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To enroll in a beauty school in Washington, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, and you must be at least 16 years old. From there, you choose a program, complete an application, and begin your hands-on training.
Are you interested in being your own boss and working in a creative and fun career catering to people’s beauty and wellness? The beauty industry has many exciting fields, spanning Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Barbering, and Esthetics, that are ideal for this type of work. At Evergreen Beauty College, you can train in any of them in a close, supportive, family atmosphere.
In a cosmetology program, you’ll learn to hone a wide range of beauty-enhancing techniques, like how to color and style, while getting to know the ins and outs of a salon environment. At Evergreen Beauty College, we offer programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and instructor training.
In this article, we’ll walk through the admission requirements and what you can expect when you’re ready to take the first step.
Beauty school admission requirements
Here’s what you need to start beauty school at Evergreen Beauty College in Washington:
- A high school diploma or GED
- To be at least 17 years old (the minimum age for a Washington beauty license)
- A completed application
Most people who want to work in beauty get their training and license by attending a beauty school. Evergreen Beauty College offers hands-on programs for students, focusing on the technical and business skills students need. Evergreen is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Our curriculum covers essential safety and sanitation procedures alongside advanced techniques, in a supportive, family atmosphere where students can grow.
Our admissions office can share more about the course outline and help you schedule a tour or enroll.
How to get into beauty school in Washington (step by step)
Getting into beauty school in Washington is simpler than you might think. Here are the steps:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED. This is the main academic requirement to enroll.
- Make sure you’re at least 16 to enroll. To get your license, you’ll need to be at least 17, the minimum age for a cosmetology, barber, manicurist, esthetician, or master esthetician license in Washington.
- Choose your program. Cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, or instructor training.
- Submit your application and talk with financial aid. Along with your application, you will need to provide a government issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, etc. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
- Complete your required training hours and sit for the Washington state license exams. Your program is built around these requirements.
Not sure where to start? You can come as you are — tour a campus, and our team will walk you through every step.
Enrolling in a cosmetology program
To enroll in a cosmetology program, you need a high school diploma or GED. In Washington State, Evergreen Beauty College has campuses across the state equipped with student-operated salons, supplies, and equipment so you can begin your training. Our cosmetology curriculum covers everything from hair design, hair care, and color theory and application, to business operations for those who want to work at a salon or open their own.
How old do you have to be to go to cosmetology school in Washington?
You must be at least 17 years old to earn a beauty license in Washington. According to the Washington Department of Licensing, you must be at least 17 years old to get your cosmetology, barber, manicurist, esthetician, or master esthetician license.
Can I enroll in the program while still in high school?
Yes, many students get an early start. Many vocational high schools or traditional high schools work in conjunction with cosmetology programs, allowing students the chance to get introductory lessons in cosmetology. Students can gain hands-on training and acquire an understanding of foundational techniques.
What we teach in the cosmetology program
Evergreen’s cosmetology program is taught in three phases and covers the core skills of the craft: from safety and sanitation to cutting, color, and consulting with clients. You complete it on our EverFlex schedule: four hours on campus a day, plus about 10 hours online a week.
To complete the program, students must meet all course requirements in the Evergreen Beauty College course outline. You can choose from flexible schedule options to attend your classes.
Students study in three phases. Evergreen’s cosmetology education teaches foundational techniques and skills, including safety and sanitation, chemical processing, comb techniques, hair styling, hair cutting, and safely handling professional products, and readies you to consult with clients.
Our cosmetology program also offers some esthetics training, including facial massage and basic facials. If you’re interested in focusing on skincare, Evergreen offers an esthetics program where you can concentrate on skincare treatments.
Instructors guide students through hands-on training on mannequins before advancing to real clients. Our instructors teach classic cutting techniques and more contemporary ones, and they share tips from years in the beauty industry on how to consult with clients and manage a schedule.
Before you can work as a licensed cosmetologist in Washington, you’ll complete a few clear steps:
- Finish all required coursework at an accredited cosmetology school (Washington requires 1,600 training hours).
- After graduation, register for the Washington state license exams and pay the licensing fee.
- Pass the exams and you’re a licensed cosmetologist.
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How many training hours do you need? (Washington license requirements)
The number of training hours you need depends on the license you want. In Washington, the Department of Licensing sets these requirements:
| Program / license | Required training hours |
| Cosmetologist | 1,600 hours |
| Hair Designer | 1,400 hours |
| Barber | 1,000 hours |
| Esthetician | 750 hours |
| Master Esthetician | 1,200 hours |
| Manicurist (nail technician) | 600 hours |
At Evergreen Beauty College, the cosmetology program is a 1,600-hour, 13-month program. With our EverFlex schedule, you spend four hours on campus per day, plus about 10 hours online per week.
Application
If you’re interested in attending Evergreen Beauty College, submit an application form along with other relevant documents to the school. The application process is relatively simple. You may also contact our financial aid office and speak with Evergreen’s financial representatives to learn all of your options. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify, and our team can walk you through grants, scholarships, and your options step by step.
Ready to take the first step? Tour a campus, and see what it feels like to learn beauty.
FAQ: Beauty school admission requirements in Washington State
How many hours do you need for cosmetology in Washington State?
A cosmetology license in Washington State requires 1,600 hours, and Evergreen Beauty College’s cosmetology program meets that as a 13-month program. With our EverFlex schedule, you spend four hours on campus per day, plus about 10 hours online per week.
Required hours by license in Washington: Cosmetologist 1,600; Hair Designer 1,400; Barber 1,000; Esthetician 750; Master Esthetician 1,200; Manicurist 600.
How long does cosmetology school take in Washington?
In Washington, a full cosmetology program is 1,600 training hours. At Evergreen Beauty College, that’s our 13-month program, and with the EverFlex schedule you spend four hours on campus per day, plus about 10 hours online per week.
Do you need a GED to go to cosmetology school in Washington state?
Yes. You need a GED or high school diploma. You’re not required to study general education in a cosmetology program, but you need a GED or high school diploma before you can enroll.
What age can you go to cosmetology school?
In Washington, you must be at least 17 to earn a cosmetology, barber, manicurist, esthetician, or master esthetician license. Many students begin their training while they’re still finishing high school.
Do you need a license to work in cosmetology in Washington?
Yes. To work as a cosmetologist in Washington, you complete 1,600 training hours at an approved school and pass the state license exams administered through the Department of Licensing.
How do you become a nail technician in Washington?
To become a licensed manicurist (nail technician) in Washington, you complete 600 training hours at an approved school and pass the state exams. At Evergreen Beauty College, the Nail Technology program is built around those requirements.
