Rebecca DavisIf you want to turn your passion for hair, skin, or nails into a real career, finding the right training is step one.
Choosing the best beauty schools in Philadelphia can make a huge difference in building your confidence and skill set.
Maybe you picture yourself styling a runway model one day, or growing into a career in advanced aesthetic care. Either way, you need a program that gives you a real head start.
I know firsthand how overwhelming the choices can be for recent graduates or career changers. So, I broke down the top options in the city to help you find the perfect fit for your goals.
How much does it cost to attend beauty school in Philadelphia?
Attending a beauty school in Philadelphia generally costs $15,000 to $20,000 in total, which usually covers tuition, registration, required lab kits, and textbooks.
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
| Comprehensive Cosmetology | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Includes Tuition, Lab Kits & Textbooks | Covered within total |
| Specialized Tracks (Esthetics, Nails, SFX) | Varies by program length |
1. The Beauty Institute
Website: https://philadelphia.thebeautyinstituteskp.edu/
Address: 9902 Roosevelt Blvd
Contact: (215) 490-9811
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Stepping into a program with serious industry backing can give your career a massive head start.
Backed by Schwarzkopf Professional and boasting over 40 years of educational experience, this academy is designed to function exactly like a real salon. Students get their hands busy cutting hair on their very first day.
When I chatted with a recent grad, she mentioned how jumping onto the salon floor by week nine totally wiped out her nervousness.
I also like that students can access multiple programs under one roof, including an esthetics and makeup course.
Just be aware that getting in touch with the administrative staff can sometimes be a hassle, with slow communication occasionally reported.
Even so, the deep dive into practical application makes it a strong contender for ambitious students.
Customer Reviews
Caring and wants us to succeed
I am a student in the cosmetology program at the school. Admissions was easy and simple. Our director Stacey is caring and wants us to succeed. Our teachers are motivated and passionate. I would recommend this school to someone who wants to succeed in the beauty industry.
- Victoria Vargas | Google Review
The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful
I’ve had. The teachers are incredibly knowledgable and helpful, the opportunities to learn more than just basic haircuts are great, and more than anything, it was fun. I loved my time there and I graduated with job interviews lined up and a great outlook on my future career.
- Danielle Ziemba | Google Review
2. Empire Beauty School
Website: https://www.empire.edu/
Address: 1522 Chestnut St
Contact: 445-465-2075
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location and legacy matter when you want to establish roots in a bustling city environment. Operating as a family-owned network since 1934, Empire Beauty School sits right in the heart of Center City.
Their curriculum is aligned with the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) standards, which gives students peace of mind about quality.
What’s also great is that they supply a complete student kit that covers everything from hair tools to mannequins, so you are ready to learn from day one.
I also really like that the school actively gives back to the community by training students in domestic violence awareness.
Some students, though, have noticed occasional shortages of basic daily supplies like gloves or mixing bowls. The immediate area outside the campus can also feel a bit chaotic at times.
Still, the broad training provided keeps graduates highly competitive.
Customer Reviews
My experience has been great so far
I’m a former student at empire beauty school currently in the pre-salon class. My teacher is Mr.Graham and he is the best educator in that building!!!! He makes sure we learn what we’re supposed to and he makes class a great experience everyday, he honestly deserves a raise for all he does. I do wish there was more events and fun stuff within the whole school as a whole but other than that my experience has been great so far because of Mr.Graham
- Fasiya Hicks | Google Review
Always coming up with great ideas to keep up moving
I’m a student at Empire beauty school. The school is a wonderful school. My teacher Mr. Graham is a great teacher. He always have his on are game. Always coming up with great ideas to keep up moving.
- Desiree Beltran | Google Review
3. Queen Beauty Institute
Website: https://queenbeautyinstitute.com/
Address: 6133 Colgate Street
Contact: 267-344-8541
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Feeling like just another face in a crowded lecture hall is tough when you’re trying to master delicate techniques.
Queen Beauty Institute purposely limits its class sizes to foster a tight-knit, family vibe, which means every student receives plenty of one-on-one attention. Their experienced staff focuses heavily on state laws and fast-paced salon practices.
A friend of mine who recently took classes here loved how the teachers actively connected her with hiring managers before graduation.
This focus on real-world readiness and strong job placement support is a massive benefit if you want to start working right after class wraps up.
The only real downside is that the physical facility is on the smaller side. Limited space and tricky street parking can mean your commute takes a bit of extra patience.
Still, the personalized education makes it worth the drive.
Customer Reviews
A school that genuinely cares about your growth
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Queen Beauty. They provide comprehensive training to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the state board test. Additionally, they teach you how to master the art of polishing. The experienced instructors ensure that you never have any unanswered questions. If you’re seeking a school that genuinely cares about your growth as a nail technician, esthetician, or cosmetologist, I highly recommend Queen Beauty Institute.
- Shon W. | Google Review
The best school I have ever been to
I recently attended queen beauty’s nail technology program and I loved every second of it ! Ms. Sam, ms. Laura , miss. Hanh and miss. Najibeh are the best teachers ever. You will walk into this school with so many questions about your future or your next steps and walk out feeling confident assured and ready to tackle the beauty industry! Invest in yourself and join the best school I have ever been to.
- Alyssa Velazquez | Google Review
4. Jean Madeline Aveda Institute
Website: https://jeanmadeline.edu/
Address: 315 A Bainbridge St
Contact: (215) 574-9670
Hours: Monday, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM; Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Student Salon Hours)
Brand recognition goes a long way when you are trying to land your first official salon gig.
As an official Aveda partner with over 80 years of local salon operating experience, Jean Madeline Aveda Institute trains its students using environmentally responsible product lines.
They also take a tech-forward approach by offering all cosmetology textbooks entirely as ebooks on tablets.
Students have great flexibility here, with full-time, three-quarter-time, or part-time schedules across three different regional campuses. This setup is very helpful for adult learners balancing full-time jobs.
However, some newer students have noted that the teaching quality can feel inconsistent across different instructors.
A few beginners have struggled with uneven classroom attention, feeling like they had to figure certain basics out independently.
Overall, the extensive network still makes it a top choice for students who value brand power.
Customer Reviews
An OUTSTANDING teacher
I’m going to say one thing- that lady Ms.L: KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING. She’s the truth. Jada & Isabella are sweethearts as well. They will go very far in their careers. But from one professor to another, Ms.L is an OUTSTANDING teacher
- Abigail Cruz | Google Review
It was hard to believe she was just a student
Came here to have my hair cut by Seleena! I was nervous to have my hair be cut shorter than usual, but she made it easy and relaxing. It was hard to believe she was just a student. She stayed true to how I wanted my hair to be! She gave me good shampoo recommendations as well. Everyone here is very professional and nice!
- Tina Tran | Google Review
5. Universal A Rising Sun Beauty Academy
Website: https://rsunbeauty.com/
Address: 4717 Rising Sun Ave
Contact: (215) 847-7628
Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mastering specialized, high-demand skills is one of the smartest ways to build a steady client base.
Universal A Rising Sun Beauty Academy dedicates a massive 1,000 hours of its curriculum to practical experience, while offering a unique specialty track for natural hair styling.
They also help you prep to be your own boss by weaving salon business practices into the coursework.
I really like that they offer multiple educational pathways, including nail technology and an educator track for those who want to teach eventually. That variety makes it a fantastic hub for diverse learning paths.
On the downside, the campus is tucked into a busy intersection, and the physical facility is on the cramped side. Securing a parking spot is consistently challenging, so factor that into your daily commute time.
Still, the intensive practical focus easily outweighs the location hurdles for serious students.
Customer Reviews
Very knowledgeable
I attend this school and I am studying to be a nail technician and I can say the teachers here very knowledgeable. Most importantly they are flexible. I have a full time job and I am a single mom. They love their students!!!
- Cynthia Sinchi | Google Review
