Cosmetology Program
Get the Skills to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in New
Jersey
41-Week* Cosmetology Diploma Program - South Plainfield and Brick
Built for the Creative & Ambitious
If you're the person who lights up doing someone's hair, their nails, their makeup — this program was built for you. Cosmetology isn't just a trade. It's a craft where your personality leads.
At Innovate, our cosmetology program in NJ combines hands-on creative training with business knowledge to own your future: your chair, your clients, your salon, your rules.
At Innovate, our cosmetology program in NJ combines hands-on creative training with business knowledge to own your future: your chair, your clients, your salon, your rules.
About Our Cosmetology Program
Our 1,200-hour cosmetology program is built for people who think differently, creative, artistic individuals ready to build something entirely their own within the beauty industry.
What You'll Learn
Hair Coloring & Chemical Texturizing (color, perms, straightening)
Haircutting & Hair Shaping
Hair Styling & Shampooing/Conditioning
Skincare & Scalp Treatments
Nail Technology & Temporary Hair Removal
Makeup Application
Chemistry & Physiology
Program Options
Full-Time — 41 weeks*: Intensive, immersive training designed to get you licensed and behind the chair in under 10 months*.
Part-Time — 80 weeks*: The same high‑quality curriculum, delivered on a flexible schedule that fits your life — all in under 19 months*.
Both tracks are available at both locations.
Part-Time — 80 weeks*: The same high‑quality curriculum, delivered on a flexible schedule that fits your life — all in under 19 months*.
Both tracks are available at both locations.
Program Highlights
- Train across the full spectrum of cosmetology in a professional salon environment.
- Master industry-leading methods: Redken Principle, SASSOON cutting, curly hair training, and Pivot Point LAB.
- Build a personal brand using social media and modern marketing strategies.
- Graduate ready to sit for your NJ state licensing exam and build your clientele.
Is a Career in Cosmetology Right for You?
Take the Innovate Cosmetology Career Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Launch Your Cosmetology Career
The beauty industry is one of the few fields where building your own business is achievable from day one. Our graduates go on to own salons, grow loyal clientele, and build careers that are as individual as they are.
Careers to Explore
As a graduate you may be eligible for these careers:
- Hair Stylist
- Manicurist
- Salon Manager or Owner
- Makeup Artist
- Beauty Product Distributor
- Salon Sales Consultant
- Beauty School Educator or Owner
High Demand for Cosmetologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations**. Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.
Is a Rewarding Career as a Cosmetologist Right for You?
If you're interested in learning more about our Cosmetology program, and exploring where Innovate Salon Academy is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly Admissions Team is happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you more information on the program.
For immediate questions, please call 800-209-9982.
For immediate questions, please call 800-209-9982.
Graduate Ready to Get Licensed and Stand Out
Upon completing our cosmetology program, you will be prepared to sit for your New Jersey state cosmetology licensing exam. Innovate Salon Academy is proud to be recognized by and partnered with leading industry organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Innovate's Cosmetology program goes beyond the technical basics, combining hands-on salon experience with business and personal branding education to prepare you for a well-rounded career in beauty.
You'll receive instruction in:
- Hair, makeup, nails, and skincare
- Current techniques and on-trend technologies
- Business fundamentals and social media for professionals
All training takes place in real salon environments across our two New Jersey campuses in South Plainfield and Brick.
To apply to Innovate Salon Academy’s Cosmetology program, you can start your application online or contact the admissions office directly. Before applying, prospective students can take the Career Readiness Quiz on the website to see if a career in the beauty industry is right for them.
Innovate Salon Academy operates three campuses across New Jersey, each offering the same hands-on education, modern equipment, and experienced instructors:
- South Plainfield — 4985 Stelton Road (Hadley Center)
- Brick — 712 Route 70
Students can choose whichever location works best for their home or work schedule. All three campuses also offer guest services, where students practice their skills on real clients under instructor supervision.
After completing the Cosmetology program at Innovate Salon Academy, graduates can pursue various career paths in the beauty industry, including hair stylist, colorist, makeup artist, nail technician, salon manager, or salon owner.
The program provides real-life, hands-on salon experience to prepare students for professional work environments. Innovate’s curriculum includes business and social media training to help graduates market themselves and build their clientele.
The school also offers support for employers seeking qualified beauty professionals through their dedicated employer resources, helping connect graduates with job opportunities in the New Jersey beauty industry.
The program provides real-life, hands-on salon experience to prepare students for professional work environments. Innovate’s curriculum includes business and social media training to help graduates market themselves and build their clientele.
The school also offers support for employers seeking qualified beauty professionals through their dedicated employer resources, helping connect graduates with job opportunities in the New Jersey beauty industry.
Yes, Innovate Salon Academy offers financial aid to eligible students pursuing Cosmetology and other beauty programs. The school participates in federal financial aid programs and also offers scholarship opportunities.
Students can complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. For current information about tuition rates, fees, payment plans, available financial aid programs, and scholarship opportunities, contact Innovate Salon Academy’s financial aid office.
Students can complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. For current information about tuition rates, fees, payment plans, available financial aid programs, and scholarship opportunities, contact Innovate Salon Academy’s financial aid office.
*Program length when completed in normal time.
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm
