What Would You Do: Choosing A Beauty School

“I would go to the school with the highest passing rates and lowest fees. School is mainly intended in teaching the ‘basics fundamentals’ of hairdressing. Once the basics are mastered, you will then start to specialize in a certain area of the field. Most skills I've learned have been out of school but the basics I learned helped me achieve everything once I graduated. I've never heard of a salon who bases hiring on the school you attended. I owned a salon for six years and I chose my booth renters based on skill. So, take all the extra classes you can and ask all the questions you can.” - @matthew_elliott_cosmetologist

“I went to the school with the best reputation in my state and even got a degree with my cosmetology certificate. When I got hired onto salons, they didn't even ask about my education and training. They only cared about my work ethic and to prove my skills behind the chair. Most salons will help you out in any areas you struggle with, so don't waste the money. It's all on how much effort YOU personally put into perfecting your skills in ANY school.” - @danik246

“It honestly doesn't matter where you go—what will make you successful is the drive you have. The openness to learning in all areas from as many people as you can, the balls to fail and learn from mistakes gracefully…Do what's best for you, push through school and attend as many educational events as you can. Soak everything up like a sponge and EXPERIMENT!” - @holliegivesgoodhair

“School is whatever you make of it. If you go to a high-end school that charges $50k and you sleep through the entire program, was that school better than the $10k school? Figure out which school has the MOST hands-on. After theory, you will be placed on the floor to see clients. Find out which school allows you to see more clients. You never really become a stylist in school. You become a stylist after you've been in the industry for some time and know how to address problems as they arise. The most successful stylists are those who challenge themselves and stare adversity directly in the face. If you find a weakness within yourself, that's what you should be trying to overcome.” - @davinkarinsalon

“Do your research at all three schools. Go in for a visiting day and just hang out! Feel out the vibe and pay extra close attention to the dynamics between educator and student. Even schedule yourself a blowout at the school—they are usually super cheap and you will have more time to be able to take a good look around and listen. Your decision shouldn't be based on how much the education costs...there will always be payment options. After school, you can always assist. The more stylists you assist (think salon assistant rather than assisting to one stylist) the more techniques you can learn in a shorter amount of time. Onwards and upwards from there!” - @jennaloveshair

“I chose high-end, and I am glad I did. I knew nothing, but was willing to work hard and felt confident upon graduation. The biggest difference is after you graduate. Their job placement was amazing and although I graduated a couple years ago, if I needed help with anything, I know they would be there in a second with guidance and job placement. In my experience, the classmates who complained about a sub-par education were the ones who never showed up, constantly complaining and always too tired to take advantage of all the opportunities presented at the school.” - @andragibbons

“This is going to be your career, so it is your investment. Yes, passing the state board exam is extremely important, but not the only thing we train you for. We train you to give an amazing guest experience, to build your business and give you the tools needed to start out your career in the beauty industry. Don't use your training to pass the state board and then expect that you will get all the necessary training once you get out of school. That is not going to set you up for success in the long run. I would also look at how much guest experience you are going to get—are the students busy on the floor? I would also suggest going in and getting services done at the schools, check out the vibe and see which one fits you better! Go with your gut, because at the end of the day it's your career and your future.” - @heggyhair

“While it's true that you learn practical, real-life hairdressing after you're out of school, you do learn the fundamentals IN school, and I truly believe the foundation which you start with makes a huge difference later down the road. I went with a more expensive school and I'm glad I did. The fundamentals they taught me were WAY more than just passing state board. I had a full client schedule EVERY DAY. It felt like another full-time job most days, but I learned SO much because I was provided clients every day, and always had my hands in someone's hair. Because they hiked up the tuition, they were able to give us extra classes and opportunities that I may not have gotten at an ROP school. We did trend shows with Nordstrom and worked fashion shows and did an event at a Children's Hospital. You're a product of your environment. Get yourself into a school that teaches diligence and discipline. Because of how much work I did in school and how many clients I had, I graduated with a pretty large clientele, and I paid off my student loans ($15,000) within one year. Now I'm a year and a half out of school and I'm renting full time behind the chair in a really nice area. School is what you make it. If you want more education, they'll give it.” - @shayxtine

“I would recommend researching what licensed stylist in the area think about the schools you are considering. Do you know three or four salons that you would love to work at? Ask the stylists and/or hiring managers their opinions on the schools. Also, the schools with the most clientele and 'hands on' will theoretically give you the most experience. Schools gain a reputation just like salons and individual stylists.” - @just_hava

“Have you visited any of the schools in person? I had the same decision to make, and the cheaper school felt dull and dreary and the more expensive school felt fun and inviting. I chose the one that I would be excited to go to everyday. I'm glad I did. I graduated school feeling confident that there was a handful of haircuts I knew how to do and I also felt comfortable with color mixing. This industry really is what you make of it. If you have passion, drive, and a willingness to continue your education you will go far.” - @jennduskey

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