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Makeup Schools in Virginia

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in makeup, then you’ll be happy to know that there are several great makeup schools located in Virginia. These schools offer excellent programs that will teach you everything you need to know about makeup artistry. What’s more, they also provide students with plenty of opportunities to learn and practice their skills. So if you’re looking for a great way to start your career in makeup, then be sure to check out the schools located in Virginia.

State Requirements for Makeup Artist Licensing in Virginia

The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology is the governing body that dictates the requirements for makeup artists and beauty professionals within the state. To qualify, candidates must meet either of the following criteria:

  • Has earned an esthetician license through 600 hours of schooling from an approved learning institute
  • Has earned a cosmetology license through 1,500 hours of schooling from an approved learning institute

How Much Do Virginia Makeup Schools Cost?

According to the website collegetuitioncompare.com, an esthetician program in Virginia, on average, will cost about $10,000. A cosmetology program is almost double that, at an average cost of $19,000 once you account for supplies, books, and tuition. Of course, cosmetology school is longer and will teach you a wider range of skills that may land you a higher-paying job. Ultimately, the type of license you pursue should align with your career goals.

Required Skills and Classes

While esthetics and cosmetology may have some common courses, there are also some differences which are illustrated below.

  • Esthetics – a licensed esthetics school approved by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) will have the following courses:
    • Business management
    • Laws and regulations
    • Bacteriology, dermatology, anatomy, and physiology
    • Skin structure, function, types, and conditions
    • Health screening
    • Skin analysis and consultation
    • Cleansing procedures
    • Masks
    • Extraction techniques
    • Machines, equipment, and electricity
    • Manual facials
    • Makeup application
    • Body wraps, masks, and scrubs
    • Hair removal
  • Cosmetology – by law, the Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetology requires all students to learn courses such as:
    • Professional ethics, state laws, and state regulations
    • Natural and artificial manicuring and pedicuring procedures
    • Anatomy, physiology, and chemistry
    • Sterilization techniques
    • Shampooing and rinsing
    • Hair styling
    • Scalp treatments
    • Permanent waving and chemical relaxing
    • Hair cutting
    • Hair bleaching and coloring
    • Makeup and skin care
    • Hair pieces and wigs
    • Business ethics and salon management

State Licensing Exams

Any aspiring makeup artist must take and pass the designated licensure exam from their chosen program to able to work legally within the state.

  • Esthetician Exam – test-takers are required to provide all the necessary supplies for the practical exam. A fee worth $85 will need to be paid for both exams. The passing score for both exams is 75%.
    • Written exam
      • Virginia state general laws, rules, and regulations – 15%
      • Safety, sanitation, and infection control – 28%
      • Implements, tools, and equipment – 14%
      • Product knowledge and chemistry – 15%
      • Anatomy and physiology – 4%
      • Esthetics services – 24%
    • Practical exam
      • Disinfection and setup
      • Blood spill procedures
      • Facial
      • Facial mask
      • Manual extraction
      • Tweezing and waxing
      • Disinfection and cleanup
  • Cosmetology Exam – test-takers are required to provide all the necessary supplies which include 2 mannequin heads for the practical exam. A fee worth $85 will need to be paid for both exams. The passing score for both exams is 75%.
    • Written exam
      • Virginia state general laws, rules, and regulations – 11%
      • Safety, sanitation, and infection control – 30%
      • Implements, tools, and equipment – 17%
      • Product knowledge and chemistry – 13%
      • Anatomy and physiology – 5%
      • Cosmetology services – 24%
    • Practical exam
      • Initial set up
      • Blood spill procedures
      • Thermal curling demonstration
      • Haircut
      • Blow dry demonstration
      • Eyebrow wax
      • Chemical waving
      • Hair coloring
      • Chemical relaxer retouch
      • Disinfection and cleanup

How Much Do Makeup Artists Get Paid in Virginia?

The most recent data from salary.com shows that makeup artists in Virginia make an average of $22,229 annually. The demand for beauty experts is expanding all over the country. The Virginia Department of Labor predicts that there will be 2,400 new jobs in the beauty industry within the state in the coming years, so it’s a great time to look into this profession.

Does Virginia Have Continuing Education Requirements for Makeup Artists?

Makeup artists in Virginia are not required to complete continuing education credits when they renew their licenses every two years, but they will have to pay the state’s license renewal fee.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Richmond VA 23233
Website: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Email: [email protected]
Call: 804-367-8590
Fax: 866-245-9693