia by Program

Barber:

1500 hours classroom education
Age minimum 18
Possess high school diploma or GED
Passing grade on written and practical exams

Barber Instructor:

Hold Barber’s License for minimum of 6 months
Complete 1000-hour instructor course
Pass D.C. barber instructor exam

Cosmetologist:

1500 hours class room training
Age minimum 17 years
Possess 10th grade education
Passing grade on written and practical exams OR

Apprenticeship consisting of:

500 classroom hours
2000 hours training with licensed cosmetologist over 12-24 months
Passing grade on written and practical exams

Nail Technician:

350 classroom education hours
Passing grade on written and practical exams

Esthetician:

500 hours classroom education
Passing grade on written and practical exams

Master Esthetician:

Possess basic esthetician license and training
600 hour Master Esthetician course

Instructors in Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Esthetician, and Master Esthetician:

Hold license in field for at least six months
Complete 1000-hour instructor course
Pass District of Columbia instructor exam for chosen specialty