Choosing a beauty school isn't like choosing a new haircut – there are a lot of factors to consider – state requirements, accreditation, and learning from faculty that are in the business. And just like you would ask friends and family for an opinion on dying your hair from blonde to black, choosing the right school spurs questions that require input from the experts. Read on for expert answers to five questions you should know before choosing a beauty school.

1. What are some things to look for in a beauty school?

"Different states do different things. The school I went to in Massachusetts went above and beyond helping me pass the state board. Look for accreditation. Most beauty schools do not present business school programs – you can't just be technically sound, you need to know the business aspect as well."

--Michelle Roderick, Artistic Director of Regis Corporation, proprietor of Regis Salons, MasterCuts, Trade Secret, Super Cuts, Cost Cutters, and SmartStyle brands

2. What is important to find out about a school's curriculum?

Check to see that they will teach you how to be a good communicator. The most important part of having a future in the beauty industry is clearly having the ability to communicate and sell yourself and your services. Give me an OK stylist who knows how to sell and I'd rather have that person working for me than a creative stylist who doesn't know how to communicate with clients to find out what they want."

--Frank Schoeneman, CEO and founder of Empire Education Group

2. How can I prepare for my schooling?

"If it applies to your school, start by completing the FAFSA form for financial aid. Set up appointments and choose the school you feel the most comfortable with. Go visit salons and ask [professionals] about the industry and what it will take to get work. Also make sure to ask salons about post-beauty school training within the salon and income potential."

--Lars Juhl, Manager of Admissions and Marketing at Pivot Point, educational organization for the hair and beauty industry

3. Do I need to have an outgoing personality to become a stylist?

"I meet people in this business that have all sorts of personalities. It takes all types, so you shouldn't feel limited. The one thing it takes is creative courage. Just like any artist, you're going to be critiqued. It's almost like a muscle: every time you express yourself in an unusual way, you're going to get noticed. Sometimes it's a good reaction, sometimes it's not, but it builds that creative muscle so [that] next time you're stronger."

--Andy Paige, founder of Cents of Style™ and style expert for NBC's "Starting Over"

4. What's the best asset I can have in pursuing a career as a stylist?

"Your portfolio is crucial. Without one, you won't advance. I can't believe how many artists call looking to work for me, and don't have a portfolio. I hear, "I never got around to making one," a lot. People with 10+ years in the industry who don't have a portfolio can't blame anyone but themselves if they are not successful."

Cosmetology School Listings

Online Cosmetology Training
Minnesota School of Business/Globe College Cosmetology

Florida Cosmetology Schools
Edutech Centers - (Clearwater, FL 33764, Riverview, FL 33569) - Skin Care Specialist
North Florida Institute (Jacksonville FL) - Cosmetology
Career Training Institute (Orlando FL) Cosmetology Program, Cosmetology Refresher
Sunstate Academy (Clearwater, Ft. Myers, Sarasota)
Transcription, Paralegal, Clinical Skin Care, Clinical Skin Care

Georgia Cosmetology Schools
Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics (Atlanta, GA) - Skin Care Programs, techniques include; basic facial and massage techniques, body spa management, microdermabrasion and foot reflexology included in Skin Care Program.

Massachusetts Cosmetology Schools
Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy (44 Sewall St. Ludlow, MA 01056) - Cosmetology and Manicuring Training

Minnesota Cosmetology Schools
Minnesota School of Cosmetology (Oakdale MN) Cosmetology

Missouri Cosmetology Schools
Vatterott College (Joplin, MO 64801, St. Joseph, MO 64506) - Cosmetology, Manicuring & Sculptured Nails

Mississippi Cosmetology Schools
Virginia College (Jackson, MS) - Cosmetology Program

Nevada Cosmetology Schools
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences (Green Valley, NV) - Cosmetology Diploma, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Design, Nail Technology, Medical Esthetics, Permanent Make-Up/Dermalogy

New York Cosmetology Schools
Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing (Peekskill, NY) - Cosmetology Programs, Barbering Programs

North Carolina Cosmetology Schools
Miller-Motte Technical College - Wilmington, NC - Cosmetology Program

Ohio Cosmetology Schools
Miami-Jacobs Career College (Ohio Locations: Dayton, Springboro, Troy, OH)

Pennsylvania Cosmetology Schools
Tri-State Business Institute (Erie PA) Cosmetology Operator, Cosmetology Education and Salon Management
Penn Commercial Business & Technical School (Washington PA) - Cosmetology

Texas Cosmetology Schools
Milan Institute of Cosmetology - Amarillo (Amarillo, TX 79103) - Cosmetologist/Operator, Instructor, Manicurist
Amarillo College of Beauty - Amarillo, TX - Located in Amarillo, Texas offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.
Texas Beauty College - Crosscreek - Located in Crosscreek, Texas offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.
Texas Beauty College - NW Loop - Located in San Antonio, Texas offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.

Washington Cosmetology Schools
Everett Beauty Academy - Everett - Located in Everett, Washington, offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.
Milan Institute of Cosmetology - Everett (Everett, WA 98208) - Cosmetologist/Operator, Instructor, Manicurist, Esthetician

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