Are you a high school student daydreaming about swapping textbooks for styling tools? Do you find yourself watching beauty tutorials and scrolling Pinterest beauty boards during lunch breaks? How about experimenting with your friends’ hair, makeup, and nails on weekends?

If the beauty industry is calling your name (and you’re actually answering!), then we’ve got advice on how to go about turning that passion into a full-blown career.

At TENAJ Salon Institute, we’ve helped countless high school students transform their beauty obsessions into successful careers. We hold your hand along the way, yet give you the independence needed to thrive and create a personal brand for yourself.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about pursuing cosmetology during high school. You won’t be under the teen scene spell forever (thank goodness, right?!)

Why Consider Cosmetology During High School?

Before getting into the how-to’s, let’s talk about why cosmetology is where it’s at for high school students with a creative and spunky flair:

Early Career Launch: While your peers might spend years figuring out their path, you could be building a clientele before they even declare a college major. Complete your cosmetology hours (in Florida and at TSI, it’s 1,200 hours), pass your state exam, and voilà, you’re a licensed cosmetologist ready to join the workforce.
Creative Freedom: Instead of always having your head in the books, you get to come up for air and express yourself through cutting-edge styles, vivid colors, transformative techniques, and the list goes on.
Practical Skills for Life: Even if you pursue other careers later, beauty skills are forever useful. We’ll just leave this here; licensed beauty professionals get awesome discounts as long as their license is active…
Financial Independence Sooner: Start earning that real-world money when others are still struggling with college debt. Get yourself ahead of the game!
Flexible Career Paths: From salon owner to beauty educator, you can use your cosmetology license to do so much more than hair behind the chair. Check out what else you can do with your license here.

Getting Started in High School

So you’re convinced cosmetology is your jam, but wondering how to get the ball rolling while still juggling algebra and English lit? At TSI, our admissions team specializes in helping high school students create a seamless transition plan from high school to cosmetology school. Let us be your guide!

Dual Enrollment Possibilities

Many high schools offer dual enrollment programs that allow students to earn both high school credits and cosmetology hours simultaneously.

The perks? You graduate high school with a nice chunk of your cosmetology education already completed. Talk about being ahead of the curve!

No Dual Enrollment? No Problem!

If your high school doesn’t offer dual enrollment, don’t stress! There are plenty of ways to prepare for your cosmetology career:

Pre-Enrollment Planning: Did you know you can actually apply and secure your spot at TSI while still in high school? Many students finish their applications, tours, and even financial aid paperwork during their senior year, setting up a start date that aligns perfectly with their graduation, or whenever they prefer to start.
Summer Start: After graduation, consider enrolling in a summer class while your high school experience is fresh and you’re still in “school mode.” Although taking time off can be beneficial, it’s sometimes easier just to jump right into it. Do what’s best for you! We have a new class every 5 weeks at TSI.
Early FAFSA Completion: Students who will graduate high school in the spring can complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as October of their senior year, securing financial aid options well before graduation. Your future self will thank you for getting that out of the way!

Start Building Professional Habits Now

The beauty world is a mix of technical skills and developing a professional mindset. Here’s what you can start working on even before you enter the walls of a cosmetology school:

Reliability: Start showing up on time for everything. Seriously, everything. In this industry, time is literally money, and guests won’t stick around for a chronically late stylist. Plus, your reputation is at stake!
Communication Skills: Practice explaining concepts clearly and in laymen’s terms. For example, when leading a hair consultation or recommending products, clear communication is key.
Social Media Savvy: Start building your digital portfolio now. Photograph and video your practice work (with permission!) and begin developing your personal brand. Set yourself apart from the rest.
Organizational Skills: Master managing your schedule, supplies, and workspace efficiently. Trust us, this will save you major headaches later on!

What We Look For in Future Beauty Professionals

Thinking about applying to TSI after graduation? We’d love to meet you! Here’s what catches our eye in potential students:

Passion That’s Palpable

We can spot authentic enthusiasm from a mile away. Show us why you love this industry! Did you spend hours perfecting that homecoming updo? Have you had a beauty routine since you were little? Tell us your beauty origin story. And of course, be yourself!

Growth Mindset

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and we need students who are ready to evolve with it. Show us you’re eager to learn, open to feedback, and willing to push beyond your comfort zone. Challenge? No, an opportunity for growth!

Professional Poise

We know nobody’s perfect, but we look for those who understand the importance of professionalism. This includes:

Professional Appearance: Take pride in your personal presentation. Practice what you’ll eventually preach! First impressions matter. And second, and third…
Positive Attitude: The ability to stay optimistic and look on the bright side, even when things don’t go as planned or expected.
People Skills: A genuine interest in working with diverse clientele. Since you can’t always choose the guests you serve, whether in school or in the real world, it’s essential to know how to “read the room” and match your guests’ energy.
Problem-Solving Abilities: The capacity to think critically and find creative solutions. If you’re interested in cosmetology, we already know you’ve got this down pat!

Preparing for Cosmetology School Success

Wherever you are in your high school journey, below are steps you can take now to set yourself up for success:

Academic Preparation

Even though cosmetology is mostly hands-on, there’s still studying involved. That being said, don’t neglect your core classes! Understanding the basics will come in handy:

Science: Comprehending the chemistry behind color treatments and the biology of hair, skin, and nails is crucial.
Math: You’ll use these skills daily for mixing formulas, managing time, and eventually handling business finances.
Communication Arts: Writing captions for your social media portfolio, copy or content writing for marketing materials, and communicating effectively with guests requires solid language skills.

Financial Planning

Cosmetology school is an investment in your future. Start preparing financially by:

Researching Scholarship Opportunities: Organizations like Beauty Changes Lives offer scholarships specifically for cosmetology students.
Saving Now: Even small amounts add up over time.
Understanding Financial Aid: Familiarize yourself with FAFSA requirements. At TSI, our Financial Aid and School Director, Ms. Combee, can walk you through it. Just give us a call at 352-259-6710! We’d love to help.

Talk to Your School Counselor

Your high school guidance counselor can be another wonderful ally in your beauty pursuits:

Identify Electives: They can help identify electives that complement your cosmetology interests.
Recommend Opportunities: Your guidance counselor might know about beauty-related internships, scholarships, work-study opportunities, dual enrollment possibilities, or prospective cosmetology schools.
Apply to Cosmetology School: They can assist with the entire application process, from helping you choose the right schools to advising on application materials and deadlines. They can provide valuable insights and support to ensure you present your best self in your applications.
Navigate Financial Aid: Your guidance counselor might have information on financial aid options for cosmetology school. If not, Ms. Combee to the rescue!

Build Your Beauty Network

It’s never too late, but it’s never too early either. Start connecting with industry professionals now:

Follow Local Stylists: Engage with their content and learn from their work.
Attend Beauty Events: Expos, trade shows, and demonstrations offer significant knowledge.
Shadow Professionals: Ask to observe at local salons. You can learn so much by doing this alone! Make sure to be respectful of their time and space.

Next Steps for High School Beauty Lovers

Schedule a Tour: Check out different schools to see what’s your perfect fit. Come see our 10,000 square foot campus, meet our incredible educators, watch our talented students in action, and get a feel for the good life at TSI. Request information online, or call us at 352-753-5511 to book your visit!
Shadow a Current Student: Want to experience a day in the life? If given a heads up, most schools will allow you to shadow a current student. If this is something you’d be down for, we can make arrangements (with parent/guardian permission for minors).
Speak with Our Admissions Team: Have questions about prerequisites, timelines, or application processes? Our admissions team has answers and would be delighted to speak with you!
Start Building Your Portfolio: We said it once and we’ll say it again, begin documenting your practice work on friends and family (with their permission). The sooner this becomes a habit for you, the sooner your social media presence will pop off. Learn more about building your professional portfolio here.

Beauty Begins Here, and With a Decision

At TENAJ Salon Institute, we’re inspired by high school grads who ignite their creative spark to shine brightly in cosmetology school and throughout their careers.

Located in The Villages, Florida, our 1,200-hour program offers both full-time and part-time schedules designed to help you rise to the top 20% of the beauty industry.

Excited to learn more? We’re just a call or click away. Your fabulous future in beauty starts here!

Want a service with one of our students? Schedule an appointment!