Can You Go to Cosmetology School Part-Time in Illinois?

If you’ve been thinking about going to cosmetology school but aren’t sure how to fit classes into your schedule, you may be wondering whether you can attend part-time. After all, not everyone can afford to stop working or put other responsibilities on hold to pursue a new career.

Yes, you can go to cosmetology school part-time in Illinois. Many beauty schools offer flexible schedules that allow students to complete their training while working or managing family responsibilities. Part-time programs cover the same required education as full-time programs, but students attend fewer hours each week and generally take longer to graduate.

At Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, we offer full-time and part-time cosmetology classes, including day and evening options, to help students throughout the Chicagoland area find a schedule that works for them.

Here’s what you should know about attending beauty school part-time in Illinois:

How Does Part-Time Cosmetology School Work?

Part-time cosmetology school covers the same essential subjects as full-time training. The main difference is how many hours you attend each week.

Rather than spending most of your weekdays in class, you may attend fewer hours per day or follow an evening schedule, depending on the school.

You’ll still learn the technical and practical skills needed to become a cosmetologist, including haircutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, sanitation, and client care. You’ll also complete hands-on training, which is an important part of preparing for work in a salon.

The goal is the same regardless of your schedule: complete the required education and prepare for professional licensure.

How Long Does Part-Time Cosmetology School Take in Illinois?

Illinois requires students pursuing cosmetology licensure through a traditional school program to complete 1,500 hours of training. State law also requires the program to extend over at least eight months.

The amount of time it takes to complete those hours depends largely on your weekly class schedule.

For example, here’s how different schedules could affect your timeline:

These are estimates based on consistent attendance. Holidays, school closures, missed classes, and other scheduling factors may extend your actual completion date.

When comparing part-time cosmetology programs, ask each school how many hours you’ll attend weekly and how long students typically take to graduate.

Can You Attend Beauty School While Working Full-Time?

Yes, it is possible to attend beauty school while working full-time, especially if you choose a program that offers evening classes.

Many aspiring cosmetologists continue working while they complete their education. Some need to maintain their income, while others have family responsibilities or simply aren’t ready to leave their current jobs. The key is finding a schedule you can realistically maintain.

For example, if you work during the day, evening cosmetology classes will allow you to attend school without changing your work hours. A part-time schedule can also give you more time for studying, practicing techniques, and handling responsibilities outside the classroom.

Before enrolling, consider your work schedule, commute, available study time, and how many hours you can comfortably commit each week.

What Will You Learn in Part-Time Cosmetology Classes?

A part-time schedule doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a quality education. Part-time students still need to complete the same required curriculum and develop the same skills as full-time students.

At Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, our comprehensive cosmetology program includes:

• Haircutting, hairstyling, and hair coloring
• Chemical treatments, including relaxing and permanent waving
• Braiding, wigs, weaves, and techniques for different hair textures
• Hair and scalp care
• Nail technology and skincare fundamentals
• Sanitation, infection control, and product knowledge
• Client relations, marketing, and salon business skills

As a Black-owned beauty school, we’re especially proud to provide education that includes working with a variety of hair types and textures. Learning how to serve clients with different needs is an important part of becoming a well-rounded cosmetologist.

Our program also emphasizes practical training, giving students opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in a supervised salon environment.

Is Part-Time or Full-Time Cosmetology School Better?

Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on your personal circumstances and how quickly you want to complete your education.

Benefits of Part-Time Cosmetology School

Part-time classes can be a good fit if you need to continue working or have other responsibilities that make a full-time schedule difficult.

Some of the main advantages include:

• More flexibility to balance school with work and family
• The ability to continue earning income while attending classes
• A smaller weekly time commitment
• More time between classes to study and practice

The main trade-off is that you’ll generally spend more months in school before completing your required training hours.

Benefits of Full-Time Cosmetology School

Full-time classes may be a better choice if your schedule allows you to devote more hours to your education.

Attending more hours each week generally means you can complete your training sooner. This may appeal to students who want to begin pursuing their cosmetology careers as quickly as possible. However, a full-time schedule can be difficult to maintain if you’re also working long hours or caring for family members.

Ultimately, the best schedule is one that allows you to attend consistently and make steady progress toward graduation.

Are There Part-Time Cosmetology Schools Near Chicago?

Yes, there are part-time cosmetology schools near Chicago.

One example is Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy. This school is located in Hillside, Illinois, and serves students from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We offer full-time and part-time cosmetology classes, with flexible daytime and evening options available.

Our school has been educating aspiring beauty professionals since 1960. Students benefit from experienced instructors, hands-on learning, and a curriculum that covers everything from hair cutting and coloring to textured hair styling and salon business fundamentals.

We understand that many students are returning to school as adults or making a career change while managing other responsibilities. Our scheduling options are intended to make beauty education more accessible to students with different needs.

Tips for Balancing Cosmetology School With Work and Family

Attending beauty school part-time can make your schedule more manageable, but you’ll still need to stay organized.

Here are a few ways to make the experience easier:

Choose a Schedule You Can Maintain

It’s tempting to sign up for as many hours as possible so you can graduate sooner. However, an overly demanding schedule can become difficult to maintain.

Think about your regular work hours, transportation, and family obligations before deciding how many class hours to take.

Make Time to Practice

Cosmetology is a hands-on profession. You’ll spend time learning techniques in class, but practicing what you’ve learned can help you improve.

Even when you’re attending part-time, it’s important to stay engaged with your coursework and take advantage of practical training opportunities.

Keep Track of Your Required Hours

Since Illinois requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology education, attendance directly affects your graduation timeline.

Keep track of your completed hours and communicate with your school if scheduling conflicts arise.

Ask for Help When You Need It

If you’re having trouble with a technique or balancing your responsibilities, talk with your instructors. Doing so can help you avoid falling behind and make the most of your education.

How to Choose a Part-Time Cosmetology School

Before enrolling in a part-time cosmetology program, make sure the school offers more than just convenient class hours.

Look for a program that provides comprehensive instruction, opportunities for hands-on training, and preparation for the Illinois cosmetology licensing process. It’s also worth asking about the school’s experience, teaching approach, and the types of techniques covered in its curriculum.

At Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, we believe students should learn how to work with different hair textures and develop skills beyond hairstyling alone. Our curriculum includes technical training as well as sanitation, client communication, and salon management.

If you’re comparing schools, scheduling a tour can help you get a better sense of the learning environment and whether the program fits your goals.

Start Cosmetology School With a Schedule That Works for You

You don’t necessarily have to choose between keeping your job and pursuing a career in beauty. With part-time cosmetology classes, you can work toward completing your education while continuing to manage your other responsibilities.

At Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, we’ve been helping students prepare for careers in cosmetology since 1960. Our Hillside beauty school offers full-time and part-time training, flexible day and evening classes, and hands-on instruction covering a wide range of hair types, textures, and professional beauty services.

Whether you’re changing careers or finally making time to pursue your interest in cosmetology, we’re here to help you explore your options.

Call Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy at (708) 649-9088 to learn more about our part-time cosmetology program, available class schedules, and enrollment. You can also schedule a tour to see our school in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to cosmetology school at night in Illinois?

Yes. Some Illinois cosmetology schools offer evening classes for students who work or have daytime responsibilities. Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy offers evening scheduling options at our Hillside location. Contact our admissions team for current availability.

Do part-time cosmetology students need to complete 1,500 hours?

Yes. Students attending part-time must complete the same 1,500 training hours required for traditional cosmetology licensure in Illinois. Attending fewer hours each week changes how long the program takes, not the required amount of education.

Can you work full-time and attend cosmetology school at night?

Yes, provided you can find a class schedule that doesn’t conflict with your job. Many students choose evening or part-time classes so they can continue working while completing their training.

Is part-time cosmetology school harder than full-time?

Not necessarily. Part-time students study the same subjects, but balancing classes with work and other responsibilities can be challenging. Consistent attendance, good time management, and regular practice can help you succeed.