How Long Does Cosmetology School Take in Utah? 2026 Guide

Last reviewed: August 2026

If you’re researching how long cosmetology school takes in Utah, you may be finding different answers online.

That is partly because Utah’s Cosmetology requirements changed in 2026.

For students entering the current school-based Cosmetology pathway, Utah requires a minimum of 1,250 hours of education.

At Renaissance Academie (RACE) in Provo, Utah, our current Cosmetology program is 1,250 total hours. Depending on the schedule you choose and consistent attendance, the program may take approximately 36 weeks to 67 weeks to complete.

Here’s how the timeline works.

How Many Hours Is Cosmetology School in Utah?

Utah’s current school-based Cosmetology pathway requires a minimum of 1,250 hours of instruction.

RACE’s Cosmetology program is therefore:

1,250 total program hours

The program combines:

• 810 hours of hands-on, on-campus training
• Up to 440 hours of approved distance education

Students complete the same 1,250-hour program regardless of which approved weekly schedule they select.

How Long Does RACE Cosmetology School Take?

The number of calendar weeks depends primarily on how many hours you are scheduled each week.

RACE currently offers several pacing options.

35 Hours Per Week

Students scheduled approximately 35 hours per week have an estimated completion range of:

36–40 weeks

This is the fastest current Cosmetology schedule and can allow a student with consistent attendance to complete the educational portion of the program in roughly nine months.

30 Hours Per Week

Students scheduled approximately 30 hours per week have an estimated completion range of:

42–46 weeks

This option provides a little more weekly flexibility while still keeping students on a relatively fast completion path.

25 Hours Per Week

Students scheduled approximately 25 hours per week have an estimated completion range of:

50–54 weeks

This schedule can be helpful for students balancing school with work, family, or other responsibilities.

20 Hours Per Week

Students scheduled approximately 20 hours per week have an estimated completion range of:

63–67 weeks

This lower-hour schedule spreads the same 1,250-hour education across a longer period.

Actual graduation dates depend on attendance, academic progress, completion of required coursework, practical requirements, and other applicable program requirements.

Why Did You Previously See 1,600 Hours Online?

Before Utah’s 2026 licensing changes, older RACE materials and other Utah beauty-school resources may have referenced a 1,600-hour Cosmetology/Barbering program.

That was the former structure.

Beginning in 2026, Utah established the current 1,250-hour Cosmetology licensing pathway.

Renaissance Academie’s current program is now simply called Cosmetology, rather than Cosmetology/Barbering.

The updated program still includes barbering fundamentals and professional haircutting skills, but it is built around Utah’s current Cosmetology requirements.

If you encounter older RACE information online mentioning 1,600 hours, use the current Cosmetology program page for the most up-to-date program requirements.

Does Cosmetology Still Include Barbering?

Yes.

Utah’s current Cosmetology curriculum includes barbering and haircutting.

RACE Cosmetology students can develop skills such as:

• Precision haircutting
• Clipper cutting
• Fades and tapered cuts
• Shaving and beard design
• Hair styling
• Hair coloring
• Blonding
• Chemical texture

Utah law also provides that someone holding a Cosmetology license may be known as a cosmetologist or barber.

The difference is that today’s Cosmetology program is a 1,250-hour professional licensing pathway rather than the former 1,600-hour Cosmetology/Barbering program.

What Will You Learn During 1,250 Hours?

Cosmetology is RACE’s broadest current beauty program.

Students receive education in areas that may include:

• Haircutting
• Barbering fundamentals
• Hair coloring
• Lightening and blonding
• Permanent waving
• Relaxing
• Chemical texture
• Hairstyling
• Shampooing and conditioning
• Hair and scalp treatments
• Basic skincare and facials
• Makeup application
• Manual hair removal
• Manicuring
• Client consultation
• Sanitation and safety
• Business skills
• Career preparation
• Utah licensing preparation

The purpose of the 1,250 hours is not simply to accumulate clock time.

Students progressively build technical knowledge, practical ability, professional habits, and experience working with clients.

How Does RACE Hybrid Cosmetology Work?

RACE’s current Cosmetology program combines hands-on campus education with approved distance education.

The program includes:

810 hours on campus

and

up to 440 hours of approved distance education

for a total of:

1,250 hours

Distance education is used for designated coursework that can appropriately be completed away from campus.

Hands-on Cosmetology training still takes place on campus.

Students need practical experience to develop skills such as haircutting, hair color, chemical services, barbering, skincare, manicuring, consultation, and professional client services.

Hybrid education provides flexibility without replacing the hands-on experience that is central to professional beauty education.

Can Cosmetology School Be Completed Fully Online?

No.

Professional Cosmetology is a hands-on field.

Although RACE offers approved distance education for designated portions of the program, students must complete substantial on-campus training and practical education.

A fully online program would not provide the hands-on experience required to develop professional Cosmetology skills or complete RACE’s current program requirements.

Does Distance Education Make Cosmetology School Faster?

Not necessarily.

Distance education provides flexibility, but it does not reduce Utah’s 1,250-hour Cosmetology requirement.

Students still need to successfully complete all required program hours.

Your graduation timeline depends primarily on:

• Your contracted weekly schedule
• Attendance
• Completion of distance-education coursework
• Academic progress
• Practical requirements
• Completion of all graduation requirements

Hybrid education can make school easier to fit into your life, but it is not a shortcut around required training.

What Happens If You Miss Cosmetology Hours?

Consistent attendance is one of the biggest factors affecting your graduation date.

If you miss scheduled education hours, you may move beyond your original estimated completion date.

For example, two students may begin on the same day and choose the same 30-hour-per-week schedule.

If one consistently completes the expected weekly hours while the other misses scheduled training, their eventual graduation dates can be different.

This is why choosing a schedule you can realistically maintain is so important.

Is Full-Time Cosmetology School Better Than Part-Time?

Not necessarily.

The better schedule is the one that allows you to consistently participate and make progress.

A higher-hour schedule may be a good fit if:

• You want to complete school more quickly
• You have substantial availability for education
• You can consistently maintain the schedule
• You want a more intensive weekly pace

A lower-hour schedule may be better if:

• You work while attending school
• You have family responsibilities
• You need more scheduling flexibility
• A higher-hour commitment would be difficult to maintain

Completing the program several months faster is not helpful if the schedule is unrealistic for your life.

Does RACE Offer Evening Cosmetology School?

RACE offers evening Cosmetology options during selected enrollment periods.

Evening education can be especially helpful for students who:

• Work during the day
• Have family responsibilities
• Are changing careers
• Need daytime availability
• Prefer an evening school schedule

Evening availability, start dates, and scheduling can change, so prospective students should confirm the current options with Admissions.

How Long Does It Take to Become Licensed After Cosmetology School?

Finishing your 1,250 hours is an important milestone, but graduation and professional licensing are separate steps.

After successfully completing the program, graduates must complete the applicable Utah licensing requirements.

Current Utah law generally requires applicants to:

• Complete the required education and service counts
• Submit the required application
• Pay the applicable licensing fee
• Satisfy the examination requirement established by DOPL

Testing providers, application procedures, fees, and examination requirements can change.

Students should use current information from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) as graduation approaches.

Your overall path looks more like:

Enroll → Complete 1,250 Hours → Graduate → Complete Licensing Requirements → Receive License → Begin Your Career

What Can Affect Your Cosmetology Graduation Date?

Several factors can influence how long school ultimately takes.

Weekly Schedule

The more hours you consistently complete each week, the faster you can progress toward 1,250 hours.

Attendance

Missed hours can move your estimated graduation date later.

Distance-Education Progress

Students must remain current with eligible remote coursework as well as campus education.

Academic Progress

Assignments, examinations, and required coursework must be successfully completed.

Practical Requirements

Cosmetology education involves more than clock hours. Students also complete required practical education and skill development.

Leave of Absence

An approved leave of absence pauses training and generally moves the expected graduation date later.

Transfer Hours

Students with documented prior beauty-school education may have qualifying transfer hours evaluated individually.

Is a Faster Cosmetology Program Always Better?

No.

When comparing beauty schools, it is easy to focus only on how quickly you can graduate.

Program length matters—but so does what happens during those hours.

Ask potential schools:

• How much hands-on training will I receive?
• Will I work with real clients?
• What skills are included in the curriculum?
• How does the school prepare students for licensing?
• What support is available if I struggle academically?
• How are practical skills evaluated?
• What does the student salon experience look like?
• What schedules are realistically available?
• How much of the program may be completed through distance education?

The goal should not simply be finishing quickly.

The goal should be using your education to build the skills and confidence you need for the next step.

Cosmetology vs. Hair Design: Which Takes Longer?

RACE currently offers both Cosmetology and Hair Design.

Cosmetology

1,250 hours

Provides extensive professional hair education plus broader training in additional beauty disciplines.

Hair Design

1,000 hours

Focused primarily on professional hair services, including cutting, barbering, color, blonding, chemical texture, styling, and related hair skills.

A simple way to think about the difference is:

If all things hair are your passion, explore Hair Design.

If you want hair plus broader beauty education, explore Cosmetology.

Hair Design requires fewer total program hours because its curriculum is more focused.

Is Cosmetology School Worth the Time Commitment?

That depends on your goals.

Cosmetology may be a strong fit for someone who wants broad professional beauty education and enjoys working with people creatively.

The program gives students time to develop skills across multiple areas of the beauty industry while also gaining hands-on experience and preparing for Utah licensing requirements.

When deciding whether Cosmetology is right for you, consider:

• The services you want to perform
• The type of environment where you want to work
• How broad you want your education to be
• Your available weekly schedule
• The total program investment
• Your long-term professional goals

Beauty school is a commitment of time, effort, and money.

It is worth choosing a program because it matches the future you want—not simply because it is the shortest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours is Cosmetology school in Utah?

Utah’s current school-based Cosmetology pathway requires a minimum of 1,250 hours of instruction.

How many hours is RACE Cosmetology?

Renaissance Academie’s current Cosmetology program is 1,250 hours.

How is RACE’s Cosmetology program divided?

RACE currently combines 810 hours of on-campus training with up to 440 hours of approved distance education.

How fast can I complete RACE Cosmetology?

Current estimated completion ranges are approximately:

• 35 hours per week: 36–40 weeks
• 30 hours per week: 42–46 weeks
• 25 hours per week: 50–54 weeks
• 20 hours per week: 63–67 weeks

Actual completion depends on attendance and successful completion of all program requirements.

Did Utah reduce Cosmetology hours?

Yes. Utah’s current school-based Cosmetology pathway requires 1,250 hours. Older resources may reference the former 1,600-hour Cosmetology/Barbering program.

Is RACE Cosmetology fully online?

No. The program combines approved distance education with substantial hands-on campus education.

Does RACE Cosmetology include barbering?

Yes. RACE’s Cosmetology curriculum includes haircutting, clipper cutting, fades, shaving, beard design, and other barbering fundamentals.

Can I attend Cosmetology part-time?

Yes. RACE offers several pacing options, including 20- and 25-hour-per-week schedules.

Does RACE offer evening Cosmetology?

Evening Cosmetology options are available during selected enrollment periods. Contact Admissions for current schedules and start dates.

Explore Cosmetology at Renaissance Academie

Renaissance Academie offers a 1,250-hour Cosmetology program in Provo, Utah designed for students who want comprehensive professional hair and beauty education.

The program currently combines:

810 hours of hands-on campus education

with

up to 440 hours of approved distance education.

Students can choose from multiple pacing options to create an educational schedule that better fits their goals and responsibilities.

Explore the Renaissance Academie Cosmetology Program for current curriculum, schedules, costs, start dates, Financial Aid information, and enrollment requirements.

Or schedule a campus tour to visit RACE, explore the student salon and classrooms, meet our team, and talk through which Cosmetology schedule may be the best fit for you.

Program schedules and estimated completion ranges are subject to change. Licensing requirements are established by the State of Utah and may change. Prospective students should review current RACE program information and Utah DOPL requirements before enrollment.