Summary:
Is Your Cosmetology Program Accredited and State-Approved?
This isn’t just paperwork—it’s your career protection. A reputable cosmetology school will be accredited by the US Department of Education and the regional accreditation body for that area of the country. Without proper accreditation, you can’t access federal financial aid, and some employers won’t even consider graduates from unaccredited programs.
In Virginia, you want to see approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and accreditation from recognized bodies like the Council of Occupational Education (COE). While not a legal requirement, students attending unaccredited schools won’t be able to apply for federal grants, loans or scholarships.
Don’t just take our word for it—ask to see the certificates and verify the information online.
What Are Virginia's Current Licensing Requirements?
Virginia’s cosmetology licensing requirements have recently changed, and your school needs to be current. New cosmetology curriculum requirements took effect on September 1, 2024, shifting from the previous 1,500-hour requirement to a new 1,000-hour program structure.
The Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetology requires all prospective cosmetologists to graduate from a licensed cosmetology school that includes at least 1,500 hours of study under the previous system, but the 1000 Hour Cosmetology Curriculum became effective September 1, 2024.
Your school should clearly explain how our curriculum aligns with current Virginia requirements and prepares you for both the written and practical state board exams. The written examination is given on a computer over the course of two hours, with a total of 120 multiple-choice questions, while the practical examination will have you demonstrate your real-life skills in front of an evaluator.
Ask specifically how we prepare students for the state board exam and what our pass rates are. A quality program will have strong pass rates and provide dedicated exam preparation beyond just meeting the minimum hour requirements.
How Much Hands-On Experience Will You Get?
Theory is important, but cosmetology is a hands-on profession. The best training will include immersive, hands-on training, not merely theoretical classroom training. You need to know exactly how much time you’ll spend practicing on real clients versus working on mannequins.
Beginning with practice on mannequins at the beginning of your education helps you make mistakes without those mistakes reflecting in someone’s hair. However, after a time, you need real experience. Ask about our client services—do we operate a student salon where paying customers receive services from students under instructor supervision?
The best programs balance safety with real-world experience. Students learn in a classroom and on the clinical floor, practicing their skills on real clients under instructor supervision. This approach gives you confidence and prepares you for the actual working environment you’ll face after graduation.
Find out when students transition from mannequins to real clients, how supervision works, and what types of services students perform. The more hands-on experience you get, the more job-ready you’ll be.
What's the Instructor Experience and Student-to-Teacher Ratio?
Your instructors make or break your education. The best beauty schools hire instructors who are highly trained professionals with years of hands-on experience in the industry. Cosmetology instructors are typically required to have a national certification from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), extensive professional experience as a licensed cosmetologist, and a natural ability for teaching.
Observe whether our cosmetology faculty have a passion for their craft. If the people teaching you your career skills love what we do, and keep up with emerging trends, we will pass our knowledge down to you. Keep in mind, our cosmetology instructors have navigated the path of a career and can give you the benefit of our wisdom and experience.
Student-to-teacher ratio matters enormously. Ask about the class sizes, and how much one-on-one training you can expect. The best school will have a teaching style that fits your needs.
Are Instructors Current with Industry Trends?
The beauty industry evolves rapidly, and your education should reflect current trends and techniques. The cosmetology industry is evolving rapidly, driven by innovations in beauty, wellness, and sustainability. As people continue to prioritize personal grooming and self-care, careers in cosmetology are becoming more dynamic and exciting.
Beauty trends evolve faster than ever, with new styles emerging weekly on platforms like TikTok. Our instructors should be connected to these changes and incorporate them into our teaching.
Ask about continuing education for faculty members. Do we attend industry shows, workshops, or advanced training? One characteristic of a top-notch cosmetology school is our instructors have accumulated years of experience in styles and strategies, adapting to new trends easily.
Look for schools that teach current techniques like color correction, balayage, microblading, and other trending services. Schools should continuously update our curriculum to include the latest trends and techniques, such as microblading, eyelash extensions, and advanced waxing methods. The beauty industry rewards specialists who stay current, and your education should position you for that success.
What Technology and Equipment Do They Use?
Professional-grade equipment and current technology are non-negotiables for quality cosmetology education. Schools should be committed to providing students with access to the latest tools and technologies in the beauty industry, with facilities equipped with state-of-the-art sterilization and application equipment, ensuring a safe and professional learning environment.
Top cosmetology programs have modern classrooms and training areas designed to mimic real-world salon environments. These spaces allow students to get comfortable with industry-standard equipment and practice their skills.
Ask to tour our facilities during your visit. Don’t just take our word for it – ask to see the facilities for yourself. Look for clean, modern equipment that matches what you’d find in professional salons. Check that sterilization protocols are clearly posted and followed.
Technology integration is increasingly important too. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology into cosmetology is revolutionizing the industry. Virtual try-on apps powered by augmented reality (AR) allow customers to experiment with makeup, hairstyles, and even nail art before making a purchase. While not every school will have cutting-edge tech, we should be aware of industry innovations and preparing students for a tech-enhanced future.
What Career Support and Job Placement Services Do They Offer?
Your education doesn’t end at graduation—it should launch your career. The job placement rate is the percentage of students finding work in their field of study after graduation. This represents the number of graduates that find meaningful work after completing cosmetology training. Also make sure that you find the Graduation Rate for each of the schools for which you are considering enrolling.
Ask for specific numbers: What percentage of graduates find employment within six months? What’s the average starting salary for graduates? Do we maintain relationships with local salons, spas, and beauty businesses? Strong schools have connections with salon and spa owners who frequently visit the school to recruit graduates, with job placement assistance programs ensuring that students have access to employment opportunities even before completing our programs.
Remember, you want to go to beauty school so you eventually have a job opportunity. Being salon-ready is about more than just having skills. You need innovation, knowledge, people skills and a generally great education. The right school will help you develop these professional skills alongside technical abilities, preparing you for long-term success in your chosen career path.