One of the most exciting career choices is in the area of grooming and lifestyle. Reputed hairstylists are courted by the fashion fraternity, celebrities, actors etc. The art of beauty and make up go hand in hand and the beauty industry worldwide offers satisfying and good paying opportunities to many aspiring professionals.

Today, one can see creative and advanced technology being used liberally in various cosmetology sessions as well as innovative coloring or haircuts. One needs to be passionate about this work to get further and get noticed as competition is fierce with the educational and training opportunities springing up everywhere. The main thing aspirants need to bear in mind is the kind of school they attend or the brand they associate with, as in this industry the brands matter, giving you the beginning edge or foothold in the industry.

Factors In Selecting A School

Once, you select the best school or training academy, there are few major factors you need to bear in mind before you select your academy. The level of training imparted in terms of the latest styles, real time training opportunities as this work is about gaining more practice rather than theoretical study. The brand name takes you a long way in getting recognized and staring out once you finish your formal training. The kind of courses, the techniques taught as well as the level of exposure is a huge area to be considered before selecting the course or college. Once you are confident of the above, you may and to consider enrolling in one of the following leading cosmetology and hairstyling colleges or academies.

Paul Mitchells Schools

One of the most renowned names in the world of cosmetology and hairstyling schools, Paul Mitchells has launched the careers of many leading professionals worldwide who are popular names in the world of fashion and movies as well as courted by leading celebrities too. The school is founded by the legendary hair designer and stylist, Paul Mitchell and offers multiple courses depending on your interest and aspirations.  The school offers courses designed to instill professional excellence, business insights in addition to giving your creativity room to grow and expand. Many former graduates have successfully launched their own brand of salons or spas.

There are different specialized courses for cosmetology, barbering, skin, nails and teacher training.

Cosmetology-The program has in-depth course content involving, cutting, coloring methods, make-up techniques, fashion trends, manicure and pedicure procedures, basic facial techniques and hairdressing. The course is designed to spread across a three-phase orientation called Core, Adaptive and Creative.

Barbering-Men have never been so particular about grooming like now. One can find nice salons everywhere for men and their unique grooming needs. The barbering program is structured to equip the student with detailed know-how on offering a relaxed shave with hair cutting, perms, coloring, and skin care.

The other courses include hair and skin expertise too.

Marinello Schools Of Beauty

Established 100 years ago, in the United States of America, this beauty school has been responsible for launching the careers of generations of beauty experts and hairstylists. The programs cater across the length and breadth of the discipline covering long term and short term programs. The programs cover cosmetology, hair design, barbering, aesthetics, laser certifications etc. The school also provides financial aid to students meeting the criteria under Federal Assistance or the Federal Direct Loan Program. There is a Military Scholarship available too, for eligible students. The amount of scholarship ranges from $ 2000 to $ 6000 across some programs like the Laser certification, beauty and licensed cosmologist.

Vidal Sassoon Academy

Hailed as one of the trendiest team of professionals, the chain of Sassoon Academy is spread across UK, Canada, Germany and the U.S. Set up originally in the UK, by eminent hairstylist Vidal Sassoon; the chain has successfully launched many professional careers globally. Frequented by royalty, celebrities and other eminent personalities, the Sassoon, chain itself is very popular. They offer courses based on level of expertise, for beginners and short term courses. There are courses for specialists too in the art of hair cutting. The beginner’s course is a 24 week Diploma course, recognized across the industry and the short term course is a week long one. The specialist program is a 3 day one and covers demo, theory and practical training.

Aveda Institutes

Aveda Institutes is a popular chain of 59 institutes across multiple locations. Founded in 1978, the brand is known for its range of environmentally friendly products. Studying at Aveda Institute means learning on hair, skin, body care and other related beauty courses. Professionals who are graduates of this institute get real life experience in all aspects of running a spa or a salon as a worker or as a business owner. The courses are structured around cosmetology, skin care, nail technology, spa therapy and massage therapy.

Toni & Guy Academy

Finding favor and enjoying popularity with many aspirants, Toni & Guy Academies was set up in London in 1963. Starting out as a single salon, it has grown into a global brand of repute located across all the key global cities in the world. The Academy too is founded in multiple locations worldwide. The highlights of its program, includes senior professional tutors, learning the latest and advanced techniques, and best in class facilities to make you well rounded hair stylists or cosmetologists. Its cosmetology program is a blend of hands on training, experience across various fashion brands and working with very senior reputed professionals. Licensed professionals, who are keen to enhance their skills can enroll in the advanced education program or the various short term workshops conducted by the senior teachers from the academy. The Academy across locations, offers financial aid depending on the criteria.

Coba Academy

Established since 45 years, Coba Academy is based in California in the United States of America. The Academy has been accredited by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences “NACCAS”, giving its courses the ability to help students procure license to be a cosmetology professional. Students are trained in all cosmetology techniques using a mix of theory, practical training imparted by senior industry professionals and teachers.

Arrojo Cosmetology School

Set up by one of New York’s leading hair stylist, Nick Arrojo, this school is known for setting high benchmarks in terms of the course content and the level of teaching offered by the professional teachers. The school offers Federal Aid to the students who are eligible for the same.

Empire Beauty Schools

Established in the USA in 1934, the Empire Beauty School has been imparting training to many leading cosmetology professionals through the decades. With more than 100 schools across the country, the Beauty school is recognized by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. This helps their students to apply for federal aid which reduce the financial burden of undertaking the course. The training is imparted by well known teachers and consists of hands-on training, advanced techniques, and includes hair styling, hair cutting etc.

EI School Of Professional Make Up

The Elegance Institute was founded in 1966 and is located in Hollywood, in USA. The school is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Catering to aspirants looking at working and building careers in films and TV, the school has focused training on latest techniques and innovations in the area of make-up and styling. The school provides financial aid and assistance to deserving students. They can apply for various Federal loans and grants under the system. The main program offered is the Artistry of Make Up.

Ogle Beauty School

Founded by the well known professional stylist-Shelton Ogle, the school is founded by him in 1973 in Texas, USA. The last 40 years has seen many graduates excelling as leading make-up artists and hair stylists across the industry. The school enjoys the accreditation of National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Federal grants and loans are available to students. The school also offers Ogle Scholarships like the Beautiful Future Scholarship wherein $1000 is offered to outstanding students. The Presidential Scholarship entails a deserving student to receive half tuition fees. Matching Scholarship was launched this year wherein Ogle would match any third party scholarship dollar to dollar.

The above schools are some of the best and most well-known globally.