How to Choose the Right Cosmetology School

Without Going Broke or Losing Your Mind

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I remember feeling excited, nervous, and a bit lost when it came to choosing a cosmetology school.

The price tags vary wildly, some school promises the world, and it’s hard to know what actually matters when making the choice.

So here’s my take, based on my own journey and what I’ve learned along the way.

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All State Approved Schools Prepare You for the Same Exam

Let’s just start with a fact: if a cosmetology school is approved by your state, that means their program meets the standards needed to get you ready for the state board licensing exam. That’s the goal. That’s the baseline.

For example, I live in California, where the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is our regulatory body. Schools approved by the board meet state standards to prepare students for their licensing exams.

So when you see a $25,000 school and a $4,000 school, remember: they’re both legally obligated to teach you the material/skills needed to pass the same test.

Expensive doesn’t always mean better, and affordable doesn’t mean low quality. Some people don't have many options, depending on where they live. If you're lucky enough to have a choice, please consider how you learn best, what kind of environment you want, and your lifestyle values.

Financing Your Education: A Key Part of the Decision

I personally believe that how you finance your education matters just as much as where you go. Don’t just consider tuition costs: consider how potential potential debt may affect your life after you graduate.

You can absolutely make a great living in the beauty industry, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Your first job will likely be assisting or apprenticing. So if you graduate with a $400/month loan payment, that’s going to feel heavy fast—especially when you’re still building skills, clientele, and industry experience.

Look into local schools with reasonable costs, not just the big names. If schools offer in-house financing, understand the interest. If schools offer federal aid, make sure you know the terms. If a school is pay-as-you-go: lovely. But make sure it’s doable for you.

I remember my parents explaining loans and interest to me when I was in high school, deciding which college to commit to for undergrad. The idea of huge monthly loan repayments felt like a shackle on my future, so I chose a university that balanced quality with affordability. I have never regretted that decision.

Visit in Person

A school might look great on brochures or their website, but an in person visit will give you a more rounded sense of their program.

When you visit, pay attention to how the students move. Do they seem confident? Are they receiving support? Are instructors engaged and moving about the space?

Pay attention to the vibe—but also look at the facility itself. Is it clean? Organized? Does the equipment look well maintained, or barely hanging on? Does the space reflect a professional environment?

You’re going to 1000+ hours in this space. It should feel safe, functional, and somewhat like a real salon. If something feels off, don’t ignore that gut feeling. A polished Instagram page or website can’t make up for a poorly run or neglected school.

I explored two schooling options.

One was a local community college with an established and strong reputation in my area. The cosmetology facilities were new, as was much of the recently renovated campus. I noticed a vibrant and diverse student community and met instructors with years of professional experience (both in the salon and classroom.

The other school I was looking into was starting off it's inaugural year, with a brand new facility to match. The start dates were vague and the instructors, who are insanely talented and well known in our area, admitted that they didn't have everything set in stone yet.

I chose the community college's program because it was established, respected, transparent, and affordable. I don't doubt that the new school would have provided me with a fantastic education, but I couldn't take a chance with a $10K+ price tag.

Look at the Curriculum and Ask the Right Questions

Ask to see a breakdown of what you’ll learn and when. Some schools front-load theory and barely give students time on the floor. Others get you hands-on right away. One’s not necessarily better than the other, but think about your learning style.

Also ask:

• How often do students practice on real clients?

• How are students evaluated?

• Are there instructors consistently present on the floor?

• Do students get to work with different hair textures and services

Dates and prices should be concrete and easy to find. If a school can’t give you clear info about when classes start, how long the program lasts, and exactly what it costs, that’s a red flag. Transparency here is key.

The school community college was ready with answers to all of these questions, while the new school's owner's were vague or unsure of the specifics.

Be Clear on What YOU Want to Get Out of the Program

A good school will provide you with a solid foundation, a chance to get comfortable with core techniques before stepping into the real world to develop your own style and specialties.

But it’s also up to you to invest time and effort while you’re there. Many students use this time to discover which areas they enjoy most or want to specialize in by putting in the extra practice. Towards the end of our first semester, one of my classmates decided that she wants to be a color specialist. She channeled a lot of effort into her chem class final project and into practicing on our classmates. It's clear that she really enjoys that area of hairdressing, and she is making the most of school resources (school provided materials, hello!) and learning time. We're only one semester in and her work is excellent.

So choose a school that will give you the support and resources to make the most of your time.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing a cosmetology school is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating.

If you have the option of multiple schools, do your research and chose a school that best fits your lifestyle and goals.

Flashy branding and price tags don’t always equal better training. Trust your gut and remember: you can build the career you want, starting with the right decisions now!

If you're on this journey, I’m rooting for you! If you have any questions or tips of your own, please comment or send me a message!

Later,

Xai