Cosmetology

Your dream can become a reality — turn your passion into a profession. Cosmetology is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, with the need for barbers, hair dressers, manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists expected to increase by more than 15 % between 2010 and 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Cosmetologist of America, Inc., there are more than 200,000 full-service beauty salons in the United States, with more than half of those salons being located in the southern region of the U.S. Central Piedmont's Cosmetology program teaches you the skills you need to be a highly competent professional and a leader in the beauty industry.

What You Will Learn

Learn the knowledge and skills needed to become a licensed cosmetologist.

The coursework develops knowledge and skills in hair cutting, hair color and design, safety and sanitation, bacteriology, product knowledge, salon management and salesmanship, wigs, hair removal, lash and brow tinting, manicures, and much more. Simulated salon settings and serving the general public provide experiential learning with supervision provided by a trained and licensed instructor. Managing and operating a salon are enhanced by critical thinking skills, business writing, public speaking, math aptitude, and computer applications. These skills will lead to additional knowledge, resources, and longevity in the cosmetology industry.

Highly skilled and personable professionals are in high demand and have many employment opportunities in beauty salons, department stores, barbershops, hospitals, hotels, spas, and resorts.

Apply to the college now

Why Choose Central Piedmont

We have high standards of excellence for our cosmetology students. You will learn from experienced instructors using Pivot Point® curriculum, will gain valuable hands-on experience before you graduate, all while completing your degree in a fraction of the cost as compared to a private school. Successful students are able to channel their passion for the beauty industry into developing knowledge and skills needed to earn a degree and sit for the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts Licensing Exam. Our state board pass rate is currently at 100%. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the Cosmetic Arts and Sciences Association and get hands-on practice in our cosmetology salon, open to the public.

Attend Our Open House

Real World Education

At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning  — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.

I love the supportive atmosphere. Everyone is so eager to help and I feel genuinely supported in everything I’ve done here. Adam Lewis '20 Read Adam's story

Cosmetology Careers and Average Salaries

Cosmetology careers are always in demand. Increasingly, there are numerous specialty fields in the cosmetology Industry. Cosmetologists may work behind the chair in a salon or spa as a stylist offering various hair care services such as hair coloring, texture services, chemical hair relaxer/straightening, hair extensions, and hair cutting. Other opportunities and specializations may include: makeup application, hair braiding, platform work, and television, movie, and theatre cosmetic art services. These careers are offered in various industry-related businesses locally, nationally, and internationally. Entrepreneurial careers include salon ownership, beauty product creation, and freelance cosmetic artistry for movie sets and magazine photo shoots. You may even decide to merge marketing, beauty, and fashion career trends. Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach for detailed cosmetology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.

Career Coach

Cosmetology Degrees Suggested Course Sequence

The cosmetology associate degree is a 69-credit-hour program which must be completed on a full-time basis in five semesters (two years). The completion of this degree requires that 21 credit hours of related coursework be completed at Central Piedmont. If you are already licensed, chances are that you may be eligible to complete your associate degree in as little as two semesters.

Suggested course sequence

The Details

Apply for the Cosmetology Program

You can apply and begin cosmetology studies in either the fall or spring semester. Admission into the cosmetology associate degree program is competitive, with 50 day seats opened each fall and spring semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis until all spots are filled for each fall and spring semester.

We will accept transfer students from other North Carolina community college and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools cosmetology programs. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis for admission. If you are not admitted, you are encouraged to submit a new application during the next application period.

Requirements Once Admitted into the Program

  • Attend a mandatory orientation session upon eligibility prior to the date you start the program; make arrangements for childcare in advance.

  • Submit the following documentation (required by the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts):

    -copy of social security card, tax ID card, or student visa information

    -government-issued ID and proof of date of birth

    -acknowledgement of the NC State Board of Cosmetic Arts felony policy on the cosmetology application

Affordable Salon Services in Charlotte, NC

The Central Piedmont salon offers a variety of hair, skin, and nails services at affordable prices.

Cosmetology salon

The Latest at Central Piedmont