If you’ve ever dreamed of helping others feel confident in their skin, a career in esthetics could be the perfect fit for you. But before you can start your career as a licensed esthetician, you’ll need to complete an esthetics program—and one of the most common questions we hear at DuVall’s School of Cosmetology is, “How long does esthetics school take?”

The answer depends on a few factors, such as whether you choose full-time or part-time, how often you attend, and how consistent you are with your schedule. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect from our esthetics program, the differences between full-time and part-time tracks, and how you can plan your life around your new journey into the beauty industry.

What Is an Esthetician?

Before we get into timeframes, let’s quickly define what estheticians do. Estheticians are skincare specialists who are trained in treatments that help clients achieve healthy, glowing skin. Their work often includes:

  • Facials and exfoliation
  • Hair removal (waxing, tweezing, and more)
  • Makeup application
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Body treatments
  • Basic chemical peels
  • Skin analysis and care recommendations

Estheticians work in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, dermatology offices, med spas, and even in the entertainment industry. It’s a career that combines artistry with science—and it all starts with your education.

Why Esthetics School Is Necessary

In Texas, you are required to complete a state-approved esthetics program and pass the state licensing exam to legally work as an esthetician. That’s why choosing a reputable school with a comprehensive program is critical.

Our esthetics curriculum is designed to meet all state requirements while also preparing you with hands-on experience and business training that will set you up for long-term success in the beauty industry.

Program Options at DuVall’s School of Cosmetology

Full-Time Esthetics Program: Graduate in as Little as 5 Months

Our full-time esthetics program is designed for students who are ready to commit their weekdays to a fast-paced, immersive learning experience. With 35 hours per week of instruction and hands-on practice, most students can complete their training in as little as five to six months.

Who It’s For:

  • Recent high school grads eager to start a beauty career
  • Career changers ready to dive in full-time
  • Students with flexible daytime schedules

Benefits of Full-Time Study:

  • Quicker path to licensure and employment
  • More time each week to refine your skills
  • Daytime schedule aligns with most business hours in the industry
  • Ideal if you want to get licensed and working ASAP

Part-Time Esthetics Program: Evening Classes for Flexibility

If your daytime hours are tied up with work or family commitments, our part-time program may be a better fit. Held during the evenings Monday through Thursday, the part-time program offers 17.5 hours of instruction per week and can be completed in approximately 10 to 11 months.

Who It’s For:

  • Working professionals transitioning into a new career
  • Parents with daytime responsibilities
  • Students who prefer to learn at a more manageable pace

Benefits of Part-Time Study:

  • Flexibility for working or parenting during the day
  • Smaller weekly time commitment makes it easier to balance life
  • Same curriculum and licensure preparation as the full-time program
  • No need to put your current job or life on pause

What You’ll Learn in Esthetics School

Regardless of whether you enroll full-time or part-time, our esthetics program at DuVall’s includes in-depth training in:

  • Skin care and treatment techniques: facials, masks, steaming, exfoliation
  • Hair removal: waxing, threading, and tweezing
  • Sanitation and infection control: essential for safe client service
  • Anatomy and physiology: understanding the skin, muscles, and cells
  • Product knowledge and ingredient analysis
  • Client consultation and professional communication
  • Makeup application basics
  • Business skills: retailing, front desk operations, and client retention 

We also prepare students for the Texas State Board Exam, which includes both written and practical components.

Factors That Can Affect How Long Esthetics School Takes

While the expected completion time is 5–6 months for full-time students and 10–11 months for part-time, several factors can influence how quickly you finish:

1. Attendance and Absences

Regular attendance is key. Missing classes can delay your progress and extend your graduation date.

2. Pacing Yourself

Some students may opt to reduce their weekly hours for personal reasons, which could lengthen the overall time in the program.

3. School Holidays and Breaks

Like any educational program, esthetics school includes holidays and scheduled breaks, which may slightly impact your timeline.

4. State Requirements

In Texas, you must complete a minimum of 750 clock hours to be eligible for licensing. This hour requirement is non-negotiable, regardless of your personal pace.

What Happens After You Finish Esthetics School?

Once you’ve completed your 750 hours at DuVall’s, you’ll be eligible to take the Texas state board exams. These consist of a:

  • Written exam: Focuses on theory, laws, and safety.
  • Practical exam: Demonstrates your hands-on skills like facials, makeup, and hair removal.

Once you pass both, you’ll receive your esthetician license and can begin working in the industry!

The Fast Track to a Career

One of the best things about becoming an esthetician is how quickly you can go from student to professional. In less than a year, you could be working in:

  • Day spas and salons
  • Medical spas or dermatology offices
  • Resorts and luxury hotels
  • Cosmetic retail counters
  • Freelance makeup or skincare businesses

Many of our graduates even go on to start their own skincare studios, offering a range of personalized services with the freedom to create their own schedules.

Is Now the Right Time to Start?

If you’re passionate about skincare, enjoy working with people, and want a career that blends wellness, beauty, and artistry, there’s never been a better time to start esthetics school.

With flexible scheduling options and a program that supports your success from day one, DuVall’s School of Cosmetology can help you reach your goals—whether that takes five months or eleven.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Your future in esthetics is waiting. Whether you’re planning to go full-time or need the flexibility of evening classes, we’re here to support you on your journey.

Contact us today to schedule a tour or speak with an admissions advisor about which path works best for your lifestyle. Let’s get you on the path to becoming a licensed esthetician—your dream career is just a few months away!