Charleston Cosmetology Institute
8484 Dorchester Rd.
Charleston, SC 29420

Charleston Cosmetology Institute is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and was opened in 1984. The South Carolina school offers students programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and teacher training, while preparing students for the South Carolina State Board exam. Graduates from Charleston Cosmetology Institute go on to work as cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians and instructors.

The cosmetology program at the South Carolina school includes 1,500 hours of training. Daytime cosmetology classes are offered six times throughout the year and students complete the course in about a year. Evening cosmetology classes are also offered six times throughout the year, with students completing the course in 18 months.

Charleston Cosmetology Institute's esthetics program includes 600 hours of training and daytime classes begin three times a year. Students complete the program in about five months. The nail technology program at the South Carolina School includes 600 hours of training, with classes beginning six times a year. Most students complete the program in five months.

The 750-hour teacher training program at Charleston Cosmetology Institute trains students in basic esthetics, advanced techniques and customer service techniques. Students complete the program in about seven months. Charleston Cosmetology Institute is licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology and its programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

Quick Facts:

• The facility at Charleston Cosmetology Institute is composed of 50 stations and four classrooms. Although there is no on-campus housing available, many apartment complexes are located nearby.


• Charleston Cosmetology Institute accepts students with 600 transfer hours to the cosmetology program, 100 transfer hours for the nail technology program, and 100 transfer hours for the esthetician program.


• All faculty members at the South Carolina school are licensed cosmetology instructors.


• Charleston Cosmetology Institute offers a salon where supervised students perform services including styling, perms, manicures, pedicures, hair coloring and waxing.


• Qualifying students at Charleston Cosmetology Institute are eligible for U.S. Department of Education Title IV financial aid.


• Charleston Cosmetology Institute provides its students with training based on Pivot-Point methodology and teaches students communication and marketing skills.


• Students at Charleston Cosmetology Institute must maintain a passing score of 75 percent or higher to receive a diploma from the South Carolina school and be eligible for the state board examination.