What is Cosmetology?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

The study and practice of beauty treatments is known as Cosmetology. Specialty areas include skin care, hair styling, manicures and pedicures, waxing and sugaring, as well as permanent hair removal techniques like electrology and intense pulsed light.

The duration of Cosmetology courses differs on the basis of the course level, course type, and the college/institute offering the program. For UG courses, the duration is generally 3 to 4 years, while for PG courses you need to invest at least 2 years.

Cosmetology courses are majorly offered at the Diploma and certification levels because candidates usually prefer skill-based training and qualifications, along with budget-friendly courses that also save time. For UG Diploma courses, the time span is 6 months to 1 year, and for PG diplomas it is 1 year to 2 years max. You can also take up certifications that last 3 months to 1 year.

Here are some reasons why you should opt for a Cosmetology course:

• Flexibility and Creativity: If you are looking for a job that blends your creative side with lucrative chances, cosmetology courses may be a fascinating option. It all comes down to stretching the creative envelope to develop a fresh look for beauty.
• Productive Career Options: After completing the programme, a cosmetologist might choose to start practising as a cosmetologist upon graduation or specialise in a more advanced field of study. They are also qualified to work in salons, resort spas, day spas, and aesthetic beauty centres. Additionally, within cosmetology, one can choose other areas of specialisation to become a recognised specialist while staying employed.
• Industry Growth: Reports indicate that the beauty and wellness sector in India is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of over 18%. It is a safe career decision because the industry is predicted to grow gradually in the next few years.
• Practical Skills: Enrolling in cosmetology courses will provide you with real-world expertise working in the field. Your skill set will be resilient to any economic slump as a result of practical experience and classroom instruction.

The medical speciality of Dermatology courses addresses issues related to the skin, scalp, hair, and nails. One who specialises in skin care is called a dermatologist. They provide care for people of various ages, including the elderly and newborns. Hairstyle, cosmetics application, skincare, nail care, and salon management are just a few of the areas covered in the cosmetology courses.

Therefore, there are multiple fields that a cosmetologist might focus on, including hair removal, tattoos and nail art, skincare, aromatherapy, hair styling, mehndi, makeup, and even herbal beauty care. The following table highlights some major differences between Dermatology and Cosmetology courses:

Diploma in Cosmetology eligibility depends on the Diploma level. In India, you can pursue UG Diploma, PG Diploma, and also After 10th Diploma. Hence, for PG Diploma, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant displine, similarly, for a UG Diploma, you must have Class 12 scores from a recognised board. 

The answer to this question depends on the course you're planning to pursue. If you want to go for a BSc in Cosmetology and Dermatology, you should have a Science background in Class 12 with at least 50 to 60% marks, but if your plan is to go for other courses like a Diploma or certification, a Science background is not a mandatory requirement. You can complete your Class 12 in any stream from a recognised board with decent marks.

There might be a lower age limit for certain Cosmetology courses in India which is usually 16 years at the time of admission but there is no upper age limit. Other than the age requirements you should make sure to fulfill the academic eligibility for your preferred Cosmetology courses to grab a seat at a top institute/college in India.

There is no such complex procedure for admission to the Cosmetology course. The admission process depends on the admission criteria of the institute:

• For online courses, the admission process is extremely simple. You just have to visit the official website of the course provider and get yourself enrolled.
• The offline courses follow the normal admission procedure. You need to fill up the application form and apply for the course.
• There are no certain eligibility criteria. In certain cases, the students who have passed 8th grade are also allowed to apply.

The admission to Cosmetology courses is majorly based on merit but a few colleges may take their own entrances or accept scores like JEECUP, CUET, etc. The institute that administers the entrance exam sets the cut-off marks for the test. The final selection process will be held for candidates who pass the entrance exam and at least obtain the minimum required cut-off marks by their desired institution.

However, if candidates want to pursue PGDC, then they will need to obtain degrees such as BDS, MBBS, BHMS, BAMS, and so on. Listed below are a few popular university-level Cosmetology courses entrance exams that are conducted by colleges and universities:

• VLCC Institute of Beauty, Health, & Management Entrance Exam
• Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
• Institute of Cosmetology & Laser Science Entrance Exam

The admission to Cosmetology courses is majorly based on the merit system, but a few top institutes may ask for entrance scores conducted at the college level. You should start your preparation at least 4 to 6 months before the entrance exam so that you have enough time for covering the entire syllabus, having a look at previous year question papers, and revising the important exam sections in the last month. This will increase your chances of getting selected at a top Cosmetology institute in India.

The cosmetology course is mainly about improving the physical appearance of individuals through skincare and treatments. Previously, it was similar to a beautician course but Cosmetology courses involve nail care and hair care as well. These courses are mainly professional courses that prepare the students for the beauty industry, though both cosmetology and beautician courses are similar in nature.

BSc in Cosmetological Science is best for Cosmetology.

A BSc in Cosmetological Science is an undergraduate degree programme that focuses on the scientific study of cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products, and their applications. It typically covers various scientific disciplines such as Chemistry,  Biology,  Biochemistry,  Dermatology, and Pharmacology, all within the context of beauty and cosmetic products.

Several universities in India provide online cosmetology courses that allow students to complete the course curriculum whenever and wherever they choose. In India, these online courses are also available alongside clinical and medical cosmetology and aesthetic medicine.

While there are many distinct types of online courses available for cosmetology, prospective students should finish their undergraduate and graduate degrees — if they so choose — by attending traditional, on-campus classrooms. This is because they could utilise the skills and expertise they have gained on live patients.

Short-term courses, like online Diploma or certificate cosmetology courses, are still allowed, though, since they prioritise theoretical knowledge over hands-on instruction, which gives graduates a foundational understanding of the subject. 

Cosmetology course eligibility criteria can vary depending on the country, state, or specific institution offering the program. However, here are some common eligibility criteria that are often required for Cosmetology courses after 12^th and 10^th. Candidates seeking admission to Cosmetology courses should fulfill the Cosmetology eligibility criteria for respective courses under:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Under a Cosmetology course, students get to study Nail Care, Hair Care, Skin Care, Hair Coloring, Make-up Artists, Hair Aesthetics, Nail Technology, Beauty Culture, Hair Science, Anatomy, pH Level of Skin, and more. 

Here are some of the popular book choices among Cosmetology students:

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

There are about 350+ best Beauty Culture and Cosmetology colleges in India. Of these, 111 colleges are privately owned, public/government organizations own 19 colleges, and public-private entities own 12 colleges.  Students can secure their admission after passing their Class 12 results. Some of the popular Beauty Culture and Cosmetology colleges in India include the Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine, Orane International School of Beauty and Wellness, College of Ayurved, Bharati Vidyapeeth, ISAS International Beauty School, Pune, University of Mumbai [MU], and many others.

There are around 137 Cosmetology institutes in India offering Diploma at UG, PG, and after 10th level. The average Diploma in Cosmetology fees start from INR 2,000 and go up to INR 4.5 Lakh. 

Joining the best Beauty Culture and Cosmetology colleges in India can be worthwhile for most students. Students can evaluate the ROI of the top Beauty and Cosmetology colleges. Listed below are some of the Beauty Culture and Cosmetology colleges in India along with their fees and average placement packages:

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

The table below shows the government Beauty Culture & Cosmetology colleges in India along with their total tuition fees:

The table below shows the private Beauty Culture & Cosmetology colleges in India along with their total tuition fees:

Some popular Cosmetology course jobs are Beauty Magazine Writers, Salon Sales Advisors, Nail stylists, Makeup Artists, Hair Stylists, Fashion Show Designers, Cosmetology Instructors, Cosmetologists, Beauty Care Distributors, and so on. The average salary of a Makeup Artist in India is INR 3.5 LPA.

Given the abundance of career options after Cosmetology courses, many graduates find themselves in high demand among reputable businesses in the beauty and wellness industry. These companies recognise the value of a solid cosmetology education and provide graduates with a wide variety of Cosmetology course jobs that match their skills and interests.

Working for such prestigious organisations not only affords the opportunity to showcase one's talents but also promotes professional development and the chance to contribute to the ever-changing world of beauty and wellness. The following are some notable companies that hire graduates for Cosmetology course jobs:

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Beauticians' salary in India can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, the reputation of the salon or spa, and the specific skills and services offered. Here's a general overview of the annual salary for beauticians in India based on experience levels:

• Entry-Level: INR 1.5 - 2 LPA
• Mid-Level: INR 2.5 - 4 LPA
• Senior-Level: INR 4 - 6 LPA

Good Cosmetologists,

• Communication: Must be able to communicate with clients and colleagues effectively. They should listen to their clients' needs and provide clear advice. 
• Interpersonal skills: Should be empathetic and compassionate, and able to apply pragmatic skills when interacting with clients and colleagues. 
• Attention to detail: Precision is key in cosmetology, and the smallest details can make the biggest difference. 
• Creative thinking: Need to be able to think creatively to come up with unique looks and styling techniques. 
• Product knowledge: Should be up to date on the latest tools and supplies used in the trade. They should also know which tools and treatments are best for the services they provide. 
• Adaptability: Need to be able to adapt to new techniques, tools, and trends.

Yes, Cosmetology has a vast scope and offers numerous career opportunities. The beauty and wellness industry is continually growing, driven by evolving beauty trends, technological advancements, and increased consumer interest in skincare, makeup, hair care, and other beauty services.

Yes, you can pursue a career in Cosmetology without obtaining an MBBS. Cosmetology primarily involves beauty treatments, skincare, makeup application, hair styling, and related services, which do not require a medical degree like MBBS.

To become a Cosmetologist, the candidate needs to fulfill certain criteria. That is,

• The candidate must have a 10+2 degree from a recognized board.
• For non-medical Cosmetologists, a Diploma or certificate course in cosmetology after 12th and graduation. 
• For medical Cosmetologists, a professional degree after the 12th such as MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/PGDC degree and license.

Here are some of the top Cosmetology college options in India offering the best placement opportunities to students:

Note: The information is sourced from the official website/counselling body and may vary.

Cosmetology courses are a professional training programme that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the beauty industry. The Cosmetology courses cover various aspects of cosmetology, including hair styling, makeup application, skincare, nail care, and salon management. 

Thus, there are various branches in which a cosmetologist can specialize such as aromatherapy,  nail art and tattoos, mehndi,  hair styling, hair removal, skincare, cosmetics and even herbal beauty care. The key highlights related to best Beauty and Cosmetology colleges in India are mentioned below: