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Cosmetology is Where Creativity Meets Design

Study hair, nail, makeup, massage, and facial techniques — then put them into practice in a working student salon under the direct supervision of licensed instructors. Our Cosmetology Program, offered exclusively at our Atlanta Buckhead campus, combines technical skill-building with the business training you need to launch a real career in the beauty industry.

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Cosmetology Program

Program at a Glance

1500 Hours

Total Clock Hours

10-15 Months

Typical Completion

Schedule Options

Day, evening & hybrid online schedules available at our Buckhead campus

Industry Tools & Technology

Train with real salon systems like Vish color management, along with industry-leading brands including Redken, Mizani, and Pulp Riot.

Hands-on Experience

Train on real clients in a working student salon

Financial Aid

Flexible financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships available for qualified students.

Hair Design & Advanced Color

Hair Cutting & Shaping
Shampooing & Conditioning
Men’s & Women’s Hair Designs
Hairstyling
Chemical Waving & Relaxing
Tools (shears, clippers, razor, curling iron, blow dryer, etc.)
Hair Coloring and Lightening
Highlighting with Foils
Weaving and Slicing
Balayage Techniques
Basic Barbering
Hair & Scalp Treatments

Skin, Makeup & Nails

Nail Care (manicure, pedicure, acrylics, etc.)
Makeup
Hair Removal
Facials
Waxing
Massage Techniques

Business & Career Training

Health & Safety
Portfolio Building
Salon Orientation, Business Practices & Advanced Topics
Salon Professionalism, State Board + Program Review
And Much More!

Why Choose Elaine Sterling Institute for Your Cosmetology Education?

Our educators are committed to developing each student’s creativity and technical skill through sophisticated, industry-informed training.

Train in a real salon environment with professional tools and products
Go beyond State Board of Cosmetology requirements with a curriculum informed by European beauty traditions and American science
Build a strong foundation across the art, science, and ethics of cosmetology
Access a wide range of academic and career enhancement opportunities
Grow professionally in an environment that values personal development and respect

Students learn through a blend of theory, instructor and guest demonstrations, guided practice, and hands-on clinic experience, giving them a critical advantage entering the industry.

Your Career in Beauty Starts HereSchedule Your Tour!

Hybrid + Traditional Programs Available

Our Cosmetology Program is available as a traditional on-campus program or as a hybrid option, where students complete theory online through CIMA by Milady, a self-paced platform available 24/7 on any device, with live instructor access, real-time grading, and instant feedback.

Elevate Your Learning Experience

Cosmetology students at our Atlanta beauty school learn from reputable educational brands, including:

Qnity: An online financial literacy course for beauty professionals.
L’Oreal Access: Courses by industry leaders covering the latest trends and techniques.
Milady CIMA: Skill-based learning delivered on the CIMA digital platform and via the Milady textbook.

Our structured, high-quality educational experience helps ensure you are well-trained and ready for a professional career.

Envision Your Future Career as a Cosmetologist

Our program gives you a strong foundation in both core and advanced cosmetology skills, along with the professional polish employers look for. You’ll build your portfolio, train in a real-world salon environment, and receive job placement support including resume preparation and employer connections upon graduation.

See What Our Students Have To Say

Lisa Easton

Elaine Sterling has not only been a great instructor, but has continued to lead her students. I now own a medical spa and Elaine continues to provide guidance and clinical advice for me. I appreciate and admire her ambition in this field and look forward to her continued support.

Lisa Easton

Janice Laster

Just wanted to touch base with you and say thank you so much for your classes at TIEGA!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU!!! You are a wonderful educator, knowledgeable and entertaining, especially in the way you teach!! We are looking forward to the GACTE Conference in July! Take care and again thank you very much!

Janice Laster

Cher Clark

Elaine, it was my pleasure to get to know you and have you as my mentor during my time as your student during my introduction to esthetics. Without your expertise and approval I may not have had the confidence I needed to face such a major career change. Thank you so much!

Cher Clark

Marisa Costigan

I am really glad I took the laser class offered at The Elaine Sterling Institute. Elaine’s school is very nice & professional. Tony Stanfill is an excellent instructor and she is very thorough in teaching laser safety and education. I thought there was plenty of hands on experience with the different lasers. After taking the class, I got offered a position at a dermatology practice.

Marisa Costigan

Natasha Harvey

I have really enjoyed Ms. Gina's online class! She is an awesome teacher and breaks down the material for comprehensive and does not overwhelm.

Natasha Harvey

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cosmetology Program

How much is tuition for this program?

Tuition for the Cosmetology program is $19,500. The fee for the kit, books, and supplies is $3,968. Total cost is $23,468.

Tuition for the hybrid online Cosmetology Program is the same.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. You can begin the financial aid process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). We also offer tuition payment plans. Let us know if you have any questions about paying for your beauty education.

Is there a part-time schedule?

Yes, we offer a part-time schedule that meets in the evenings and on Saturdays.

What is the weekly class schedule?

Students in the full-time program attend Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Students in the part-time evening program attend Tuesday through Thursday, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Saturday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

How long does the cosmetology program take to complete?

Full-time students could complete the program in as little as nine months.

Do both school campuses offer cosmetology?

Cosmetology is only offered at our Atlanta Buckhead campus. Our Dunwoody campus is home to programs like Esthetics, Massage Therapy, and Nail Care.

What is included in the student kit?

Cosmetology students receive the following items:

Apple iPad
Milady Cosmetology textbooks
Milady CIMA access
Beautista account
Qnity Financial Literacy platform access
Prosper U Fast Track business curriculum
Vitality Project
State Board Exam Prep portal access
Cosmetology Mannequin Heads
ESI Jacket
Cosmetology Case
Cosmetology styling tools
Elaine Sterling Skincare
Makeup Forever Cosmetics makeup
Makeup application kit
State Board Kit
Client protective wear

Student kits are subject to change.

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How to Enroll in Our Cosmetology Program

Ready for a cosmetology education that supports you from start to finish?

As you explore your educational options at Elaine Sterling Institute, we encourage you to consider our admissions requirements:

Age 17 or older
High school diploma or GED
Valid government ID
Additional docs for VA, international, or M1 visa when applicable

Contact us to begin your enrollment journey! We can help answer your questions, guide you through the admissions process, talk to you about financial aid, and set up a personal tour of our campus.