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By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent under the E-Sign Act without obligation for Fortis’s parent company, Education Affiliates Inc, to contact you at any time regarding Fortis’s educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or recurring text messages, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. Message and data rates apply. Call and message frequency may vary. Consent is not required to enroll. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes. You may opt out of recurring text messages at any time by replying STOP or reply HELP for assistance. For more details, please see our mobile Terms and Conditions, our Privacy Policy, or you can contact an Admissions Advisor.
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By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent under the E-Sign Act without obligation for Fortis’s parent company, Education Affiliates Inc, to contact you at any time regarding Fortis’s educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or recurring text messages, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. Message and data rates apply. Call and message frequency may vary. Consent is not required to enroll. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes. You may opt out of recurring text messages at any time by replying STOP or reply HELP for assistance. For more details, please see our mobile Terms and Conditions, our Privacy Policy, or you can contact an Admissions Advisor.
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By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent under the E-Sign Act without obligation for Fortis’s parent company, Education Affiliates Inc, to contact you at any time regarding Fortis’s educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or recurring text messages, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. Message and data rates apply. Call and message frequency may vary. Consent is not required to enroll. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes. You may opt out of recurring text messages at any time by replying STOP or reply HELP for assistance. For more details, please see our mobile Terms and Conditions, our Privacy Policy, or you can contact an Admissions Advisor.
About
At FORTIS, students are provided the skills and training needed to enter careers in industries that have employment opportunity over time. What industries you ask? FORTIS offers career education and training programs in the nursing, healthcare, medical, dental, business, information technology, skilled trades, massage and cosmetology career fields.
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How to Become a Cosmetologist
How to Become a Cosmetologist
General EducationJanuary 12, 2026
You love watching beauty transformation videos. You wish you knew how to guide a person through that transformation, being the one that helped your client walk out of a salon more confident and satisfied than when they walked in. Sounds like you may already have the heart of a cosmetologist.
Turning your passion for beauty into a career doesn’t require a four-year degree or extensive time waiting to get started. Whether you dream of working in a salon, launching your own business, or becoming the go-to expert for hair, skincare, nails or makeup, a career as a cosmetologist can empower you with the skills, confidence, and flexibility to shape a career that fits your lifestyle.
Let’s walk through how to become a cosmetologist:
Meet the Age and Education Requirements
Most cosmetology programs require you to be at least 16 and to have a high school diploma or GED to apply. However, every state has different regulations and requirements for cosmetology students. the cosmetology program at Fortis Colleges and Institutes requires you to be at least 17 year of age at the start of your studies.
Enroll in a State-Licensed Cosmetology Program
The next step is to enroll in a state-licensed beauty school, job skills beauty schools or degree-granting beauty school. Here you will acquire an in-depth understanding of the skills necessary to learn haircutting, creative hair styling, coloring, modern nail technology, skin care, chemistry, facials and salon management. You also gain the interpersonal skills needed to attract and maintain clientele.
Graduate from Cosmetology School
The “beauty” of cosmetology is that most programs only take between 9-15 months to complete. At Fortis, you will earn a diploma in 60 weeks, which includes classroom lectures and discussions, small group learning, and time spent being trained in a supervised student salon clinic, participating in and performing actual cosmetology services with clients from the general public.
Pass the State Licensing State
All 50 states require cosmetology graduates to take and pass a licensing examination. Each applicant has to pass written questions and practical testing in skin care, applying makeup and hair care. Fortis provides students with extensive examination prep, including administering mock-exams to ensure they are set up for success.
Along with being a rewarding career, having a cosmetology license opens up countless career opportunities. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, submit the “Request Information” form on this page and our career advisor will reach out to discuss opportunities with you.
