Private Beauty Scholarships 2026: Grants from L’Oreal, Great Clips & PBA Charities

Industry giants like Great Clips and L’Oreal award thousands of dollars to students every year.

Last Updated: February 2026 | Author: Zee

You filled out your FAFSA. You applied for the Pell Grant. But maybe your parents make slightly too much money to qualify, or maybe the $7,395 grant still doesn’t cover your full $20,000 tuition.

Do not panic. There is a second bucket of money that most students ignore: Corporate Scholarships.

The beauty industry is unique. Unlike law or medicine, the biggest brands in the world (like L’Oreal, Matrix, and Great Clips) actively pay for students to go to school. They do this because they are desperate for fresh talent to hire in their salons.

The Difference:

• Government Grants (Pell): Based on Need (Are you poor?).

• Private Scholarships: Based on Merit (Are you creative? Do you have passion?).

This guide will walk you through every legitimate private scholarship available in 2026, from the massive $5,000 awards to the smaller local contests.

Phase 1: The “Big Three” Foundations (Start Here)

The “Beauty Changes Lives” Foundation is the central hub for most major industry awards.

Before you hunt for random contests on Instagram, you must look at the “Big Three” non-profit organizations. These foundations manage millions of dollars in scholarship funds donated by multiple brands.

1. Beauty Changes Lives (BCL) Foundation

This is the “Google” of beauty scholarships. It is the largest non-profit in the industry.

• How it works: Brands like Vidal Sassoon, Wella, and Ratner Companies donate money to BCL, and BCL manages the application process.

• The Opportunity: They open “Scholarship Seasons” (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter).

• Major Scholarships Managed:

  • The Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship: Pays 50% to 100% of tuition. This is the “Holy Grail.”

  • MUD Make-Up Designory Scholarship: Specifically for makeup artists.

• Action: Bookmark their Scholarships Page and check it every Monday.

2. Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Charities

The PBA is the largest trade organization for salon professionals.

• The Beacon Program: While not a direct tuition grant, this program selects top students to attend the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). It is a career-launcher.

• The Minerva Beauty Scholarship: specifically for students currently enrolled in an accredited cosmetology program.

• Apply Here: PBA Scholarship Portal.

3. American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)

This is an association of school owners.

• ACE Grant: Designed for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

• Note: Your school MUST be a member of AACS for you to qualify. Ask your Admissions Director: “Is our school a member of AACS?”

Phase 2: The “Salon Chain” Scholarships (Employment-Focused)

Salon chains like Great Clips offer scholarships to recruit future employees.

The big salon franchises want to hire you. To sweeten the deal, they offer scholarships that often lead to job offers.

1. Great Clips “Great Scholarship” Program

Great Clips is the largest salon brand in the world. They award over $100,000 annually in scholarships.

• The Deal: Awards range from $250 to $1,500.

• The Catch: There isn’t one, but they will likely share your info with local franchise owners for recruitment. It is a great way to get a scholarship AND a job interview.

• Eligibility: Open to current cosmetology students.

• Link: Great Clips Career & Scholarship Page.

2. Sport Clips “Help A Hero” (For Veterans)

If you served in the military, Sport Clips has one of the most generous funds in the nation.

• Target: Active duty or retired military veterans.

• Amount: Up to $5,000.

• Why it’s special: It can be used on top of your GI Bill benefits.

• Link: VFW & Sport Clips Scholarship.

3. The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship

Joe Francis was the founder of “The Barbers” franchise. His foundation gives huge awards.

• Amount: $1,200 to $3,000 per student.

• Application Window: Usually runs from January to June.

• Requirement: They look for financial need + a strong essay about why you love the industry.

Phase 3: The “Product Giant” Scholarships

Beyond salons, the companies that manufacture beauty products are massive donors. They want you to learn using their products, so they are willing to pay for your education.

“While grants cover your tuition, buying your professional kit can still cost thousands. Don’t pay full price—learn how to build your arsenal for $0 in our guide to Free Makeup Samples & Student Pro Cards.”

1. OPI Scholarships (For Nail Techs & Cosmo)

OPI is the biggest name in nails. The Schaeffer Family Foundation (associated with OPI) offers scholarships specifically for students attending OPI-preferred schools or general cosmetology programs.

• Target: Nail Technology and Cosmetology students.

• Amount: Usually $500 awards (perfect for buying your student kit).

• Requirement: A creative essay or video showing your passion for nail art.

• Check via: Beauty Changes Lives – OPI Page (Applications typically rotate seasonally).

2. Dermalogica “New Beginnings” (For Estheticians)

If you are studying skincare (Esthetics), this is your biggest opportunity.

• The Mission: Dermalogica wants to support aspiring skin therapists, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

• Amount: Can cover up to $5,000 of tuition.

• Action: Look for the “New Beginnings” scholarship on the BCL website. It is highly competitive but prestigious.

3. Matrix “Imagine All You Can Be”

Matrix (part of the L’Oreal family) focuses on hair color and innovation.

• The Challenge: They often ask applicants to submit a mood board or a video describing their vision for the future of beauty.

• Tip: Focus your application on Color Theory and creativity. They love students who want to be Color Specialists.

Phase 4: Diversity & Textured Hair Scholarships

For decades, beauty schools ignored textured hair (coily, curly, wavy types). In 2026, the industry is correcting this. There is now a massive push to fund education for Texture Specialists.

1. The L’Oréal USA Inclusive Beauty Fund

L’Oréal has launched initiatives to support Black-owned businesses and students focusing on inclusive beauty.

• Why apply: If you are passionate about styling ALL hair types (3A to 4C), you are a prime candidate.

• Link: Monitor the L’Oréal USA Newsroom for enrollment periods.

2. Ouidad “Curls for a Cure”

Ouidad is known as the “Queen of Curls.” While their programs often focus on breast cancer survivors, they periodically sponsor education for stylists who want to master curly cutting techniques.

3. The “Rosy Reward” Scholarship

Offered by Rosy Salon Software.

• Amount: $500 to $2500.

• Uniqueness: They don’t just look at grades. They look at your “Digital Portfolio.” If you have a great Instagram showing your practice work, you have a high chance of winning.

• Apply Here: Rosy Salon Software Scholarship.

Phase 5: How to Win (The “Video Essay” Strategy)

In 2026, a creative 3-minute video essay is your best tool to win free money.

Here is the hard truth: Private scholarships are contests. You are competing against thousands of other students. Most students write a boring essay: “I want to make people feel beautiful.” (Yawn. Do not write this).

How to Stand Out in 2026:

1. The 3-Minute Video Rule Most applications now require a video link (YouTube or Instagram).

• Don’t: Sit in a dark room reading a script.

• Do: Show, don’t just tell.

  • Scene 1: You mixing color.

  • Scene 2: You practicing a cut on a mannequin.

  • Scene 3: You talking to the camera about your specific career goal (e.g., “I want to open the first mobile salon for elderly patients”).

2. Be Specific About Your “Why” Judges love specific goals.

• Bad: “I love hair.”

• Good: “I noticed that cancer survivors in my town have nowhere to go for scalp treatments after chemo. I want to use this scholarship to become certified in trichology (scalp care) to help them.”

3. The “Letter of Recommendation” Hack Most applications ask for a reference.

• Do not ask your mom.

• Ask a Salon Owner or a Stylist you know. Even if you just shadowed them for a day. A letter on a salon letterhead carries 10x more weight than a letter from a high school teacher.

Phase 5.5: The Muslimah Advantage (Leveraging Your Identity)

For Muslim applicants, submitting a video or photo entry can feel intimidating. You might worry: “Will judges be biased against my Hijab?” or “Can I win if I don’t show my hair?”

In 2026, the answer is a resounding YES.

In fact, your identity as a Muslim woman is your biggest asset in scholarship competitions. Major brands like L’Oreal, Dermalogica, and Ulta have massive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates. They are actively looking for students who represent under-served communities.

How to use this to win:

1. The “Niche Market” Essay When the essay asks “What is your career goal?”, do not just say “I want to work in a salon.”

• The Winning Angle: “I want to open a Hijab-friendly salon that provides private suites for Muslim women who cannot uncover their hair in public. Currently, this demographic is ignored in my city.”

• Why it wins: Judges love entrepreneurs who solve real problems. You are showing them a market gap that only you can fill.

2. The Video Submission (Modesty is Valid) If a contest asks for a “Hair Transformation” video but you wear Hijab:

• Option A: Perform the cut/color on a mannequin head (this is standard and fully accepted).

• Option B: Perform the service on a female family member or friend in a private setting.

• Tip: In your intro video, wear your Hijab proudly. Brands want their scholarship winners to look diverse. Being a “Visible Muslim” makes you memorable to the judges.

3. Is Scholarship Money Halal? Unlike student loans which involve Riba (Interest), Private Scholarships are Grants (Gifts).

• They are “Hadiah” (Prizes) for your merit or creativity.

• There is no repayment and no interest.

• Verdict: This is one of the most Halal ways to fund your education. Pursue it aggressively so you can avoid interest-bearing loans later.

Pro Tip: Check out the “NuraAfia“ or “HalalBeauty” hashtags on Instagram. See how Muslim influencers partner with big brands. Use that same confidence in your scholarship application video.

Phase 6: The “Internal” Scholarships (Big School Chains)

Did you know that the school you choose might have its own private bank account for scholarships?

Major beauty school franchises have their own internal foundations. If you are planning to attend one of these “Big Brand” schools, you have a separate pool of money available only to students on their campus.

1. Paul Mitchell Schools (The Charity Giant)

Paul Mitchell is famous for its “FUNraising” culture.

• The Opportunity: They offer various internal scholarships, often tied to charitable activities or contests.

• Special Mention: The “Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation” helps Paul Mitchell students who face sudden mental health struggles or financial disasters during school.

• Action: When touring a Paul Mitchell campus, explicitly ask: “What internal scholarship competitions is this campus running this year?”

2. Empire Education Group

Empire is one of the largest chains in the US.

• Empire Beauty School Scholarship: They have authorized over $1 Million in scholarships for high school seniors.

• Good Attendance Scholarship: Some campuses reward you simply for showing up. If you have 90%+ attendance, you might qualify for tuition reductions.

3. Aveda Institutes

Aveda focuses heavily on environmentalism and wellness.

• The Born to Style Scholarship: Often runs annually, offering full-tuition or partial scholarships to winners of a runway/modeling contest.

• Catastrophe Fund: Many Aveda locations have emergency funds for students who lose housing or transportation.

4. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

• Tuition Scholarships: They offer up to $3,000 off tuition for students who submit a creative video application before starting.

Strategy Tip: Even if you go to a small, local “Mom and Pop” beauty school, ask the owner: “Do you offer any payment plan discounts or alumni scholarships?” You’d be surprised how often they will knock $500 off just because you asked.

Phase 7: “Crossover” Grants (For Women & Trades)

You don’t just have to apply for “Beauty” scholarships. You can apply for “Trade” or “Women’s Empowerment” scholarships. The beauty industry counts as a Trade.

These are less competitive because most beauty students don’t think to look here.

1. Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” Awards

This is a massive opportunity for mothers.

• Target: Women who provide the primary financial support for their families (single moms).

• Amount: Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000+.

• Flexibility: The money is cash. You can use it for tuition, daycare, bus fare, or rent while you are in beauty school.

• Apply: Soroptimist.org.

2. The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

• Target: Women aged 35 and older.

• Why it fits: Many women enter beauty school as a second career later in life. If you are over 35 and low-income, this fund is designed for you.

• Link: RankinFoundation.org.

3. Mike Rowe’s “Work Ethic” Scholarship

Yes, the “Dirty Jobs” guy.

• Focus: Mike Rowe loves trade schools. Cosmetology is a skilled trade.

• The Vibe: They hate “sob stories.” They want to hear about your work ethic, your willingness to sweat, and your desire to learn a skill.

• Amount: Variable, but often substantial.

Phase 8: Instagram & Social Media Contests (The Modern Way)

In 2026, many scholarships are not listed on websites—they live on Instagram and TikTok.

Brands and Influencers often run “Pop-up” giveaways (e.g., “I’m paying for one student’s kit!”).

How to hunt them:

1. Follow the Hashtags: Track tags like #CosmetologyScholarship, #BeautySchoolGrants, #FutureProfessional, and #EstheticianStudent.

2. Follow the “Education” Pages: Don’t just follow the brand’s main page (e.g., @Redken). Follow their education page (e.g., @RedkenEducation or @WellaEducation). That is where the scholarship announcements happen.

3. Turn on Notifications: Be the first to comment or apply. Many of these are first-come, first-served or have short 48-hour windows.

Phase 9: How to Spot a Scholarship Scam

Never pay a “processing fee” for a scholarship. Legitimate awards are always free to enter.

Because you are desperate for money, you are vulnerable. Scammers know this.

The Golden Rule: NEVER pay money to get money.

• Red Flag 1: Application Fees. If a scholarship asks for a $25 “processing fee” or “reading fee,” it is a scam. Legitimate scholarships (like L’Oreal or Great Clips) are 100% free to enter.

• Red Flag 2: “Guaranteed Winning.” No legitimate charity guarantees you will win.

• Red Flag 3: Unsolicited Emails. If you get an email saying “You won a beauty scholarship!” but you never applied for it, delete it. It’s a phishing attempt to get your bank info.

Conclusion – Stack Your Wins

Funding beauty school is usually a “Lasagna Strategy”—you need layers.

1. Layer 1: Federal Pell Grant (FAFSA) – The Base.

2. Layer 2: State Grants (Cal Grant/TAP) – The Filler.

3. Layer 3: Private Brand Scholarships (Great Clips/OPI) – The Topping.

4. Layer 4: Internal School Discounts – The Garnish.

If you apply for just one, you might fall short. But if you spend your Sunday afternoons applying for every $500 contest listed in this guide, you can graduate debt-free.

The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar machine. The money is out there. They are just waiting for someone with enough passion to ask for it.

Need the FAFSA Guide? If you skipped the government step, go back and do that first. It’s the biggest chunk of money you will get.

• Read Guide: Cosmetology School Grants: The FAFSA Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do private scholarships cover the student kit? A: Yes! Unlike government grants which go directly to the school for tuition, some private scholarships (especially from brands like OPI) send a check to you or provide a voucher specifically to buy tools and products.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships before I enroll? A: Usually, no. Most industry scholarships (like Beauty Changes Lives) require you to upload a “Proof of Enrollment” letter from your school. They want to make sure the money is going to a real student. However, you can prepare your video essay beforehand so you are ready to submit on Day 1.

Q: Is there an age limit for beauty scholarships? A: Generally, no. While some are for high school seniors, most BCL and PBA scholarships are open to all ages. In fact, scholarships like the Jeannette Rankin Fund specifically target women over 35.

Q: Can I reuse the same essay for multiple applications? A: Yes, but tweak it. You can have a “Core Essay” about your passion, but you should adjust the opening and closing sentences to mention the specific brand you are applying to (e.g., mention “Great Clips” when applying for their award).

Important Disclaimer: StartGrants.com is an independent information portal. We are not a government agency and do not provide direct grants or products. Always verify the current status of programs with the providing organization.