January 2026

There is much to consider when preparing for beauty school, from your tuition and textbooks to your accommodations. Another subject for consideration is the dress code. At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, we provide beauty school programs in Denver, Co; Provo, UT; and the metropolitan area of Phoenix, AZ. Here, we explore what cosmetologists wear, why they dress that way, and how to put together a uniform for our Cosmetology program.Key TakeawaysCosmetology uniforms are designed for safety, professionalism, and day-long comfort.Black items obscure stains, create a neutral palette, provide style that is striking but subdued, and are easy to replace when they wear out.Your hair, nails, and makeup should also be well-kempt to demonstrate your skills and build trust with clients.Dress Code Fundamentals: Considerations for a CosmetologistThe cosmetologist’s uniform is more than just an outfit. It fulfills several important functions in day-to-day work, from sanitation to branding. To assemble an effective uniform, you need to take these fundamentals into consideration:Safety: Infection control is vital to cosmetology. Clean clothes and protective gloves are necessary to prevent cross-contamination, skin irritation, and germs.Professionalism: Clients trust cosmetologists to take good care of their hair and skin. A professional appearance is one way to build trust and solidify your reputation.Brand standards: When clients pay for an Aveda service, they expect high standards of quality. The uniform expresses your commitment to upholding that standard.The most effective uniform will fill all these roles while being comfortable to move around in, helping you stay locked in through a long day on your feet.Why Wear Black? The Practical ReasonsYou may have noticed that, in most salons, cosmetologists and hairstylists wear black. This choice is not arbitrary. Black is the cosmetologist’s color of choice for reasons both practical and aesthetic:Stain concealment: When working with cosmetology products that may stain, a black uniform hides smudges and spills to keep you looking clean.Neutral palette: When you stand behind a client who is looking into the mirror, your black apron creates a neutral backdrop that helps you and the client evaluate your work without distractions.Timeless sophistication: Black never goes out of style. It flatters any body shape or shade, pairs well with most accessories, and remains trendy in all four seasons.Easy replacement: Black clothing is easy to mix and match. It’s also always in stock, helping you stay on top of your wardrobe as pieces start to wear out.For these reasons and others, Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes expects students to wear black while training or providing services on the salon floor.Putting Together a Cosmetology School WardrobeNow that we’ve discussed important considerations for your work and student wardrobe, we’ll go piece by piece to help you put together an outfit worthy of the Aveda brand. The specific guidelines for cosmetology students are as follows:Top: Your shirt should be modest. Short or long sleeves are acceptable, though long sleeves should be close-fitting. Scrubs are a popular choice for their comfort, easy care, and affordability.Bottom: Most cosmetologists opt for pants, such as scrub bottoms or slacks. Knee-length and longer skirts are also acceptable, though shorts, jeans, and jogging pants should be avoided.Shoes: Your shoes should be closed-toed with rubber soles, low heels, and a secure fit. They should also be ideal for professional wear. Casual footwear like sneakers is usually not permitted.Apron: An apron with Aveda branding is provided with the other tools, supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in your student kit. It should be worn at all times for protection and a professional appearance.Hair, nails, and makeup: Your hair should be clean and neat, and long hair should be tied back. Nails should be well-trimmed and manicured. Makeup is encouraged but not required.Accessories: Jewelry is encouraged, but students should avoid bracelets and earrings that dangle or trail. Rings are not permitted for reasons of practicality and sanitation.Learn More About What Cosmetologists Wear at Inspire Greatness Aveda InstitutesUpholding the cosmetologist’s dress code keeps you clean, safe, and professional to deliver the high level of service that customers expect. This dress code is required at all Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes locations, including Avondale, Phoenix, and Tucson, AZ; Provo, UT; and Denver, CO. Contact us to learn more about admissions or what cosmetologists wear at our school.Beauty School Dress Code FAQsCan I wear jeans or leggings at cosmetology school?No, you cannot wear jeans, leggings, or other casual legwear.Are open-toed shoes allowed?Open-toed shoes are not allowed for reasons of safety and practicality.Do I need to wear makeup?Makeup is not required, but we encourage students to wear it for the sake of professionalism and a demonstration of competency.What if I have tattoos or piercings?Tattoos and piercings are allowed, but earrings should not dangle.

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