Choosing where to start your beauty career is a massive decision. You aren’t just picking a school; you’re picking the foundation for your entire professional future. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by flashy brochures or social media feeds.
To help you cut through the noise, we’ve put together the five most important questions you should ask every school during your tour to ensure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
1. What does your hands-on "Clinic Floor" experience actually look like?
Theory and textbooks are important for passing state boards, but you can’t learn the "feel" of hair or the nuances of skin from a page. You need to know how soon you’ll be working with real people.
The DBA Advantage: We prioritize real-world experience. Our students transition from mannequins to real clients in our supervised student salon quickly. This ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ve already handled hundreds of real-life service scenarios and built your confidence.
2. How involved are the instructors in the daily learning process?
You don’t want a school where you’re left to figure it out on your own. Ask about the mentorship style and how accessible the educators are when you’re on the floor.
The DBA Advantage: Our instructors, like Nyki Lengner, are passionate about one-on-one mentorship. We focus on a supportive, family-like environment where you have access to expert guidance every time you pick up a shears, a razor, or a skin care tool.
3. Does the curriculum include the "Business of Beauty"?
Being a great stylist or esthetician is only half the battle. To have a long-lasting career, you need to understand how to build a book of business, market yourself, and retain clients.
The DBA Advantage: We teach more than just technical skills. We help our students understand professional branding, client communication, and the business side of the industry so they feel prepared to thrive in a professional salon or spa environment.
4. What specialized tracks can I follow?
Does the school offer deep dives into specific programs, or is it a one-size-fits-all approach? You want a school that respects your specific passion.
The DBA Advantage: We offer specialized, accredited programs in Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Nail Technology. This allows you to follow your specific passion and master the exact niche you want to work in after graduation.
5. Can the school accommodate my current lifestyle and schedule?
Many students have to balance a current job or family commitments while chasing their dreams. Ask if the school is evolving to meet the needs of modern students.
The DBA Advantage: We know our students have busy lives. That’s why we are constantly evolving our offerings—including our upcoming night classes! These are designed specifically for those who need to work during the day while they build their future at night.
Begin Your Career at Designing Beauty Academy
Are interested in embarking on a lucrative career that allows you to flex your creative muscles? At Designing Beauty Academy, we help aspiring cosmetologists, estheticians, hair stylists, and nail technicians across Northern Colorado make their dream career a reality with high-quality classes that allow you to practice your skills in-person at our student salon. From makeup to manicures, and so much more, Designing Beauty Academy will teach you everything you need to know to become a leader in the exciting beauty industry. If you’re interested in learning more about one of our programs, fill out our contact form today!