Professional Beauty Career Training in Illinois

Get the Skills for a Rewarding and Creative Career in Barbering, Cosmetology, or Esthetics!

At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we aim to provide you with the highest-quality beauty training possible. It’s where you come to build a career, whether it’s your first, second or third career. It’s where you come to build lasting relationships with your peers and instructors. It’s where you come to grow into an industry leader. You get more than an education here. You get life and professional skills. You get a sense of belonging.

Everything about our programs is designed to support you in your learning journey and then in your career afterwards. With more than 30 years in the industry and an attentive ear to our students, we continually strive to give our students the best instruction, the best tools, and the best experience.

At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, you’ll find a culture of excellence, inclusiveness, and fun. Our craft, our clients’ needs, and your career are our priorities. That’s why our entire program, from the moment you take a tour of our facilities to the moment you find work placement, is designed to equip you with only the best tools to help you succeed.

The atmosphere here is incredibly supportive. From the students to the instructors to the administrative staff, you’ll be amazed at how friendly everyone is and how well you belong here. And with our many events, you’ll find it amazingly easy to have fun with others or with your creativity!

Get the Details

Beauty School Programs

Whether you dream of becoming a skilled cosmetologist, a talented barber, a sought-after esthetician, or an expert beauty instructor, our career training programs will equip you with the tools necessary to shine in the beauty industry.Experience the artistry, ignite your passion, and unlock your true potential at Cosmetology & Spa Academy.

Barber

As a student in the Barber program, you will gain the confidence needed to master a variety of barbering techniques, as well as hair color treatments and men’s manicuring.

Learn more

Cosmotology Program Training - a woman applying makeup on a woman's face

Cosmetology

Interested in a creative and rewarding career as a Cosmetologist? During the Cosmetology program, you will gain the skills and hands-on training to perform hair, skin, and nail services on clients.

Learn more

Esthetics

Are you interested in becoming a licensed professional in the beauty or spa industry? As an Esthetician, you will be an expert in unique makeup and skin care techniques.

Learn more

Beauty Instructor

Would you like to share your beauty expertise with others? During this program, you’ll receive classroom and practical training so that you can start a career as a Beauty Instructor.

Learn more

What Sets Us Apart?

Career-Focused Programs

Programs are designed to get you relevant skills that can be used immediately upon graduation in the beauty field. You can enter the workplace knowing that you have the skills to succeed.

On-Site Student Salon & Spa

Programs are designed to get you relevant skills that can be used immediately upon graduation in the beauty field. You can enter the workplace knowing that you have the skills to succeed.

A Culture of Caring

At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we see our students as family. Whatever program you choose, our friendly and knowledgeable instructors will give you the attention you need and help you to learn the skills that will lead to your new beauty career.

Internship Opportunities

Small Class Sizes

At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we deliberately keep class sizes small to ensure you get personalized, one-on-one support from your instructors. You’ll feel fully supported and able to gain the skills you need in less time through our small class model.

ABOUT US

Our Admissions Process

Get the information and answers you need to make a decision about your future.

Book a Tour

a person touching a touch screen device for application

Apply

a woman talking to another woman for financial plan

Create Financial Plan

Enroll in School

Student Reviews

See what our students have to say about their experiences at Cosmetology & Spa Academy!

Cosmetology & Spa Academy

4.1

Based on 112 reviews

Review us on

					I had a wonderful experience at CSA! I was lucky to have such helpful and friendly teachers when I attended.... read more It made all the difference!				
Sam Kay
March 24, 2024 

					The only my thing better students eager to learn & practice is a fabulous instructor! Mr. Kurt has many decades... read more of experience & truly cares about not only each student, but the clients as well. He has lots of energy & educates not only the student, but the clients about best practices too. Just know the work takes longer since everyone is learning & work is overseen & checked. If you are looking for a swanky salon & love to spend hundreds of dollars for your cut & color, this is not your place. But if you want to be treated like a friend from people who truly care about your hair - try it!				
Brandi Henry
November 24, 2023 

					Tamara was my Stylist. I came in for: Over-all Hair Color, Cut & Style! She did a phenomenal job!!! I... read more am sooo happy with the end results!!! She is very friendly and has great personality! I highly recommend her!!! Great job you nailed it & I wish you all the success in your future!!! Connie				
Connie Ayala
July 24, 2024 

					I had an amazing experience at Cosmetology and Spa Academy Crystal . The Staff & Teachers are an amazing team.... read more I would recommend this school to anyone wanting to pursue a career in Cosmetology.				
Javier Puga
April 24, 2024 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

The Cosmetology and Spa Academy is an exceptional school to build a strong foundation for your career in the beauty industry. They offer programs in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, and instructor training, all with flexible scheduling to suit your needs. I attended cosmetology school there in 2007 and loved it so much that I returned to earn my teacher’s license. The supportive staff and the opportunity to work hands-on with students made such an impact on me that I stayed for over 10 years! If you’re considering a career in beauty, I can’t recommend the Cosmetology and Spa Academy enough—it’s where my journey began!

Jaide Janota – Cosmetology Program

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Hello, my name is Alejandro Segura Escobar. Thanks to Cosmetology and Spa Academy (CSA) that made possible all the dreams I had always dreamed of, and CSA continues to be the source of my progress until now. It all started in 2013 when I decided to take the Cosmetology degree at CSA and from there continue with the Master of Cosmetology Career; from here many doors have opened .. I became Ambassador of a large Color TIGI company then Ambassador of OLAPLEX, and Then Educator of Malibu C. Cosmetology and Spa Academy continues to be the support of my career as a Barber and Cosmetology teacher And with great pride now owner of Escobar Salón & Barbershop where many CSA students now do their Intership and become stylists and barbers and teachers like me In the same school where everyone started CSA.

Alejandro Segura – Cosmetology and Barber Program

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

My name is India Flannigan, I go by Jewels the female barber I’m from rockford IL.! I am a returning student. I graduated from the barber program at the cosmetology and spa academy in rockford. I am currently back getting my instructor license. I enjoy being available to help students in this industry and helping them growing into great barbers and stylist and helping them shift their mindset into entrepreneurs and helping them build confidence in this industry. As well as introducing students to the competition world.

India Flannigan – Barber & Instructor Program

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Our campuses utilize modern equipment and facilities. Practice with the latest technologies and methods in our fully equipped classrooms. Make a smooth transition to the professional world after gaining hands-on experience with the materials you’ll use on the job.