Unlocking Beauty Careers: Lakme Academy’s Cosmetology Course and India’s Top Beauty Institutes
Founded in 2012 under Aptech’s umbrella, Lakme Academy Powered by Aptech has trained over 100,000 students across 300+ centers in India and abroad. As India’s first professional beauty academy from a cosmetics giant, it emphasizes hands-on training with Lakme products, ensuring graduates are industry-ready. The curriculum blends theory and practice, covering anatomy, hygiene, and cutting-edge techniques like airbrush makeup and laser treatments. Classes are limited to 35-40 students per batch, fostering personalized attention in state-of-the-art salons. Eligibility is straightforward: 10th pass, with no upper age limit, making it accessible for diverse aspirants.
Lakme’s flagship Cosmetology Course is a comprehensive diploma program equipping students for multifaceted roles. It spans skincare analysis, facials, peels, hair coloring, cuts, styling, bridal and party makeup, nail art, and salon management. The course integrates global standards from CIDESCO and NSDC, with live demos and client simulations. Graduates earn a Lakme certification, valued by top salons like Lakme Salons and international chains.
Duration: The program lasts 1 year, with daily sessions of 2-3 hours, five days a week. This flexible schedule suits working students or homemakers, allowing part-time pursuit. For faster tracks, shorter modules (3-6 months) in sub-specialties like advanced makeup are available, but the full cosmetology diploma is ideal for holistic expertise.
Fee Structure: Fees reflect premium branding and facilities, starting at ₹5,00,000 for the 1-year diploma, inclusive of kits, uniforms, and materials. Shorter variants, like 6-month bridal makeup add-ons, cost ₹1,80,000, while 3-month basics are ₹1,20,000. Installment options ease the burden, and scholarships for meritorious underprivileged students reduce costs by 20-30%. Compared to peers, Lakme’s pricing is premium but justified by brand recognition—graduates often recoup investments within 6-12 months via high-paying gigs.
Placement Criteria: Lakme excels in career support but stops short of 100% guarantees. A dedicated placement cell offers assistance through resume building, mock interviews, and ties with 500+ partners like Lakme Salons, Kaya Skin Clinics, and L’Oréal. Eligibility for aid requires 80% attendance and passing internals. Success rates hover at 70-80%, with roles like junior cosmetologist (₹2-4 lakhs starting) or freelance artist. However, no formal internships are provided—students must network independently. Critics note larger batches dilute individual focus, but alumni rave about the “Lakme edge” in job hunts. For international aspirations, self-sourced opportunities via LinkedIn or portals like Naukri are common.
Lakme’s strength lies in its ecosystem: post-course workshops and alumni networks keep skills sharp. Yet, for those prioritizing placements, alternatives shine brighter.
Beyond Lakme, India’s beauty education landscape thrives with specialized institutes. Here’s a look at the top three, renowned for innovation, affordability, and outcomes.
Ranked India’s No. 1 beauty school for five consecutive years (2020-2025), Meribindiya International Academy (MBIA) in Delhi-NCR stands out for its global focus. Founded by industry veteran Mahi Aggarwal, it trains 10-12 students per batch, ensuring bespoke mentoring. With ISO and NSDC certifications, MBIA’s curriculum emphasizes practicals—80% hands-on—with international modules like microblading and balayage.
Cosmetology Highlights: The Master in International Cosmetology (1 year) covers advanced aesthetics, spa therapies, and business skills. Duration options range from 3 months (basics) to 12 months (masters). Fees are budget-friendly at ₹2,50,000-₹3,50,000, with 0% EMI and easy loans. What sets MBIA apart? 100% job placement guarantee for select courses, including abroad (UAE, Australia). Partners like O2 Spa and Lakme recruit directly; alumni earn ₹4-6 lakhs starting, with some hitting ₹1.5 crore in five years overseas. Reviews praise small classes and lifetime support, making it ideal for high-ROI careers.
Over 5,000 graduates thrive as celebrity artists or salon owners, proving MBIA’s “talent-first” ethos.
Call or WhatsApp Number: ☎ 8130520472
Website Link: https://www.meribindiya.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meribindiya/
Meribindiya International Academy Noida Branch Address:
Shop No – 1, 2nd & 3rd Floor, Sunehri Market Atta, Near Sector 18 Metro Station, Sector 27, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Pincode: 201301.
Meribindiya International Academy Delhi Branch Address:
A6, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, Opp. Metro Pillar No. 410, Najafgarh Road, New Delhi, Pincode: 110027.
VLCC Institute, established in 1994 by founder Vandana Luthra, pioneered professional beauty training in India with 94 centers nationwide. Globally accredited by CIBTAC and CIDESCO, it blends Eastern and Western techniques, focusing on nutrition-integrated cosmetology. Batches of 20-30 ensure balanced interaction, with celebrity trainers like those from Bollywood sets.
Cosmetology Insights: The Diploma in Cosmetology (1 year) includes skin lasers, injectables, hair transplants, and holistic therapies. Shorter diplomas (5-7 months) suit quick entries. Fees range ₹1,50,000-₹6,00,000, varying by branch—Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar is pricier but premium-equipped. Placement assistance is robust: 90% rate via in-house cell, partnering with Kaya, Enrich, and UrbanClap. Starting salaries: ₹3-5 lakhs for cosmetologists. No guarantees, but internships (1-3 months) bridge theory to practice. VLCC’s edge? Nutrition tie-ins for wellness roles, appealing to spa enthusiasts. With 100+ courses, it’s a one-stop for multifaceted pros.
Address – Plot No 2, Veer Savarkar Marg, near Axis Bank, Block B, Lajpat Nagar II, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024
Orane, with 80+ centers since 2005, is Punjab-based but pan-India, earning NSDC and Skill India nods. It prioritizes employability, with 70% practicals in simulated salons. Small batches (15-20) and tech tools like VR simulations enhance learning.
Cosmetology Focus: The Diploma in Cosmetology (7-8 months) dives into combo skills—hair, nails, makeup, skincare—with salon management. Fees: Affordable ₹1,00,000-₹2,00,000, plus 0% EMI. Placement support is strong: 85% assistance via ties with Lakme, Naturals, and Hope Spas; roles pay ₹2.5-4 lakhs initially. Internships (2-4 weeks) are mandatory, building portfolios. Orane’s B.Voc in Cosmetology adds a degree edge for entrepreneurs.
Post-certification, doors open to salons, cruises, resorts, or freelancing—brides pay ₹20,000-50,000 per event. Continuous upskilling via workshops sustains growth. The industry demands passion, hygiene ethics, and adaptability to trends like clean beauty.
In summary, Lakme Academy’s cosmetology course offers a solid foundation with its 1-year rigor and ₹5 lakh investment, backed by placement aid but no internships. For bolder leaps, explore Meribindiya’s guarantees, VLCC’s wellness depth, or Orane’s value. Whichever you choose, India’s beauty sector awaits—empower yourself, and let your skills shine. Enroll today; your transformation starts now.
