Everything You Need to Know to Start Beauty School October 1, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your creativity into a career, beauty school might be the perfect place to start. Whether you’re drawn to hairstyling, skincare, or makeup artistry, beauty education can open the door to a profession that combines artistry, connection, and entrepreneurship.

At The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) San Jose, our mission is to prepare passionate students to become confident, skilled, and business-minded beauty professionals. With programs in Master Cosmetology and Master Esthetics, we provide not just the technical training, but also the personal and professional development you need to thrive.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start beauty school—from what you’ll learn to how to enroll and prepare for your first day.

Why Choose Beauty School?

The beauty industry is full of opportunity. From salons and spas to freelance and entrepreneurial ventures, the skills you learn in beauty school can take you almost anywhere. Here are just a few of the reasons so many students choose to begin their journey at TSPA San Jose:

• A Creative Outlet: Express your artistic side through color, design, and transformation.
• A Growing Industry: Beauty careers continue to expand with new technology, trends, and techniques.
• Flexibility and Freedom: Choose your schedule, your clients, and even your business model.
• A Chance to Make an Impact: Help people look and feel their best every single day.

If you’re ready to turn your passion into a career, beauty school is your next step—and TSPA San Jose is here to help you start.

Step 1: Choose Your Program

At TSPA San Jose, we offer two main programs—Master Cosmetology and Master Esthetics—each designed to provide a complete, hands-on education that meets state requirements while preparing you for real-world success.

Master Cosmetology Program

The Master Cosmetology Program at TSPA San Jose goes beyond the basics to give you both a strong foundation and advanced certifications that help you stand out in the beauty industry.

Cosmetology Basics

Our state-approved curriculum includes 30 chapters covering all aspects of cosmetology, preparing you for your California State Board licensing exam and your career beyond the classroom.

Students gain real-world experience through:

• State Board Preparation: Integrated throughout the program so you feel confident on exam day.
• Hands-On Training: Work with guests in a salon environment to perfect your skills.
• 10 Steps of Service Training: Learn the ultimate approach to client care and service excellence.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Personalized guidance from experienced educators.
• Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop the business mindset needed for a successful career.

You’ll also master core beauty skills such as:

• Hair cutting, coloring, and styling
• Chemical services and treatments
• Professional communication and client consultation

Master Cosmetology – Advanced Training

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you’ll dive into advanced coursework designed to help you specialize and gain industry-recognized certifications.

Our advanced curriculum includes:

• 7 Additional Advanced Haircuts
• Advanced Color Techniques: Including Balayage & Mermaid color design
• Hair Extension Certification
• Lash Extension Certification
• Brazilian Blowout Certification
• Brow Lamination Certification
• Brow Tinting Certification
• Business & Sales Certification

By the time you graduate, you can not only be ready to pass the state board exam—you can be equipped with the extra skills and credentials that set you apart in today’s competitive salon market.

Master Esthetics Program

If your passion lies in skincare, beauty treatments, and wellness, the Master Esthetics Program at TSPA San Jose provides an in-depth education that blends artistry, science, and business training.

The Foundation of Our Program

The foundation of the esthetics curriculum is designed to meet California State Board standards while giving students the hands-on experience they need to succeed in real spa environments.

You’ll learn:

• Facials and skincare fundamentals
• Makeup application techniques
• Hair removal methods (waxing, tweezing, etc.)
• Chemical peels and dermaplaning
• Skin analysis and product knowledge
• Spa services and customer care

Along the way, you’ll receive:

• State Board Preparation: Built directly into the program.
• Hands-On Experience: Provide services to real clients in a professional setting.
• Dedicated Mentoring and Coaching: Get personal support as you grow your skills.
• Entrepreneurial Training: Learn how to market yourself, attract clients, and manage your career.

Master Esthetics – Advanced Curriculum

For those who want to take their skincare expertise to the next level, our advanced curriculum provides professional certifications and advanced techniques that can expand your career options.

You’ll receive training and certification opportunities in:

• Lash Extensions
• Brow Lamination
• Lash & Brow Tinting
• Hydrafacial™ Certification
• Airbrush Spray Tan Certification
• Advanced Chemical Peels and Dermaplaning
• Case Studies and Advanced Topics in Skin Science

These advanced skills prepare graduates for work in spas, medspas, and skincare clinics—or to build their own business as a licensed skincare professional.

Step 2: Visit the Campus

Choosing the right school is about more than just the programs—it’s about finding the place where you’ll feel supported and inspired. The best way to see if TSPA San Jose is right for you is to schedule a campus tour.

During your tour, you’ll have the chance to:

• Meet instructors and students
• Explore our classrooms and salon/spa training areas
• Learn more about each program’s schedule and curriculum
• Ask questions about enrollment and financial aid
• Experience the energy of a professional beauty training environment

Tours are a great opportunity to picture yourself as part of our creative, passionate community.

Step 3: Understand Admissions Requirements

Getting started at TSPA San Jose is simple. To apply, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Complete a campus tour and admissions interview

Our admissions representatives are here to guide you every step of the way and answer any questions you have about program length, schedules, or career goals.

Step 4: Explore Financial Aid Options

We believe everyone deserves the chance to pursue their passion. That’s why financial aid is available to those who qualify.

TSPA San Jose’s financial aid team can help you explore:

• Federal Grants and Loans (FAFSA®)
• Scholarship Opportunities (including industry-specific awards)
• Payment Plans for students who prefer to pay as they go

Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from your dream career—our team can help you find the resources to make it possible.

Step 5: Prepare for Your First Day

Starting beauty school is a major milestone! Once you’ve completed your enrollment and financial aid process, you’ll receive your schedule and student kit filled with professional-grade tools and products.

Here’s what your first week might include:

• Orientation and introductions to staff and classmates
• An overview of your curriculum and expectations
• Hands-on practice in basic techniques
• Lessons in professionalism and client care

It’s the start of an exciting, hands-on journey where you can grow your skills and confidence day by day.

Step 6: Learn, Practice, and Perfect

Your time at TSPA San Jose can be filled with creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Our curriculum combines technical mastery with business and customer service education to help you prepare for every aspect of your future career.

What Makes TSPA San Jose Unique:

• Professional Partnerships: As a Redken Premier School, we provide industry-leading training and access to top-tier professional products.
• Real-World Experience: Practice on real clients in a professional setting to build confidence and speed.
• Career Readiness: Learn resume-building, interview preparation, and client retention strategies.
• Supportive Community: Our instructors and mentors are dedicated to helping you succeed in school and beyond.

By the time you complete your program, you’ll be ready not just to pass your licensing exam—but to launch your career with the confidence and skill set employers are looking for.

Step 7: Take Your State Board Exam

Once you’ve completed your required training hours, you’ll be ready for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam.

At TSPA San Jose, you’ll have had plenty of state board practice and review, so you’ll walk into your test with confidence. Our graduates often report feeling fully prepared, thanks to the ongoing guidance and support built into the program.

Step 8: Start Your Career in Beauty

After graduation, the possibilities are endless. Our students go on to pursue careers in salons, spas, medspas, and as entrepreneurs.

Master Cosmetology graduates may become:

• Hairstylists, colorists, or salon owners
• Lash and brow specialists
• Extension artists
• Product or brand educators

Master Esthetics graduates may become:

• Licensed estheticians
• Spa or medspa professionals
• Skincare consultants
• Lash, brow, or makeup artists
• Business owners

With your certifications and state license in hand, you can be ready to create the career you’ve always envisioned.

Step 9: Stay Connected and Keep Growing

Your relationship with TSPA San Jose doesn’t end at graduation. Our alumni network, advanced training options, and career placement assistance mean you’ll always have a community to turn to as you continue to grow.

Beauty trends and technology evolve quickly—so we encourage graduates to keep learning, stay inspired, and never stop creating.

Start Your Beauty School Journey at TSPA San Jose

Your future in beauty is waiting. Whether your passion is hair, skincare, or both, The Salon Professional Academy San Jose is here to help you take that first step toward a career.

Ready to get started? Contact us today and discover how TSPA San Jose can help you turn your passion for beauty into a professional career.