Sierra DawsonSuccess in the beauty industry begins with excellent training. From recent graduates to career-changers, finding the best beauty school in Denver is your essential first step.
While choosing between them can feel a bit overwhelming, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you by researching the best programs. This will help you map out your future in everything from fundamental cosmetology to advanced esthetics.
How much does attending a beauty school cost in Denver?
Transitioning into your new career means budgeting for tuition, which typically ranges from roughly $7,000 for specialized esthetics to over $25,000 for premier full cosmetology programs.
| Program Type / Institution | Estimated Tuition Cost |
| Specialized Esthetics Programs | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Technical Colleges (e.g., Emily Griffith) | ~$12,175 |
| Premier Institutions (e.g., Paul Mitchell) | $23,000 – $23,950 |
| Full Cosmetology Programs | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
1. Aveda Institute Denver
Website: https://avedainspiregreatness.com/denver-campus/
Address: 801 Kalamath St
Contact: (303) 567-7500 | (303) 578-1970
Hours:
- Monday, Friday, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you dream of working at high-end salons, aligning yourself with a massive global brand is a very smart move. Aveda Institute Denver gives you immediate access to a network of over 8,000 locations worldwide.
I recently spoke with a former student who mentioned how quickly she built her confidence by working with real clients in their salon-style clinic early in her training.
You also get the chance to apply for exclusive opportunities like London Fashion Week to really boost your portfolio.
Just keep in mind that this prestige comes at a high financial cost, as tuition is higher than at local community colleges. The training also focuses heavily on their own product lines, so you might need an adjustment period if you eventually work elsewhere.
Customer Reviews:
I had such a wonderful experience at this hair school!
I had such a wonderful experience at this hair school! Dakota was absolutely fantastic! She did an amazing job on my highlights and styled my hair beautifully. She made a small mistake during the process but communicated clearly, took full ownership, and fixed it right away, which I really appreciated. Her professionalism and transparency made me feel so comfortable, and my hair turned out amazing. The services were extremely affordable, and everyone in the salon was so kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend!
- Lars Star | Google Review
I am forever grateful
I started school for esthetics here in September of this year, 10/10 experience thus far! My current instructor is Vanity H. she is the most amazing human I’ve ever met, and I am forever grateful to have learned what I did from her. She is knowledgeable, and will hold you accountable so you can succeed. I definitely recommend if you are looking for an amazing school to go to.
- Ashley N | Google Review
2. Paul Mitchell The School Denver
Website: https://paulmitchell.edu/denver
Address: 405 South Teller Street, School Lakewood
Contact: (303) 233-1733 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Walking into your first day and being treated like a professional peer really sets a powerful tone for your career.
Paul Mitchell The School Denver treats every student like a working professional from day one, a strategy that clearly works since every graduate passes their state licensing exams.
Here, graduates have access to a massive global network of over 50,000 salons. This gives you a major advantage when you start job hunting.
Plus, their digital platform lets you find assignments and technical videos anytime.
While the clinic area guarantees a steady stream of diverse guests for hands-on practice, the program’s focus is mostly on general cosmetology. Because of this, the curriculum might feel a bit broad if you only want a specialized barbering or nail license.
Customer Reviews:
Very Impressed!
I don’t do facials or any skin care and was very surprised at the knowledge that my daughter has now as a student at Paul Mitchell. She educated me on how everything is and also is very excited to be in the program. She was vey professional and had support from her instructor when she had a question. Very Impressed!!!!!
- Henry Pawlak | Google Review
Absolutely love going to school here
Absolutely love going to school here, everyone is amazing and the learning leaders are so knowledgeable and are able to teach you the way that you learn! It’s so much fun and I’ve already had so many amazing things happen for me and the career I’m going into, and I’m only halfways done! Time goes by so fast because we are always doing something! The environment is so inviting, it truly feels like a family!!!
- Marsha Martinez | Google Review
3. Accent Beauty Academy, LLC
Website: http://accentbeautyacademy.com/
Address: 1660 S Albion St Ste 1026
Contact: (720) 325-8080
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
It’s quite rare to find an instructor who can balance clinical safety with artistic skill, but Accent Beauty Academy does exactly that. A Registered Nurse with a teaching degree leads the curriculum, so you know you’re getting a medically sound education.
I recently spoke with a graduate who loved the comprehensive fundamentals course. She mentioned that it covers all four core techniques without charging extra for separate modules.
This deep dive into advanced Eastern European methods makes graduates highly competitive when applying to highly regarded aesthetic clinics around the state.
However, you have to find your own live models for the practical exams. This can be a bit stressful if you don’t have a large local network to help you out, but the high level of training makes the effort worthwhile.
Customer Reviews:
Classes are fun and I’ve really enjoyed my time here!
Couldn’t of had a better experience at Accent Beauty Academy! I am so happy I choose to learn with Alesya. She’s a terrific educator and an amazing artist. I feel very fortunate to have been able to learn from her and I know that she will always be there for me in the future. Classes are fun and I’ve really enjoyed my time here! You would be crazy to not choose Alesya to learn from!
- Jessie Laney Google Review
My experience has been nothing but positive
I’m currently attending Accent Academy for permanent makeup course. It has been a very educational 5 weeks so far. Lots of information and great tips for performing professional permanent makeup on clients. It is a lot of information so make sure you come ready to learn! Alesya is a very through instructor and I’ve had the pleasure learning under her. My experience has been nothing but positive here and I’m eager to continue my esthetics career and expand in the PMU world.
- Nikki Cox Google Review
4. School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics
Website: https://schoolofba.com/
Address: 1221 Galapago Street
Contact: (303) 623-3121 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Merging natural skincare with clinical treatments gives you a real edge in today’s crowded job market.
The School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics does a great job of bridging those two philosophies by teaching everything from gentle herbal compresses to advanced chemical peels.
This dual approach ensures you’re ready for any work environment, whether you want to help doctors with Botox aftercare or work in a serene day spa.
One of the best parts of this program is its exclusive local internship. It allows you to earn hours in real-world settings, which frequently leads to immediate job offers.
While they do offer some helpful financing options, you have to complete at least 200 hours in person at the main campus. This requirement can be a bit of a burden for those commuting from out of town.
Customer Reviews:
This is the most INCREDIBLE school!
This is the most INCREDIBLE school! I am so beyond grateful for this experience. Absolutely unmatched! I’m so proud of my choice of attending SBMA. I recommend everyone come to this school! I have learned so much & advanced things at that. The most beautiful friendships have been made at SBMA. The teachers are absolutely incredible & so knowledgeable. I know I’m set up for success. 100/10 recommend.
- JasmineLee Walker | Google Review
SBMA has exceptional instructors
Truly the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. SBMA has exceptional instructors who create a warm, supportive, and inspiring experience for every student. The school offers a wonderful variety of demo classes and the flexibility to tailor the program to what suits you best. I’m so excited to begin this next chapter, carrying the beautiful energy that came from my time at SBMA—all thanks to incredibly skilled, kind instructors and their genuine dedication to helping students learn and grow❤️
- Sahara Rodriguez | Google Review
5. Academy of Cosmetology Arts
Website: http://www.beautyed4u.com/
Address: 4201 East Yale Avenue, Suite B135
Contact: (303) 378-9204 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Academy of Cosmetology Arts uses an apprenticeship-first model, which means you’ll complete most of your training through actual salon work.
They believe that maximizing your time on the salon floor instead of sitting in a classroom is the fastest way to build your confidence.
We love that this school is very accommodating to career changers since they accept prior education credits. This can help reduce your total course time and your overall tuition costs.
Plus, they’re very active in helping students find external scholarships to make financial management easier.
However, they mostly use third-party financing. This means you might run into some hurdles if you’re relying heavily on federal student loans.
Customer Reviews:
Great school!
Great school! Academy of Cosmetology Arts has a great curriculum and treats all the students like family. The teachers are amazing and always up to date on new beauty trends. Peggy Sue ( the owner) is a miracle worker and cares deeply about success of the students. This school has been operating in the Denver Area for 18 years and continues to grow and challenge students on a daily basis
- RedGate Accounting Google Review
