If you live in the Utah, California, or Arizona area and want to pursue a career in cosmetology and beauty, then the Avalon School of Cosmetology should definitely be on your list of considerations.
Avalon is a huge name in the beauty industry, with exquisite salons that turn out the most amazing and beautiful looks. They have great career options once you complete your training, are fully accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Avalon has three main programs: Cosmetology, Makeup Artistry, and Esthetics.
Programs offered
Cosmetology
The highlight of Avalon’s education is their cosmetology program. Focusing on core beauty theory and practical applications, you’ll learn to highlight and showcase your creativity through makeup, scissors, and clippers! The cosmetology program also focuses on manicuring and extensions.
You’ll learn theory and get practical training from licensed professionals who will coach you hands on so you will be learning from the best. After that, the sky and your creativity are the only limit.
There are host of career options to pursue upon completing the one year course in cosmetology: hairstylist/brand representative/salon manager/salon owner/consultant/instructor.
Makeup Artistry
For a quick crash course, you can enroll in their makeup artistry class which is a two week intensive training program where you will learn makeup fundamentals, basic skincare(an equally important part of makeup application!), and how to create a portfolio and network with clients.
The makeup program can either be completed as an independent course where you will not receive a license(though none is required for just makeup application), or as an addition to another program you are enrolled in at the school.
If you are considering a full course at Avalon, then definitely take the Makeup Artistry course, as it will add a valuable skill to your repertoire.
Esthetics
Avalon has a very in depth Esthetics program called Master Esthetics, but it is available at only their Utah locations – if you are interested in Esthetics, it is best to give them a call and discuss whether your particular field of study is available near you.
The esthetics program is in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: This phase is all about basic skincare science and related services. You’ll learn about the chemical and biological aspects of skin, how to analyze skin and figure out treatment options, how to sanitize and disinfect skin, what products are available, how to perform waxing, dermabrasion, spa treatments, facials, manicures, lash perms, brow tinting, and you’ll get introduced to electrotherapy.
- Phase 2: Here, you will build upon what you learned earlier in Phase 1 and pick up a new repertoire of skills such as clinical esthetics, how to prepare to get a license, how to set up a business and manage it, draining lymph nodes, chemical peels, basic makeup application, eyelash application, and false eyelash extensions.
- Phase 3: This phase is even more in depth and specialized, where you will learn facial toning, ultrasonic exfoliation, Brazilian waxing, speed waxing, aromatherapy, and laser theory.
As you can see, the esthetics program is incredibly in depth and opens the most doors for you in terms of career options and business options. You can offer a wide variety of services, or choose to ultra specialize!
Other short courses offered
Eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions are booming in popularity and if you would like to meet the growing demand with your expert services, you can complete a 13 hour course which will teach you all about eyelash extensions, applications, and safety. The course includes a pro kit of tools you’ll need to get your extension service off the ground.
Prosper U
Prosper U is a unique facet of Avalon, where they teach students how to best utilize their cosmetology/esthetics/beauty education and turn it into a strong business. Skills taught include networking, business planning, customer service, and sales.
Since beauty is such a personality-focused service, the way you treat your clients and approach them will largely define your brand and whether customers want to come to your or not! Prosper U will train you how to best deal with clients, attract them, and retain them – the three most important aspects of business.
You’ll also learn to create a roadmap for your business, be equipped with customer service scripts, and how to balance work and life for fulfillment and satisfaction.
Beauty school instructor(careers at Avalon and elsewhere)
If you are just as passionate about educating and training as you are about beauty, then you will be happy to know that many students choose to be trained as an instructor upon completing the beauty or esthetics courses at Avalon.
The instructor program is only available in Arizona at Layton, Mesa, and Phoenix.
In this course, you will learn teaching and educational techniques(basics, enough for your career set), how to develop and plan courses and lessons, how to manage classrooms, how to evaluate students, and how to supervise a clinical environment.
A career as a trainer does not limit your creativity in any way – in fact, it will help flower it even more, since you will be in a position to help students unleash their own creativity, which will further add to your creativity and help you develop new ideas.
Admissions at Avalon
Getting admission is fairly easy. You have to speak and write English fluently, and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
The next step would be to get in touch with Avalon’s admissions specialists, who will discuss your options and future career plans to help find the best course fit for you.
Once you have that you just have to submit your application form, fee, and letter of recommendation to get started.
Avalon Tuition fees
The basic tuition at Avalon for Cosmetology is roughly $16,000 for the academic year(one year is all you’ll need to complete the program).
On top of tuition, you’ll need books and supplies, which will cost roughly $1,600. These are the basic educational fees and expenses, and on top of that, you’ll have to factor in transportation, room and board(if applicable), and meals.
Common gotchas
Since Avalon is a vocational school, there are ups and downs to be expected. Most students are satisfied with the school and training they receive, but some students have complained that the process was disorganized and congested when they went there, and nobody seemed to know what they were doing because of construction.
This was an isolated incident, of course, and hundreds of other students pass through satisfied, but you should still be aware.