If you’ve ever considered cosmetology school, gauging how long this first step can take along your career path is a great way to map out your future. Combining classroom learning and hands-on experiences, the program at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology offers a comprehensive education. Here, we’ll provide more insights into our program, its advantages, and how to get started.

Enrolling in Cosmetology School

A little research on your part is a big part of the journey. Factoring these preliminary steps into your timeline can help give you a more realistic picture of how long it will take before you’ll actually graduate. We want to make sure our school is the best fit for you well before it’s time for you to attend your first class.

To start, we encourage every prospective student to not only get to know our programs but also schedule a tour of our campus. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of our instructors and ask any questions you have about our school.

Next, it’s time to explore your financial aid options. Offered to those who qualify, financial aid offsets tuition costs. The administrative team at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology can help you during this step. Once you’ve completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determined how much you qualify for, you can plan on how to cover the balance. Many students also apply for scholarships and grants.

Afterward, you should follow up with the admissions department for enrollment. Be sure to have any relevant documentation on hand during this appointment.

Our Cosmetology Program

At Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology, our cosmetology program is 1,600 hours in length. In the beginning, students learn foundational material and best practices essential to the profession. This program covers much more than hair cut, color, and style services. It’s designed to give each student a well-rounded education in the business of beauty with lessons on:

  • Waxing
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Makeup application
  • Sanitation and safety
  • Self-promotion
  • Financial planning
  • Marketing and networking

Eventually, students will start working on the salon floor under the guidance of an experienced instructor. This hands-on experience in an authentic salon with paying customers from the community does so much more for the student than textbook learning could. This part of the training process is beneficial for several reasons:

  • It builds confidence: Cosmetology is a hands-on career. The more practice you have with real clients, the more confident you can become in your abilities to do your job well once you graduate.
  • It teaches customer service: Whenever you take care of a client, the goal is to help them walk away with a positive feeling about their experience. This means, learning some key customer services skills along the way.
  • It fosters creativity: In the salon, you never know truly what a client may ask for. This part of the training gives you the freedom to flex your creative muscles in ways you may not have expected.
  • It helps boost clientele and referrals: The salon is not just for honing your craft – it’s also a great place to start building your clientele. If the people you’ve served truly appreciate the service you provide, they may follow you to your eventual workplace.

During the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in fashion shows, photo shoots, and charity events. Many students find these one-of-a-kind experiences vital in helping them develop into capable, self-assured salon professionals.

Taking the Licensing Exam

Along with other specialties, cosmetology is a regulated service in the State of Idaho. This means that all providers must be licensed through the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. To qualify, you must complete the cosmetology program, pass the required examinations, and submit the proper documentation.

Every state has its own licensing requirements. While it may not be your goal to work in Idaho, we recommend all graduates first pass the state board exams and become licensed in Idaho. Then, they may transfer their license to another location, following the requirements set by that state. The local government agency area you want to transfer to can provide the most up-to-date information available.

Learn More about Becoming a Cosmetologist

 ­Let us help you map out your future. Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology proudly serves the Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho areas. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our cosmetology school, programs, and enrollment. Contact us today.