Rachel SmithStepping into the beauty industry is a thrilling move for aspiring professionals. It’s equally exciting for career changers and current workers seeking skill enhancement.
Finding the best beauty school in Indianapolis is your first strategic step toward a successful future. The right training sets the foundation for mastering techniques and building a loyal clientele.
While you might eventually work in a high-end beauty salon or run a bustling business, your journey always starts in the classroom. Let’s explore the top educational programs that can turn your creative passion into a thriving career.
How much does beauty school cost in Indianapolis?
Costs of beauty school programs in Indianapolis typically range from $12,000 to $18,000.
| Program Type | Average Tuition | Required Training | Estimated Duration |
| Cosmetology | $14,268 | 1,500 hours | 10 to 12 months (Full-time) |
1. Nurtur Aveda Institute
Website: https://avedafi.edu/
Address: 2208 East 116th Street
Contact: (317) 578-5500
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM; Tuesday, Thursday 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
Nurtur Aveda Institute focuses on environmental responsibility combined with career-ready training. This institution impressively offers a wellness-focused education model using plant-based Aveda products.
Here, students learn technical cosmetology alongside essential business-building skills. The instructors are experienced professionals who use innovative teaching methods to keep students engaged.
We recently spoke with a graduate who praised their rigorous 1,500-hour program, noting how the hands-on practice thoroughly prepared them for the state licensing exam.
They even walked away with a Level I Make-Up Designory (MUD) Makeup Certification. Graduates benefit immensely from the school’s strong connection to a global salon network, making post-graduation job hunting much smoother.
However, the comprehensive curriculum comes with a steep price tag of over $24,000, which can stretch the budget of local learners.
Customer Reviews
Learned so much from the classes, demonstrations, and educators
Attending Beacon was an incredible experience that exceeded all of my expectations. I learned so much from the classes, demonstrations, and educators, and I left feeling inspired, motivated, and excited about my future in the beauty industry. A huge thank you to Karissa, my educator, for being such an amazing mentor throughout this experience and thank you to my school for sending me there!
- Briley Gardner, Google Review
Miss Karissa and all the other educators were so helpful
First day of Cosmetology School: 10/10 would recommend!! Miss Karissa and all the other educators were so helpful with sharing everything that goes along with starting the program! They are so transparent about every detail! Can not wait to get started on this new journey!!
- Mackena Beaverson, Google Review
2. Paul Mitchell The School
Website: https://paulmitchell.edu/
Address: 8751 US 31 Highway South
Contact: (317) 885-0348
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Paul Mitchell The School builds a strong technical foundation that requires a logical approach. This facility uses a structured, tiered learning system that moves students from theory to independent work.
Future professionals begin by practicing on mannequins before advancing to live models, ensuring a gradual buildup of confidence.
Students can gain valuable real-world exposure by working in a bustling salon environment under the guidance of licensed instructors.
The curriculum also relies on proprietary educational systems specifically developed for cutting and texture.
Plus, extracurricular clubs provide excellent opportunities for networking and community involvement outside standard classroom hours.
On the downside, the required technology and bundled materials push the total program cost above $22,000, making it a significant financial commitment.
Customer Reviews
I love the new nail program!!!
If you have the time and want to save a little cash, try getting your nails done. The first class is about to graduate and I truly believe Paul Mitchell Nail Technology has a real future. Also want to give a shout out to the Instructor Lisa, thank you for being teaching the first class!!! Congratulations ‼️
- sheri morris, Google Review
Some of the students are so talented in this field
A very cool place to go for services on hair and beauty. Some of the students are so talented in this field it’s easy to see why they chose Paul Mitchell School to advance their careers. I’ve had students that were as good and better than professionals in salons across America! Samantha S. has a natural talent in doing blond highlights. She’s a treasure!!!
- Jacquie Van Sickle, Google Review
3. Empire Beauty School
Website: https://www.empire.edu/
Address: 5750 A Crawfordsville Rd, Speedway
Contact: (463) 426-6652
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Empire Beauty School provides career-focused training backed by decades of educational experience and a large national network. Students learn by using a wide variety of product brands, providing excellent flexibility for future salon employment.
When we toured the facility, we noticed how the comprehensive curriculum seamlessly blended technical styling techniques with crucial marketing strategies.
An all-inclusive student kit is provided, including every tool to transition from the classroom straight to the salon.
To top it off, trainees gain practical knowledge by servicing real clients in a supervised setting.
Sadly, some past attendees have reported a chaotic atmosphere and inconsistent support from instructors, making the learning process feel stressful at times.
Customer Reviews
Done a great job getting me set up and started
I’ve just started and I already feel that this program will get me extremely far. I’d like to say that Taylor has been helping me through all of my financial aid and has done a great job getting me set up and started.
- Taniyah Williams, Google Review
Explained everything so thoroughly
The school was so awesome! The girls were so sweet and gorgeous I couldn’t help but stare lol. Even the teachers were jaw dropping stunning😍 Taylor Young was so sweet and explained everything so thoroughly I didn’t have any questions or doubt this was definitely the beginning of my cosmetology career. Loved it!
- Myiah Salas, Google Review
4. Textures Institute-Cosmetology
Website: https://texturesinstitute.org/
Address: 8325 Michigan Rd
Contact: (317) 824-1400
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Providing an inspiring atmosphere, Textures Institute-Cosmetology focuses on personalized, creativity-focused cosmetology training that encourages unique artistic expression.
A major standout is their deep understanding of diverse hair types, giving students critical expertise in managing natural curls and textured hair.
But the curriculum goes beyond basic styling. They incorporate fiscal responsibility and workplace professionalism to prepare attendees for business ownership.
Learners also participate in exciting real-world projects, including editorial photo shoots and dynamic fashion shows.
The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). So we feel that the program can fully prepare candidates for the Indiana state board exams.
A notable drawback is the lack of distance learning options, which restricts flexibility for those needing remote coursework.
Customer Reviews
Incredibly patient and helpful
I had my nails done by Jon. Extremely sweet kid who did really well on his first full set! The instructor is also incredibly patient and helpful. I never realized the school was there until recently but who knows….I may just come back to take classes myself!
- Monique J., Google Review
The school has the BEST pricing in the state
I LOVE my black owned school. In August I decided to quit my corporate job and pursue my dreams of becoming a nail tech. I visited multiple cosmetology schools, and ultimately decided on Textures. BEST DECISION I’VE MADE! The school has the BEST pricing in the state, as well as a GREAT nail tech instructor. I love the environment & support I receive from the instructor & staff.
- Aaron H., Google Review
5. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture
Website: https://www.tricociuniversity.edu/
Address: 9725 Crosspoint Commons
Contact: (317) 841-9400
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Operating as part of an experienced multi-campus network, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture stands out by delivering accredited programs tailored for practical industry preparation.
Candidates can choose from a diverse range of grooming tracks, including esthetics and barbering. The coursework heavily emphasizes hands-on practice, allowing participants to build job-ready skills by interacting with real clients daily.
Impressively, students also receive career-ready training that covers professional standards and effective communication strategies.
Plus, accessible financial aid options, including federal grants and manageable payment plans, help lower the barrier to entry for many applicants.
But keep in mind that instructional quality can vary. Some learners we surveyed noted that they had to supplement their education independently due to unavailable staff.
Customer Reviews
Making sure everyone is satisfied
this isn’t a rating for the school but for my amazing teacher ms.jay. she is the advanced nail technician teacher at tricoci and she is the most hard working person in all the staff. she does everything there without a single word, making sure everyone is satisfied even if she herself isn’t. she makes everyone feel seen and heard no matter your background. i hope everyone gets the chance to have a ms. jay on their journey.
- Avalon, Google Review
