Do you want to be a cosmetologist? Are you looking for the top beauty schools in San Diego? You’re in the right place! Here you’ll find a list of the top ten beauty schools in the area, plus overviews of each school, advantages, career prospects, and even the average tuition cost, if available.
- Bellus Academy
Overview
The Bellus Academy is an Excellence in Education winner. It was also voted the Best Academy in the North American Continent by Intercoiffure as well as the Best Beauty School in the Nation. Because of this, Bellus Academy has an overwhelmingly positive reputation.
The school offers multiple license programs. These allow students to enroll in one program and graduate with multiple credentials, which significantly improves resumes and career opportunities. In addition, the school gives back to the community frequently and students often volunteer together.
Advantages
Several business classes are included in the curriculum in order to help students becoming more successful in the real world. Additionally, Bellus Academy offers International Certification. This means that graduates have the opportunity to work in 38 different countries around the world.
Career Prospects
The school has a career services department which is dedicated to assisting students in finding their dream job. A mobile app even exists where students can see job openings. They can even apply directly through the app. As for job placement, Bellus Academy is ranked #1 in the nation.
Average Cost
Cost varies greatly depending on financial aid packages and other factors.
- Linda Beauty School
Overview
For nearly 20 years, Linda Beauty School has had its finger on the pulse of the cosmetics industry. Its mission is to “help the students pass the cosmetology state board exam and to turn the raw talents of our students into highly valuable skills that will help them find success as beauty professionals.”
A central location and top-class amenities make for a great learning environment. However, students often work off-campus, where they work with professional products on real customers. The programs available at Linda Beauty School are adaptable to every learning style, so every student is able to master the tips and techniques that are being taught.
Advantages
Classes are taught in both English and Vietnamese, which is hard to find in many beauty schools. Flexible class schedules, job placement assistance, and State Board exam one-on-one training are just a few of the advantages at Linda Beauty School.
Career Prospects
With extensive hands-on training, students will be able to network and build clientele, as well as add to their resume. Once graduation comes, they will have assistance from Linda Beauty School to locate a suitable career.
Average Cost
Unknown
- California Hair Design Company
Overview
The California Hair Design Company believes a solid foundation is necessary to build a strong career. Students of this school go through one of the most extensive courses available in the beauty industry. With a mixture of theory and hands-on technical training, students have a well-rounded view of the techniques they’ll be using in their professional life.
The school uses a curriculum that exceeds state board requirements, virtually guaranteeing that all students will pass the State Board exam. Students are prepared to excel in their chosen career.
Advantages
Guest artists from around the world frequently visit the California Hair Design Company to talk to and teach students. Product representatives are also frequent guest speakers; they showcase tools of the trade and introduce students to retail education.
School-sponsored competitions are another aspect of the school that stands out. Students compete against each other for a fun and inspiring event where they can test their artistic abilities and advance their talent.
Career Prospects
The school maintains a list of salons that are looking to hire graduates. Often the salon and student are connected even before graduation. The guest artist program gives students opportunities to network and locate possible jobs.
Average Cost
The cost for the cosmetology program is $18,600.
- Paul Mitchell The School
Overview
At Paul Mitchell The School, students are known as Future Professionals. They are prepared for successful careers in the beauty industry as licensed cosmetologists. There are three different levels in the cosmetology program: CORE, which is an introductory or foundation course, ADAPTIVE, which moves students into the salon for hands-on learning, and CREATIVE, in which students work to become salon-ready.
These three levels make sure that every student is completely ready not only for exams, but also for life in the professional world. They also enable students to meet their own personal goals.
Advantages
An intensive study program called PHASE TWO is available for students who want to be challenged to their highest performance level. This program includes conditions that mimic salon reality, along with advanced training. PHASE TWO truly prepares student for the future.
When they begin classes, students receive a kit full of cosmetology essentials, and an iPad is included as well. These essentials will serve students well as they move into hands-on training.
Career Prospects
The three-level cosmetology program, as well as the PHASE TWO program, prepare students for professional life. Many alumni of Paul Mitchell the School have had successful careers as makeup artists and hair stylists; it only makes sense that current students and graduates will follow suit.
Average Cost
The cost for the cosmetology program is $18,925 with an added $3000 for supplies.
- Avance Beauty College
Overview
Avance Beauty College was founded in 1985 and is still family-owned. The relaxing atmosphere and low student-to-teacher ratio make classes laidback and easy to digest. A wide variety of special classes is provided to further student knowledge.
The school’s educational goals include creating an environment conducive to learning, fully preparing students for licensing exams, supporting students throughout their educational journey, maintaining constantly updated programs, and promoting educational growth.
Advantages
Courses are taught in both English and Spanish and are constantly updated to keep up with the latest trends, ensuring that students will be proficient in the current methods of cosmetology.
As a family-run business, the staff is extremely passionate and will do anything possible to help students and improve student satisfaction when it comes to classes and programs.
Career Prospects
Avance Beauty College talks about several different career options, including hair stylist, makeup artist, skin care technician, nail technician, platform/runway artist, salon manager or owner, product representative, instructor, and specialized product line instructor. The choices are very open when it comes to graduates looking for careers.
Average Cost
The average cost to attend Avance Beauty College is determined by the amount of financial aid each student receives.
- California Advanced Esthetics
Overview
As the only beauty school in California granting the Master Esthetics Diploma, California Advanced Esthetics is one of the leading schools in the area. A unique copyrighted program is taught by the author, and students will work with top-of-the-line professional products and equipment.
Advantages
California Advanced Esthetics creates an enhanced learning experience with small groups and personalized training. Another great attribute is the flexible schedule, which students can utilize to their advantage.
Also important are the personalized payment plan, State Board exam tutoring, and competitive pricing. These elements allow students to pay off their tuition comfortably and pass their exams.
Career Prospects
In the Advanced Masters Esthetic Program, the primary focus is centered on the graduate’s mastery of procedures and applications, ethical business practices, and premier customer service. This ensures that the graduate is ready for the professional world. Job placement is offered at California Advanced Esthetics as well, so graduates won’t have to search for a career on their own.
Average Cost
Unknown
- California Barber and Beauty College
Overview
At the California Barber and Beauty College, basic training is provided to pass the Board exams. An emphasis is placed on success in the marketplace. Important lessons in the curriculum involve shop management, business concepts, and the psychology of personal success.
Extensive hands-on learning is incorporated into the cosmetology program, giving students the experience they need to handle the professional world.
Advantages
The school’s commitment to success, along with the student’s dedication and effort, will culminate in the student learning not only technical and creative skills, but also confidence. Job opportunities will open up as a result.
Career Prospects
According to California Barber and Beauty College, “A license in cosmetology opens the door to many rich and rewarding career opportunities that can turn your creative and artistic skills into a satisfying lifelong profession.”
The school went on to say that cosmetology is a quickly-growing industry that will continue to produce jobs at a rapid rate. This means that graduates will have more choices than ever before when it comes to career searching.
Average Cost
Unknown
- Maquillage the Makeup Academy
Overview
Maquillage the Makeup Academy has a unique, global approach to makeup education. Students are exposed to the finest instruction, most relevant makeup brands and products, and the most current internationally recognized techniques available today.
The school says, “Our passion is to help you develop yours, and we can’t wait to guide you on your journey to becoming a successful industry professional.”
Advantages
The school’s team of inspired instructors is comprised of active, employed makeup artists, including union members, celebrity/red carpet specialists, fashion experts, cosmetic brand representatives, salon owners, master hairstylists, fine art instructors, and award winning photographers.
The location is also a huge advantage. San Diego is close to areas of employment such as Orange County and Los Angeles, and it’s also close to Mexico, where there is a booming makeup market. With an easy commute to both work and one of the largest makeup markets today, San Diego is truly the perfect location for a student or graduate.
Career Prospects
Graduates have the academy’s full support as they search for employment. They can use the facilities whenever necessary and are invited to attend Industry Workshops for free. Maquillage maintains relationships with many businesses and brands, and it shares those connections with graduates to help them on their job-seeking journey.
Average Cost
Unknown
- Karoli Makeup School
Overview
Founded in 2001, the Karoli Makeup School has a reputation for excellence and for training makeup artists that are both competent and successful. The school offers courses at three different levels of expertise: Beginner, Advanced, and Professional. Also offered are Airbrush Makeup and Self Makeup.
Advantages
A variety of courses allows students to choose the type of makeup they want to learn about. Beginners are welcome and can take their time moving through the different course levels. In addition, the founder herself is considered one of the top trainers in the United States.
Career Prospects
According to the Karoli Makeup School website, the school has developed and trained a great number of the best makeup artists operating in Southern California. It’s certain that students will be able to reach this level as well after completing the Karoli courses.
Average Cost
Unknown
- San Diego City College
Overview
Three programs comprise the San Diego City College: a Cosmetology program, an Esthetician program, and a Manicuring program. A dedicated group of faculty ensures student success.
The cosmetology program is rigorous and requires good reading and English comprehension, as well as interpersonal communication skills. Before moving to hands-on practice, students must master all material from their lectures.
Advantages
The faculty is completely committed to student success and will do everything in its power to aid in a student’s journey through the cosmetology program. Because lecture is so important in this cosmetology program, students will have more expertise when it comes to technique.
Career Prospects
The San Diego City College website reads, “Some careers in cosmetology require education beyond the associate degree. Examples of careers in cosmetology include salon owner/manager, cosmetologist (salon services), platform stylist (demonstrates products and techniques for manufacturer), competition stylist, cosmetology instructor, technical writer for trade magazine, seminar/demonstration speaker and education specialist (for a manufacturer).” Clearly the professional world is very open to graduates.
Average Cost
Unknown