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Makeup Schools in Iowa

If you’re interested in learning about makeup, you’ll be glad to know that there are several makeup schools located throughout Iowa. Makeup school can provide you with the training and education you need to become a professional makeup artist.

Makeup Schools in Iowa

State Requirements for Makeup Artist Licensing in Iowa

Makeup artists in Iowa are not legally required to have a specific certification to apply makeup. But many salons expect their makeup artists to have a certification in esthetics or cosmetology. For those who choose either a cosmetology or esthetician license, they will need to pass a course with a minimum of 2,100 hours for cosmetology or 600 for esthetics. You’ll also need to pass the state’s licensing exams and pay your licensing fee. Once you’ve earned your license you will need to keep up on your license renewal fees and continuing education credits to maintain licensure.

How Much Do Iowa Makeup Schools Cost?

Depending on your career aspirations and the skills you’d like to learn, you’ll need to make a decision between a longer, more expensive cosmetology program or a shorter, more economical esthetician program in Iowa. According to the site collegetuitioncompare.com, the average costs in Iowa are $21,300 for cosmetology programs and $11,400 for esthetician programs.

Required Skills and Classes

While there are no specific requirements to practice makeup artistry, there will be for both cosmetology and esthetics license holders according to state laws. One such requirement is passing a state-approved course in whichever discipline you choose.

Board-approved cosmetology programs will have the following curriculum requirements:

  • Core life sciences: 150 hours
    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Bacteriology
    • Basic chemistry
    • Sanitation and safety
    • State and federal law
  • Cosmetology theory: 615 hours
    • Business and management practices
  • Applied practical instruction: 1,335 hours

A board-approved esthetics curriculum will consist of the following:

  • Applied Practical Instruction: 335 hours
  • Core Life Sciences: 150 hours
  • Esthetics Theory: 115 hours

State Licensing Exams

To work as a makeup professional with a cosmetology or esthetics license, candidates must either pass the National-Interstate Council cosmetology exam or the Esthetician National Theory Licensing Exam.

  • Cosmetology – the PSI administered exam will include two sections:
    • The National Cosmetology Written Exam (90 minutes)
    • National Cosmetology Practical Exam (three (3) hours)
  • Esthetics – this will take 90 minutes to complete with a required fee amounting to $58. Topics included in the exam will be:
    • Sanitation and Infection Control
    • Human Physiology and Anatomy
    • Disorders of the Sebaceous and Sudoriferous Glands
    • Hair, Follicle, and its Growth Cycle
    • Basic Chemistry
    • Skin Care Products
    • Factors that Affect the Skin
    • Integumentary System and Skin Histology
    • Skin Analysis and Implementation
    • Cleansing
    • Steaming
    • Exfoliation
    • Extraction
    • Massage Manipulation
    • Masks
    • Electricity
    • Hair Removal
    • Color Theory and Makeup Application

How Much Do Makeup Artists Get Paid in Iowa?

Investing in a career such as makeup artistry can be quite rewarding, yielding an annual salary of $21,339 according to salary.com. The top 10% of makeup artists make $27,664 or more.

Does Iowa Have Continuing Education Requirements for Makeup Artists?

There are no continuing ed requirements for unlicensed makeup artists. However, those holding esthetician or cosmetology degrees will need to complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education credits for each renewal period, which occurs every two years.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

Iowa Department of Public Health
Address: 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
Website: https://idph.iowa.gov/licensure/iowa-board-of-cosmetology-arts-and-sciences
Email: [email protected]
Call: 515-281-7689
Fax: 515-281-3121