Cosmetology School in Houston, TX

Master hair, skin, and nails in one complete program at GNU Beauty Institute, a hands-on cosmetology school in Houston built to get you licensed and working.

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What You'll Learn in Our Cosmetology Program

Our cosmetology classes in Houston cover the full range of skills you need to work in any salon, from cutting and coloring to skincare and nail services. You’ll train on real techniques, not just theory from a textbook.

  • Hair Cutting, Coloring, and Styling

You’ll practice cutting, coloring, and styling techniques on real heads of hair, building the muscle memory that separates confident stylists from nervous ones on day one of a new job.

  • Skin and Facial Treatments

Cosmetology training includes foundational skincare and facial techniques, giving you the range to offer more than just hair services once you’re working.

  • Nail Care and Nail Art

You’ll learn manicure, pedicure, and nail art fundamentals as part of your cosmetology training, rounding out the full-service skill set salons look for when hiring.

  • Salon Business Skills

Beyond technical skills, you’ll learn client communication, retail, and basic business practices, since building a loyal client base matters as much as your technique.

Student sectioning wet hair with a comb during a haircut
Cosmetology student taking notes from a textbook and tablet

Cosmetology Program Tuition

  • Cosmetology Program – 1,000 Hours
  • Regular Tuition: $11,660
  • Current Introductory Tuition: $5,830

Books, kits, and the online education platform are separate from tuition.

We also offer:

  • 0% in-house tuition financing
  • Flexible payment plans
  • Hybrid learning option, where applicable

Upcoming Start Dates: November 23, 2026 and January 12, 2027

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Getting Your Texas Cosmetology License

Texas requires 1,000 hours of training at a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school before you can sit for your Cosmetology Operator license. GNU Beauty Institute is built around meeting those hours the right way, with real instruction, not clock-watching.

Here’s what the licensing path looks like:

  • You must be at least 17 years old to enroll
  • You’ll complete 1,000 total training hours at our TDLR-licensed campus
  • You can sit for the written state exam after your first 900 hours
  • The practical exam follows once you’ve completed all 1,000 hours and passed the written exam
  • Both exams require a passing score set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

We walk you through every step of this process, so you’re not left guessing what TDLR requires or when you’re eligible to test.

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Stylist cutting a section of long hair held between comb and fingers
Stylist trimming a client's long hair with scissors

Cosmetology Classes Built Around Real Careers

Graduating with your cosmetology license opens more doors than most people expect. Our graduates go on to work in:

  • Full-service salons across the Houston area
  • Editorial and session styling work
  • Waxing, skincare, and treatment-focused positions
  • Independent chair rental and booth rental businesses

Because the program covers hair, skin, and nails together, you leave with the flexibility to build a career path that fits what you actually enjoy doing.

Invest in Your Cosmetology Education

A quality education shouldn’t be out of reach because of cost. We offer 0% in-house tuition financing, flexible payment plans, and scholarships when available, so you can focus on training instead of stressing over tuition. Eligible students may also be able to use VA/GI Bill® education benefits toward their program.

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Cosmetology student with a hairstyle in progress

A Cosmetology School Near Me in Houston, Texas

GNU Beauty Institute is located at 3749 Erie St Suite D, Houston, TX 77017. We’re open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, giving students flexibility to train around work and family schedules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Texas requires 1,000 total training hours at a TDLR-licensed school. Our program is structured to help you complete those hours efficiently while still learning the material properly.

No. Texas removed the diploma or GED requirement for cosmetology operator applicants, so you can enroll as long as you meet the minimum age requirement of 17.

Yes. Texas allows you to sit for the written exam once you’ve completed 900 of your 1,000 required hours. The practical exam comes after you finish all remaining hours.

Cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails together for a full-service license. Esthetics focuses specifically on skincare and treatments if that’s your main interest.

Yes. Our program includes hands-on practice throughout your training, so you’re building real technique and confidence before you graduate.

Current introductory tuition for the 1,000-hour Cosmetology Program is $5,830 (regular tuition $11,660). Books, kits, and the online education platform are separate from tuition. We also offer 0% in-house tuition financing, flexible payment plans, and scholarships when available, and eligible students may be able to use VA/GI Bill® education benefits.

Graduates typically go on to work in salons, spas, or independent chair rental businesses across Houston, with the flexibility to specialize in hair, skin, or nails.

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