Licensed Cosmetology Program in Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA
What You'll Learn | Program Overview | Program Costs | Financial Aid | Career Opportunities | Cosmetology FAQs | Explore Other Programs
Aveda Institute Portland's Cosmetology Program prepares students for careers in hair, skincare, makeup, and nail services through professional training, hands-on salon experience, and state licensing preparation. Students can attend in Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, with curriculum designed to meet Oregon and Washington licensing requirements.
Aveda Institute Portland is a NACCAS-accredited institution offering Cosmetology programs designed to prepare students to meet Oregon or Washington state licensing requirements.
What Will You Learn in the Cosmetology Program
In the Licensed Cosmetology Program at Aveda Institute Portland, you will learn through in-person instruction and supervised salon and spa practice at your designated campus in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA. Students develop the technical and professional skills needed for Oregon and Washington state licensing exams and entry-level careers in the beauty industry.
Cosmetology Program Curriculum
The cosmetology curriculum includes hair cutting, styling, coloring, color theory, skincare, nail care, client consultations, and guest services 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.
Nail 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.
Skincare & Esthetics
Esthetician Training includes practical training 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.
Our educators are licensed beauty professionals with salon experience who mentor students throughout classroom instruction and supervised guest services.
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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.
What's included in the cost of the Cosmetology program?
Program costs include tuition, registration fees, and a student kit. The total cost is $23,900 for the Oregon program and $20,800 for the Washington program. A $20 application fee also applies. 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 |
Can I Get Financial Aid for Cosmetology School?
Financial aid may be available to eligible students to help cover the cost of cosmetology school. Aveda Institute Portland participates in federal financial aid programs for students who qualify. The types and amount of aid you may receive depend on your eligibility and individual circumstances. Contact our Financial Aid team to learn about available options and the application process.
What Can I Do With a Cosmetology License?
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?
If 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.
How much does the Cosmetology program cost?
Program costs vary by campus. The Oregon Cosmetology program is $23,900, while the Washington Cosmetology program is $20,800. These costs include tuition, registration fees, and the student kit. A $20 application fee also applies.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for cosmetology school?
Financial aid is available to eligible students who qualify. The types and amount of aid you may receive depend on your individual eligibility and circumstances. Our Financial Aid team can help you understand FAFSA, scholarships, grants, payment plans, and financing options available for your education.
Phone: (503) 294-6000 ext 382
Email: [email protected]
Contact Niki Sparks, Director of Finance, to discuss your options and get personalized assistance with the application process.
Cosmetology vs. Hair Design vs. Esthiology
Not sure which program is the best fit for you? Cosmetology covers a broad range of beauty services, including hair, skincare, and nails. Hair Design focuses on cutting, styling, and hair color, while Esthiology focuses on skincare, facials, hair removal, and other esthetic services. Explore our other programs to find the path that matches your interests and career goals.
Hair Design Program | Esthilogy Program
Want to learn more about what sets Aveda Institute Portland apart? Explore what makes our beauty education experience different.
Last updated: July 2026
Reviewed by: Aveda Institute Portland Team