Esthetician and Cosmetology School FAQs

Get answers to your most pressing cosmetology and esthetician school FAQs. Start here to help ease the decision-making process.

Are You Considering a Career in Cosmetology or Esthetics? Stop Here

Choosing the right beauty school is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident in your choice. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our programs, professional tools, scheduling, financial aid, and more.

Brillare believes in transparency when it comes to tuition. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for each program:

  • Cosmetology Program: $19,500 tuition + $2,600 professional-grade kit + $400 fees = $22,500 total
  • Esthetics Program: $10,500 tuition + $2,600 professional-grade kit + $400 fees = $13,500 total

For a full breakdown of costs and financial aid options, visit our Tuition & Fees pages.

Our next start date is Monday, May 12, 2025.

However, Brillare offers multiple start dates throughout the year for both our cosmetology and esthetician programs at our Cleveland and Chattanooga campuses. Visit our esthetician and cosmetology start date calendars for the latest schedule and upcoming enrollment dates.

Our cosmetology and esthetics programs are designed to be flexible while maintaining a structured learning experience.

  • Cosmetology students typically attend class three days a week with a mix of hands-on training, theory lessons, and time in our student-run SalonSpa.
  • Esthetics students attend class two days a week with additional remote learning hours.

We also encourage all prospective students to visit another school before enrolling and experience our SalonSpa firsthand with a free service—this allows you to meet our students and ask them about their experience at Brillare. Check out our weekly schedules for a detailed breakdown of class times and commitments.

Yes! Brillare is a licensed and accredited non-profit beauty institute recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our accreditation allows students to apply for FAFSA and financial aid opportunities.

Absolutely. Brillare provides financial aid options to qualified students, including federal aid, grants, and scholarships. Our team is here to guide you through the FAFSA process and help you explore available funding options.

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments, including everything from basic skin care and nails to hair care and more. Esthetics specifically relates to those who specialize in a variety of skin care services. Brillare offers both cosmetology and esthetician programs, which focus on different aspects of the overall field of cosmetology.

Our future cosmetologists specialize in hair cutting, coloring, and styling services.

Meanwhile, we train estheticians with a focus on skin care, facials, waxing, and body treatments.

Brillare can help you choose the best fit for your career goals.

We equip our students with professional-grade tools to ensure they’re prepared for real-world salon and spa environments.

Cosmetology kits include Babyliss styling tools, Wahl clippers, Shark Fin shears, mixing bowls, brushes, mannequin heads, and more.

Esthetics kits feature Dermalogica and PCA skincare products, waxing tools, BT-GEAR equipment, and facial essentials.

These kits are yours to keep, so you graduate with the tools you need to start your career.

Brillare offers advanced training through our Esthetics program, designed for estheticians who want to specialize in high-end skin treatments. Students learn techniques such as advanced peels, dermaplaning, and LED light therapy. This program gives students a competitive edge for working in medical spas and dermatology clinics.

Brillare graduates go on to work in high-end salons, resort spas, cruise ships, and medical spas. Many of our students also open their own businesses.

We host on-campus employer networking events where salons and spas meet our students, providing them with career opportunities before they even graduate. Plus, we offer continuing education workshops to help alumni expand their skills.

Brillare students learn in fully equipped classrooms and SalonSpa training spaces with real clients.

Cosmetology students start with mannequin training before moving on to cutting, coloring, and styling real hair in our salon.

Esthetics students work on each other before transitioning to spa clients, learning advanced skincare treatments firsthand.

Yes! Brillare has two campuses:

Each location offers cosmetology and esthetics programs with the same high-quality training and hands-on experience.

Applying to Brillare is simple:

  1. Fill out our online inquiry form or call us to speak with an admissions advisor.
  2. Schedule a tour and receive a free SalonSpa service to experience student life firsthand.
  3. Meet with financial aid specialists to explore funding options.
  4. Enroll and start your journey toward a career in beauty!

Your Path to a Beauty Career Starts Here

Brillare Beauty Institute is committed to providing aspiring beauty professionals with the training, tools, and support they need to succeed. Whether you’re interested in skincare or hairstyling, our programs are designed to equip you with real-world experience and expert instruction.

We’re here to help! If you don’t see your question here, contact us directly to speak with an advisor.

  • Esthetics Program

    Our esthetics program focuses on skincare, facial treatments, and advanced techniques like waxing, chemical peels, and LED light therapy. With hands-on training and professional-grade tools, students graduate prepared for careers in spas, medical aesthetics, and high-end skincare clinics.

  • Cosmetology Program

    Brillare’s cosmetology program blends technical skills with creative artistry. Students master hair cutting, coloring, styling, and nail services while learning salon business fundamentals. Through immersive training in our student-run SalonSpa, graduates enter the beauty industry with confidence and professional expertise.