School for Aesthetics Recommendations?

Jul 14, 2013

Mary I.

So I'm seriously considering going to school to be an Esthetician. I've tried to do my research but it's all too overwhelming! Do you guys have any recommendations? I live in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. I know around me, Virginia has the most requirements to get licensed. Should I just go to a school there? Help!

Jul 14, 2013

Natalie marie S.

If Baltimore isn't too much of a trek for you, I wholeheartedly recommend Von Lee International School of Aesthetics. I'm in their Esthetician program right now. Its 17 weeks, intense, but I like that I can finish in a short amount of time so that I can "get on" with my life for a lack of a better phrase. It is expensive ($13,500), but I feel like its worth it. They also have a part time esthetician schedule, which is held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6pm-10pm), and two Saturdays a month(10am-4pm), or Mon, Wed, Fri(9am-5pm) and the monthly payments for that are practically half of what the full time payments are. I believe part time day is 7 months and part time evening is 13 months. http://www.vonlee.com/index.html

I had also visited Steiner/Baltimore School of Massage- but its entirely too congested for my taste. They also seemed to be more interested in my money (despite them being federally funded) than me as a person. The admissions people aren't even estheticians or massage therapists- which rubs me the wrong way. http://www.bsom.com/


There is also the Aveda Institute in DC. I didn't get a chance to take a tour there considering its a two hour trip for me, and it just wasn't cost effective for me. However, they have a very impressive alumni if that matters at all to you, and at the very least, it may be worth you checking out. I have heard that its a bit hard to get out of the Aveda style of teaching if you work anywhere other than an Aveda spa/salon. Again, this is just what I've heard. http://www.avedainstitutesbb.com/dc-spa.php

I hope you may the right choice for you no matter where you decide to attend! Good luck!

Jul 20, 2013

Dina U.

Schools on the west coast are a lot cheaper. I went to a cosmetology school that was not privitized (meaning it was vocational training at a community college) for under 5k.

Aug 8, 2013

Amy N.

Hi Mary! :)

If you have a dream in makeup artistry, I say pursue it! Makeup school can definitely teach you more than just makeup application- but its history, sanitation and about the industry and how to succeed in it!

For example, CHIC STUDIOS has a Chic Community for graduates. This entails hiring fairs and pro makeup events! Whether it is CHIC STUDIOS or another beauty school, I definitely would suggest it! :)