5 Tips to Start Beauty School on the Right Foot February 7, 2025

Starting beauty school is an exciting step toward building your dream career. Whether you’re diving into cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or another beauty program, the first days and weeks can feel like a whirlwind of new faces, tools, and techniques.  But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Starting strong is all about preparation, mindset, and knowing what to expect. Here are five tips to help you step confidently into beauty school and make the most of
your journey.

1. Get Organized Early

From day one, you’ll be juggling classes, hands-on practice, and maybe even part-time work or family responsibilities. Staying organized is key to keeping it all manageable.
• Invest in a planner, calendar app, or notebook to track assignments, exams, and deadlines.
• Organize your kit and tools so everything is easy to find (and always clean!).
• Plan your weekly schedule to set aside time for studying, practicing, and self-care.
• Allow time for things to not go as planned! If you know it takes you 10 minutes to get to school, don’t just leave 10 minutes before you need to get there. Life happens – but showing up early can help you to feel more prepared and ready for your day!

Pro tip: Staying on top of things early will keep stress at bay and help you focus on what really matters—your passion for beauty!

2. Dress for Success

Beauty school is a place to express yourself, but it’s also where you start building your professional image. Follow the dress code and make sure you’re always presentable.
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes are a lifesaver when you’re on your feet all day.
• Keep your uniform or outfits clean, wrinkle-free, and stylishly professional.
• Don’t forget your own grooming—your hair, nails, and makeup are your best advertisement!
• Even though “it’s just school”, keeping your attire professional goes a long way!
• Be prepared to always have your name tag! One way to make ensure you always have it, is putting it in the same place everyday. Maybe that’s in your car, or in your locker. This can save you a trip of having to run all the way back home if you’ve forgotten it!
• Layers – we love them! Classrooms can get cold, and when your working, you might get a little toasty! Don’t be afraid to keep a sweater or cardigan on hand, or extra blouse or shirt to change into if needed. The worst thing is feeling uncomfortable when you are working.

Pro tip: Clients and instructors will notice your effort, and it’s a great way to start building trust and credibility.

3. Build Relationships from Day One

Your classmates and instructors will become your biggest supporters, mentors, and even lifelong friends. Building strong relationships can make your experience more fun, collaborative, and rewarding.
• Be friendly and approachable—smiles go a long way!
• Ask questions and engage during classes. Your instructors are there to guide you.
• Support your classmates by celebrating their wins and helping them out when needed.
• Don’t be afraid to speak to others that you may now know! This gives you great practice for
when you begin taking real clients.
Pro tip: Networking starts now. These connections could lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and advice down the road. Every connection can be an opportunity if you make it!

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Beauty school is all about learning by doing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how you grow!
• Take every chance to practice on mannequins, classmates, or models. Downtime? Practice! Not sure what to do? Practice! The most successful students are not found in the breakroom – they are found practicing and learning every chance they get!
• Seek feedback from instructors and peers, and use it to improve. Be able to take constructive criticism. You are learning from the experts – now is the time to take all their knowledge in!
• Practice at home whenever you can—whether it’s trying a new makeup look, perfecting a haircut, or testing out skincare techniques.
Pro tip: Confidence comes with repetition. The more you practice, the more natural your skills will feel.  Not getting something or having a hard time learning a technique? Keep practicing!

5. Stay Open to Learning

Starting beauty school means entering a world of endless creativity, techniques, and trends. Stay curious, open-minded, and willing to explore.
• Try out techniques that are outside your comfort zone—you might discover a hidden talent.
• Keep up with industry trends on social media and in beauty publications.
• Be patient with yourself—mastery takes time, and it’s okay not to know everything right away.
• The projects that scare you the most, are most likely where there is the most room for growth. Perms, men’s cuts, braids – they will be no match for you if you commit yourself to continuous learning. This is what school is all about. Learn, learn and then learn some more!
Pro tip: A growth mindset will keep you motivated, inspired, and excited about the journey ahead.