beauty-schools-in-edmonton

The 5 Best Beauty Schools in Edmonton Where Glam Gets Graded 

  • Curriculum Depth: We looked for academies that offer comprehensive, specialised training modules. Programs that blend heavy theory with essential hands-on practice scored higher on our list.
  • Instructor Expertise: Great teachers make all the difference for new students. We favoured schools led by working professionals who have solid real-world experience and industry recognition.
  • Student Support Services: Learning the technical skills is just half the battle. We prioritised institutions that help with job placements, résumé building, and long-term career counselling.
  • Scheduling Flexibility: Life gets busy, so having options matters. We highlighted schools offering online modules, varied hours, or dedicated apprenticeship tracks.
  • Financial Options: Beauty school is a major investment. We valued programs that offer straightforward tuition structures, manageable payment plans, or tax credit eligibility.

If you’re looking to jumpstart a fresh career in hairstyling or esthetics, finding the right training matters. Getting hands-on practice, quality instruction, and modern tools can totally shape your future in this fast-paced industry. 

You want an academy that actually sets you up for success right out of the gate. To help you choose, we mapped out the top options in the city so you don’t have to guess. 

Keep reading to discover the absolute best beauty school in Edmonton for your specific goals, budget, and schedule!

How much does enrolling on a beauty school cost in Edmonton?

Enrolling in a beauty school in Edmonton usually costs between $11,000 and $25,000, depending on your program and speciality. This price includes tuition and your starter kits.

Program SpecialisationAverage Total Cost (Tuition & Kits)
Full Cosmetology / Blended Diplomas$19,000 – $25,000
Hairstyling Diplomas$16,000 – $18,500
Esthetics Diplomas$14,000 – $18,000
Barbering Certificates$10,000 – $11,000

1. Est-elle Academy Of Hair Design

est-elle-academy-of-hair-design

Website:https://www.est-elle.ab.ca/

Address: 8004 Gateway Blvd.

Contact: (780) 432-7577 | Fax: (780) 433-4799

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday-Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Est-elle Academy has been a family-owned staple in Old Strathcona since April 1980, offering over 45 years of hairstyling education. 

You get a massive 1,400-hour curriculum covering everything from chemical texturing to extensions without paying extra for classroom products. 

A close friend of mine trained here last year and absolutely loved how the practical tests perfectly mirrored the provincial exams. She said it really took the pressure off on test day.

You can even save $700 by paying your tuition upfront on the first day, though they also offer a decent monthly plan. 

We’ve even heard that graduates often snag jobs at some of the city’s best hair salons right out of the gate!

Just keep in mind that you must attend entirely in person on a strict full-time schedule since they don’t offer any online flexibility.

Pros

  • Huge 1,400-hour hairstyling curriculum
  • Zero extra charges for classroom products
  • $700 discount for upfront tuition payment
  • Local Edmonton fixture since 1980

Cons

  • Strict full-time, in-person schedule; no online options

2. Beauty Connect Pro

beauty-connect-pro

Website:https://www.beautyconnectpro.com/

Address: 6918 77 Street Northwest

Contact: 780-909-1655 | [email protected] 

Hours: Thursday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Maria Dhillion, who started this academy, recently won a top industry award in 2023 and serves as the only Canadian distributor for Zena Cosmetics and KRX Esthetics. 

As the exclusive distributor, she brings you hands-on training in advanced treatments like chemical peels and microneedling straight from the brands themselves.

One client told us they loved being able to learn from home, since you can join live online sessions or catch up with video lessons at any time. 

Their programs also teach you key business and marketing skills, so you’re set to run a successful practice, not just provide skincare treatments. 

But keep in mind, their courses are all about medical esthetics and laser; you won’t find hairstyling or nail tech programs here.

Pros

  • Flexible, self-paced online learning
  • Includes practical business and marketing training
  • Brand-specific KRX and Zena certifications
  • Advanced laser and microneedling pathways

Cons

  • Focuses only on advanced esthetics; lacks hair or nail tracks

Customer Reviews

She was nice, genuine, she cares, supports you all the way

I did the online training for Zena Algae Peel with Maria and she is the BEST! She was able to answer all my questions and gave me all the information I need. She had a live model which was also very helpful. She was nice,genuine, she cares, supports you all the way and you can tell that she also wants her students to do well on their small businesses too. If you are also looking into adding more services to your business and want trainings with facials, algae peel, microneedling and more I recommend Maria 100%

I am 100% sure that learning from Maria will be one of the best things

Maria is THE BEST instructor. I am grateful that she was my trainer for the Zena Algae Peel. She got your back after the training and always supports her students. LOVE HER. I am 100% sure that learning from Maria will be one of the best things you will do as an Esthetician!

3. Divine Beauty MediSpa & Academy

divine-beauty-medispa-academy

Website:https://www.divinebeauty.ca/

Address: 101-1803 91 St. SW

Contact: (587) 778-4412 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (By Appointment Only)

Olena Bondareva, the founder and lead trainer at Divine Beauty MediSpa & Academy, brings a Nursing Diploma and 25 years of medical-grade esthetics experience to every single lesson. 

Her deep clinical background drives the 16 advanced career programs offered here, including highly focused courses like Korean Bio Microneedling. 

If you want to work at a permanent makeup clinic, upgrading your skills here gives you a serious competitive edge. They also keep things personal by building individual training schedules around your specific week. 

Best of all, the school is fully certified by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), meaning your eligible tuition actually qualifies for a federal tax credit.

Just be aware that their classes primarily target existing estheticians and Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) looking to upskill. 

Pros

  • Highly experienced clinical lead instructor
  • Eligible for CRA federal tuition tax credits
  • Flexible, individualised training schedules
  • 16 highly advanced esthetics programs

Cons

  • Geared toward existing professionals; not for entry-level beginners

4. MC College Edmonton

mc-college-edmonton

Website:https://www.mccollege.ca/edmonton-beauty-school/

Address: 301-10345 107 St NW

Contact: (780) 429-4407

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

MC College is a big name in the beauty and fashion world, training more than 1,200 students every year across their campuses. You’ve got loads of choices here, from full hairstyling diplomas to special courses in makeup or barbering. 

If you’re into esthetics, you can move straight into advanced training like microneedling and chemical peels at the same campus.

You’ll also love their MC 360 support program, which gives you around-the-clock help, career advice, and a ton of networking opportunities.

One salon owner we talked to only hires the school’s apprentices from their intensive 10-week training. She said every graduate is always prepped, motivated, and ready to work right away.

However, if you’re looking for certificates like lash lamination or threading, you’ll need to visit another campus for those.

Pros

  • Massive variety of beauty training pathways
  • Robust MC 360 alumni and career support
  • Dedicated hairstyling apprenticeship option
  • Easy progression into advanced esthetics

Cons

  • No threading and lash lamination courses

Customer Reviews

I got great hands-on training with clients

I had an amazing experience at MC College in Edmonton. I met amazing classmates and instructors that I will remember for a lifetime. I got great hands on training with clients, which helped me be confident getting a job right out of school. I would recommend this school to anyone interested in the esthetics field.

The hands-on training has been invaluable

The program is comprehensive, and it’s been a privilege to learn from dedicated instructors like Rola, who are genuinely passionate about their subjects. The hands-on training has been invaluable, and the supportive learning environment has made all the difference in my journey. If you’re considering a career in esthetics, I highly recommend it!

5. Jyot’s Aesthetics Academy

jyot-s-aesthetics-academy

Website:https://www.jyotsaestheticsacademy.com/

Address: 1269 Aster Boulevard NW

Contact: (780) 999-7539 | [email protected] 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Jyot’s Aesthetics Academy has been part of the city since 2005. They offer hands-on diploma and certificate programs in advanced aesthetics, hairstyling, and barbering. 

Classes are always small, so you get plenty of one-on-one time with instructors and lots of practice using the latest equipment. 

One thing students really value is how business and job skills are included in every program, not just the technical training. 

The academy also helps out with job placement, résumé writing, and even has a career board to help you kickstart your career. 

The main limitation, though, is their program list because they only offer four specific tracks. If you’re hoping to focus just on nails, there isn’t a standalone nail technician course here.

Pros

  • Small class sizes for personalised focus
  • Real hands-on training with modern gear
  • Business skills integrated into all courses
  • Active job placement and resume support

Cons

  • No nail technician course

Customer Reviews

The instructors were supportive and knowledgeable

I had a great experience as a student. The instructors were supportive and knowledgeable. The learning environment was professional and welcoming. I gained valuable skills and confidence, and I highly recommend this academy to anyone interested in aesthetics.

Their services are just as amazing as their training

I travelled all the way from Surrey to Edmonton just to take my courses here, and I’m so glad I did! Gagan is not only an incredible instructor but also such a kind and encouraging person. She made me feel confident every step of the way and shared so much valuable knowledge. Their services are just as amazing as their training — truly worth every mile of the trip! Highly recommend to anyone wanting the best learning experience. Whether you’re looking for training or treatments, this is the place to go!

Loading...
Loading...