Beauty Changes Lives Scholarships
Offered by Beauty Changes Lives Foundation
About This Scholarship
Beauty Changes Lives is the beauty industry's flagship scholarship nonprofit, awarding over $500,000 each year to current and future professionals in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and massage therapy. Applications are accepted in four seasonal windows annually, and the fall season runs September 1 through October 31, 2026.
The fall lineup spans roughly two dozen awards funded by major industry brands. Highlights include five K18 "Future of Hair" scholarships of $20,000 each for cosmetology students, three Redken x Sam Villa "Elevate the Craft" awards of $10,000, L'Oreal PPD "Inspiration Through Education" awards of $5,000, Jerry Alexander Gorman "Passion to Succeed" awards up to $6,500, and Dermalogica and Circadia awards for esthetics students.
Each scholarship has its own sponsor-defined criteria, but all are aimed at students enrolled in (or enrolling in) licensed beauty and wellness programs, and there is no cost to apply. Applications typically include short essays or video responses.
Eligibility
- Current or future students in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, or massage therapy programs (varies by individual award)
- Some awards target licensed professionals pursuing advanced education
- Each sponsor sets its own criteria; one profile lets you apply to multiple awards in the season
- No application fee
How To Apply
- Browse open fall-season awards at beautychangeslives.org starting September 1, 2026
- Submit each application (typically essay or video responses plus enrollment details) by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to more than one Beauty Changes Lives scholarship?
Yes. Multiple sponsored awards run each season, and you may apply to any you qualify for during the application window.