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Hair Styling and Design: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Specialized training in hair styling and design equips individuals with the technical expertise and creative insight needed to excel in the dynamic field of personal grooming and beauty. This comprehensive program emphasizes both artistic expression and professional standards, preparing students for licensure as skilled cosmetologists, hairdressers, or barbers across diverse settings.

  • Hair design theory and concepts: Explores foundational principles of form, balance, proportion, and trend forecasting to guide creative hair styling and visual presentation.
  • Hair anatomy and physiology: Provides in-depth understanding of hair structure, growth cycles, and scalp health to inform safe and effective styling and treatment practices.
  • Hair coloring and chemical applications: Covers the science and technique behind color formulation, toning, highlights, and permanent wave processes, including safety protocols.
  • Scalp health and disease management: Focuses on identifying common scalp conditions and implementing appropriate treatments to support overall hair wellness.
  • Hair cutting and styling techniques: Develops proficiency in precision cutting, texturizing, layering, and styling methods for various hair types and client needs.
  • Hair braiding and extension application: Teaches advanced braiding patterns, knotting techniques, and integration of extensions for protective and decorative styling.
  • Wig and hairpiece fitting: Trains students in selecting, customizing, and fitting prosthetic hair systems to achieve natural, client-specific results.
  • Customer service and client consultation: Builds interpersonal skills for assessing client needs, managing expectations, and delivering personalized service experiences.
  • Health, safety, and sanitation protocols: Ensures compliance with hygiene standards and safety regulations to maintain a professional and secure salon environment.
  • Shop management and industry regulations: Introduces operational fundamentals, including scheduling, inventory control, billing, and adherence to local and state licensing laws.

Hair Styling and Design Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

1,386
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
90
Universities & Colleges
2
Career Pathways

Hair Styling and Design Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hair Styling and Design degrees, including Barbers and Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 313,560 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Barbers 39-5011 $38,960 $27,770 - $78,440 18,100 $18.73
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists 39-5012 $35,250 $24,580 - $70,220 295,460 $16.95

Hair Styling and Design Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $25,575 in Arkansas to $75,210 in District of Columbia—a 194% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Washington, and Iowa. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 313,560 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Hair Styling and Design by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 90 institutions offering Hair Styling and Design programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Hair Styling and Design is found at Futura Career Institute (216 graduates), Parisian Beauty School (204 graduates), Clarendon College (100 graduates), Penrose Academy (60 graduates), and Shear Excellence Hair Academy (54 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,386 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Futura Career Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
216 Hialeah, Florida Private futuracareerinstitute.net
Parisian Beauty School
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
204 Hackensack, New Jersey Private paulmitchell.edu
Clarendon College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
100 Clarendon, Texas Public clarendoncollege.edu
Penrose Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
60 Scottsdale, Arizona Private penrose.edu
Shear Excellence Hair Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
54 Tampa, Florida Private shearexcell.edu
Northland Pioneer College (NPC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
44 Holbrook, Arizona Public npc.edu
Century College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
26 San Juan, Puerto Rico Private centurycollege.edu
Studio Academy of Beauty
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
26 Chandler, Arizona Private tsaob.com
NUC University (NUC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
25 Bayamon, Puerto Rico Private nuc.edu
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC)
Other Award
24 Fayetteville, North Carolina Public faytechcc.edu
Mountainland Technical College (MTECH)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
24 Lehi, Utah Public mtec.edu
TIGI Hairdressing Academy (TIGI)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
24 Guilford, Connecticut Private tigiguilford.edu
Academy of Hair Design
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
22 Las Vegas, Nevada Private ahdvegas.com
Salon Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
22 Toledo, Ohio Private saloninstitute.edu
Johnny Matthew's Hairdressing Training School
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
22 Salem, Oregon Private johnnymatthews.com
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
21 West Jordan, Utah Private taylorandrew.com
Boca Beauty Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
20 Boca Raton, Florida Private bocabeautyacademy.edu
Phagans School of Hair Design
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
18 Happy Valley, Oregon Private phagans.com
Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
17 Denver, Colorado Private avedainspiregreatness.com
Phagans Central Oregon Beauty College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
16 Bend, Oregon Private phagans-schools.com
The Barber School
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
16 Midvale, Utah Private thebarberschool.com
Emma's Beauty Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
15 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico Private emmasbeautyacademy.net
Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
14 Portland, Oregon Private avedapdx.com
Summit Salon Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
13 Tigard, Oregon Private summitsalonacademyportland.com
Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
13 Tempe, Arizona Private avedainspiregreatness.com
Cameo College of Essential Beauty
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
12 Murray, Utah Private cameocollege.com
Davis Technical College (DATC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
12 Kaysville, Utah Public davistech.edu
Clarksburg Beauty Academy and School of Massage Therapy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
12 Clarksburg, West Virginia Private clarksburgbeautyacademywv.com
Huntington School of Beauty Culture
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
12 Huntington, West Virginia Private huntingtonschoolofbeauty.com
Keune Academy by 124
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
12 Lawrenceville, Georgia Private keuneacademyby124.edu
Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
12 Provo, Utah Private taylorandrew.com
Phagans Grants Pass College of Beauty
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
11 Grants Pass, Oregon Private phagans-schools.com
Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
11 Holladay, Utah Private paulmitchell.edu
Trenz Beauty Academy
Other Award
11 Calumet City, Illinois Private trenzbeautyacademy.com
Academy of Cosmetology
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
10 Merritt Island, Florida Private academyofcosmetology.edu
Northwest College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
10 Springfield, Oregon Private nwcollege.edu
Beau Monde Academy of Barbering and Cosmetology
Other Award
10 Portland, Oregon Private beaumondeacademy.com
Victoria's Academy of Cosmetology
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
9 Kennewick, Washington Private victoriasacademy.edu
Aveda Institute Portland
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
8 Vancouver, Washington Private avedapdx.com
MAK Beauty Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
8 Cumming, Georgia Private makbeautyinstitute.com
Eastern Arizona College (EAC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
7 Thatcher, Arizona Public eac.edu
MTI College (MTI)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
7 Sacramento, California Private campus.edu
Phagans Beauty College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
7 Corvallis, Oregon Private phagans-schools.com
Emma's Beauty Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
7 Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico Private ebajuanadiaz.com
Daytona College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
7 Ormond Beach, Florida Private daytonacollege.edu
United Beauty College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
7 Denver, Colorado Private ubcdenver.edu
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)
Other Award
6 Appleton, Wisconsin Public fvtc.edu
GateWay Community College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
6 Phoenix, Arizona Public gatewaycc.edu
Tigi Hairdressing Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
6 Colorado Springs, Colorado Private tigihairdressingacademy.com
Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
6 Colorado Springs, Colorado Private paulmitchell.edu
Barber and Beauty Academy of Pennsylvania
Other Award
6 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Private barberandbeautyacademyofpa.com
Olympian Academy of Cosmetology
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
5 LAS CRUCES, New Mexico Private olympianacademy.edu
Phagans Medford Beauty School
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
5 Medford, Oregon Private phagans-schools.com
Liceo de Arte-Dise-O y Comercio
Other Award
5 Caguas, Puerto Rico Private liceocaguas.com
Pineville Beauty School
Residency
4 Pineville, Louisiana Private pinevillebeauty.com
Northwest College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
4 Happy Valley, Oregon Private nwcollege.edu
International Beauty School 4
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
4 Martinsburg, West Virginia Private theinternationalbeautyschool.com
Brown Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
4 Strongsville, Ohio Private brownaveda.com
Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Bel Air, Maryland Private avedainstitutemd.edu
The Spa School
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Columbus, Ohio Private salonschools.ohiostate.edu
College of Hair Design Careers (CHDC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Salem, Oregon Private collegeofhairdesigncareers.com
Phagans School of Beauty
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Salem, Oregon Private phagans-schools.com
Ohio State School of Cosmetology (OSSC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Heath, Ohio Private salonschools.ohiostate.edu
Tucson College of Beauty (TCOB)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Tucson, Arizona Private tucsoncollegeofbeauty.com
Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Provo, Utah Private avedainstituteprovo.com
Renaissance Academie
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Provo, Utah Private race.edu
Northwest College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Medford, Oregon Private nwcollege.edu
IBS School of Cosmetology and Massage
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
3 Kahului, Hawaii Private ibs-hi.com
Winonah's International School of Cosmetology
Residency
3 Hoover, Alabama Private winonah.net
Celebrity Stylist Beauty School
Other Award
2 Monroe, Louisiana Private celebritystylistbeautyschool.com
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC)
Other Award
2 Morganton, North Carolina Public wpcc.edu
Ohio State School of Cosmetology
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio Private salonschools.ohiostate.edu
Northwest College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Beaverton, Oregon Private nwcollege.edu
Everett Community College (EvCC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Everett, Washington Public everettcc.edu
Charleston School of Beauty Culture
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Charleston, West Virginia Private wvcsbc.net
Morgantown Beauty College Inc
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Morgantown, West Virginia Private morgantownbeautycollege.edu
Eastern Wyoming College (EWC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Torrington, Wyoming Public ewc.wy.edu
Cheeks Beauty Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Cheyenne, Wyoming Private cheeksusa.com
Cheeks Beauty Academy
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Loveland, Colorado Private cheeksusa.com
Turning Point Beauty College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Chandler, Arizona Private turningpointbeauty.com
Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Albuquerque, New Mexico Private paulmitchell.edu
Sierra Academy of Style
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
2 Carson City, Nevada Private sascarsoncity.com
Northern Michigan University (NMU)
Other Award
1 Marquette, Michigan Public nmu.edu
Laurel Business Institute (LBI)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Uniontown, Pennsylvania Private laurel.edu
International Academy of Style
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Reno, Nevada Private internationalacademyofstyle.com
Northwest College
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Tualatin, Oregon Private nwcollege.edu
Aveda Institute
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Tucson, Arizona Private avedainstitutetucson.com
Bonnie Joseph Academy of Cosmetology & Barbering
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Heber City, Utah Private bonniejosephacademy.edu
International Beauty Education Center (IBEC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Airway Heights, Washington Private spokanebeautyschool.com
Zorganics Institute of Beauty and Wellness
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
1 Bellingham, Washington Private zorganicsinstitute.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Hair Styling and Design programs

How much can I earn with a Hair Styling and Design degree?

Salaries for Hair Styling and Design graduates vary by role and location. Barbers earn a median of $38,960 annually, while Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn around $35,250. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $75,210 compared to $25,575 in Arkansas. Approximately 313,560 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Hair Styling and Design programs?

Currently 90 accredited institutions offer Hair Styling and Design degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Futura Career Institute (216 graduates), Parisian Beauty School (204 graduates), and Clarendon College (100 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Hair Styling and Design growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,481 in 2010 to 1,386 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

What career paths are available with a Hair Styling and Design degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Barbers, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, . Related occupations employ approximately 313,560 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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