Start Your Journey at a Cosmetology School in Albuquerque

Albuquerque Cosmetology School

Learn How To Become a Licensed Cosmetologist

Are you ready to turn your creativity into a fulfilling career? At Aveda Institute New Mexico, our 1,600-hour cosmetology program is designed to prepare you for success in the beauty industry. Whether you dream of becoming a hairstylist, color specialist, makeup artist, or salon owner, we can provide the hands-on training, business skills, and real-world experience you can use to thrive.

As an Aveda Institute, our cosmetology school focuses on wellness, sustainability, modern techniques, latest trends, and high-performance beauty techniques. You can train with Aveda’s naturally derived, eco-friendly products while learning the latest trends in hair cutting, coloring, skincare, and more.

Learn how to enroll in beauty school.

Your Journey Starts Here

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See What Our Students Have To Say

My time here at the Aveda institute is one I will never forget, especially my teacher, she has had so much patience for me and our class, her knowledge of the beauty industry is vast and extensive, she has shared everything she knows with me. She has made the experience of school top tier and I’m incredibly grateful to have had her as a teacher. I would recommend Miss Alexandria to anyone who is interested in really learning this industry.

Mariah S.

My experience at Aveda has been nothing short of incredible. The Esthi instructor has made it just that with her knowledgeable advise & willingness to go above and beyond for her students. She has made my time here at Aveda a awesome experience. Because of what she has taught me I now feel confident to go out into the beauty industry.

Chantel S.

I’ve been attending Aveda Institute for a couple of months and Im happy to say that I’m very satisfied with my progress and the knowledge I’ve gained as a student.

Bella R.

My experience here is good ! I’m still in school but I would like to give my phase 2 recognition! She’s hands down one of the best teachers I’ve had . She so carrying and will go the extra mile to make sure we get the experience and practice we need ! There’s been endless times where if we didn’t have anyone to practice on she would find cosmetologists for us to work on ! She made school enjoyable and comfortable. I am very appreciative of her and glad she was able to teach me !

Candice M.

Phase 1 – Foundation

Fundamentals of hair cutting, styling, skin & nail care, and makeup
Hands-on training in infection control, first aid, and life skills

Phase 2 – Intermediate Training & State Board Prep

State Board Laws & Regulations
Men’s clipper cutting techniques
Women’s haircutting & styling
Practicing on clients in a clinic setting
Prepare for the State Board Practical Exam with expert educator guidance

Phase 3 – Advanced Techniques

Coloring, chemical restructuring, and dimensional color application
Balayage, foiling, and color correction
Freehand coloring techniques and permanent waving methods

Phase 4 – Career Readiness & Business Skills

In-depth training in client service, time management, and entrepreneurship
Self-promotion, goal setting, merchandising, and retailing
Resume Development & Job Interview Training

What You’ll Learn in Our Cosmetology Program

A Well-Rounded Education for Beauty Professionals

At Aveda Institute New Mexico, we strive to go beyond basic beauty school training. Our 1,600-hour cosmetology program is designed to develop technical expertise, creativity, and industry knowledge, ensuring you have the skills to thrive in the beauty industry.

If your passion lies in hair styling, color transformations, or skincare, our comprehensive curriculum can prepare you for your future in the beauty industry.

Hands-On Salon Training with Real Clients

Students gain real-world experience by working in a salon-like environment under the guidance of experienced educators. This hands-on training allows students to develop confidence while mastering technical skills in hair styling, cutting, coloring, skincare, and nail care.

Students also learn how to provide professional consultations, manage appointments, and build strong client relationships, ensuring they graduate with the skills needed to work in salons or even start their own business.

Business & Professional Development Training

Success in the beauty industry requires more than just technical skills, which is why our program incorporates business and marketing education to help students build lasting careers.

From learning retail and sales strategies to mastering social media marketing techniques, students develop essential skills that allow them to grow a loyal clientele and increase service revenue. Time management and goal-setting training also prepare them to navigate the fast-paced beauty industry.

A Supportive, Inspiring Student Experience

Education at Aveda Institute New Mexico goes beyond basic training. It’s a meaningful experience that helps you grow both personally and professionally. You’ll learn in a positive, hands-on environment where teamwork, creativity, and self-expression are at the heart of everything we do.

Community outreach programs provide opportunities to give back while gaining valuable experience in real-world settings.

Our goal is to not only prepare students for state licensure and employment but to inspire them to achieve their fullest potential in the beauty industry. With small class sizes, experienced educators, and strong industry connections, Aveda Institute New Mexico provides a comprehensive and rewarding education that sets students up for long-term success.

Upcoming Start Dates

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: December 8th
Deadline to Enroll: November 21st

Financial Aid Is Available

Investing in your education is a big decision, but becoming a cosmetologist doesn’t have to feel financially overwhelming. At Aveda Institute New Mexico, we offer financial aid options for those who qualify, including grants, student loans, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Our admissions team is here to walk you through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process and help you explore funding options that work for your situation.

Class Schedules to Fit Your Lifestyle

We understand that balancing school, work, and life responsibilities is important. That’s why we offer two schedule options that not only provide flexibility between school, work, and personal commitments, but also provides opportunity to adjust how long you are in school for.

3-Day-Per-Week Schedule
Our three-day schedule is Monday through Wednesday from 9:00am to 6:00pm with a 30 minute lunch. This schedule allows you to complete your training without putting the rest of your life on hold.
Following this schedule can have you graduate in as little as 63 weeks.

4-Day-Per-Week-Schedule
The first 10 weeks of the program is Monday through Wednesday, 9:00am to 6:00pm. The remaining weeks of the program will move to a four-day schedule (Monday through Thursday) that provides the opportunity to complete your education sooner, with the potential to be done in as little as 48 weeks.

Talk with one of our Admissions Representatives to see which schedule works best for you!

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How We Prepare You for Your Future

At Aveda Institute New Mexico, we go beyond teaching beauty techniques to help prepare you for a successful career. From salon business training that covers goal setting and entrepreneurship, to hands-on experience in a real salon setting with clients, you can gain the tools to thrive in the industry. Students also benefit from career fairs, networking opportunities with salon owners, and mock interviews to build confidence and professionalism. Plus, our team offers expert guidance on resume development to help you stand out to future employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the cosmetology program?

Aveda Institute New Mexico has two cosmetology program options. The three-day-per-week schedule takes approximately 63 weeks to complete while our four-day-per-week schedule takes as little as 48 weeks. Talk with our Admissions Representative to learn more.

How much does the cosmetology program cost?

Tuition for the Aveda Institute New Mexico Cosmetology Program is $19,118. The cost is broken down as follows:

Tuition: $15,450
Kit: $2,200
Application Fee: $100
NM State Tax: $1,368

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Is financial aid available?

Yes! We participate in federal financial aid programs for those who qualify. Students can apply for:

Pell Grants (which do not require repayment)
Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Student Loans
Parent PLUS Loans
Third-party scholarships from organizations like Beauty Changes Lives

To apply for federal aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using School Code: 041745 at studentaid.gov. For more information, reach out to our admissions team, we’re happy to help!

What is Aveda Institute New Mexico’s FAFSA school code?

Our FAFSA School Code is 041745. If you are applying for financial aid, be sure to include this code on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Do I need to buy my own tools and supplies?

No need to purchase anything extra. Every student receives a professional cosmetology kit as part of their tuition. It comes with shears, brushes, combs, clips, a mannequin head, styling tools, Aveda products, and more. You can check out the full list of what’s included in your cosmetology kit here.

Will I be prepared for the state board exam?

Our curriculum includes state board exam preparation, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. We provide hands-on training, mock exams, and expert guidance to ensure students feel confident and ready to sit for their licensing exam.

Do you help students find jobs after graduation?

Yes! We offer career placement support, including resume development, mock interviews, career fairs, and networking opportunities with top salons and spas. While we cannot guarantee employment, we focus heavily on building the skills needed to pursue the future of your dreams.

What makes Aveda Institute New Mexico different from other beauty schools?

Aveda Institute New Mexico offers a holistic, eco-conscious approach to beauty education that sets us apart. Students train with plant-powered Aveda products and gain hands-on experience in a real salon environment. Beyond technique, we prepare students for long-term success with business and marketing education, plus unique opportunities like participating in local wedding expos, community events, and fashion shows. It’s a well-rounded education designed to help you grow your skills, build your brand, and stand out in the industry.

When do classes start?

New classes start throughout the year. Since availability is limited, we recommend contacting our admissions team early to reserve your spot.

Learn How To Become a Cosmetologist