Is your passion for hair, skincare, nails, lashes, or makeup the reason you want a beauty education? At International Institute of Cosmetology, we provide students with creative and welcoming learning spaces to develop their passions into a career. Our experienced instructors offer personalized student support, so you can learn the knowledge and skills you need, and our focus on careers can help you transform your talent into a successful, long-term career.
Our success as a beauty school depends on your success. We know we are doing something right when students complete our programs and are able to enter the beauty industry with confidence after graduation. In order to make this transition as smooth as possible, we continuously update our curriculum to reflect current trends and technologies, and we provide career services to help you get the job of your dreams.
If you are looking for a career-focused beauty education in Connecticut, contact us to begin the enrollment process!
Explore your possibilities in a positive learning environment.
Our cosmetology program provides comprehensive training in haircutting, coloring, styling, skincare basics, and nail services. Students develop both technical skills and professional knowledge to prepare for licensure and careers in salons, spas, and the broader beauty industry.
Learn advanced skincare techniques including facials, treatments, product knowledge, and client care. Our esthetics program prepares students to work in spas, medical aesthetics environments, and skincare-focused beauty businesses.
Develop the skills needed to perform professional manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, and nail art. This program helps students build creativity and precision while preparing for careers in salons and nail studios.
Train in men’s cutting techniques, fades, beard grooming, shaving, and modern barbering styles. Our barbering program combines classic barbering foundations with current industry trends
Learn professional makeup techniques for events, editorial work, and everyday beauty. Students gain hands-on experience applying makeup for a variety of occasions and client needs.
Develop specialized skills in lash application, lash extensions, and lash styling. This focused program prepares students for careers in the growing lash services industry.
Licensed professionals can expand their skills and stay current with industry trends through continuing education courses designed to support career growth.
An introductory experience for teens interested in learning professional makeup techniques, beauty fundamentals, and creative self-expression in a supportive environment.
The first International Institute of Cosmetology campus opened in 2002, but our story really began in 1962, when 14-year-old Carmelo Gugliotti began cutting hair across the street from his parents’ house in San Justo, Argentina. Over the next decade, he competed in and won many hairdressing competitions. He and his wife moved to the United States in 1986, where Carmelo opened his shop, Gugliotti’s Hair Control, in Hartford, CT. His clientele and reputation as a hairdresser continued to grow over the years, and it seemed fitting that his sons, Leonardo and Martin, would follow in their father’s footsteps. They competed in hair competitions and were very active in the international beauty industry.
In 2002, Carmelo, Leonardo, and Martin opened our first campus on Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield. It became Connecticut’s exclusive Pivot Point cosmetology school. Carmelo’s youngest son, Damian, entered the beauty school scene in 2005, becoming the CFO of the family business. Because of our philanthropic work in the community and the Gugliottis’ devotion to the success of their graduates, the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce named our school Business of the Year in 2006.
In 2007, Carmelo, Leonardo, and Martin opened their second salon, Gugliotti’s Salon & Spa in Rocky Hill, CT. Just three years later, we opened a second campus in Plainville. The larger space gave us the opportunity to hold exhibitions, host guest hair stylists, and offer short-duration beauty courses. Starting in 2016, we continue to give back to our students and the beauty community by hosting key social media influencers who demonstrate their unique hairdressing and barbering skills.
International Institute of Cosmetology was recognized for Excellence in Education by Modern Salon Magazine in 2017, and Hartford Magazine named us the Best Private School 1st runner up in 2019. Best of Hartford Magazine voted us the Best Private School in 2020, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Just recently, we opened our third campus at 657 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield. While our facilities and program offerings have grown over the years, we are still just as committed to our students’ success as we were at the beginning!
Our mission is to provide the highest level of education in the growing beauty industry, using interactive learning tools, while preparing students for employment.
We are proud to provide direct support to these nonprofit organizations, whose values and missions we embrace:
Yes, we are accredited by NACCAS, ensuring our programs meet rigorous academic requirements, and helping make it possible for us to offer financial aid to those who qualify.
Some of our programs are eligible for federal financial aid. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to find out what you qualify for.
If you wish to enroll in a program that is not eligible for federal financial aid, you could get a loan from a bank or credit union, or you could apply for a scholarship. You can also take advantage of our school’s payment options to make tuition more affordable.
At this time, all our programs are English-speaking only.
While we cannot guarantee employment after graduation, we can provide extensive support to help you achieve your career goals. For instance, our programs are designed to include business skills to prepare students for a real-world job in the beauty industry. Other career services at our school include participation in job fairs, an updated job board, resume assistance, and interview skill development.
Our programs prepare students to sit for the state exam that leads to licensure. Students must take the state exam on their own after they complete their program. We can provide students of our Makeup Artistry Program a certificate upon completion because Connecticut does not require makeup artists to have a license to practice.
First, check out the admissions requirements for your desired program. If you meet the requirements, then we encourage you to contact our admissions team for the next steps in the enrollment process. We also encourage you to schedule a tour of our school, so you can experience our creative culture firsthand!
This experience all together has confirmed that I made an amazing choice for a career. Ms.Rosie was and always will be the best part of it.
I previously graduated from IIC in 2017 from the aesthetics program. I returned to the school because of how well they treat their students and the education I received was amazing.
I had an amazing experience at IIC. I've learned so much in such a short period of time and couldn't be happier with Ms.Jessica as my educator.
632 Silas Deane Hwy Add’l Classroom Site at 657 Silas
Deane Wethersfield, CT 06109
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