Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Cosmetology Schools, Beauty Schools) By Application (Men, Women), and Regional Insight and Forecast to 2033

COSMETOLOGY & BEAUTY SCHOOLS MARKET OVERVIEW

Cosmetology & Beauty Schools Market was valued at USD 8.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.17 billion in 2025, growing to USD 13.11 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.

Cosmetology & Beauty Schools industry is experiencing rapid growth as personal grooming, makeup artist, and hairstyling careers keep on drawing interest at high level. As beauty is a basic part of life and health, there is a rising need for professional courses at cosmetology and beauty institutes, leading the attendance in these institutes to explode. The institutions provide practical exposure, updated syllabus, and intensive practice on modern lines, followed by job prospects that make candidates more attractive. Furthermore, the need for trained professionals at salons, spas, and freelance has picked up, and career prospects have increased. Social media and technology also spurred demand for beauty training, particularly among youth. With evolving concepts of beauty as well as diversification, the industry is poised to meet changing consumer needs. Overall, this market remains strong and attractive to students and investors.

Key Findings

• Market Size and Growth: Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market was valued at USD 8.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.17 billion in 2025, growing to USD 13.11 billion by 2033.

• Key Market Trends: Integration of technology in beauty education is expanding, with over 60% of schools in developed markets now offering virtual makeup training and online theory modules.

• Key Market Drivers: Rising global beauty and wellness demand, with over 25 million professionals employed in the industry worldwide in 2024, is boosting enrollment in beauty schools.

• Technological Advancements: More than 45% of leading institutions now include augmented reality-based training, digital marketing courses, and online portfolio development in their curriculum.

• Regional Growth: Asia’s beauty education sector is growing fastest, with South Korea alone recording over 2,500 accredited beauty training centers in 2024, driven by the global K-beauty trend.

• Type Segmentation: Cosmetology schools account for about 64% of the total market in 2025, while specialized beauty schools make up the remaining 36%.

• Application Segmentation: Women represent approximately 78% of total enrollments in beauty schools globally in 2025, with male enrollments rising steadily to account for 22%.

• Key Players: Leading institutions such as Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, Aveda, Empire Education Group, and Tricoci University collectively hold more than 40% of the organized market share.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market Had a negative Effect Due to Increased Lockdowns during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was significant in the Cosmetology & Beauty Schools business. Lockdown and social distancing made most of the beauty schools must close shop temporarily, halt classes, and postpone graduations. Practice training, which was the foundation for cosmetology education, proved nearly impossible under online formats and undermined the ability to acquire skills. Most locales saw declining enrollment, while several smaller schools had trouble staying alive. However, the crisis also forced schools to adopt digital technology, offering theory classes online and blended learning plans. To that end, schools began investing in virtual classrooms and online certificate modules to survive. Upon the easing of lockdown, demand picked up as people returned to beauty rituals and treatments, creating greater interest in professional training.

LATEST TREND

Growing Integration of Technology in Beauty Education to Drive Market Growth

One of the dominant trends in the Cosmetology & Beauty Schools industry is technology use in beauty education on the rise. The schools are adopting virtual classrooms, virtual makeup tutorial training using augmented reality, and virtual classrooms to provide more flexibility. The tools allow students to study material, see step-by-step presentations, and even rehearse some procedures virtually. Further, schools are introducing digital marketing and social media skills into their course curriculum, where students learn how to create their own personal brand and online portfolios. This tech-oriented strategy not only addresses digitally native learners' expectations but also prepares graduates for contemporary skills matching industry requirements.

COSMETOLOGY & BEAUTY SCHOOLS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Cosmetology Schools, Beauty Schools:

• Cosmetology Schools: Cosmetology schools offer extensive training in several beauty arts such as nail technology, skin care, makeup, and hair dressing. Such courses are ideal for those who want to become licensed cosmetologists with advanced skill sets. The courses usually incorporate theory studying with practice skills in student salons, enabling students to gain hands-on skills before getting jobs. Since there is increased customer demand for personalized grooming, cosmetology schools also focus their instructions to include changing trends in beauty. Beauty schools also generally provide training in business and customer management to ready students for salons and spa business or management positions.

• Beauty Schools: Beauty schools generally place more specialized focus on aesthetic and skin care training, usually with focus on makeup design, treatment of the skin, waxing, and nail enhancement. These schools are becoming increasingly popular among students looking to speed up upskilling or pursue specialty beauty careers. As the need for skin care professionals and beauty consultants increases, beauty schools are meeting the demand with courses that reflect consumers' present interests in using natural ingredients and holistic methods. Their specialty courses are particularly attractive to individuals looking to finish shorter certification and enter the job market. This specialization focus applies equally to career possibilities in freelance and business environments.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Men, Women:

• Men: The Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market is seeing a steady rise in male enrollments as men increasingly normalize and accept grooming. More schools are introducing specialty classes in men's hairstyling, beard care, skin care, and male-specific treatments. The trend is a byproduct of changing societal attitudes and the increasing male beauty market. Schools are addressing this demand by adapting courses to include male models, teaching masculine fashion, and promoting diversity in beauty instruction. Because men also have an interest in career occupations and personal grooming, schools are also opening facilities and services to provide the facilities and practice to male students.

• Women: Women continue to be the majority in the beauty and cosmetology education market, controlling the market through their high rates of participation and recurrent demand. Female beauty schools offer a wide array of services starting from hair color, skin therapy, bridal make-up, and nail design. The schools further offer modules for social media branding and entrepreneurship for career enhancement purposes. Women's fascination with well-being, natural beauty regimens, and skin care has also spawned new study courses on clean and organic beauty. Because the beauty industry is a fast-changing field, schools are adapting by establishing new means of accommodating women's needs for sophisticated, dynamic, and up-to-date career opportunities.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Skilled Beauty Professionals to Boost the Market

The growing worldwide beauty and wellness industry has created tremendous demand for qualified professionals thus increasing Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market growth. Beauty schools and spas, film and fashion sets, the need for trained beauty and cosmetology professionals just keeps growing. The trend is being capitalized upon by beauty schools that are offering industry-driven programs with modern techniques and customer service. With the growing awareness among people about their personal health and looks, they seek services of trained professionals. This increases the chances of formal training course enrollments. Students are also helped by schools in meeting local licensing requirements, becoming more attractive to employers and ensuring secure job prospects.

Influence of Social Media and Beauty Influencers to Expand the Market

Social media has become a powerful driver in creating trends of beauty and motivating the youth generations to be beauty professionals. Social media like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube feature beauty influencers and tutorials that generate curiosity in makeup artistry and hairstyling. Young professionals are going to beauty schools to become real and gain knowledge about skills observed on the internet. Schools today integrate digital branding and content development into their curriculum to enable students to develop online presence. Promotion of success stories in beauty professions motivates more people to pursue formal education, increasing the popularity and value of cosmetology and beauty schools.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

High Cost of Education and Licensing to Potentially Impede Market Growth

One of the major restrictions in the Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market is that training and certification can be very costly. Schooling expenses, materials, kits, and licensure are costly, particularly to those coming from low-income households. Compared to other scholarly courses that could potentially provide additional scholarships or governmental help, financing options for beauty schooling are rare in most places. The affordability keeps talented people from enrolling or finishing programs. The other requirement to recertify licenses and participate in continuing education seminars can also be a perpetual cost issue for future beauty professionals.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion into Online and Hybrid Learning Models to Create Opportunity for The Product in The Market

An upcoming business prospect under the Cosmetology & Beauty Schools industry lies through the diversification of distance and hybrid methods of learning. The move to online learning, driven initially by necessity, has opened channels of engagement to reach more pupils from various backdrops. Online theory classes and on-campus practical training provide flexibility for working professionals or off-campus individuals. Beauty schools that put money into web sites, video training, and remote testing can expand exponentially. This hybrid system not only widens the door but also has schools look current and flexible in a constantly evolving profession.

CHALLENGE

Maintaining Consistent Quality Across Institutions Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

One of the largest issues within the Cosmetology & Beauty Schools industry is ensuring equal quality training across various institutions. As new academies and schools pop up, there is potential for uneven curricula, outdated techniques, and inexperienced instructors. There are institutions that prioritize quantity over quality, and their graduates end up not being properly prepared to enter the field. This unevenness impacts the industry's image and creates gaps in service standards. Accreditation, teacher training, and regulation are key to resolving this issue. Without quality control, even rising demand may not lead to long-term credibility or student success.

COSMETOLOGY & BEAUTY SCHOOLS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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• North America

North America, and especially the United States Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market, is one of the most mature markets for beauty and cosmetology education. The region has an extensive list of accredited schools with varied programs in nail technology, hairdressing, makeup, and skincare. Increased demand for services, a well-established culture of salons, and celebrity beauty influences have led to sustained enrollment levels. Further, state licensure requirements push the demand for formal education. Technical training combined with soft skills like client communication and business management is the specialty of American beauty schools. Cultural diversity and ongoing innovations further add flavor to learning in American schools.

• Europe

Europe has a rich history of beauty and aesthetics, and the fashion and cosmetology education is led by countries such as France, Italy, and the UK. European beauty schools follow traditional education blended with high technology, which produces well-educated practitioners. Specialized skills like organic skincare and high-end spa treatments are high in demand.EU-wide mobility allows beauty professionals to work across borders, promoting high standards and consistent training practices. Education in beauty in Europe also indicates an increased focus on sustainability and clean beauty, which inspires institutions to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into their curriculum offerings.

• Asia

Asia's beauty education market is expanding rapidly, stimulated by rising disposable incomes, enhancing beauty awareness, and a look culture. The trend is spearheaded by South Korea, Japan, and India, with academies focusing on skincare science, beauty technology, and traditional therapies. The burgeoning popularity of the K-beauty trend has spread to the rest of the world and propelled a boom in local admissions. Several institutions have started bilingual or English programs to entice international students. Also, more investment in short-duration and specialized courses is being made to accommodate busy lifestyles. Government programs promoting skill development are also driving institutional growth throughout the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Operators in the Cosmetology & Beauty Schools market are turning to innovation, curriculum updating, and new market expansion to maintain competitiveness. Institutes such as Paul Mitchell Advanced Education and Aveda are adding courses in business, wellness, and sustainability into their curricula. Others like Tricoci University and Empire Education Group are expanding geographically through new-campus expansion and online learning. A few schools are also teaming up with spas and beauty companies to provide students with the real experience. All these efforts are enriching the education platform with more colors, newness, and innovation for the beauty and wellness sector.

List Of Top Cosmetology & Beauty Schools Market Companies

• Neecee's Barber College (United States)
• Evergreen Beauty and Barber College (United States)
• SBS Academy Beauty School (South Korea)
• Dlmonita (China)
• Pivot Point Academy (United States)
• Beautiful People Beauty Academy (India)
• Tricoci University (United States)
• Hollywood Institute Of Beauty (United States)
• Vidal Sassoon (United Kingdom)
• AOFM – Academy of Freelance Makeup (United Kingdom)
• Northwest College School of Beauty (United States)
• Empire Education Group (United States)
• MBC Academy Beauty Academy (South Korea)
• The Ogle School (United States)
• Continental School of Beauty Culture (United States)
• Boca Beauty Academy (United States)
• Xenon International Academy (United States)
• Paul Mitchell Advanced Education (United States)
• Aveda (United States)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

February 2024: Beyoncé introduced Cécred, a line of haircare products rooted in international hair rituals. With the product introduction, Cécred, in partnership with Beyoncé's philanthropic organization, BeyGOOD, instituted an annual grant program that offered funding for cosmetology students and established professional stylists. The program provides financial assistance in the form of business grants and scholarships to salons in five major cities in the U.S. The program emphasizes dedication to building skills and creating diversity in the beauty industry, with career opportunities for those who want to build a professional career to advance through education.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis considers both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.