If you have a passion for beauty, enjoy helping others look their best and want to get established in a creative career you enjoy – a future in Cosmetology could be a great fit!
The Cosmetology diploma program from IBMC offers the hands-on training, expert instruction and personalized support you need to become a skilled beauty professional in as little as 50-weeks*.
As an IBMC Cosmetology student, you’re immersed in our professional Salon Spa setting. You’ll have the opportunity to work on manikins, live models and even with real clients, all under the watchful eye of an experienced supportive instructor.
Throughout training you’ll be surrounded by fellow students and working beauty industry professionals in a vibrant salon setting.
You’ll pick up new skills and gain confidence quickly through our blend of lecture classes and hands-on practice on models and real clients in our onsite Salon & Beauty Clinic. Courses include:
Whether you see yourself creating transformations in the salon, working in a spa or stepping into your own business in the beauty industry, cosmetology training opens the door to a variety of creative and professional pathways.
*Program length when completed as designed.
Hairstyling
Learn to condition, custom color, and style with confidence while mastering texturing that bring dimension and personality to every look.
Nails
Develop the skills in professional manicures and the art of artificial nail enhancements that clients love.
Skin & Makeup
Deliver rejuvenating facials, personalized skincare treatments, makeup applications, and hair removal techniques tailored to different skin types and client preferences.
As a graduate of this program, you’ll be fully prepared to sit for the Colorado State Board of Cosmetology license exam. This licensing allows you to pursue entry-level positions within cosmetology or related beauty career fields in Colorado.
Licensed Cosmetologist work in a variety of interesting and enriching careers, including:
In our Cosmetology program, you'll train directly with industry veterans using the world-renowned Pivot Point methodology while gaining a competitive edge through our Salon Summit Academy partnership. Plus, with direct support from product representatives, you’ll develop the professional confidence and product expertise to thrive in the salon.
Technical Skills:
Skills for Salon Success:
Discover the career direction that fits you best with our short quiz.
It only takes about 5 minutes to answer a few quick questions about your interests and goals. Then we will match you with an IBMC College Career Training Program that aligns with your path.
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At IBMC, we deliberately keep classes small to ensure you receive individualized instruction from skilled educators in hairstyling, nail techniques, skincare, salon and business management.
As a student in this program, you’ll gain valuable experience in the beauty field, both through lecture classes and hands-on practice. You’ll work with models and guests in the Student Beauty Services Clinic.
You’ll build a strong foundation in safety and hygiene, professional work habits, product knowledge and business fundamentals — all designed to prepare you for the State Board Examination.
During your time at IBMC College, you may have the opportunity to go off-campus and practice your new beauty skills at community events, such as:
During these events, you may perform haircuts and hairstyling, as well as other beauty services, for low-income families and the homeless, as well as the general public. These events provide you with valuable work experience you can use to enhance your resume and improve your potential career prospects after graduation.
Our financial services team is here to make sure that you get access to all the resources that are potentially available to you, such as:
Every student’s situation is unique, and our dedicated financial services team will help you discover all of your financial aid options. Federal Financial Aid and Veteran benefits are available to those who qualify.
Learn about your funding options today.
One of the best ways to see if the creative, collaborative salon spa learning environment of IBMC is right for you is to experience it firsthand. Take a tour or even sit in on a class. There is no charge or obligation. You’re welcome to bring a family member or other significant person in your life with you for support during your visit.
You can even book a service for yourself in one of our Student Salons.
To learn more about hands-on Cosmetology career training and to explore whether the program from IBMC is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
A helpful IBMC Admissions Advisor will assist with everything from career questions to financial aid and help you discover the perfect career path for you.
For immediate questions, give us a call at:
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.
IBMC has 3 accredited campus locations in Northern Colorado. Each of our campuses provides a unique learning experience, helping you become a career-ready professional. Explore your career options today!
