What to Look for in a Beauty School: 10 Essential Factors

If you’re excited about starting a creative career and helping people look and feel their best, choosing the right beauty school is your most important first step. With so many programs available, it can be hard to know which schools will truly prepare you for a long-term career—not just a short-term certificate.

To make your search easier, here are 10 essential things to look for in a beauty school, along with how the Cosmetology Operator Program at Nuvani Institute aligns with these must-have features.

1. Accreditation From a Recognized Agency

Accreditation ensures that your education meets industry and state standards. Schools that take the time to earn accreditation care about the quality of instruction and your long-term success.

Nuvani Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE)—a strong indicator that its cosmetology training is vetted, structured, and held to high academic and practical standards.¹

2. Clear Preparation for Your State Licensing Exam

Your cosmetology license is the key to working professionally, so a beauty school must offer structured preparation for your state board exams.

A strong program will guide you through both the written and practical components of the exam and give you plenty of opportunities to practice the skills you’ll be tested on. It should also help you understand licensing requirements and offer support throughout the process.

Nuvani’s program is designed to prepare students for the written and practical components required for licensure.¹

3. Hands-On Training With Real Clients

You’ll learn faster—and build genuine confidence—when you practice on real people instead of mannequins alone.

At Nuvani Institute, students train in an on-site student salon, where they interact with real clients under the supervision of experienced instructors.¹ This experience teaches you how to conduct consultations, manage time during appointments, and work with a variety of hair types and service requests.

Training with actual clients prepares you for the real pace and expectations of a salon environment, making your transition into the industry much smoother.

4. A Well-Rounded, Industry-Ready Curriculum

A beauty school should teach more than just cutting and coloring. You’ll need a balanced mix of technical training, professional standards, and strong communication skills to thrive in this industry.

In Nuvani’s Cosmetology Operator Program, students learn hair cutting, styling, color theory, skincare basics, nail artistry, sanitation practices, teamwork, and salon operations.¹ This provides a strong foundation that supports many different career paths.

Customer service is also essential. CareerOneStop notes that cosmetologists need “knowledge of principles and processes for providing personal services,” which includes active listening, communication, and relationship-building skills.³ Real client practice is the best way to develop these abilities.

5. Supportive, Experienced Instructors

Your instructors will shape your learning experience every day, so it’s important to choose a school with knowledgeable and supportive educators.

Instructors who have real industry experience can share practical insights, explain techniques clearly, and offer helpful, encouraging feedback. Their guidance can make challenging skills easier to understand and keep you motivated throughout your training.

Visiting the school or watching a class can help you get a sense of the teaching style and classroom environment before enrolling.

6. Up-to-Date Tools and Professional Products

A quality beauty school trains you with the same tools and products used in modern salons. This means professional-grade styling tools, current cutting and coloring equipment, and high-quality skincare and nail supplies.

Well-organized workstations and proper sanitation practices are also essential. When you train with up-to-date tools and real salon products, you’ll feel comfortable and confident when stepping into your first professional role.

7. A Clear Program Structure and Realistic Expectations

Great schools are transparent about what you can expect while you’re enrolled. This includes program length, attendance requirements, grading policies, the supplies included in your kit, and the number of hours you must complete to graduate.

Nuvani provides these details upfront. The program spans 34 weeks, includes 1,000 clock hours, and requires students to maintain at least a 70% average in both academic and clinical work. There is also a defined timeframe for completing the program.¹

Knowing exactly what’s required helps you stay organized, plan your schedule, and progress smoothly through your training.

8. Financial Aid Options and What’s Included

Before you enroll, you should clearly understand tuition costs, what’s included in your kit, any additional fees, and whether financial aid is available.

A school that communicates this information openly helps you plan for your future with confidence. Transparent costs mean fewer surprises down the road, allowing you to focus entirely on developing your skills.

9. Career Support and Local Connections

A beauty school should help you prepare for life after graduation. Strong programs offer support such as job placement assistance, resume guidance, interview preparation, and connections with local salons and spas.

Even if your long-term goal involves freelance work or opening your own salon, having support during your early career steps can make a meaningful difference. These resources help you navigate the job market and build momentum in your new career.

10. A Program That Matches Your Career Goals

Whether you want to work in a salon, specialize in nails or skincare, become a freelance stylist, work in film and media, or open your own salon, you need a program that builds both foundational and advanced skills.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetology and personal care careers are projected to grow much faster than average, showing strong long-term demand for trained professionals.²

A great beauty school should prepare you not just for your first job, but for a career with possibilities.

Start Your Beauty Career Journey Today

Now that you know what to look for in a beauty school, you can make a confident decision about where to begin. If you want an accredited program with hands-on experience, supportive instructors, and real-world training, explore the Cosmetology Operator Program at Nuvani Institute.

Your beauty career starts with the right school—Nuvani is ready to help you take that next step.

*Program length when completed in normal time.