Top 5 Beauty Schools in Ottawa

If you want to make a career as a beautician or aesthetician, today might be your lucky day.

We’re reviewing the top beauty schools in Ottawa that can offer you part-time courses and diploma programs to get you on the road to beautifying clients. 

We also have an FAQ section at the bottom of this listicle that addresses common beauty school concerns.

The Top Beauty Schools in Ottawa

Ready to take the first step toward a career as a beautician or aesthetician? We put together this beauty school Ottawa listicle with the following criteria:

1. Natural Medical Aesthetics

Though not a beauty school in Ottawa per se, the School of Natural Medical Aesthetics makes it to this listicle for several valid reasons. 

For starters, it caters to students who are on various paths of their lives. The courses are designed so they can address concerns on job readiness, be on board with new technology, and generally be confident around clients. 

It’s a good school for those already practicing medical aesthetics but wish to improve their knowledge. It also accommodates those who simply want to change or enhance their careers as doctors, nurses, or aestheticians.

The School of Natural Medical Aesthetics offers both in-person training and online courses. But an in-clinic practicum with real patients is part of the curriculum so students can have real hands-on experience in the process.

It promises different payment options for a number of courses, though no price guide is indicated. However, students can opt for flexible financing options with Pay Bright, which is great.

Customer Reviews

Best online learning experience

“I cannot even express in words how amazing this school is! I had just finished the Medical Aesthetics program and it was the best online learning experience I have ever had.” – Mimi Hamed

The theory portion was easy to follow and understand

“My experience during this program was amazing. The theory portion was set up in a way that was easy to follow and understand. The instructor and coordinator were always very responsive when I had any questions.

The practicum was very hands-on and the small class size allowed for more experience performing each treatment. The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful. I overall feel extremely comfortable going into this career field.

Thank you to all the staff for making me feel welcome and at ease during this whole process.” – Rebecca Martineau

2. Gina’s College of Advanced Aesthetics

Gina Decicco is the person and inspiration behind Gina’s College of Advanced Aesthetics. As an Italian immigrant, she learned to slowly build up a spa business with persistence and exceptional customer service until she founded the school in 1979.

The school has the approval of the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO). It strives to continuously provide a beauty school curriculum that has higher-than-industry standards.

Gina’s College uses a traditional European method based on its founder’s teachings and combines them with modern advances in cosmetic technologies. At least 50% of the curriculum is dedicated to practical applications without neglecting comprehensive theories.

Flexible course schedules are offered so students with work, busy family lives, and other occupations can opt for day or evening classes. Financial assistance is available for students enrolled in full-time programs.

New classes start every three months, though more streamlined operating hours would be appreciated (they’re currently quite confusing!).

Customer Reviews

A good program to get hands-on experience with clients

“I have had my hair cut in the student salon many times and the stylists seem to like it there. Seems like a good program as you get the hands-on experience with clients, and the teacher would always come to check on their work and give feedback. Maybe go check it out yourself as a customer and you can see what it’s like and ask questions.” – amp8

The teachers are the best

“As a graduate of this school, I would like to say that the teachers are the best!! When you had difficulties understanding something they would take a step back and re-explain, no judgment!! I loved everything from this school, I would definitely refer this school for anybody that would love to be an aesthetician!” – marjo13

3. Pure Beauty Studio and Academy

Established just in 2018, Pure Beauty Studio and Academy aims to be a training ground for those who want to learn the skills its master artists and aestheticians are known for. In fact, most client feedback sing praises about the team’s microblading and lash tinting prowess.

Its team of trainers vows to provide quality training for its students so clients can feel their best when they leave the studio for any of Pure Beauty’s services. 

There’s an all-woman training team made up of microblading specialists, master makeup artists, master brow artists, aestheticians, and medical aestheticians.

The downside is that there isn’t a lot of information available on the programs except to provide contact information and its range of beauty studio services, so you may have to call them up to ask for more information on the matter.

There’s also a gallery filled with clear images of Pure Beauty’s interiors and vignettes of the services it offers with a clean, uncluttered backdrop. However, given that it’s also a beauty academy, we would love a virtual tour of its training programs, students, and setup, as well.

Customer Reviews

The whole Pure Beauty team is great

“I’ve come to Shay for a few years now, and she does amazing work! I recently got my lashes lifted & tinted and they’re still looking like they did when I left the studio 🙂 Shay is super friendly and talented and the whole Pure Beauty team is great!” – Jordan D.

A master in the art of microblading

“A master in the art of microblading (and more I’m sure)! Tessa is professional, witty and extremely competent! My brows (which were circa ’80s…ladies you know what I mean) are amazing! Very natural and alluring at the same time! The studio is taintless and pure. Recommended!” – Gayle Pearce Mellon

4. The Beauty Academy Ottawa

This school won the 2021 Best Hair and Beauty Training Organization award from Corporate Vision’s Canadian Business Awards. That makes it a shoo-in for this listicle, but there are other reasons it made the cut.

For one, it has a low teacher-student ratio so that lessons can be concentrated and tailor-made for the student’s learning curve and needs. 

Students can also expect to have hands-on experience with real clients so they can gain confidence and real feedback. Enrolling with The Beauty Academy means being able to utilize industry-approved tools, multimedia instructions, equipment, and financial assistance options.

Aside from full haircut and aesthetician programs, there are also certificate programs that run from seven to 80 hours. These can serve as refreshers that go with diploma courses or for established aestheticians or stylists who want to upgrade their skills.

And after completing the programs, the student is assured of immediate employment as The Beauty Academy enjoys an excellent beauty industry employment rate all over North America.

Customer Reviews

A very professional environment
“This is a great school, with phenomenal teachers who are DEDICATED to helping their students succeed. The staff are friendly and the students are as well. It is a very professional environment.” – Ashly Lyn Barrie

Made it through with the help of good teachers and staff

“Oh yes will indeed recommend to anyone who’s interesting in becoming a hairstylist, started my journey last year September 2019 and graduate this September 2020, proud of myself to make it through with the help of good teachers, staff and a new owner who didn’t give up on us as students during the covid-19 thank you very much for all the efforts and to all my classmates was a pleasure to meet you all and good luck.” – Princess Migue

5. Versailles Academy of Make-Up Arts

Versailles Academy of Make-up Arts has been around since 1981 and has become quite popular among those seeking to upgrade their skills in hairstyling, aesthetics, and cosmetology.

It offers full-time programs covering professional hairstyling, professional aesthetics, professional medical aesthetics, and professional hair styling and make-up artistry. There are also part-time programs for hair, make-up, and aesthetics.

It takes pride in being locally owned and operated and not being a franchise. This means Versailles Academy has long-standing relationships with reputable spas and salons, as well as community partners who can help its students with both hands-on experience and employment opportunities.

It has reaped awards for its work, too. It won the Top Choice Award for the Best Esthetic and Cosmetic School and the Consumer’s Choice Award for the Best Hairstyling and Esthetic School.

There are helpful resources on the website for student loan and payment assistance options. We just wish its course catalogue indicated the tuition fees for its programs, as well.

Customer Reviews

The work is outstanding and very professional

“For many years, we have collaborated with the talented Make-Up Artist and Hairstyling students from Versailles Academy in photoshoots and our Fashion Shows. Their work is outstanding and very professional.” – Louise Robinson,

The teachers and staff are fantastic

“I was a student during 2020. The teachers and staff are fantastic and so friendly and made such an extra effort during the pandemic. Their dedication to our education means we learn a ton, and I very much enjoyed my time there.” – Bethany Vowles-Hartree

FAQs About Beauty School in Ottawa

We hope this resource can help you pick the top beauty school in Ottawa to get you on the path to a successful career.

If you have a beauty school to recommend, send us a message so we can review it.

And if you want to know more about beauty school-related specializations, here are some published listicles for you:

• Best Laser Hair Removal Services in Ottawa
• Top Coolsculpting Treatments in Ottawa
• Best Lip Injections in Ottawa