Typical Beauty School vs Hair Styling School: Whom to Choose to Advance a Career as a Hairstylist


Do you have a passion for cutting, coloring, or hairstyling? Enrolling in one of the hairstyling schools in the Chicago area is the first step.
But when it comes to finding the right school, many face difficulty distinguishing between the tophairstyling schools in the Chicago areaand a typical beauty school. Then this blog is exactly what you need.

What Makes a Top Hairstyling School in Chicago?

If you are about to launch your career in hairstyling, then the right school in Chicago can shape your technical skill, confidence, creativity, and long-term earning potential. 
So before enrolling in a top hairstyling school in the Chicago area, here are the key features to look for:

  1. Accredited and Trend-Driven Program

These schools are continuously updating themselves with current industry demands and trends. 

They follow structured guidelines and maintain professional partnerships, regularly introducing students to modern cutting methods, advanced coloring techniques like balayage and lived-in blondes, precision fades, texture services, hair extensions, and new styling trends. 

  1. Expert and Supportive Instructors

These schools employ instructors with extensive practical salon experience in addition to those with licenses. The instructors give students individualized attention and direction to improve their technique and abilities. 

Thus, they foster students’ technical skills and confidence by acting as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world application.

  1. Strong Hands-On Training

Hairstyling is a skill-based profession. You need real practice—not just theory. Therefore, we offer live salon floor training with real clients and hands-on experience in cutting and coloring, training on diverse hair types and textures, and more.

The more hands-on hours you complete, the more confident you will be.

  1. Job Placement and Support 

The top hairstyling schools in the Chicago area don’t just teach—they help you get hired too.

Before enrolling—

  • Graduation rates. 
  • Licensing exam pass rates.
  • Salon partnership opportunity in the Chicago area
  • Job placement assistance

A strong local network can help you secure your first salon job quickly.

  1. Transparent Tuition and Financial Aid

Prior to enrolling in a prestigious hair school, determine the total cost of tuition, available financial aid or scholarships, and options for payment plans. 

Over time, investing in high-quality education can greatly raise your earning potential.

What does the report say about the hairstyling and salon industry?

As per a study, “A salon professional typically makes $38.37 per hour.”

“Nearly 1 in 4 Americans invests money on their haircut and treatments compared to other beauty expenditures,” a report confirms.
Another report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “Thejob opportunities are expected to grow by about 5% from 2024 to 2034, with around 84,200 job openings each year, mainly offering a steady job opportunity with moderate pay and consistent demand.

These reports all suggest strong demand for hair and salon occupations.

Which to Choose to Become a Salon Professional in Hairstyling: Top Hairstyling School vs. Typical Beauty School?

When it comes to pursuing a career in cosmetology, two options people often come across are whether to choose a typical beauty school or a top hairstyling school. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one.

Typical Beauty Schools

Features 

  • These schools cover basic cosmetology skills 
  • Meets minimum state licensing requirements
  • Usually smaller class sizes
  • May offer personal attention from teachers
  • Kits/supplies may be optional or basic.

Limitations

  • Fewer specialized classes
  • Limited career placement support
  • Less brand recognition among salons
  • May require learning advanced skills on the job

Price

  • Offers lower tuition cost
  • Supplies and kits often not included or cheaper
  • Smaller overall investment

Perfect fit for

  • Students with limited budget
  • Beginners focused on getting licensed quickly
  • Those who prefer small class environments
  • People willing to learn advanced skills later on the job

    Top Hair Styling Schools 

Features 

  • Offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced color, cutting, and business skills.
  • Includes professional kits and tools in the program
  • Better industry reputation on resumes
  • Provides career support, networking, salon connections
  • Often has structured training systems and advanced workshops.

Limitations 

  • Higher fees compared to basic schools
  • The schedule may be more demanding

Price 

  • Higher tuition cost
  • Professional kits and extras included
  • This increases the total investment but includes more services.

Perfect fit for

  • Students aiming for higher-end salon careers
  • Those who want strong industry credibility.
  • People who value career services and networking.
  • Learners interested in advanced techniques and portfolio developments.
Factors Top Hair Styling SchoolsTypical Beauty Schools
Primary focusAdvanced hairstyling and career-focused trainingBasic cosmetology training for state licensing 
Curriculum depth Includes advanced cutting, colour theory, trends, business skillsCovers fundamentals
Licensing PreparationMeets requirements and supports additional skill developmentMeets minimum state board requirements
Career Support Structured career services and networkingLimited placement support
Industry ExposureConnections with premium salons and brandsMostly local salons
ROIBetter for high-end salon opportunitiesGood for entry-level jobs
Learning EnvironmentStructured professional environmentsMore personal, simple setup
Best forCareer-driven, long-term plannersBudget-focused students

Choosing a top hairstyling school in the Chicago area is a wiser decision if you want stronger branding, advanced training, and better long-term career growth.

Why Does Rosel School of Cosmetology Stand Out as a Top Cosmetology School in the Chicago Area?

If you want to turn your passion for hairstyling into a profession, Rosel School of Cosmetology should be a great choice.
Rosel School of Cosmetology is a top hairstyling school in the Chicago area thanks to its many years of experience, practical, career-focused instruction, flexible scheduling, job placement assistance, and career guidance.
What makes the school unique—

  1. Decades of Experience and Strong Reputation

Rosel has been training beauty professionals since 1989, giving it over 30+ years of experience in cosmetology education—one of the longest-running private cosmetology schools in the region.

We have built a solid reputation locally for preparing students for careers in hairstyling, beauty, nails, and esthetics. 

  1. Accredited and Career-Focused Programs

As our school is accredited by the NACCAS and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, it ensures our programs’ quality standards and prepares students for professional licensing.

  1. Experienced and Supportive Faculty

Instructors at Rosel bring 30+ years of industry experience, offering personalized guidance and real-world insights.

Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, which many students find boosts learning quality.

  1. Financial Aid and Accessibility

As a top hairstyling school in the Chicago area, our school is unique in that it provides an affordable education by enabling students to apply for FAFSA financial aid, flexible payment plans, and scholarships.

  1. Job and Salon Support

We support students with job placement assistance, helping graduates connect with salons and start their careers.

  1. Positive Student and Alumni Reviews

Our school has consistently received strong positive reviews from students and graduates for supportive learning environments, hands-on training, and helpful instructors. That gives you even more motivation to enroll in one of our schools.

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FAQs

  1. Why choose Rosel School of Cosmetology for hair styling training?

Rosel School of Cosmetology stands out due to personalized instruction, smaller class sizes, hands-on salon experience, affordable tuition, and a strong focus on preparing students for real-world success in the beauty industry.

  1. Are modern haircutting techniques taught?

Yes, students learn classic and contemporary haircutting methods, layering, precision cuts, and styling techniques.

  1. Does the school provide professional tools and kits?

Students receive professional-grade kits and tools needed for training, helping them practice with equipment used in real salon environments.

  1. Do you teach business and salon management skills?

Yes, our school incorporates business basics, client communication, and professionalism training to prepare students for long-term career growth.

  1. Does the program cover advanced hair coloring techniques?

Yes, the curriculum includes foundational and advanced color theory, highlighting, balayage techniques, corrective colors, and chemical processing aligned with industry trends.

Final Words

Choosing the right hairstyling school is the foundation of your future success as a professional hairstylist. Rosel School of Cosmetology stands out as the top hairstyling school in the Chicago area, combining affordability, personalized training, hands-on salon experience, flexible scheduling, and strong career support.
If you are serious about turning your passion for hair into a profession, choosing Rosel School of Cosmetology can be a smarter move.
Start your hairstyling today with Rosel School of Cosmetology!

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