Should You Attend a Cosmetology School Before Breaking Into the Beauty Industry?

Taking the plunge into the beauty industry before graduating from cosmetology school is a bold and, some may argue, risky move, especially while you’re still learning the ropes in class. In school, you’ll get a mix of real-world experience and an academic understanding of maintaining clean tools and stations, understanding color theory, and learning valuable client communication skills. There are vast opportunities to gain hands-on skills and study under beauty professionals who will help shape your future.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of accepting a position in the beauty industry before graduation.

What will you learn in cosmetology school? 

In a cosmetology program, students will acquire a comprehensive set of skills essential for a successful career in cosmetology. Future beauty school graduates will learn various techniques throughout the course, including hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, skincare, makeup application, and nail care.

The curriculum also covers essential topics like hygiene, safety, and customer service, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry standards. Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to become licensed cosmetologists, ready to take the necessary licensing exams to practice professionally. This training not only paves the way for a dynamic career in cosmetology but also provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the beauty industry.

Here are some of the topics students can expect to learn within beauty school courses: 

• Technical skills in chemical processing
• Advanced hair-cutting and hair-coloring techniques
• Makeup artistry techniques
• Nail art and manicuring
• Health, safety, and sanitation
• Effective communication within a salon culture
• Hands-on training with real clients at the on-campus student salon

Can a self-taught person work in the beauty industry?

While you don’t need to attend beauty school to work in the beauty industry, there are essential considerations to remember. Most hairstylists, estheticians, makeup artists, and nail technicians typically require formal education and certification to work at a salon or spa.

A self-educated person can weave their way into the beauty industry through various avenues, from envisioning and creating unique beauty tips on online platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to creating a beauty brand formula that taps into a niche in the market.  

Even with a keen entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for identifying the unique needs of what a segment of the beauty market needs, getting a cosmetology education and earning an esthetics or cosmetology license will help expand your understanding of beauty trends and techniques. Students get the rare opportunity to hone their soft skills while working alongside other students and on real clients. Attending a cosmetology program will provide a solid foundation for your beauty career. 

The main takeaway: Is beauty school education right for you? 

If you have a passion for beauty and dream of becoming a hairstylist, salon manager, or any other professional within the cosmetology industry, pursuing a beauty school education will give you the best leg up in your career.

As a beauty school student, you’ll receive comprehensive cosmetology training from experienced cosmetology instructors who will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in your field. This formal education is an important opener for many career opportunities in the beauty field.

At Evergreen Beauty College, our philosophy is to foster students’ growth by believing in them and teaching them the fundamental skills that will give them confidence and make them believe in themselves. Our programs are designed to prepare students for their licensing exams and create spaces for them to practice their newly learned skills and thrive in a real-world environment.

See what some Evergreen alumni have to say about Evergreen Beauty College and its staff.

FAQs: Should You Attend a Cosmetology School Before Breaking Into the Beauty World?

How do you start a career in beauty?

Ideally, getting an education at a reputable beauty college is a tried-and-true path to carving out a career in beauty. Before attending beauty schools, students must have their high school diploma or a GED.

Do you need to be licensed to work in a salon in Washington State? 

Whether you specialize in cosmetology, hair design, barbering, manicuring, esthetics, or master esthetics, you must be licensed by the Department of Licensing (DOL) to operate as a business or work as an employee providing any of these services.

Do beauty schools offer financial aid?

Most certified beauty programs offer financial aid. At Evergreen Beauty College, our admissions representatives can help students begin their beauty school journey by walking them through enrollment and sharing financial aid options, from grants to loans.

Colleges and trade schools that offer financial aid also accept funds from the 529 college savings plan. Contact Evergreen Beauty College today to see if you are eligible for financial aid or loans or need resources for Pell Grants, money granted for school that you don’t have to pay back.