How Long Does Cosmetology School Take?

When you’re excited about starting a career in beauty, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: How long does cosmetology school take? After all, you want to know when you’ll be able to graduate, get licensed, and start doing what you love professionally.

At Taylor Andrews Academy, we make sure our cosmetology program is structured in a way that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re ready to dive in full-time during the day or need the flexibility of night classes, we’ve designed options that allow you to reach your goals without putting your life on hold.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

The total hours required for cosmetology school in Utah
The differences between day and night schedules at Taylor Andrews
How long it takes to graduate depending on your pace
Why flexible scheduling makes such a difference
What to expect while you’re in school
Tips for finishing strong and staying motivated

Let’s get into it.

Understanding Cosmetology School Requirements

Before we talk about specific schedules, it’s important to understand the big picture. Cosmetology is more than just learning how to cut and color hair — it’s a state-regulated profession. That means every cosmetologist must meet certain training requirements before they can sit for their state board exam and earn their license.

In Utah, the state requires 1,600 hours of training for cosmetology students. These hours cover everything from hairstyling and chemical services to skincare, nails, business training, and client safety.

This requirement is the same for everyone, but how quickly you complete those hours depends on your schedule. That’s where Taylor Andrews Academy gives you options.

Daytime Cosmetology School: Graduate in as Little as 12 Months

If you’re ready to commit full-time to cosmetology school, our day program is the fastest way to finish.

Here’s what it looks like:

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:45 am – 4:30 pm
Hours per week: 33.75
Start Dates: Every 7 weeks
Graduation Timeline: As few as 12 months

This schedule is perfect if you’re eager to jump into your career quickly. In just one year, you could complete your training, take your licensing exam, and start working behind the chair.

Day classes give you plenty of hands-on experience, interaction with educators, and opportunities to work with real clients in the student salon. It’s immersive, intensive, and designed to get you career-ready fast.

Nighttime Cosmetology School: Graduate in as Little as 18 Months

We know not everyone can step away from their job or family responsibilities to attend school during the day. That’s why we also offer a night program for students who need a more flexible path.

Here’s what the night schedule looks like:

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hours per week: 20
Start Dates: Every 11 weeks
Graduation Timeline: As few as 18 months

This option is great for students who are balancing work, kids, or other commitments. You’ll still complete the full 1,600-hour program — it just takes a little longer since you’re attending fewer hours per week.

The night program keeps you moving steadily toward your license while still leaving room for other parts of your life.

Why Flexible Scheduling Matters

At Taylor Andrews Academy, we believe that your education should work with your life, not against it. That’s why we make it easy for you to choose a schedule that fits.

Here’s why flexibility is such a game-changer:

Keeps you on track: No matter which schedule you pick, there’s always a new start date right around the corner. Day classes start every 7 weeks, and night classes start every 11 weeks. You don’t have to wait months or years to begin.
Supports your lifestyle: Whether you’re working full-time, raising a family, or just want to finish school as fast as possible, you can find a schedule that works.
Helps you graduate on time: When your schedule fits your life, you’re less likely to burn out or drop out. That means you’ll reach your goal faster.

What Happens During Your Hours

You might be wondering, what exactly will I be doing during those 1,600 hours? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect as a Taylor Andrews student:

Core Training: Learn the foundations of hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nails, and more.
Advanced Techniques: Practice more specialized services like balayage, extensions, or chemical treatments.
Business Skills: Gain the knowledge you need to run your own salon or booth, manage clients, and market yourself.
Hands-On Practice: Work with real clients in our student salon under the supervision of licensed instructors.
Prep for Licensing: We’ll help you feel confident and prepared for the state board exams.

Your time in school is a mix of classroom learning and hands-on training — designed to make you well-rounded and career-ready.

How to Decide Which Schedule Is Best for You

Choosing between day and night school often comes down to lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I want to finish as fast as possible? → Day program might be your best bet.
Do I need to keep my job while in school? → Night program could give you more flexibility.
Do I thrive in a full-day, immersive environment? → Day program.
Do I prefer shorter class blocks over a longer timeline? → Night program.

There’s no wrong answer — it’s all about what fits your goals and life right now.

Staying Motivated During Cosmetology School

No matter which program you choose, 1,600 hours is a big commitment. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

Set goals: Break down your timeline into smaller milestones (like finishing a specific module or hitting your next hour mark).
Stay consistent: Regular attendance is the fastest way to graduate on time.
Lean on your support system: Family, friends, and classmates can help keep you motivated.
Remember your “why”: Whether it’s a passion for hair, skincare, or building your own business, keep your long-term goals in mind.

Beyond Graduation: What’s Next?

The exciting part about cosmetology school is that graduation isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. Once you’ve completed your hours and passed the state board exam, you’ll officially be a licensed cosmetologist in Utah.

From there, your career opportunities are endless:

Work in a salon or spa
Become a makeup artist
Specialize in nails, skincare, or hair color
Start your own business
Explore roles in fashion, film, or education

Your time at Taylor Andrews Academy can prepare you for all these possibilities.

So, How Long Does Cosmetology School Take?

At Taylor Andrews Academy, completing cosmetology school depends on the schedule that works best for you:

Day School: Graduate in as little as 12 months
Night School: Graduate in as little as 18 months

Both paths require 1,600 hours of hands-on, high-quality training. The difference is how quickly you want to get there and what schedule fits your lifestyle best.

The beauty industry is growing, and there’s never been a better time to start. Whether you’re looking to make a career change, follow your passion, or create a flexible job that works around your life, cosmetology can open the door to countless opportunities.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve been thinking about starting beauty school, the timing is perfect. With new classes beginning every 7–11 weeks, you don’t have to wait long to start building your future.

Contact Taylor Andrews Academy today to learn more about our day and night cosmetology programs, upcoming start dates, and how to enroll. Your dream career is closer than you think!