How-To Get Into Cosmetology School

Are you dreaming of a career you actually wake up excited for? Where every day brings new challenges or opportunities to make others feel and look their best (including yourself!?)

If so, cosmetology school might be the path to your dream future.

First things first, how does one get into cosmetology school? At TENAJ Salon Institute, we’re here to walk you through the process.

Like with starting anything new, it can feel overwhelming. We want to calm those nerves by getting into the nitty-gritty of how to get into cosmetology school and embark on your journey of becoming a beauty professional extraordinaire!

Why Choose Cosmetology School?

Before we get into the “how, let’s talk about the “why.”

Cosmetology school goes beyond the surface of haircuts and manicures — it’s an art form, a science, and a business all rolled into one fabulous package. The perfect beauty burrito! Here’s why pursuing a cosmetology education might be the best decision you’ll ever make:

Creative Expression: Every guest is a blank canvas. You have the power to transform their hair, nails, or brows into a individualized work of art! Picasso who?
Job Security: It’s not life or death, but let’s be honest, people will always want beauty services. They’ve been around since the dawn of time! This makes cosmetology more of a recession-resistant career choice.
Flexibility: From salon work to freelance opportunities, cosmetology offers an array of career paths for varying schedules, lifestyles, and personalities.
Personal Fulfillment: There’s nothing quite like the joy of boosting confidence and making someone feel beautiful.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Many cosmetologists go on to open their own salons, product lines, and more. It doesn’t stop at being behind the chair!

Now that we’ve got you enticed and excited about the possibilities, let’s break down the steps of how-to get into cosmetology school and soon become a licensed cosmetologist!

Step 1: Research and Choose Your Program

The initial step is finding the right cosmetology school for you. Consider the following:

Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a recognized body. At TSI, we’re proud to be accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS.)
Curriculum: Look for an in-depthprogram that covers all aspects of cosmetology. Our 9-month program equips you with technical skills, in addition to the ins-and-outs of salon operations, professional development, and business savvy practices.
Hands-on Experience: Practice makes perfect! At TSI, our students gain real-world experience by serving over 2,000 guests per month on our clinic floor. You’ll know exactly how to begin work at a salon because you’ve already had the working experience in school.
Career Support: Choose a school that supports you even post-graduation. We’re committed to helping our graduates enter the top 20% of the beauty industry!
Location: While some students relocate for school, choosing a program near you can make the transition and commute easier. If you’re in or around central Florida, we’d love to have you at TSI in The Villages.

Step 2: Meet the Prerequisites

All cosmetology schools have basic requirements for admission, while some have additional eligibility requirements. While these can vary by school, below are some common prerequisites:

Age Requirement: In Florida, you must be at least 16 years old to enroll in cosmetology school. At TSI, you must be at least 17 years old to enroll!
Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. If you’re still in high school, some schools offer dual enrollment programs.
English Proficiency: If English isn’t your first language, you may need to demonstrate proficiency through a test like Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL.)
Physical Ability: Cosmetology can be physically demanding, so you should be able to stand on your feet for extended periods and have good manual dexterity.

If you’re interested in a particular cosmetology school, but aren’t sure about the specifics of their prerequisites, research their website or contact the school directly to find out the details. We love getting calls like these!

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Once you’ve chosen your school and confirmed you meet the prerequisites, your next step is to get your paperwork in order. You’ll usually need:

High school diploma or GED certificate
Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
Social Security card
Proof of age (birth certificate)
Immunization records (requirements vary by state and school [not required at TSI!])

We recommend creating a dedicated folder for all your cosmetology school documents. Trust us, future you will thank present you for being so organized! Boss babe behavior.

Step 4: Take a Tour and Ask Questions

Before you commit, get yours feelers out there and take a tour of the school. This is your chance to vibe check the environment, learn about the program, familiarize yourself with the product lines, meet the educators, and chat with current students.

Overall, this is your chance to really see if you can picture yourself there. During your tour, don’t be shy – ask questions! The more the merrier; it’s your future we’re talking here, and that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are some good questions to throw into the mix:

How much hands-on experience will I get?
What’s the student-to-educator ratio?
What’s your job placement rate for graduates?
Do you offer any scholarships or financial aid?
What does the student kit include?
Can you go over the dress code with me?
What sets your school apart from other cosmetology schools?
Why should I choose this cosmetology school?

Schedule a tour with us at TSI here or give us a call at 352.753.5511! We’ve got tours going every week.

Step 5: Consider Your Finances

Before you’re having an “out-of-money” experience, let’s talk money, honey! Cosmetology school is an investment for your career. Hence, it’s important to understand the the reality of costs involved and explore the options for funding your education. Below are some avenues to consider:

Federal Financial Aid: If your chosen school is eligible, you can apply for federal grants and loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) This is available at TSI!
Scholarships: Many schools offer scholarships based on merit, need, or other criteria. There are also countless scholarship opportunities for aspiring beauty pros with Beauty Changes Lives, as well as other companies. Just gotta keep your eyes peeled!
Payment Plans: Some schools offer flexible payment plans to spread out the cost of tuition.
Private Loans: If federal aid and scholarships aren’t enough, you might consider private student loans. Just be sure to understand the terms and interest rates before signing on the dotted line.

A good cosmetology school will have a financial aid office you can depend on for navigating your options and finding the best solution for your situation. Feel free to contact our school director and financial aid advisor for more information at 352.259.6710!

Step 6: Complete the Application Process

You’re almost there! Once you’ve done your research, chosen the school, gathered your documents, and figured out your finances, it’s time to apply. The application process normally involves:

Filling out the application form: This will ask for basic information about you and your educational background. You know, the usual form stuff.
Submitting required documents: Remember that folder of documents you put together? Time to put it to use!
Paying the application fee: Most schools charge a small fee to process your application. Make sure you’re serious about this.
Scheduling an interview: Various schools, like us at TSI, like to meet applicants in person to ensure it’s a good fit for both parties.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

If your chosen school requires an interview, don’t stress – this is your time to shine! The following are some tips to help you make a great first impression:

Dress for success: Let them them you’re serious about your career pursuits by dressing the part.
Be punctual: Arriving on time (or even a few minutes early) demonstrates responsibility and respect for the interviewer’s time. Very demure, very mindful!
Show your passion: Make it evident you’re enthusiastic about the beauty industry.
Ask thoughtful questions: This shows you’ve done your research, come prepared, and are genuinely interested in the program. Just as they’re interviewing you, you’re interviewing them. If you’ve thought of something after the tour, or while you’re there, don’t hesitate to politely speak up.
Be yourself: Authenticity goes a long way with any career choice. They want to know the real you, and you want to know the real them.

Step 8: Prepare for Cosmetology School

Congratulations, queen! You’ve been accepted into cosmetology school — the process was worth it. Now what? Here are some things you can add to your to-do list before your first day of school:

Stock up on supplies: Most schools include a student kit and textbooks as part of your tuition, however this may differ among schools. At TSI, we provide our students with a jam-packed student kit that includes everything from styling tools to a Chrome Notebook for digital learning. Nonetheless, you still may want to bring in your favorite pens, pencils, or notebooks.
Upgrade your wardrobe: Ensure you have professional, appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories that won’t get you dress coded. We hope you like black, because that’s all our students wear at TSI! We do this for a polished look, but mainly because this puts the spotlight on our salon guests, while the service providers (future cosmetologists) blend in the background.
Plan your schedule: If you’re working while in school, make sure you have a sustainable balance. Work-life-school balance can get pretty hairy — take care of yourself.
Join online communities: Network with other aspiring or current cosmetology students and successful individuals in the beauty industry. It’s never too early to build your professional network!
Create a professional social media presence: A lot of people wait to create a professional social media presence for their beauty work until they’re licensed. This doesn’t have to be the case though! Get ahead of the curb and start posting on socials as soon as you know you’re going to cosmetology school. Introduce yourself and share your experiences through cosmetology school. When you graduate, you’ll already have an online portfolio to show or direct clients to. In school, you’ll learn how essential marketing yourself is as a cosmetologist!
Start a inspiration board: Begin collecting images and ideas that inspire you or catch your eye. This will come in handy for upcoming projects and encourage you to develop your unique style. Pinterest to the rescue!

Beauty Begins Here

Getting into cosmetology school is just the beginning of your career. At TENAJ Salon Institute, we’re committed to being your right hand man through it all, thick and thin.

Located in The Villages, Florida, TSI offers a comprehensive 9-month program that will help you enter the beauty workforce with a bang. Let us help you turn your passion for beauty into a thriving career!

Schedule a tour with us today!