How to Pick the Right Cosmetology School
What Makes a School “Right” for You
Choosing a cosmetology school is a big decision. This isn’t just about learning how to cut hair or apply makeup. You’re choosing the place that teaches you the skills you’ll use to build your career. And every school is different.
The “right” school lines up with your goals, your lifestyle, and the type of beauty career you want. That means looking at the program itself, where the campus is, how they teach, and what graduates say about their experience.
If you’re searching “best cosmetology school near me,” this is the level of detail you should be comparing.
Empire’s Locations and Programs
A school becomes a lot more realistic when the campus is close enough to fit your daily life. Empire Beauty School has locations across the country, including:
- Georgia: Atlanta–Morrow Campus
- New York: Manhattan Campus
Each campus follows the same core cosmetology curriculum, but the community, instructors, and hands-on opportunities can vary. That’s why visiting a campus matters — you get to see the environment you’ll be learning in.
If you’re still exploring all program options, check out the full list here:
Empire Beauty School Programsrs, or even working freelance. It’s a great fit if you love variety and want to offer multiple types of services.
Accreditation and Curriculum
Accreditation is non-negotiable. It tells you two things:
- The school meets industry standards.
- You can qualify for financial aid if you’re eligible.
A strong curriculum should cover the basics — hair, skin, and nails — but also include:
- Haircutting and coloring
- Chemical texture services
- Makeup and skincare
- Salon business and client communication
- State board preparation
- Real hands-on training in a student salon
If a school isn’t transparent about what you’ll learn, that’s a red flag.
Empire’s curriculum is built to prepare you for the state board exam and for real salon work from day one. Students don’t just practice on mannequins — they work with guests under instructor supervision, which gives you actual experience before you graduate. spas, dermatology clinics, or medspas — often alongside doctors or other skincare professionals.
Real Student Stories
You can learn a lot about a school from people who’ve walked through the program. Most students talk about three things that helped them choose Empire:
1. Supportive instructors
They want you to succeed and actually take the time to help you understand techniques.
2. Hands-on training that builds confidence
Students say the live-guest salon experience is what made them job-ready by graduation.
3. A community that feels welcoming
Many choose Empire because they feel comfortable from the moment they walk in for a campus tour.
When you compare schools, pay attention to what students consistently mention — not just in reviews, but in conversations during your tour. You’ll know quickly whether the environment feels right.
Checklist: Choosing the Right Fit
Here’s a simple checklist to compare schools side by side:
✔ Program length and schedule
Is it flexible enough for your life?
✔ Accreditation
If it’s not accredited, walk away.
✔ Curriculum depth
Does it teach everything you need for the state board and real salon work?
✔ Hands-on training
Do students get real experience, or only mannequins?
✔ Student salon
Is there space to practice with real clients?
✔ Location
Is the campus close enough to be realistic long-term?
✔ Financial aid
Do they help you understand the process?
✔ Student reviews
Are graduates actually working in the field?
Bring this list with you when you tour different schools. It makes the decision clear and keeps you focused on the things that matter most for your future.
What Do Graduates Go On to Do?
Cosmetologists often become:
- Hairstylists
- Salon owners
- Platform artists or educators
- Nail techs
- Freelance makeup artists
Estheticians often become:
- Facialists or skincare specialists
- Waxing specialists
- Medspa technicians
- Makeup artists
- Skincare product consultants
Both careers can lead to entrepreneurship, teaching, or working with high-profile clients — it all depends on your path and passion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cosmetology school usually take?
Most full-time programs take about a year. Part-time schedules can take longer depending on your state’s required hours. When comparing schools, look at both total hours and how the weekly schedule fits with your life.
Do I need experience before applying?
No. You don’t need any prior beauty training. Schools expect students to start from scratch. What matters more is that you show up, practice, and stay consistent.
Is financial aid available?
If the school is accredited, you may qualify for grants, loans, or other financial assistance. Always ask a school’s admissions team to walk you through your specific options.
How do I know if a school is accredited?
Accredited schools list it openly on their website and in their admissions materials. If it’s hard to find, that’s a warning sign.
Will I get real hands-on experience with clients?
Good programs offer both mannequin work and real client services in a supervised student salon. This is one of the biggest differences between a strong curriculum and a weak one.
Can I work in a salon right after graduation?
Yes, once you complete your required training hours and pass your state board exam. Accreditation and a strong curriculum both help you prepare for that exam.
What should I bring on a campus tour?
Bring your questions (the checklist in this article helps), a notebook, and someone you trust for a second opinion if you want. Tours are the best way to feel if a school is the right fit.
How do I pick the best cosmetology school near me?
Choose the school that lines up with your goals, offers hands-on training, has accreditation, fits your schedule, and feels supportive when you walk through the door.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Once you compare everything, choosing the best cosmetology school near you becomes a lot clearer. If you’re ready to check out programs and find the campus closest to you, and Schedule a tour and see what beauty school is really like.
Join a community, enroll at Empire Beauty School where your dreams become reality.For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll, please click!