If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in the beauty industry, you’ll want to look into getting the proper training and education. One of the questions we get asked the most is “how long is cosmetology school in Illinois?”.
Surely, knowing what to expect from your program will help you plan ahead. In this blog post we are going to break down the hours, schedules, expectations and any additional factors that determine how long it will take for you to complete your cosmetology training program.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in Illinois?
Before we talk about how long is cosmetology school, it’s important to fully understand how the licensing process in Illinois works.
In order to become a licensed cosmetologist in Illinois, you must fulfill the following requirements:
– Be at least 16 years old
– Have a high school diploma or GED
– Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school
– Pass the Illinois State Board exam
– Submit proof of education and pay the licensing fee
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, our goal is to help our students prepare not just for their graduation, but to help them pass the state board confidently and start their new cosmetology careers with purpose and clarity.
What Is Covered in a 1,500-Hour Cosmetology Program?
You might be wondering: how long is 1500 hours in cosmetology school and what do those hours actually include?
At our cosmetology school, the 1,500-hour program is designed to cover all necessary theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Our job is to equip you with essential skills you will need to succeed as a professional.
The program is therefore divided into classroom learning, demonstrations and hands-on experience with real clients. Here’s an overview of what you’ll learn:
- Haircutting, styling and coloring
- Chemical treatments
- Makeup application
- Manicures, pedicures and nail art
- Skincare and facials
- Salon management and marketing
- Health, safety, ethics and sanitation laws
At the end of the day, whether you’re most interested in hair, makeup, skincare or nails, with our cosmetology program you’ll get a complete foundation through a state-approved curriculum that is purposefully designed to help you achieve real-world success as a professional.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time: What’s the Difference?
One of the key factors in determining how long it will take you to finish cosmetology school is whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
| Schedule Type | Duration | Weekly Commitment |
| Full-Time | approx. 11–13 months | 30–35 hours/week |
| Part-Time | Approx. 18–24 months | 15–20 hours/week |
Naturally, full-time cosmetology students will finish their studies faster, however, this option requires a more consistent weekday schedule. On the other hand, part-time students will complete their training later, while enjoying more flexibility.
The latter may be an ideal option for parents, working professionals and students trying to balance other responsibilities.
💡 Tip: Don’t hesitate to contact us and ask our admissions team to help build a custom schedule that works for you.
How Long Is Cosmetology School for Hair?
There are cosmetology students who wish to pursue training focused on hairstyling, and so they often ask “how long is cosmetology school for hair?”. Since hair services make up a significant large portion of the cosmetology curriculums, the full 1,500 hours still apply.
You’ll study a variety of topics including:
- Advanced haircutting techniques
- Hair coloring and lightening
- Specialized texture and chemical treatments
- Hair design and styling
- Product knowledge and consultation skills
This part of the curriculum will prepare you for salon work, freelance gigs or even if you want to pursue advanced education in barbering or trichology later on.
How Long Is Cosmetology School for Makeup?
If you want to specialize in beauty looks for weddings, fashion or film, the good news is that makeup artistry is fully integrated into our 1,500-hour cosmetology program. During your studies you’ll learn about:
- Color theory and contouring
- Skin preparation and analysis
- Professional product use
- Bridal and editorial makeup
- Sanitation and hygiene for makeup tools
If you are looking to focus even more on skincare and you wish to study advanced skin treatments, you might want to consider our esthetics program, which provides even deeper training in skin health, facials and spa services.
Do Specializations Extend Your Training Timeline?
The beauty industry is always evolving. Some professionals choose to undergo advanced training even after they start working in the field. If you want to specialize in a specific field, these additional studies can influence your overall training duration.
For example if you are interested in teaching new professionals, you might want to explore our beauty instructor training after graduation or after you’ve worked for a few years as a cosmetologist yourself.
These additional programs can add a few months to your timeline, but they also expand your career options dramatically, so the extra effort will definitely be worth it!
Do I Have to Study Outside of Class?
Absolutely! While hands-on experience is vital, success in cosmetology school also depends largely on consistent study and preparation. Here’s what you can expect:
- Completing homework assignments and additional reading
- Preparing for practical assessments and exams
- Studying state board prep modules
- Creating your own portfolio
Staying focused and organized will help you finish your training on time and pass your boards the first time, so make sure to not neglect your study time now. Your future self will thank you.
What About Cosmetology Internships and Real-World Experience?
During your cosmetology training program at Cosmetology & Spa Academy, you’ll get to work with real clients in a student salon under our instructors’ supervision. This means you can safely and efficiently:
- Gain confidence with actual clients
- Build a local clientele before graduation
- Learn to manage time and client expectations
- Get honest feedback on your technique and service
Rest assured as we also encourage participation in industry events, guest speaker series and job shadowing. These optional activities are designed to help you expand your network and they can even lead to your first job offer!
Financing Options: Plan Ahead
Finances can sometimes affect how quickly you can start your program. While how long your studies take depends on your schedule, funding it is the very first step.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we offer financial aid (for those who qualify) and support with planning your payment plans. If you are unsure about how you will handle your cosmetology school payments, don’t hesitate to contact us for help and support.
💡 Applying for aid takes time, so it’s best to get pre-qualified while touring the school or before your desired start date. If you want to learn more about our cosmetology school, book a tour at one of our campuses!
How to Apply to Cosmetology & Spa Academy
Enrollment to our cosmetology school is pretty straightforward and our admissions advisors are here to support you.
- Contact is or schedule a campus tour
- Talk to an advisor to explore program options
- Submit your online application with proof of age and education
- Discuss financial aid and create a payment plan
- Reserve your start date
Have any more questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
📧 Email: info@csa.edu
📞 Call: 815-455-5900
