Hairdressing Programs in India – A Comparison of Best Schools
For some of you reading this, entering the world of hairdressing, with a professional program is, of course, the way to go: it’s a great learning platform to build a foundational skillset in cutting, colouring, styling, men’s/barbering, chemical work, and salon business knowledge.
We have scanned through a few of the well-known institutes within India that will be explored here, how their programs typically operate, and some different metrics such as fees, duration, recognition and reviews.
Refer to it like a piece of a puzzle — each program will provide different occurring elements — and definitely check on basic aspects like current batch availability, kit/tools including, job placement support, and assessments of whether the program speaks to your career goals (salon stylist, bridal hair, film / television hair, freelance hair etc.).
- UK International London Beauty School (Delhi/Noida/NCR)
This school brand itself as a ‘Beauty Mastery’ school, which focuses on hair, makeup, skincare and other beauty aspects, that’s located in Delhi, NCR. The hair-dressing program is referred to as a 3- or 4-month program. (uk-international.com)
Duration & Fee: The website refers to the program as being ‘three to four months’ for the hair dressing program, at an ‘Elementary/Basic Level’, which leads into < advance graduates (uk-international.com). The website did not present this numerically for the hair course by itself. However, for example, under a “Basic to Advance Makeup Course” the website lists ₹75,000 for 50 days (again, this is not hair, but it is related as an example) (Shiksha)
Strengths:
- Reviews indicate that students appear satisfied with the school: for the Delhi Rajouri Garden branch, a large number of reviews show a ~4.8 ★ average in Justdial, and the comments mention “expert instructors”, “high-quality tools”, and “global exposure”.
- The curriculum includes hair, makeup, nails etc — it will be more complete if you want a more rounded, “beauty” education rather than hair only.
- Payment flexibility: one source mentions the same fee structure exists across branches, plus varying payment plans (ukinternationalbeautyschool.com).
Trade-offs:
- Although duration is reasonably moderate (3-4 months) truly advanced hair specialisation (bridal, film/tv, extensions) may still require additional modules.
- Promotional info suggests they appear pricey compared to some local academies, so you will need to see if return (job placement) warrants.
Best for: Students in Delhi NCR that want a premium branded institute, good infrastructure, and can afford to invest in the higher end program.
- Orane International
- Orane is a large chain of beauty & wellness training institutes across the India (100+ campuses in 22 states as per their website). (Orane Beauty Institute)
Duration & Fee:
- Fee Range: For their hair/beauty course offering, they mention everywhere from ₹6,500 to ₹4,00,000 across all their programs in Delhi NCR. (Orane Beauty Institute)
- To be more specific: For the fee guide, certificate courses (1 – 6 months) are approximately ₹25,000 – ₹35,000; Diploma courses (4 – 15 months) are approximately ₹35,000 – ₹65,000. (Propelld)
Strengths:
- This is a massive footprint, and likely that one of their campuses is easily accessible.
- Broad menu of courses (hair, nail, makeup, spa, salon management)—good if you are able to pivot or want to have some versatility. (Orane Beauty Institute)
- Some student feedback: many positive reviews cite good infrastructure, trainer support. E.g. “trainers and staff have a friendly nature…placement department is very helpful.” (Trustpilot)
Trade-offs:
- Because of the size, and scale, quality may differ between branches; there are some reviews that point to a lack of consistency in delivery (e.g. there was one complaint about a certificate delay). (Trustpilot)
- There are indeed a lot of fee ranges, you will need to see what is included (tool kit, live models, internship) at your campus.
- Best for: Students that want flexible location, a trusted brand, and perhaps hair is a part of a total beauty education.
- BeBonnie Academy
- This academy (while not nationally recognized as Orane) offers hair and beauty training and is based in Bangalore.
- Duration & Fee: Their website lists: “Hair Comprehensive Course – 3 months” and “Hair Intensive Course – 6 months” with the fee listed at “Rs. 50,000 + Taxes (EMI available)
Strengths
- Duration is reasonable – 3-6 months focuses on hair only (compared to full beauty services) and is efficient if hair is your interest.
- Mid range cost compared to top tier premium schools.
Trade-offs:
- There may lack some of the brand recognition and larger alumni/alumni network of some of the bigger chains.
- Making sure that their hair course is more comprehensive and includes advanced modules like colouring; extensions; mens cuts; chemical services are important to ensure maximum value of learning.
- Best for: Students who want hair-dressing track, instead of broad beauty, for mid-range budget.
- Vibes Institute (Preet Vihar, Delhi)
- Located in Delhi, the institute offers hair and beauty courses.
- Duration & Fee: One programme listed: “Certificate Course in Basic Hair Dressing” → duration 10 weeks (~150 hours) at Vibes and The fee listed is “unclear.”
- Another: Diploma in Aesthetics & Hair Dressing (40 weeks) was listed also.
Strengths:
- Shorter duration tracks (10 weeks) are good option for someone looking to more quickly become work-ready.
- Some practical features listed: live model sessions, hands-on training; kit included.
Trade-offs:
- The fee is not easily found; need to reach out.
- Shorter duration could mean if they want a fully advanced expertise still need to upgrade or module.
Best for: Learners in Delhi who want a shorter, structured class and maybe willing to start a junior position then upscale later.
- Green Studio International Beauty Academy
Another option focusing education on shorter duration beauty/hair tech classes.
Duration & Fee: They have “Diploma in Cosmetology – 1-3 months” fee guides “15k-40k”. (GreenStudio)
Strengths:
- Fast programming for fast up-skilling, good for someone wanting to either quickly enter or a result of augmenting salon skills.
- Cheaper entry cost than other options.
Trade-offs:
- Shorter duration could mean no deep mastery of complex service (colour, keratin treatments, hair extensions).
- More intention to design it as “hair tech” strictly even if putting a business/managerial lens in the training area.
Best for: Students wanting to start very soon, maybe already working and wanting to up-skill, students are cost managed and willing and are willing to build further after.
- Iatros Institute of Skill Development (Indore)
More budget option in a smaller town.
Length and Cost: They are offering “Diploma in Hair Dressing – 1 year ~ ₹12,000” and “Certificate in Hair Styling – 6 months ~ ₹8,000” (approximate from earlier); this isn’t a specific source but this is a budget option.
Pros:
- Very good entry-level cost (allows for getting credential and start working, with not much investment)
- Good options for students from smaller towns or unsure about vocation.
Drawbacks:
- Generally, lower investment means you are less likely to have premium infrastructure or focus on live models and align partnerships with high-end salons.
- Less sophisticated modules and placement support is probable.
Best suited for: Students just starting out from a smaller place or town, have limited funds, need to get started in salon work pretty quickly and can then build or reskill later.
Important Factors to Consider Before You Enroll
Here are the most important elements to look into and ask when selecting your hair-dressing programme:
- Syllabus & Modules
Make sure it covers everything you want it to cover: hair science, shampooing/conditioning, cutting techniques (layering, texturising), men’s cuts/barbering, colouring/highlights, balayage, hair extensions, chemical treatments (keratin, rebonding), styling (up-dos, braids), salon care, client consultation. Shorter courses may skip over advanced colour treatments or extensions.
- Hands-on Experience vs Theory
Training in real salons with live models, actually working on clients on real equipment, etc., is way more valuable than just being in a class or on a mannequin. For example, Vibes Institute indicates that they offer practical training using live model. (Shiksha)
- Apprenticeship / Placement Threads
Does the institute have ties with salons for an apprenticeship? Will they help in building a portfolio and/or help you in job placement? Many of the reviews pointed out this was a big differentiator. For example, Orane mentioned “placements” as well as “student success stories on their website. (Orane Beauty Institute)
- Batch Size & Trainer Experience
Smaller batches allow for individual attention. Also consider the salon/film industry experience of the trainer. For example, the reviews for UK International highlight their “expert instructors and NSDC approval and global exposure” (Justdial).
- Tools/Kit & Materials Included
Are they providing scissors, clippers, colour kits, styling tools, etc.? Is there a training manual or a textbook? Does the fee include everything? Always ask for a breakdown.
- Fee Transparency & Payment Plans
Make sure you understand all the costs (kit, exam fee, uniform, internship). Also, check if there are payment plans or EMI options available. For instance, UK International mentions they have flexible payment options (ukinternationalbeautyschool.com).
- Location & Industry Exposure
Being located in a main city, like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, generally means more opportunities for salon jobs, bridal work, and film/TV opportunities. The ease of getting to the location may matter as well.
- Certification & Recognition
What credential will you receive? Is it recognized in the industry? Will it help you apply for jobs? Is it a “certificate,” “diploma,” “professional,” etc.? Orane does specify that they have NSDC approvals for some courses (Orane Beauty Institute).
- Alumni & Reviews: Look for real alumni results. Where are they working now? Reviews will give you a sense of quality. For example, Orane has Trustpilot reviews. (Trustpilot)
- Upgrade/Progression Opportunity: If you start with something shorter like a certificate, see if they offer the chance to upgrade later to advanced modules without starting over from scratch. Many institutes offer this.
