Becoming a cosmetologist starts with choosing a state-approved school where you can learn through hands-on training — not just theory.

At IBMC, students begin by building real skills in a supportive environment, preparing for licensure, and gaining confidence step by step. You don’t need prior experience or a perfect plan. You just need a place that helps you get started and supports you along the way.

Cosmetology programs are based on required training hours rather than years, and most students complete their 1500 hour education in about a year, depending on their schedule.

The IBMC cosmetology program has a 50 week day program and a 65 week evening program with different start dates throughout the year to remove any waitlist barriers.

We help you understand your timeline clearly so you can plan around work, family, and life — without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Yes. Colorado requires cosmetologists to be licensed before working professionally.

Licensing protects you and your future clients and ensures you’re trained to professional standards. IBMC’s program is designed to prepare you for Colorado’s licensure requirements so you’re not navigating that process alone.

Licensing in Colorado typically involves completing a required number of training hours and passing a state exam.

IBMC helps students understand exactly what’s required and supports them through each step so there are no surprises along the way.

Cosmetology school introduces students to a broad range of beauty skills, from hair and makeup to skincare and nail services. This variety helps graduates build versatility and work with different clients in salons, spas, and other beauty environments.

Many people find their way to cosmetology through personal passion. Some grew up styling friends or experimenting with looks, while others were inspired by family members already in the industry. The work itself often goes beyond technique, focusing on trust, confidence, and helping people feel like their best selves.
If you enjoy creative, hands-on work and value meaningful connection, cosmetology can offer a deeply fulfilling professional path.

Cosmetology training can lead to a variety of beauty-focused career paths. Many graduates begin by working in salons or spas, offering services such as hair, skincare, makeup, or nails, and refine their interests as they gain experience.

Over time, some choose to specialize, while others explore education, freelance or event-based work, or independent paths within the beauty industry. You don’t have to have everything figured out at the start. Many students discover what fits best as their skills, confidence, and experience grow.

Cost is an important consideration, and it’s completely normal to have questions.

IBMC believes in transparency and will walk you through tuition, financial aid options, and payment plans so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

Our Financial Services Representatives are focused on one goal: helping you understand available financial aid options so you can decide what makes sense for your future.

Cosmetology school is hands-on and completed in person, which means it follows a structured schedule. To support different schedules, IBMC offers both day and evening program options.
The day program is designed to be completed in about 50 weeks, while the evening program follows a 65-week schedule. Both options are structured to help students balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities.

Our team will help you understand the differences and explore what feels realistic and supportive for your life.

Cosmetology training can open the door to a wide variety of career paths within the beauty industry, and many professionals find that their careers evolve over time. While some graduates begin working in salons or spas providing hair, skincare, makeup, or nail services, others gradually shape their careers around specific interests or strengths.

With experience, cosmetologists may move into specialty services, education or training roles, freelance or event-based work, product or brand support, or independent paths such as booth rental or studio ownership. Some choose to focus on one area, while others enjoy the flexibility of offering multiple services or working with different types of clients.

One of the strengths of cosmetology training is its versatility. You don’t need to choose a single direction right away. Many professionals discover new opportunities as they build skills, confidence, and real-world experience.