Quick Start Short-term Hairdressing Course: Beginner-Friendly, Backed by Government Support
Are you passionate about hairdressing, but have been unable to start due to lack of experience or limited budget? Now, you can take the first step in your beauty career by taking a hairdressing course supported by the US government. The training period is usually 3-12 weeks. This page provides a variety of course options to help you complete professional training and obtain industry certificates.
Ⅰ. Why Choose a Government-Supported Hairdressing Course?
✅ Reduced tuition burden: Reduced financial burden through government financial aid and scholarships.
✅ Job support: Many institutions cooperate with hair salons to provide job opportunities.
✅ Certification: After completing the course, you can get a nationally recognized hairdresser certificate.
✅ Low start-up cost: Compared with other industries, beauty services require less start-up capital. And it is easy to start a business and start a side business.
Ⅱ. Where Can I Get Government-Supported Hairdressing Courses?
1. Government Support
• Department of Labor Programs: Offers career training, including hairdressing, through Job Corps.
• Pell Grants and Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Students can usually apply for Pell Grants and low-interest federal student loans through FAFSA, which can help ease the financial burden.
• Employment and Training Administration (ETA): Provides tuition assistance via WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) to eligible students.
Subsidies: Tuition, supplies, license fees, and sometimes transportation.
How to apply: Visit CareerOneStop → Search for “Cosmetology” under “Training Programs” → Look for “WIOA Approved” listings.
2. Top Beauty Schools
• Paul Mitchell Schools: Provides comprehensive beauty and hair training. Scholarships and financial aid available. Many campuses are WIOA approved.
• Aveda Academy: Blended learning (online and in-person), financial aid available, and WIOA participation.
• Empire Beauty School: Nationally accredited. Aid available including Pell Grants and WIOA
• Local Community Colleges: Many community colleges (e.g., Los Angeles Trade-Tech, Houston Community College, Miami Dade College) offer cosmetology programs at low cost and accept FAFSA and WIOA funding.
3. Nonprofits and Industry Groups
• Beauty Changes Lives Foundation: Provides scholarships and tuition assistance to future cosmetologists.
• American Association of Beauty Schools (AACS): Provides scholarship programs for qualified students.
4. Online Platforms
• MHD: Recognized as the world’s leading online training center for hairdressing and barbering, MHD offers comprehensive, step-by-step video tutorials created by over 70 globally acclaimed hairstylists.
• Cursa and Alison: These platforms provide online hairdressing courses that equip you with essential cutting and styling techniques, along with a certificate upon successful completion.
Ⅲ. What Will You Learn Through Hairdressing Course?
THairdressing Fundamentals: Hair structure, scalp care, and product knowledge.
Hair Cutting & Styling: Learn a variety of hairstyling and styling techniques.
Coloring & Perming: Master the techniques of hair coloring and perming.
Salon Business Management: Learn how to manage and operate a hair salon.
Customer Service Skills: Learn how to provide excellent customer service.
📘 Course Info:
• Duration: Most programs are 3–12 weeks.
• Modes: Full-time, part-time, online, or hybrid learning.
• Certificate: Receive a nationally recognized license.
• NACCAS Accreditation: Many schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS).
Ⅳ. Career Opportunities After Completing Hairdressing Course
Hairdressing shop/beauty salon: Work in a professional hairdressing shop or beauty salon, provide hairdressing services to customers, accumulate experience and customer base.
Hairdressing studio: Start your own business, open your own hairdressing studio, and provide personalized services.
Street barber: Provide services to customers anytime and anywhere.
Wedding and event services: Provide hairdressing services for weddings and other special events.
Ⅴ. How to Apply for a Government-Supported Hairdressing Course?
Applying to the Hairdressing Course is simple and only requires a few steps:
1️⃣ Choose a School: Pick a beginner-friendly course like “Hairdressing Foundations” at Paul Mitchell or Aveda.
2️⃣ Submit an application: Prepare all necessary documents, such as ID, proof of residence
3️⃣ Confirm Enrollment: Review the schedule, course materials, and attendance requirements.
4️⃣ Start Training: Learn, practice, get certified—and start your beauty journey!
Ⅵ. Real Stories: Successfully Becoming a Hairdresser
✨ Sofia — From Student to Studio Owner
Sofia, a high school Student , enrolled in a government-supported course at Paul Mitchell Schools using WIOA funding. She gained skills in cutting, coloring, and salon customer service. After completing the program, she landed a job at a popular salon and, within a year, opened his own hair studio. Today, she serves dozens of loyal clients every week.
✨ Mia — From Retail Worker to Licensed Hair Stylist
Tasha, a single mother from California, was working part-time in retail when she discovered a WIOA-approved cosmetology program at her local Empire Beauty School. With tuition assistance and part-time class options, she completed training while raising her children. Just six months after graduating, Tasha became a licensed stylist and now works at a top-rated salon in Atlanta.
Ⅶ. Don’t Wait—Start Your Hairdressing Career Now!
Whether you're looking to change careers or realize your career dream, government-supported hairdressing courses offer a low-barrier path into a stable, flexible, and creative industry. Take the action now!