You’ve decided to pursue a career in beauty, and you know you need to get some great training under your belt, but how do you know where to train?
When deciding which beauty school to go for, it can be difficult to know where to start. With an array of institutions available, all offering different courses and programs, you might be struggling to figure out which school will be the best fit.
We’ve put together the ultimate beauty school guide, covering all the things you need to consider and what to look out for when making your big decision.
From sourcing accredited courses to finding supportive learning environments, this guide explores everything you should know when choosing a beauty school in Iowa.
How to Select a Beauty School in Iowa
When looking at different training institutions, you may wonder what sets one school apart from another.
No matter what area of beauty you are looking to specialize in, there are a few criteria you need to consider to help you decide which school can offer you the highest quality of education, the most real-life experience and the best overall fit for your needs.
Accreditations
In Iowa, beauty schools are regulated by the Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Alongside mandatory board approval and licensing, beauty schools that offer excellent training programs also frequently have additional accreditations.
In general, you should look for beauty schools that are accredited by independent agencies supported by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
Curriculum
The school you choose must adhere to the licensing and curriculum requirements of the State of Iowa, while also fulfilling your interests, training needs and changing beauty trends.
Different specializations or areas of study have varying state-imposed regulations. Examples of key curriculum requirements for popular beauty courses are outlined below.
- Esthetics: According to Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-61.14, an esthetics course curriculum must consist of 600 hours of total study, divided across 265 hours in lectures and demonstrations and 335 hours of applied practical instruction.
- Cosmetology: The State of Iowa requires a total of 1,550 hours of instruction for any cosmetology program. Lectures and demonstrations should total no less than 590 hours, accompanied by 960 hours of supervised practical instruction.
- Massage therapy: The State of Iowa requires students to complete and graduate from a college with a curriculum approved by the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy. The curriculum must involve 600 hours of total study, or if fewer than 600 hours, board approval.
Hands-On Training
When studying to become a professional in an industry as practical as beauty, it is important that the school you choose offers adequate hands-on training to help build your confidence and skills. Hands-on training helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and successful application.
To prepare you for the real-world application of your learning, it is vital that your school offers you the chance to:
- Practice in salon-quality facilities.
- Cover the latest industry trends.
- Gain practical experience with real clients.
- Become familiar with industry tools.
- Get accustomed to industry sanitation standards.
Financial Support
Although education is the primary route to achieving your dream of being a beautician, esthetician, cosmetologist or massage therapist, there are important financial considerations to this career pathway. When evaluating different beauty schools, it’s essential to consider the tuition and program costs associated with each one.
If you think you may struggle to keep up with tuition fees or afford the associated costs of beauty school, try to find a beauty school that offers financial aid options.
Financial aid can come in the form of:
- Scholarships
- Federal Pell grants
- Subsidized federal direct student loans
- Unsubsidized federal direct student loans
- Private loans
Instructors
If you’ve decided to pursue a career in beauty, there’s no better way to learn than at the hands of experienced professionals.
When comparing beauty schools, keep in mind that the quality of instructors and their breadth of experience will directly impact your training experience. After all, there’s no one better to give you beauty school tips than someone who has been through the system themselves. Your chosen school should be filled with qualified beauticians who champion your development.
Career Support
From assistance with job placement to comprehensive interview preparation, your school has a responsibility to prepare you for life after education as you begin your career in the beauty industry.
If you want access to career support from your beauty school, try to find an institution that provides the following:
- A supportive environment
- Mentorship opportunities
- Access to industry networks
- Internship and apprentice opportunities
- Transition support after graduation
- Guidance on license maintenance and renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re at the beginning of your search for a beauty school in Iowa, it’s likely that you still have a lot of unanswered questions.
Check out some frequently asked questions below to understand more about finding the perfect school for you.
How Long Is Beauty School in Iowa?
The length of your beauty school course depends on multiple things, including the specific program you choose. For example, cosmetology courses require 1,550 hours of instruction, which can be completed over 45 weeks for full-time students or may take longer for part-time students.
Ultimately, it depends on your personal schedule, commitments and goals.
What Is the Highest-Paying Cosmetology Job?
Although it shouldn’t be your only consideration, money can play a big factor when choosing a career path in the beauty industry. Your salary will depend on many things, including your location, employer, years of experience and more. However, in general, the top-paying cosmetology professions include skin consultants, general cosmetologists, massage therapists and hair stylists.
What Is the Hardest Part About Beauty School?
Every person is different, which means every beauty school student will have different strengths, weaknesses and challenges. As with any form of education, there may be struggles along your journey in beauty school.
Common challenges to bear in mind when considering beauty school include mastering physical techniques, client management, changing trends and time management.
Take the Leap With Iowa School of Beauty
At Iowa School of Beauty, we offer an array of fully-licensed programs spanning cosmetology, massage therapy, esthetics and more. Our specially tailored courses enable our students to pursue their individual goals and expand their expertise at a professional level, preparing each and every one of them for a lifelong career in beauty.
We are proud to provide a range of financial aid options, making our faculty’s expertise and comprehensive training programs accessible to Iowa students.
If you have a passion for beauty and need us to help your skills bloom, schedule a tour of our Des Moines or Sioux City campuses, or check out our application requirements today.
