Cosmetology courses are gaining popularity each year as the beauty industry experiences steady growth in both job opportunities and average salaries. Do you love styling hair? Do you enjoy experimenting with nail color and design? Do you love achieving that perfect look with flawless makeup? A cosmetology career might be exactly what you’re seeking.
Online cosmetology courses simplify career preparation by allowing you to master beauty theory and concepts—and sometimes gain hands-on experience—from home. With experienced instructors and mentors guiding you, you’ll be on the right path quickly.
Explore these top online cosmetology courses to find the one that suits your goals.
1. Advanced Skin Science for Beauty Therapists (Udemy)
Cosmetology often includes specializations in skincare and treatments. If you’re already a beauty therapist or have foundational skin knowledge, this course will deepen your expertise. You’ll study the physical and chemical composition of skin while learning to identify and treat various conditions.
This ranks among our top online cosmetology courses because it serves as both a refresher for qualified beauty therapists and a tool for elevating client care. The course includes over 6 hours of video lectures plus supplementary materials. Enrollment provides lifetime access and a completion certificate.
2. Beauty Care Distance Learning (Stratford Career Institute)
If you lack foundational cosmetology knowledge and want comprehensive coverage, the Beauty Care course from Stratford Career Institute could be ideal. You’ll explore everything from hair, nail, and skin care to salon business management and client interaction.
This course introduces theory and concepts applicable to entry-level beauty careers or advanced cosmetology training. No additional materials are required beyond the online learning platform. Affordable monthly payments are available as you work toward your cosmetology career diploma.
3. Beauty Therapy & Makeup (International Career Institute)
Beauty therapy encompasses multiple aspects of creating healthy physical appearance beyond just aesthetics. Along with learning makeup design and application for various needs, you’ll discover how to apply nutrition and other sciences to improve skin, hair, and nail health. Massage and relaxation techniques complete this comprehensive online program.
You can earn your Beauty Therapy and Makeup diploma from International Career Institute in just 24 weeks, though you have up to three years to complete coursework. Beyond the affordable course fee, two monthly payment options are available.
4. Professional Certification Courses (QC Makeup Academy)
If you want to build your cosmetology career around makeup artistry, QC Makeup Academy offers numerous specialized courses. All instructor interactions occur online, while you receive physical coursework materials and makeup kits by mail. Learn both makeup concepts and application techniques, plus how to establish your own makeup business.
You can take one course at a time while using convenient payment plans for each. This makes QC Makeup Academy courses perfect continuing education for professionals already working in cosmetology or beauty therapy.
5. Online Lash and Brow Series (The Beauty Academy)
The Beauty Academy stands among the most respected names in cosmetology training, and their online Lash and Brow course maintains that reputation. This focused program allows you to master concepts and theory through convenient online access with tutor support, then practice techniques with friends and family while covered by the school’s insurance.
The Beauty Academy’s strength lies in offering hundreds of additional courses to continue your at-home cosmetology education. Located near one of their campuses? You can even attend in-person classes and training. Available online courses include brow shaping and eyelash extensions.
6. Online Lash Training: Classic & Volume (The Lash Professional)
For comprehensive lash expertise, turn to The Lash Professional. You’ll receive a starter kit for each course plus access to online video tutorials. Instructors, available anytime via email, cover lash science, extension types, application methods, and business management strategies.
Their combined Classic and Volume lash courses provide two 7-day programs. Students should have some lash extension experience, even if just self-application. The Lash Professional also offers a Lash Lift course for those seeking additional skills.
7. Nail Technician Training (International Open Academy)
Nail technician training expands your service offerings as a cosmetologist. With manicures and pedicures more popular than ever, providing comprehensive services—new hairstyles, nail art, and professional makeup—has become increasingly sought after. International Open Academy’s nail technician training brings you closer to becoming a one-stop destination for clients.
No prior experience or education is required for this course. You’ll master everything from hand skin care to cutting-edge nail art techniques like UV gel and shellac. Whether you want these skills for personal use or to benefit friends and family, this course provides complete instruction.
8. Full Certificate Super Pack Program (The Academy of Nail Design)
The Academy of Nail Design leads the industry, and their Super Pack Program delivers everything needed for nail technician expertise within your online cosmetology education. Master the professional beauty skills required for basic licensing in most states (verify local requirements).
Six practical modules apply theory and concepts to real-world situations. Your Super Pack combined courses include exam fees, additional resource access, and an eBook on mobile nail tech entrepreneurship. Payment plans are available.
9. Full Beauty Course (Beauty Courses Online)
Karen Harrington brings 30+ years of cosmetology industry experience as both salon owner and instructor. Her comprehensive course at Beauty Courses Online covers nail technology, face and body waxing, facial techniques, manicures and pedicures, lashes, and relaxation massage. The full course requires no prerequisites, with individual courses also available.
Beauty Courses Online provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, so unsatisfied students risk nothing. You can preview free sample lecture videos before enrolling. For comprehensive cosmetology skills training, this course merits serious consideration.
10. Hairdressing (International Career Institute)
Having covered various cosmetology skills, hairdressing remains essential. International Career Institute offers two hairdressing course options for home study. The standard diploma requires just 24 weeks, while the advanced diploma takes 31 weeks but provides deeper theoretical understanding and practical expertise.
Both options include salon business management training—from service sales to retail products—ensuring your success. You’ll also master client relationship skills for repeat business. From basic shampoo and cuts to color treatments and perms, International Career Institute covers it all.
11. Pro Hairstyling Course (Online Makeup Academy)
Hands-on experience builds the confidence needed to call yourself a cosmetologist after completing online courses. Online Makeup Academy’s Pro Hairstyling Course provides everything for practical training, including mannequin head and clamp, curling iron, straightener, extensions, combs, and accessories.
Throughout your hairstyling course, you’ll receive personalized support and feedback to identify improvement areas and strengths. Even after certification, you maintain lifetime course access.
12. Ultimate Hair Course (Michael Boychuck Hair Academy)
Experienced hairdressers seeking to elevate their skills and take client styling to the next level should consider Michael Boychuck courses. While basic, Master, and Premier courses are available, the Michael Boychuck Hair Academy Ultimate Hair Course offers exceptional value.
You’ll receive a mannequin head with human-like hair for hands-on practice plus an eBook textbook. Master everything from red carpet looks to perfect bridal styles, advanced cutting techniques, color treatment best practices, and business marketing strategies.
13. Online Waxing and Skincare (The Beauty Academy)
Sometimes beauty enhancement focuses on highlighting natural features through grooming and caring for our most important asset—skin. The Beauty Academy’s online waxing and skincare courses teach you to buff and polish client skin to a healthy glow.
Available courses in the waxing and skincare series include waxing and threading, facial techniques, and spray tanning. Study at home or on mobile devices through your phone or tablet. Contact tutors via email seven days per week for guidance and concept feedback.
14. Beauty Industry Essentials (Fashion Institute of Technology)
Dream of advancing your cosmetology career beyond salon work? It’s possible with training from industry experts at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Their Beauty Industry Essentials course explores product design and development plus marketing strategies.
This course focuses on brand building through entrepreneurship or freelance work with major makeup, fragrance, and beauty companies. Learn to build and market your business from scratch, whether envisioning a single salon, entire franchise, or unique branded products based on your industry expertise. Payment plans are available.
15. Free Cosmetology Practice Tests (Cosmetology Career Now)
You could study and practice daily for your cosmetology board certification exams yet still feel unprepared for testing. You could perfect your techniques and methods but still feel anxious. The good news? You’re not alone! Board licensing exams create universal nervousness.
Fortunately, Cosmetology Career Now offers comprehensive free online practice exams. General exams cover basic knowledge, theory, and concepts across three sections. Specialized exams target estheticians and nail technicians. State-specific exams help you understand location-based requirements, building confidence in your knowledge and skills while reducing test anxiety.
Ready to begin studying for a new cosmetology career? You’ve found the right resource. Already a cosmetologist seeking to expand services or enhance existing skills? This comprehensive list of the top 15 online cosmetology courses will set you on the path to beauty industry success.
