Choosing to start beauty school is more than a career decision—it’s the beginning of a new creative path, a fresh start, and an opportunity to turn your natural talents into a profession. Whether your passion lies in hairstyling, skincare, nails, or even teaching future beauty professionals, Michigan College of Beauty offers the education, community, and support to help you thrive.

If you’re considering enrolling but aren’t sure what to expect or how to get started, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to begin your beauty school journey with confidence.

Why Beauty School? A Growing, Creative Career Path

The beauty industry continues to grow year after year, offering career stability, flexibility, and endless opportunities for creativity. With the rise of social media, self-care culture, and personalized beauty services, clients today expect skilled professionals who understand both the art and science of beauty.

By entering beauty school, you’re stepping into a field where you can:

• Express your creativity daily
• Build client relationships
• Enjoy flexible career options and schedules
• Work in salons, spas, medical settings, or as a freelancer
• Become your own boss
• Continue growing through advanced education

At Michigan College of Beauty, students can benefit from hands-on training, experienced instructors, and a supportive environment that helps them build confidence from day one.

Programs at Michigan College of Beauty

Before starting beauty school, it’s important to choose the program that aligns with your goals. Michigan College of Beauty offers four main programs designed to meet students wherever they are in their beauty journey.

Cosmetology Program

If you want a versatile, well-rounded education that opens doors across the industry, cosmetology is the most comprehensive path. Cosmetologists are trained to work with hair, skin, and nails, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.

In this program, you’ll typically learn:

• Haircutting, coloring, and styling
• Chemical treatments (perms, relaxers, color formulations)
• Skin care basics
• Manicure and pedicure techniques
• Business and client communication
• Safety, sanitation, and state board preparation

Cosmetology graduates can pursue careers as hairstylists, salon managers, color specialists, makeup artists, and more. Many cosmetologists go on to open their own salons or work independently.

Esthetics Program

If skincare is your passion, esthetics may be the perfect fit. Estheticians focus on the health and appearance of the skin through professional treatments and advanced techniques. This field continues to expand with the popularity of facials, spa therapies, and non-invasive beauty services.

The esthetics curriculum can include training in:

• Facials and advanced skincare techniques
• Hair removal (waxing, brow shaping, etc.)
• Makeup application
• Dermatology fundamentals
• Chemical exfoliation (where allowed)
• Spa treatment protocols
• Product knowledge and retailing
• Client consultation and analysis

Esthetics is a great path for those who love skincare education, wellness, and personalized client care.

Manicuring Program

If you enjoy detailed work and artistic expression, manicuring could be your ideal specialty. Nail technicians are in high demand nationwide as clients seek services ranging from natural nail care to intricate nail art.

In the manicuring program, you’ll learn:

• Manicures and pedicures
• Nail enhancements (gel, acrylic, dip)
• Sanitation and safety
• Electric filing techniques
• Nail art and advanced design
• Salon ownership basics
• Client communication

Many nail technicians enjoy the flexibility of booth renting, salon work, or running their own at-home or mobile nail business.

Instructor Training Program

Already licensed in your beauty discipline and ready to take your career to the next level? The Instructor Training program prepares beauty professionals to teach others and step into leadership roles.

Course topics typically include:

• Classroom management
• Lesson planning and curriculum development
• Demonstration techniques
• Student evaluation and mentorship
• State board and regulatory guidelines
• Professional ethics and communication

This can be a fulfilling path for anyone who wants to make an impact on the next generation of beauty professionals.

How Long Does Beauty School Take?

The length of each program varies based on the hours required by the state of Michigan. While exact schedules differ, you can expect:

• Cosmetology: ~1,500 hours
• Esthetics: ~750 hours
• Manicuring: ~600 hours
• Instructor Training: ~600 hours

Many students choose full-time schedules, while others prefer part-time to accommodate work, family, or personal commitments. Michigan College of Beauty can help you find the schedule that works best for you.

How to Prepare Before Starting Beauty School

Starting beauty school is exciting, but a little preparation can help you feel confident and ready for success.

1. Choose the Right Program

Think about your strengths, interests, and long-term career goals. Are you drawn toward hair? Skincare? Nails? Teaching? Michigan College of Beauty’s admissions team can help you explore each path.

2. Take a Campus Tour

A campus tour gives you the chance to:

• Explore classrooms and the student salon
• Meet instructors
• Get a feel for the school’s culture
• Ask questions about scheduling, curriculum, and expectations

This is one of the best ways to know if the school is the right fit for you.

3. Apply for Financial Aid (If You Qualify)

Financing your education is an important step. Michigan College of Beauty can help you understand and apply for financial aid* options such as:

• Federal grants
• Federal student loans
• Scholarships
• Payment plans

Filling out the FAFSA early ensures you receive the maximum financial aid available.

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify

4. Gather the Required Documents

Most students will need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Valid ID
• Completed enrollment paperwork
• Financial aid documents (if applicable)

Admissions staff can guide you through each step.

5. Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Beauty school is exciting, but it’s also hands-on, fast-paced, and requires dedication. You will learn a lot quickly, practice new skills regularly, and interact with real clients.

Having a positive mindset and willingness to grow makes all the difference.

What to Expect During Your Training

Once your program begins, you’ll dive into a mix of theory, hands-on practice, and real-world experience.

Hands-On Learning

Michigan College of Beauty focuses on practical training. You’ll practice techniques on mannequins first, then move on to supervised services on real clients in the student salon or spa.

Experienced Instructors

Your instructors are licensed professionals with years of industry experience. They guide you through technical skills, state board preparation, safety protocols, and career development.

Client Experience

Working with real clients helps you:

• Build confidence
• Practice consultation skills
• Work with different hair, skin, and nail types
• Learn customer service and professionalism
• Prepare for working in a salon, spa, or independent setting

State Board Preparation

Passing your licensing exam is the final step before starting your career. Michigan College of Beauty integrates state board readiness into every program so you can test with confidence.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Once you graduate and obtain your license, you can have access to a wide range of career opportunities depending on your program.

Cosmetology Career Paths

• Hairstylist
• Color specialist
• Salon owner or manager
• Makeup artist
• Bridal stylist
• Freelance stylist
• Product representative
• Beauty influencer or educator

Esthetics Career Paths

• Esthetician in a spa or salon
• Facial specialist
• Brow and lash artist
• Waxing specialist
• Spa manager
• Medical esthetician (with additional training)
• Makeup artist

Manicuring Career Paths

• Nail technician
• Salon booth renter
• Nail artist
• Pedicure specialist
• Studio or salon owner
• Mobile nail technician

Instructor Career Paths

• Beauty school instructor
• Curriculum developer
• School administrator
• Education consultant
• Brand educator

The beauty industry is full of opportunities, and many professionals eventually branch into entrepreneurship or specialized services.

Tips for Success in Beauty School

To make the most of your time at Michigan College of Beauty, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay consistent. Practice makes progress.
• Ask questions. Your instructors are here to help you grow.
• Be open to feedback. This is how you improve your skills.
• Take advantage of the student salon. The more clients you see, the more confident you’ll become.
• Stay organized. Keep track of your hours and assignments.
• Build your portfolio early. Take photos of your work from day one.
• Network with peers and instructors. Connections often lead to job opportunities.

Is Beauty School Right for You?

Beauty school can be a great choice for people who are:

• Creative
• Passionate about helping others
• Interested in trends and techniques
• Motivated to learn hands-on skills
• Excited about flexible, meaningful career paths
• Ready to join a supportive community

If this sounds like you, Michigan College of Beauty may be the perfect place to begin your journey.

Ready to Start Your Beauty School Journey?

Now that you know what beauty school involves—programs, training, scheduling, financial aid, and career paths—you’re ready for the next step. Michigan College of Beauty is committed to helping you turn your passion into a profession through hands-on education, supportive instructors, and a welcoming beauty community.

Are you ready to take the first step toward your dream career? Contact Michigan College of Beauty today to schedule your tour and begin your enrollment process!