One of the most common questions we get asked is, do you offer cosmetology classes online? When the answer is “no,” we’re often met with shock. How can you not offer classes online? With the rise of online classes, we understand why students may choose the digital route to get their license; however, in our experience, we believe that virtual learning cannot replace in-person classes — especially in the cosmetology industry.
Here are a few reasons why we don’t encourage students take their cosmetology classes online:
- The absence of hands-on learning
- Less networking opportunities
- Less likely to meet Texas state requirements
- Lower price often means lower-quality education
Can you take cosmetology school online in Texas? It’s possible, however, many legit beauty schools don’t offer online classes due to the necessity of hands-on experience, a critical component of success in the beauty industry. If you want a top-quality cosmetology education, we highly recommend taking your classes in person, and working with real clients, at an accredited beauty school in Houston.
Reason 1: The absence of hands-on learning
One of the most significant downsides of online cosmetology classes is the lack of hands-on experience. Cosmetology courses include various subjects such as hair cutting, styling, coloring, skin care, nail technology, and more! Each of these subjects requires practical training, which is best acquired through hands-on experience in a classroom setting.
Why is hands-on learning important? Think of your cosmetology program like driver’s education: you learn the basics and laws in the classroom and then you learn to drive a car before completing your program and obtaining your driver’s license. You wouldn’t get your driver’s license without driving a car first. Cosmetology courses are the same way!
Online classes don’t allow you to apply your learned skills
The truth is that the skills needed to be a cosmetologist can only be learned and mastered in a hybrid, hands-on learning environment. Here at Houston Training Schools, our cosmetology courses include practicing on real-life clients to give students the confidence and capabilities to provide adequate services as a future professionals.
The hands-on education you get from an accredited in-person beauty school is crucial for developing the skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry. Without it, you may fall behind your peers or lack the social, practical, and professional skills to maintain a consistent client base.
Reason 2: Less networking opportunities
Another major disadvantage of taking cosmetology classes online is less opportunity for networking. In traditional cosmetology classes in Houston, students interact with their peers, instructors, and even clients on a daily basis. These interactions are invaluable for building professional relationships that can lead to future job opportunities and client referrals.
Networking isn’t just about finding job opportunities; it’s also about learning from others. In a traditional classroom, students can observe their peers, learn different techniques, and receive immediate feedback from instructors. At Houston Training Schools, our students often practice on real clients, giving them the chance to master their skills, get immediate feedback, and even build a future client base in the process.
Cosmetology at its core is a very social industry that thrives on connections. These experiences are not something you can obtain easily by taking cosmetology classes online.
Reason 3: Texas state requirements
Does Texas allow online cosmetology school? In order to be able to practice cosmetology in the state of Texas, a person must first complete a cosmetology program from a legitimate educational institution and pass the state licensing exam.
While online courses are approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR), they have to meet the Texas cosmetology license requirements. This means completing a 1,000-hour curriculum; unfortunately, many online courses cannot provide the hours necessary to even take your licensing exams. Therefore, in our opinion, it’s better to be safe than sorry and complete your education in person to ensure that you qualify.
Reason 4: Less money often means low-quality
Many sources online will state that cosmetology classes online are cheaper than going to classes in person. And while that might be true in some cases, you truly do get what you pay for in terms of quality.
Without the practical application of your learned skills, you’re really only learning the theory behind cosmetology; and although theory is great, application is essential to become a successful cosmetologist. So while in-person school is likely to be more expensive, your education will be better overall.
This does not mean that cosmetology school needs to be expensive. Other popular cosmetology programs in the area tend to be more expensive than our programs and often leave students with student loan debt — which is not the case with us.
Can you get financial aid for cosmetology school? Yes, you can! Here at Houston Training Schools, we emphasize grants and scholarships over loans and are dedicated to helping our students graduate debt-free.
Take quality, immersive in-person cosmetology classes at Houston Training Schools
So, are cosmetology classes online worth it? In our opinion, no. For the reasons we’ve listed above, online classes cannot provide students with the hands-on learning opportunities they need to be successful in this field. While there may be short-term benefits to online cosmetology classes, they will not benefit you as a professional long-term.
We do understand the appeal of online learning due to the flexibility. However, if you need more flexibility in your cosmetology school schedule, we’d recommend enrolling as a part-time student or in cosmetology night classes, so you can complete your program hours on your own time. This way, you can get a quality cosmetology education on your own terms.
If you’re ready to begin your future career in beauty, apply online to our cosmetology program today!
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