When considering a career in the beauty industry, prospective students often encounter a ton of misconceptions that can influence their decision to enroll in beauty school. These myths about beauty school persist despite the industry’s growth and the success of countless graduates who have built thriving careers. At Houston Training Schools, we’ve heard every misconception imaginable, and it’s time to set the record straight.
Don’t let these myths about beauty school and outdated stereotypes deter you from pursuing your dreams of becoming a beauty professional. If you’re hesitant about enrolling in a cosmetology school in Houston, we highly recommend taking a tour of our campuses and speaking with our instructors to see if we are the right fit for you.
Call 877-640-4747 to schedule a tour today!
Myth 1: Beauty school is not a real school
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Accredited beauty schools like Houston Training Schools are legitimate educational institutions that provide specialized training in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and related fields. Beauty schools are regulated by state boards, maintain accreditation standards, and follow structured curriculum designed to prepare students for professional licensing exams — therefore, they are considered to be real schools.
At Houston Training Schools, students receive comprehensive education that includes:
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Theoretical knowledge of hair, skin, and nail science
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Hands-on technical training with professional equipment
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Business and communication skills
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State board exam preparation
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Continuing education opportunities
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And more!
Would cosmetology school be considered a vocational school?
Yes, and that’s a strength, not a weakness. Vocational schools, also known as trade schools, focus on training that directly translates to career readiness, unlike traditional academic programs that may lack real-world application. That’s why we recommend institutions like ours to potential students who want to turn their passions into a career.
Consider these factors when evaluating which beauty school you should choose:
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Accreditation and state approval status
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Graduation and licensing rates
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Financial aid availability
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Hands-on training opportunities
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Instructor qualifications and experience
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Facility equipment and resources
Myth 2: You can get a better beauty education at a regular college
The debate on whether to attend beauty school vs. college for your training is a tale as old as time, but in reality, these two paths represent fundamentally different approaches to education.
Simply put, traditional colleges focus on broad academic knowledge, while beauty schools provide targeted, career-specific training that you will require to be successful.
The key differences between beauty school and traditional college include:
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Duration: Beauty school can be completed in less than a year vs. 4+ years for college
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Cost: Significantly lower tuition vs. exorbitant tuition fees
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Focus: Practical skills training vs. theoretical academic study
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Career preparation: Immediate job readiness vs. general education
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Hands-on experience: Extensive practical training on real clients vs. limited application
Is it worth it to go to beauty school?
For students passionate about the beauty industry, the answer is often yes. Graduates can start earning immediately after obtaining their license, with many building successful careers. Now, this isn’t to say that getting a 4-year college degree is a bad idea — of course not — but we can’t ignore the fact that attending a Houston beauty school will better prepare you for your licensing exam and your future.
Myth 3: Cosmetology school is only for people who want to be hairstylists
Nope, not true at all! While hair training is the most well-known facet of cosmetology, this narrow view ignores the vast opportunities within the beauty industry. Our cosmetology school in Houston opens doors to numerous specialities and career path opportunities.
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Colorists who specialize in hair color services
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Makeup artists for weddings, events, and media
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Salon owners and beauty entrepreneurs
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Product educators for beauty brands
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Editorial stylists for fashion and photography
Houston Training Schools offers programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and eyelash extension specialization, providing multiple pathways to success in the beauty industry.
Myth 4: Cosmetology school is too expensive
Many people assume that going to beauty school is incredibly expensive without researching actual costs and financial assistance options. While any education requires investment, beauty school often provides better value than traditional college programs if this is your desired career path.
Houston Training Schools addresses cost concerns through:
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Financial aid including federal grants and scholarships
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Flexible payment plans to make education accessible
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Shorter program duration means less time out of the workforce
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Lower total program costs compared to four-year degrees
We are proud to be one of the few cosmetology schools that accept financial aid in Houston, helping students to graduate without debt. Our financial aid system operates on grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Cosmetology school grants and scholarships are financial gifts to help cover your school’s tuition costs, meaning you don’t need to pay them back.
If finances are deterring you from applying to beauty school, ask us about our financial aid options. Scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial need, academic ability, personal motivation, and interview performance. Federal grants are given to students based on income, and all students are encouraged to apply!
Keep reading: How much is barber school?
Myth 5: You can learn everything online
While online cosmetology classes and video tutorials can be a great place to start, they cannot replace comprehensive hands-on training that you get at a beauty institution. Beauty services require tactile skills, real-time problem-solving, and direct client interaction that can’t be taught effectively through a screen. Here’s why.
Professional beauty training requires:
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Supervised practice on real clients
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Immediate feedback from experienced instructors
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Hands-on experience with professional equipment
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Safety protocols and sanitation procedures
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State board preparation that meets licensing requirements
Hands-on training, in our opinion, is one of the most crucial elements of beauty school. This is why Houston Training Schools provides beauty clinic services where students can practice on real clients under professional supervision, gaining invaluable experience that no online platform can provide. This also helps students build a rapport with their clients, who could become long-term customers in their careers. It’s a win-win that students should take full advantage of.
Myth 6: You won’t learn to work with different hair types
We do want to address that while many beauty schools have diversified their curriculum to include natural hair, there is still room for improvement. Students can benefit greatly from natural hair training to be able to service a wider variety of clientele. Here at Houston Training Schools, we heavily prioritize inclusive education to reflect our diverse student body and the Houston community — and we have been teaching diverse hair training for 38 years.
Our diverse hair training ensures our students learn to work with:
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All hair textures ranging from straight to coily
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Various cultural styling techniques
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Natural hair care and maintenance
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Chemical services across different hair types
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Protective styling methods
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Color applications for diverse clients
This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for Houston’s multicultural market, where versatility in serving all hair types is essential for success. Cosmetologists who can work with all hair types will be more appealing to employers looking to hire beauty professionals.
Myth 7: Beauty schools don’t offer flexible scheduling
Day classes or morning classes are typically the standard for schools; however, most modern beauty schools recognize that students have diverse needs and life circumstances that require flexible scheduling. Whether you work full-time or have children, you deserve to be able to complete your program at your own pace.
Houston Training Schools offers multiple scheduling options to accommodate different students’ needs:
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Full-time programs for students who want to complete training quickly (classes are offered in the daytime and the evenings)
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Part-time evening classes for working professionals
You don’t have to put your entire life on pause to pursue your passions. This flexibility allows students to finish their program’s required hours while maintaining their existing work or family responsibilities.
Bonus myth: Is cosmetology school hard?
Most educational programs are designed to challenge students to prepare them for real-world situations. However, the work is as challenging as you make it! With proper support, dedicated instruction, and hands-on practice opportunities like those provided at Houston Training Schools, these challenges become stepping stones to professional success.
In terms of readiness, many of our students graduate noting that they felt very prepared for their licensing exams once graduating from their beauty program — the top priority of every cosmetology school in Houston.
Enroll in our Houston beauty school today for a well-rounded and diverse education
If you’ve ever heard any of these myths about beauty school, don’t let them convince you not to enroll. Instead, do your own research on beauty programs rather than allowing outdated stereotypes to determine your future. The beauty industry offers legitimate career opportunities for dedicated professionals who receive proper training — and the best training can be found at Houston Training Schools. Our Houston beauty school provides comprehensive education, hands-on experience, and career preparation that sets students up for success.
Our programs in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, and eyelash extensions offer multiple pathways to rewarding careers in Houston’s thriving beauty market. With our diverse training, service opportunities, financial aid options, and flexible scheduling, we make professional beauty education accessible and practical.
Now that we’ve debunked these myths about beauty, nothing is stopping you from applying to Houston Training Schools today! The process is quick and simple — just a few clicks here and there to kickstart your dream career.
More Helpful Articles by Houston Training Schools:
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How to Build Your Clientele as a Cosmetology Student
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What Is the Difference Between Barbering and Cosmetology?
