What to Look For in a Beauty School

The beauty industry looks different today than it did over a decade ago. There are various professions to pursue, and the industry is sprawling with beauty influencers, products, and advice. If you’re looking for a career in skincare, hair styling, or nails, and the choices for schools and career paths seem overwhelming, read on to whittle down all the options. We’ll help you choose the perfect program to launch your beauty career.

Beauty schools in Washington should have experienced instructors

When searching for a cosmetology program in Washington State, look for a beauty institute that will prepare you for practical exams, create a classroom setting that stays abreast with emerging trends, and has exceptional instructors.

An accredited and reputable school will attract talented instructors to guide and support students, ensuring the successful completion of the program.

Set time aside to tour the school and meet the instructors. If the instructors are engaging, welcoming, and willing to answer questions outside of class, that will likely be your experience with the instructor when you enroll in school. Instructors should have extensive knowledge of their craft and be great at interacting with their students.

The cost of the hair styling school in Washington

Before submitting your application form to a school, budget your expenses to learn what makes the most sense. Are you applying to a school that offers financial assistance? Does the school allow you to make monthly payments if you opt out of loans?

At Evergreen Beauty College, we allow students to make monthly payments, and we provide financial aid to those who qualify. The cost of a school is an essential factor when considering a hairstylist school in Washington. Make a financial plan with one of Evergreen Beauty College’s financial advisors so that you alleviate financial concerns and focus on your education.

Research accredited schools that offer program specializations

A school backed by the NACCAS will accredit an institution specializing in cosmetology and show that it provides a curriculum approved by the cosmetology board. After spending money and investing time in your education, you don’t want to discover during an interview or after graduation that the school you attended is not accredited.

Read testimonials, visit the campus to talk with students and staff, and confirm that the cosmetology school you plan to attend is accredited.

To pursue a hairstylist career, you must earn your cosmetology license after completing the cosmetology program.

Cosmetology students learn various skills, including:

• Sanitary techniques
• Client relations
• Color theory and concepts
• Hair design, cutting, and coloring techniques
• Comb techniques
• Hands-on skin care techniques, like facial massage
• Skin therapy
• Basic facials and skin care
• Basic and advanced makeup application
• Business skills and operations

Cosmetology students usually scratch the surface of skin treatments, but if they want to learn more advanced skin care treatments, they can consider taking courses with a specialization program, like esthetics. Research schools that offer esthetics programs for those interested in a career as an esthetician. While this is some crossover between esthetics and cosmetology, the programs have distinct differences. Esthetician schools or programs will show students how to evaluate beauty products based on ingredients and the skin type they’re treating.

In an esthetics program, you will learn:

• Skin anatomy and skin types
• Basic and advanced facials
• Basic and advanced makeup application
• Hair removal

Evergreen Beauty College offers programs in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nail tech, and teacher training, where students will get individual attention and training and be ready for their practical exams.

After completing the barbering program and obtaining a barber license, you can apply for work at a barber shop. Attending a beauty academy where you’ll learn the craft of nail art and how to excel as a nail technician will open opportunities to work in a salon, spa, or as a freelance nail artist.

Students must schedule their licensing exams upon graduation and cover the cost of their exam fees before taking the practical examination. Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing to learn how to apply for or renew your license.

Schools that foster customer relationships

Full access to an on-campus salon facility, equipment, and products are essential for a student’s growth. Getting hands-on training at a campus salon will set students up for success in a real-world setting.

At Evergreen Beauty College, our faculty stands by, ready to guide students while assisting clients. Our instructors frequently take over briefly to demonstrate to clients how to execute a specific technique. In addition to working on clients, Evergreen is one of the few beauty schools that encourages students to exchange information to begin building a client base.

While Evergreen students get hands-on training on mannequin heads, fellow students, and real clients, they will also learn the material from our online programs. We aim to optimize student performance with flexible schedules and access to online material. Upon graduation, students will have developed professional skills working in a safe and clean on-campus salon environment.

About Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty College is steadfast in supporting students and nourishing their talents. Our instructors offer hands-on training to demonstrate safety and sanitary techniques, allow students to work independently, and help them to problem-solve and think critically. Visit Evergreen Beauty College and schedule a tour today.

FAQ: What to look for in Washington State beauty schools

What questions should I ask a cosmetology school?

Find out if the school you are interviewing offers programs focusing on your specialization. Confirm that the NACCAS recognizes the school. Ideally, students should visit the campus and speak to instructors and students to have all of their questions answered.

Questions you can ask if it is not available on the website:

• How long will it take to complete the program?
• How flexible is the schedule?
• Can you attend full-time and part-time?
• Does the school offer financial aid?
• What are the requirements?

How long does a cosmetology program take to complete in Washington State?

Obtaining a cosmetology license in Washington State requires 1,600 hours of training. Once students complete their training, they must schedule their exam to get their license. A cosmetology license is required in Washington to work at a salon or spa.

What did I wish I knew before enrolling in cosmetology school?

Not all schools are alike. Finding an accredited school is essential. Some schools only offer cosmetology and esthetic programs, while others have programs spanning barbering, nail technician, cosmetology, esthetics, and teacher training.

When you enroll in a program, expect to work hard. The payoff will be rewarding! Speak to a financial aid advisor about a practical budgeting plan to minimize debt. Get ready to meet clients and be clear, communicative, and kind in your interactions.