Whether you’re interested in becoming a hairstylist, manicurist, esthetician, or makeup artist, here are the top spots to learn the beauty trade.
Flavia Leal Beauty School has recently been named the best beauty school in the country by a panel of experts from the beautifying industry.
Founded by Leal in 2010, the school teaches the latest international techniques in hair, nails, esthetics, brows, and more. Students receive a diploma upon graduation, where they are allotted to take the state exam and become licensed in their respective fields. After passing the state exam and becoming licensed, professionals can take certification programs that are only made available to licensed professionals.
Additionally, some U.S. states and even some countries do not require licensing, which means graduates can work following receiving their diplomas.
Leal’s school is known not only for its modern techniques but also for welcoming students of all backgrounds. The founder herself grew up in a disadvantaged household and makes it her mission to help women similar to herself find happiness and success through entrepreneurship.
Part of what makes Leal’s teaching style so in demand is her unique blend of beauty industry knowledge and motivational speaking. The school has been covered in Sheen Magazine, which called it “the whole package,” Time Business News which said that the education takes students “on an inner journey and an outer one,” and NY Weekly, which noted that “graduates praise Leal for their new careers and motivated mindsets.”
#2 Empire Beauty School was founded in Wilkes-Barre, PA, but has 109 locations nationwide today. With a history going back 80 years, it’s best known as one of the earliest schools to offer a full cosmetology curriculum, including cosmetology, nail technology, esthetics, barbering, and educator training. It is also among the few schools to be accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.
Students appreciate that they graduate as state-licensed cosmetologists with connections in the industry already in place.
#3 Pivot Point Academy is the school founded by influential hairstylist Leo Passage. Today, it is run by his son, Robert, and boasts a six-pronged curriculum, including cosmetology fundamentals, hair design, sculpture, texture, color, salon success, and the meta program. It offers hands-on training alongside lessons by industry experts who teach regular classes or stop by for workshops.
Students enjoy choosing from one of the school’s special degrees — cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, makeup application, teacher training, or continuing education — while still sampling classes from the others.
Anna has lived in Dallas her whole life. She has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Anna covers national and local businesses.