Although Nashville’s nickname is “Music City, U.S.A.,” it offers much more than just music. For example, it has quite a few exceptional cosmetology schools! From schools that teach makeup artistry to academies with full cosmetology curriculums, any future beauty student will be able to find their perfect match within the list below! Check out overviews, advantages, career prospects, and even average cost of tuition.
The Salon Professional Academy
Overview
As The Salon Professional Academy says itself, “We’ve taken the best of salon life and the education world and blended them to a harmonious whole with our Nashville cosmetology school.” Students spend the bulk of their time at the academy learning in a real life atmosphere with the hustle and bustle of a large, high-end salon. Time in the classroom is spent with a highly qualified education staff of board licensed cosmetology instructors with over 80 years of combined industry experience.
The school’s mission statement is to “produce highly trained, well prepared graduates for salons and spas. We are committed to excellence in cosmetology arts and science education. Educational systems and programs are updated constantly to keep the student’s interests first and our educational quality high.”
Advantages
Class sizes at The Salon Professional Academy are kept to a minimum to ensure that students receive the one-on-one attention they deserve. Students learn at a state-of-the-art facility which includes classrooms that are equipped with the best educational tools.
Redken haircare products are used for both professional and retail purposes, along with Creative Nail Design, CND, Dermalogica, and Mirabella makeup.
Career Prospects
The Salon Professional Academy trains for the top salons around the world, helping to place its students in hundreds of top Redken salons in the Tennessee market along with thousands of other successful salons across the United States and even abroad.
Average Cost
The tuition for the cosmetology program at The Salon Professional Academy is $18,590.
Volunteer Beauty Academy
Overview
The Volunteer Beauty Academy has recently experienced a wealth of growth and excellence in education through the continued development of educational programs and activities designed to broaden the training opportunities offered to students.
The facility consists of a clinic floor, reception area, dispensary, classroom, breakroom, and restrooms. The space is completely air conditioned. The clinic area contains working stations where students provide beauty services to customers, and the theory classroom consists of visual aids to help students succeed in learning the theory of cosmetology.
Advantages
The cosmetology course at the Volunteer Beauty Academy is designed to prepare students for the state board exam. It offers training in hairdressing skills and their practical applications in order to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in a beauty salon. The academy focuses on each individual and helps students grow and develop into successful professionals.
The training is extensive and encompasses all phases of cosmetology. This includes haircutting and styling, makeup, manicuring, scalp and hair treatments, permanent waving and relaxing, hair coloring, and facials. Both theory and practical applications are taught, and knowledge is supplemented by special classes. Opportunities to work with the public are provided in the Volunteer Beauty Academy clinic.
Career Prospects
After hours working in the student clinic as well as vast knowledge concerning theory in cosmetology, students will be prepared to enter the professional world.
Academy of Make Up Arts
Overview
In just 8 weekends, the Freelance Makeup Artist program at the Academy of Make Up Arts prepares students for the workplace. This program has a focus on beauty and glamor techniques, and it is best suited for students interested in bridal, special events, pageants, and photography. Upon graduation from this program, students will be provided with the entry-level skills they need to explore the possibilities of a freelance makeup artist or even to work with their favorite retail cosmetics brand.
Advantages
At the Academy of Make Up Arts, education begins with beauty basics, hair styling, and sanitation. Education then builds upon that foundation to create bridal and glamor looks that will eventually provide students with employment possibilities. Each day students are provided with invaluable hands-on exercises which culminate in a daily review and critique. This specialized process not only gives students practical experience, but also gives them the confidence to step into the workplace upon graduation.
Career Prospects
The Academy of Make Up Arts says, “Beyond expert makeup skills, an understanding of business and the industry is critical.” Freelance Makeup Artist students are all invited to partake in an intensive week-long makeup business class which is offered 4 times a year. This class aids in preparing students for their professional future.
Average Cost
The tuition for the Freelance Makeup Artist program at the Academy of Make Up Arts is $4,240.
Sweeting’s Cosmetology and Braiding Institute
Overview
At Sweeting’s Cosmetology and Braiding Institute, extensive hands-on training is embodies to provide students with a full body approach to beauty and wellness. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to succeed as a licensed cosmetologist.
Sweeting’s Cosmetology and Braiding Institute is the only school that offers the Natural Hair Styling program which specializes in Braids, Locs, Twists, and Weaves. Students will have the opportunity to receive a Natural Hair Styling license.
The school’s mission, in its own words, is to “provide practical skills, and to provide an exceptional learning experience necessary for Licensure and salon employment. Students will be able to work in Natural Hair Salons in Nashville, Tennessee with confidence.”
Advantages
All instructors have salon experience and are encouraged to take yearly continuing education classes. They are well-versed in the cosmetology industry. In addition to the experienced instructors, two different class schedules are available. Both morning and evening classes are offered to cater to students’ busy lives.
Students that select the Full Cosmetology Program receive a bonus: intense training in Natural Hair. Sweeting’s Cosmetology and Braiding Institute also offers an intimate setting with smaller class sizes, which provides for a more personal training experience.
Career Prospects
Upon graduation from Sweeting’s Cosmetology and Braiding Institute, students will be well-prepared to enter a career in a salon environment or in any other cosmetology-related career.
Image Maker Beauty Institute
Overview
As the Image Maker Beauty Institute describes itself, it is “A boutique school where YOU are a unique special protege with whom we will take great pride and care in every aspect of your education. Being a small school, we know who YOU are and we encourage your input and ideas. We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry. Each student deserves special attention in order to become the best that they can be. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs.”
Advantages
The cosmetology program’s goals are to not only teach, but also to inspire creativity and to provide a professional example to follow. The school also aims to educate its students to pass the state board exam and obtain gainful employment in the cosmetology field.
Instructional methods include a variety of techniques such as demonstrations, lectures, DVD presentations, powerpoint presentations, classroom discussions, textbook and practical assignments, guest speakers, field trips, industry trade shows, individual and group activities.
Career Prospects
After completing the rigorous curriculum of the cosmetology program at Image Maker Beauty Institute, students will be fully prepared to enter the professional workspace as licensed cosmetologists.
Average Cost
The average cost of tuition for the cosmetology program at Image Maker Beauty Institute is $14,900.
Nashville Barber and Style Academy
Overview
The Nashville Barber and Style Academy has a comprehensive program covering the theory and practical dynamics of barbering. This program is designed specifically to prepare students for entrepreneurship and a successful career in one of the fastest-growing career fields, barbering.
Advantages
Students will begin by learning the theory of barbering. They will be educated in the areas of skin care, haircutting, hairstyling, shaving, and barber laws. In the second phase of the curriculum, students will begin work on the clinic floor, developing hands-on skills while performing practicals and servicing real clients.
The third phase of the curriculum prepares students for exam testing and state board regulations. Throughout each phase, students gain invaluable knowledge and experience in the areas of business management and employee/employment operations.
Career Prospects
The Nashville Barber and Style Academy encourages interested individuals to enroll in barber school and enter the profession. A master barber has the ability to be their own boss, work flexible hours, earn an excellent income, have job security, and work in a clean environment.
Empire Beauty School
Overview
A rare combination of advantages is offered to students at Empire Beauty School. This combination has the ability to advance each student’s career. The Nashville location offers students a full cosmetology education with all the support they need to begin training.
Licensed and trained beauty educators conduct interactive, fun classes. Students have the opportunity to work on real clients while learning how to build their own book of business in the student salon.
Advantages
Empire Beauty School has its own unique curriculum, called CLIC (Certified Learning In Cosmetology). Over 80 years, Empire has perfected this curriculum to become what it is today.
Empire’s staff is completely committed to helping students succeed by preparing them for the state exam and assisting them in their employment search. Students have access to additional real-world training and education as well; special events like fashion shows, beauty shows, competitions, fundraising events, and community involvement are all examples.
Career Prospects
Graduates of Empire Beauty School are completely ready for life in the professional world with both the CLIC curriculum and hours of hands-on experience in the student salon.
Aveda Institute
Overview
The Aveda Institute Nashville is proud of its successful and sustainable network of salon professionals in the industry, as well as its exceptional instructors and exclusive curriculum. Aveda strives to build up its students both as professionals and as individuals.
An important goal for students and staff alike is to continue to cultivate one’s own unique talents while mastering technical skills. Additionally, the Aveda Institute has a passion for giving back to the community; it has raised over $1 million for various charities.
Advantages
The school’s location in Nashville makes for a trendy neighborhood and diverse clientele. Students will experience the typical salon environment while still attending school and will therefore earn valuable hands-on experience.
There are a diverse range of career paths available to Aveda students and graduates. For example, if a student preferred the salon environment, the Aveda staff would help her gain hands-on experience in that industry. If another student particularly enjoyed fashion, she could work on runway shows through Aveda’s impressive network.
Career Prospects
Students can rely on Aveda’s wide network in the industry along with their hours of hands-on experience in the student salon to help them find great employment opportunities.
Average Cost
The cosmetology program at the Aveda Institute costs $22,975, plus an additional $2400 for books and supplies.