Taking those big steps at life’s crossroads can be intimidating. But beauty school might be the right fit for you if you are a recent high school grad or someone ready for a career change, with an interest in beauty and a drive to learn. Ask yourself these questions to know if the beauty school path is right for you:

• Do you have the time and determination to attend class consistently?
• Are you creative, and do you enjoy working with your hands?
• Do you enjoy meeting and conversing with new people?
• Are you able to work on your feet for a long period of time?
• Can you balance your personal life, homework, and class time?
• Do you have a passion for hair, nails, or skin?

If these questions resonate with you, you should consider attending beauty school and taking the next steps toward a successful career! We have over 7,000 graduates from Academy of Hair Design that has experienced our high energy environment and high quality education. We’d love to help you change your life by gaining new skills!

There are a wide variety of positions available in the ever-changing beauty industry. We can help you focus your education on a path that feels right for you and your individual strengths and interests. Plus, our graduates love the flexible hours and growth potential they’ve found across these career options. Below are a few of the positions you can become qualified for through our various programs:

Salon Owner
Combine your business and management skills with interpersonal experience to successfully run your own salon. Salon ownership can be challenging, but extremely rewarding and profitable. Many owners also work as stylists in their own salons.

Salon Manager
If you have a passion for the business end of a salon or shop, then you might enjoy a financial focus along with managing employees and patrons. Are enough clients coming in? Can the bills be paid? You would be in control of all aspects of retail, purchasing, and stocking. This is a great stepping stone toward salon ownership.

Hair Designer
If you excel at styling hair and have an inherent passion to help others look and feel their best, you would make a great hair designer. You will be able to cut, color, style, and blow dry, depending on your client’s needs.

Color Specialist
Do you enjoy highlights, low-lights, tint touch-ups, or full-on color? If you are passionate about hair color and changing trends, a career as a hair colorist might be for you. Color specialists are experts at understanding how colors mix and interact with hair, and you can boost client confidence with your coloring experience.

Esthetician
An esthetician specializes in the care and treatment of skin. Estheticians have a specialized understanding of the skin’s functions, disorders, and many treatment procedures. Hair removal, eyelashing, waxing, and professional make-up are a big portion of this profession.

Nail Technologist
The field of nail care is growing constantly because the clientele is consistently diverse. A wide range of manicure and pedicure preferences among clients gives room to really use your creativity as a nail technician. Having the heart and vision of an artist will help you see success and find enjoyment in the nail industry.

Marketing
Cosmetologists with proficient writing skills can get hired to write for beauty websites, articles, and blogs. With a good grasp of cosmetology, there are unlimited marketing opportunities across sales, magazines, retail, and beauty material representation.

Sales
If a beauty school graduate is passionate about products and has a knack for communication skills, a career in retail sales could be ideal.

Educator / Teacher / Instructor
You can use your experience to spread knowledge and inspire others by becoming a cosmetology educator. Upon graduating and becoming licensed, those who are great motivators and have the heart of a teacher can eventually become licensed instructors. We recommend 2-3 years of behind-the-chair experience before entering the field of teaching.

Beauty school options can be overwhelming, but Academy of Hair Design offers tours and information from career planners to help you feel confident in figuring out if our programs are the right next step for you.

Before you make decisions about any school, do your research and ask yourself these important general questions:

• Is the school accredited?
• Are both full-time and half-time courses available? Which is best for me?
• Does the school offer job placement?
• Do they offer or help me with financial aid?
• How much is tuition?
• Am I comfortable with the school?
• How long have they been in business?

It’s always a good idea to schedule a free tour of the school you are considering attending before making that important final decision. A tour offers an invaluable firsthand view of what the school looks and feels like. When taking the tour, imagine yourself in the school and try to determine if the atmosphere is what you are looking for. All schools have a different vibe and focus, and it’s important that you find what feels like the right fit for you.

No. Definitely not! In fact, many successful beauty professionals were previously employed in other careers before deciding they needed a change. Many skills you have gained in other job positions will help you to become a better cosmetologist. It’s never too late to make a career change to improve your life, and following your intuition about a career change can offer a huge increase in life satisfaction.

Here are a few questions to consider when comparing top cosmetology schools:

• How many years has the school been in operation?
• What are the graduation, drop-out, and placement rates?
• How many years do the educators have behind the chair before becoming an instructor?
• Does the school adequately prepare students for state board exams?
• Do the school design and layout offer energy and learning?
• How many years has the school been accredited?

Beauty schools that are accredited are certified to meet high standards of state and federal cosmetology education. The term is used when a school is in complete compliance with a strict set of guidelines set forth by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). These guidelines include approval of classroom materials, curriculum, instructors, and educators. This means that the school has been approved and evaluated for academic excellence.

The benefits of attending an accredited school are huge! Students attending these schools will receive the best education possible in the beauty business. Accreditation also makes it possible for students to potentially receive financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education if they qualify. Employers notice if applicants graduated beauty school from an established and accredited school.

Yes! For over 50 years Academy of Hair Design in Las Vegas has earned accreditation through NACCAS. The numbers are audited on a yearly basis. When choosing a beauty school, be sure the school is accredited.

You will be able to get your license once you take and pass the Nevada State board exam. Upon completion of your course, Nevada requires a graduate to take a certification exam in their program of study, known as the state board exam. We highly recommend taking the state board exam promptly upon completion of your course at Academy of Hair Design, while the material is still fresh in your mind. The state of Nevada is currently running about 30 days from the submitted test application to the actual testing date.

Very thoroughly! Our school prepares you to become accustomed to standardized tests by holding mock state board exams in our classrooms and media rooms. A portion of the curriculum includes instruction on how to successfully study, and covers test-taking strategies. The state board exam involves a written portion (on the computer) and a practical portion (hands-on).

Every two years. Since a license is required in all states to practice cosmetology, it is imperative to keep your license up to date. The cost for a license is between $70-$140.

It’s on you! It is the licensee’s responsibility to be aware of the renewal times and requirements. If for some reason the renewal process does not take place and the license expires, then it becomes illegal to practice cosmetology.

A high school diploma or high school equivalency is necessary to attend Academy of Hair Design in Las Vegas. You will also need a social security number and be proficient in English.

Academy of Hair Design in Las Vegas and the State Board of Cosmetology in Nevada requires you to be 17 years of age before enrolling.

No, you do not need to be a U.S. Citizen to attend Academy of Hair Design in Las Vegas. You do need to have a social security card. If you plan to apply for financial aid through the Department of Education, then you must be a permanent resident or a US citizen.