Nowadays, both women and men are interested in protecting and beautifying their skin, which has also been reflected in the revenue made. In fact, Statista reported that the skincare industry made a worldwide revenue of US$168.6 billion in 2022 and it’s expected to increase to US$210.7 billion by 2028.
This has made the demand for estheticians and skin care specialists soar exceedingly high.
Amazingly there are a handful of the best esthetician schools in Colorado that will not only prepare you for the licensure exam but also the career that lies ahead. Colorado has shown us that the role of estheticians has exceeded the usual beautification but also involves optimal skin health. You won’t only find this in CO, but also in Illinois, Texas, New York, California, etc.
In this guide, we won’t only list the schools, but will first enlighten you on how long it will take to complete, what it will cost, and how to become an esthetician in Colorado. Let’s get started
How Long Is an Esthetician Program in Colorado
To meet the requirement set by the Colorado State Board of Cosmetology, you need to complete a 600-hour esthetics program, and this can take between 6 to 9 months depending on the school. Some schools extend further to deeper topics which can take an extra 300 to 600 hours (3 to 6 months).
What Does it Cost to Enroll in the Esthetician Schools in CO?
It all depends on the school and the length of your program. In general, tuition ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 which doesn’t include other expenses like books, transportation, kits, etc.
Other expenses are moderately low, ranging between $500 to $1,000.
How to Become an Esthetician in Colorado
Here are some steps to follow to become a licensed esthetician in Colorado;
- You need to enroll and complete an esthetician training in Colorado, which must be a minimum of 600 hours.
- After the program, you need to sit and pass the Colorado esthetician licensure exams administered by the Colorado State Board of Cosmetology.
- After you’ve passed the exam you are now ready to apply for an esthetician license.
- Finally, start working.
Even though you’ve gotten your license, you shouldn’t stop learning so as to remain relevant to the latest trends in the industry.
Pro Tip: Estheticians who work in salons and spas typically earn more than those who work in medical offices.
Best Esthetician Schools in Colorado
1. Avalon School of Cosmetology
One of the things that made Avalon School of Cosmetology among the best esthetician training in Colorado is that they always prioritize their students and their success. Students will also receive hands-on experience thereby working with real clients under the supervision of licensed professionals.
- Location
- 2231 S Peoria Street Aurora, CO 80014
2. Emily Griffith Technical College
This is among the best esthetician schools in Colorado that will teach you how to analyze a client’s skin, discuss treatments, apply makeup, and recommend skincare products amongst other advanced lessons. You can complete the program within 5 months if you intend to apply as a full-time student but 10 months for part-time, and it will cost you $4,478.
- Location
- 1860 Lincoln St. Denver, CO 80203
3. International Salon and Spa Academy
ISSA offers one of the best esthetician programs in Colorado that can be completed in less than 6 months and you’ll receive the right foundation to begin your career in Skin Care services. In the esthetics program, you’ll be focusing on Facials, Body Detox, Spa Treatments, Client Consultations, Makeup Application, Skin Care Analysis, Makeovers, Eyelash Extensions, Eyelash Lift & Tint, etc.
- Location
- 5707 N Academy Boulevard Colorado Springs, CO 80918
4. The Salon Professional Academy
At the TSPA Colorado Springs, you’ll be focusing your esthetics training on skin care, hair removal, and make-up techniques using state-of-the-art professional equipment. You’ll even go further to learn the business and marketing aspects of skincare, making them among the best esthetician schools in Colorado.
- Location
- 4388 Austin Bluffs Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO 80918
5. Cheeks International Academy of Beauty Culture
This skin care school provides 600 hours of an esthetic program where you’ll be spending 210 hours on facial and skin care, 30 hours on facial makeup, and 90 hours will be spent learning hair removal. 30 hours on the necessary laws, rules, and regulations, another 30 hours on Management, ethics, interpersonal skills, & salesmanship, and then the remaining 210 hours on Disinfection, sanitation, & safe work practices.
- Location
- 5010 Granite St Loveland, CO 80538
6. Trinidad State College
Curriculum, and skin care training provided by Trinidad State College are designed to prepare you for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure examination, and a promising career.
- Locations
- 1011 Main Street Alamosa, CO 81101
- 600 Prospect Street Trinidad, CO 81082
7. Pickens Technical College
This is among the top esthetician schools in Colorado that will prepare you from the fundamentals to advanced topics like professional make-up, facial massage, exfoliation treatment, aromatherapy, nutrition, etc. Of course, you’ll also learn salon business.
It’s also one of the cosmetology schools in Colorado that prepares students in haircuts, color treatments, perms, styling, etc.
- Location
- 500 Airport Blvd, Aurora, CO 80011, United States
8. Aveda Institute
Just like other best esthiology schools in CO on our list, at Aveda Institute, you’ll be learning about skin care, facials, body treatments, hair removal, makeup application, business development, wellness, and retail knowledge. Their reputation precedes them, which makes it easy for their students to work in some of the top spas in the country.
- Location
- 801 Kalamath St Denver, CO 80204
9. Stacey James Institute
This is among the best esthetician schools in Colorado which is proudly accredited by the National Association of Accredited Cosmetology Schools and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. Stacey James Institute provides a 600-hour esthetics course where you’ll be moving from theoretical knowledge to some fundamental skills like skincare treatments, hair removal techniques, etc.
- Location
- 8555 West Belleview Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123
10. Elevate Salon Institute
Elevate Salon Institute provides an esthetics/aesthetics program with state-of-the-art professional equipment. Where you’ll learn the artistry of makeup application, and the business and marketing aspects of skincare, which includes the skills of using social media to boost your earning potential.
- Location
- 6775 W 88th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031
Potential Career for Estheticians in Colorado
- Spa, clinical, or medical esthetician
- Facialist
- Brand Ambassador
- Lead esthetician
- Wellness Center Esthetician
- Skincare specialist
- Skincare technician
- Freelance Esthetician
- Skincare therapist
- Spa technician
- Spa manager or owner
- Educator
- Esthetic Consultant
- Sales/product representative
- Cruise Ship Esthetician
Key Takeaway
Colorado is amongst the states known for high-quality esthetician schools, whether it’s providing the right theoretical knowledge or supervising their students to practice on real clients to gain the hands-on experience they need. These best esthetician schools in Colorado won’t only prepare you for the state exam for your license, but for you to have a fulfilling career, which is most important.
