The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Manicuring Program at Aveda Institute Madison

From manicures and pedicures to gel, acrylic, and editorial nail art, you'll learn sanitation, structure, and design, then build speed and confidence on the clinic floor.

300 clock hours · Aveda Institute Madison

Manicuring model showing long sculpted nail art
Hands-On
Clinic Floor Training
Aveda
Product Training
Madison
Campus Location
OPI
Product Training

Credential

Manicuring Certificate

Program Length

300 clock hours

Schedule

Full-time or 3-Day

Next Start

JANUARY 4, 2027

Campus

Madison

Course Overview

A complete, hands-on education in Manicuring

From manicures and pedicures to gel, acrylic, and editorial nail art, you'll learn sanitation, structure, and design, then build speed and confidence on the clinic floor.

You'll learn the Aveda way at our Madison campus: pure, plant-based products and a philosophy rooted in wellness and environmental responsibility. From the first day on the clinic floor, you'll gain real experience with real guests, guided by educators who've worked in the industry.

Our Madison Manicuring program is 300 clock hours of theory and hands-on clinic practice, and it prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam.

Nail technology program training

By the Numbers

Program at a Glance

300
Program Hours
80.00%
GRADUATION RATE*
100.00%
LICENSURE RATE*
169
Hands-On Practice Hours

*2024 NACCAS Outcome Rates

Manicuring student with nail art holding two OPI nail lacquers

Curriculum

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

A structured path from core theory to advanced, guest-ready technique.

Infection control, nail anatomy and disorders, product chemistry, and safety, the knowledge your state board exam is built on.

Classic and spa manicures and pedicures, massage technique, and Aveda hand-and-foot rituals.

Gel polish, acrylic and hard-gel enhancements, and safe application and removal technique.

Nail art, design trends, and the guest-care experience that builds a loyal following.

Retail and social-media marketing, building a client book, interview prep, and state-board readiness.
Download Full Course Catalog

A Day in the Life

See yourself Here

Manicuring student filing a guest's nails at a manicure stationStudent consulting with a guest over OPI polish colors at the manicure stationManicuring students in a nail theory class at the campus

From morning theory to the clinic floor, Manicuring students at our Madison campus spend their days doing real beauty work with real guests.

Nails, Elevated 

TRAIN ON PRO NAIL SYSTEMS

You'll work through the Pivot Point Fundamentals: Nails curriculum and Learn Aveda platform while mastering the professional gel, acrylic, and polish systems salons actually use.  

Core

Aveda

Pure, plant-based, vegan hair and body care. Aveda's philosophy of wellness and environmental responsibility is woven through every phase of your training.

TOOLS

DYSON

The renowned hair dryer measures air temperature more than 40 times per second. Preventing heat damage while keeping hair shiny. 

CURRICULUM

Pivot Point Fundamentals: Nails

The Pivot Point Fundamentals: Nails digital textbook plus the Learn Aveda online curriculum platform: the structured theory foundation behind every manicure, enhancement, and state-board topic in the program.

Tuition, Kit & Financial Aid

A clear picture of your Investment

Program Tuition

Request a personalized cost breakdown

Total program cost including required fees, tailored to your schedule and aid eligibility.

  • Federal financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Scholarships & grants
  • Monthly payment plans
  • 1-on-1 support from our financial aid team
Talk to Financial Aid

Your Student Kit

Included

Professional tools and products you'll use in class and keep for your career.

  • Turbo File II mani/pedi drill
  • Sheba acrylic and IBD hard gel kits
  • OPI polish, gel coats, and treatments
  • Practice hands, forms, and nail tips
  • Aveda Hand Relief and Foot Relief
  • Full implement set, lamp, and carry case
Manicuring student filing a guest's nails with OPI polishes on the table

Student Success

HEAR FROM OUR FUTURE PROFESSIONALS

“I liked Aveda's high graduation rate, which gave me peace of mind and made me feel I'd be successful at this school. Overall, Aveda offers a positive professional environment that sets you up for success and helps you reach your goals, which is something I strive for.”
Elizabeth K. • Cosmetology
“Since I started at Aveda, I've noticed positive growth in myself and my mindset as I learn about the art of hair. I enjoy the positive and supportive atmosphere and feel like I belong for once in my life.”
Lunar W. • Cosmetology
“The teachers are all wonderful people!”
Prosper V. • Massage Therapy

Upcoming Start Dates

Find the start that Fits Your Life

Start Date

JANUARY 4

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time15 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

APRIL 26

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time15 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

AUGUST 23

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time15 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Contact admissions for exact upcoming cohort dates and application deadlines.

FAQ

Frequently asked Questions

The program is 300 clock hours, offered on full-time and 3-Day schedules. Completion time depends on the schedule you choose, and our admissions team will map out your exact timeline.

You'll earn a Manicuring Certificate and be prepared to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam to become a licensed cosmetologist.

Total tuition for the Manicuring program is $4,200 (2025-26): $3,200 tuition plus a $1,000 program kit (includes tax). Interest-free payment plans are available, and federal financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. Down payments are due two weeks prior to the start of classes, and all tuition must be received in full no later than three weeks prior to graduation.

No experience is required, just a passion for beauty and wellness and a willingness to learn. Our admissions team will guide you through the requirements and enrollment steps.

You'll train primarily with Aveda's plant-based, vegan professional products, plus other professional lines you'll see in the field, Ultraceuticals skincare, OPI nail products, keratin and smoothing treatments, and more. Most importantly, you learn the technique and product chemistry behind them, so your education applies to any product line you work with after graduation.

The program covers the theory and hands-on technique of manicuring and prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam.

We offer multiple start dates throughout the year on both full-time and 3-Day schedules. See the start-date table above or request info for the next available cohort.

We're at 7021 Tree Ln, Madison, WI 53717, in Madison's west side on Tree Lane. All Manicuring classes and clinic floor hours happen right here at the Aveda Institute Madison. Call (608) 250-3100 or schedule a tour.

Are You Ready?

Start your tomorrow today at the Aveda Institute Madison.

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