New Mexico’s distinctive style stems from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, two tourist destinations that boast attractive salons. Many salons throughout New Mexico incorporate a southwest charm that draws people from all over the US.
If you’re looking to get your cosmetology education on, you’ll have little trouble finding a local salon in New Mexico looking for new talent. Each of the programs we’ve highlighted are just a year long, so you’ll be able to pursue your career sooner than you might have thought! The average cost of the programs we’ve selected is an affordable $14,911, and many of the schools offer scholarships and financing options.
View details here on the criteria we used to select top schools.
Here’s our pick for the top nine beauty academies in New Mexico offering cosmetology programs that meet the requirements for state licensure.
- Tuition: $13,995
- Kit Cost: Included in tuition
- Program Length: 12 months
The Adorabella Beauty Academy’s curriculum offers a blend of theory and hands-on techniques, as well as business training. You’ll be able to choose a schedule that’s right for you through either a full time or part time program. The Academy offers free cuts to police and military members and serves the community through charity events. Veterans will also be able to use VA benefits through the academy.
- Tuition: $15,300
- Kit Cost: $1,800
- Program Length: 12 months
You’ve probably heard the Aveda name—from their high-end organic products to their quality salons across the country, Aveda is well known for its talented stylists. Through the Aveda Institute, you’ll be able to gain familiarity with Aveda techniques and products in a beautiful New Mexico facility. Through the curriculum, you’ll also learn business practices that are essential for cosmetologists and stay on top of current trends in cosmetology. Aveda accepts VA benefits for veterans and offers a scholarship for qualified students.
- Tuition: $17,870
- Kit Cost: Included in Tuition price
- Program Length: 12 months
With a sleek, black and white interior, The Avenue Academy is as aesthetically pleasing as any high-end salon. Through the Academy’s curriculum, you’ll become practiced using Redken products and working directly with clients. You won’t only learn about hair and skin care, though; the program places an emphasis on business training, such as business plan development, financial management, and leadership skills. The Avenue Academy offers a scholarship for qualified students who are in need of financial aid.
- Tuition: $14,240
- Kit Cost: $350
- Program Length: 12 months
Through “lectures, demonstrations, and ‘hands on’ instruction”, the cosmetology program at the DeWolf institute will help you learn essential cosmetology techniques and prepare you to work in a high-quality salon. The curriculum also includes business training, which is extremely helpful since most cosmetologists are considered independent practitioners.
If you’d like to pursue financial aid, the school accepts VA benefits for veterans and offers a scholarship for qualified students. After graduation, the DeWolf Institute can help you find employment in a position that’s right for you.
- Tuition: $10,995
- Kit Cost: $1,600
- Program Length: 12 months
Offering the lowest tuition of all ten schools on our list, Glitz’s program is an excellent value. You’ll learn hair, skin and nail techniques as well as salon management practices through the program’s curriculum.
- Tuition: $15,520
- Kit Cost: $2,500
- Program Length: 12 months
The Olympian Academy of Cosmetology offers a comprehensive cosmetology education covering cutting, coloring, perming, styling, and skin and nail care. You’ll be able to choose from four different campus locations to select the location that’s best for you. The Olympian college also offers a $1500 scholarship for qualified students.
- Tuition: $13,000
- Kit Cost: Included in tuition
- Program Length: 12 months
With new classes starting every month and an excellent tuition price, Razor Academy of Barber and Cosmetology’s program can easily accommodate you. Razor Academy of Barber and Cosmetology seeks to give back to the community by offering free haircuts for service members, including military, police officers and firefighters.
- Tuition: $15,000
- Kit Cost: $3,000
- Program Length: 12 months
Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy is focused on developing students who are well-prepared for the challenges of the cosmetology field. By blending a curriculum with theory, hands-on experience, and knowledge of essential business practices, you’ll receive a well-rounded education. The Toni & Guy Academy also offers a scholarship for qualified individuals and accepts VA benefits from veterans. If you choose to study at Toni & Guy, you’ll play an active role in the Albuquerque community through beauty shows and hair shows that benefit local charities. After graduation, you might also consider attending advanced education courses at the academy that cover topics such as advanced coloring, modern classics, and skincare.
- Tuition: $15,195
- Kit Cost: $1,600
- Program Length: 12 months
The Vogue College of Cosmetology has trained “over 50,000 students over the past 40 years.” With two locations in New Mexico, you’ll be able to select the location that’s right for you. You’ll learn the latest trends in hair as well as nail and skin care techniques, using brands like Wella, Sebastian, and OPI. If you’re a veteran, the Vogue College of Cosmetology accepts VA benefits.