Are those beauty institutions that recruit beauty apprentices to pay for it formal?

Not necessarily formal. It takes time and money to learn any skill. If you want to learn beauty knowledge and skills, you need to pay a certain amount of tuition and materials and other related expenses. It is not illegal to accept apprentices in beauty salons, and it is illegal to collect tuition fees. If you meet a beauty institution that recruits beauty apprentices and asks for payment, it is recommended to study and understand the reputation and credibility of the institution, including checking its license, qualification certificate and feedback from students.