deagreez – stock.adobe.com
Thinking about training to become a cosmetologist? You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. Whether you’re just out of high school or finally chasing something you’ve always loved, choosing where and how to learn is one of the first big steps you’ll take.
The good news: a little planning goes a long way. Here are five things worth considering as you explore cosmetology, and how the Cosmetology program at Evergreen Beauty College fits into the picture.
THE SHORT ANSWER: 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER
- The range of skills you’ll practice. Cosmetology covers a lot of ground: hair cutting, coloring, and styling, plus the fundamentals of skin and nail care. Look for a program that teaches the whole spectrum.
- How much hands-on time you’ll get. There’s only so much a textbook can give you. Real, hands-on practice with real clients matters.
- The training hours involved. Cosmetology is measured in training hours. At Evergreen, Cosmetology is a 1,600-hour program you can complete in about 13 months.
- Whether the schedule fits your life. Our EverFlex schedule is built for real life. Spend just four hours on campus per day and complete 10 hours online each week.
- The school and community you’ll join. Choose an accredited school where you feel like you belong.
1. The Range of Skills You’ll Practice
Cosmetology isn’t just about hair. Evergreen’s Cosmetology program focuses on cutting, coloring, and styling hair, but also covers facials, makeup, and nail care. That range is part of what makes the craft so rewarding. You get to work with all kinds of people and help them feel like the best version of themselves.
As you practice, you’ll start to notice what you’re drawn to, whether it’s color or bridal styling, and you can lean into the skills that excite you most. A broad foundation gives you room to grow and discover where your passion really lives.
2. How Much Hands-On Time You’ll Get
You can read every book and watch every tutorial out there, but beauty is a hands-on craft. It’s learned by doing. That’s why hands-on training with real, paying clients matters so much when you’re choosing a program.
At Evergreen, students practice in a student salon, working with real clients under the guidance of experienced educators. There’s something different about the moment a real client sits in your chair: it builds confidence in a way practice alone never can. When you’re weighing your options, ask how soon and how often you’ll work with live clients. The more real-world practice, the more prepared you’ll feel.
3. The Training Hours Involved
Cosmetology education is measured in training hours. Completing them is part of earning your cosmetology license. At Evergreen, the Cosmetology program is a 1,600-hour program that most students complete in about 13 months. Knowing the time commitment up front helps you plan — around your family, your budget, and the rest of your life.
It’s a real commitment of time and energy, but it’s also a season with a clear finish line. Thinking through what those months will look like, and how you’ll fit training into your days, is one of the most practical things you can do before you begin.
4. Whether the Schedule Fits Your Life
Life doesn’t pause while you go to school. Maybe you have kids, a job, or other responsibilities that can’t be set aside. That’s exactly why Evergreen built EverFlex — a schedule designed around flexibility and freedom. With EverFlex, you spend four hours on campus per day for hands-on training in the morning, afternoon, or evening (depending on the campus), plus about 10 hours online per week completing coursework on your own time.
It’s a way to keep learning without putting the rest of your life on hold. As you compare programs, think honestly about your week: when can you be on campus, and when do you need the freedom to learn from home? A schedule that fits your real life is a schedule you can actually finish.
5. The School and Community You’ll Join
Where you learn shapes how you learn. The right school isn’t just about the program — it’s about the people around you. At Evergreen, students are welcomed into a close and caring family atmosphere, learning alongside others who share their goals and educators who genuinely want to see them grow. We believe you should be able to come as you are, whatever your age or background.
Accreditation also matters. When a school is accredited, it means an independent evaluator has looked closely at its programs and teaching practices and decided it meets quality standards.
Evergreen is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and is an active member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and the Washington Federation of Private and Vocational Schools.
Ready to See It for Yourself?
Pursuing cosmetology is a big, exciting step, and the more you know going in, the more confident you’ll feel. Consider the skills you want to build, the hands-on practice you’ll get, the hours and schedule involved, and the community you’ll be part of.
If Evergreen sounds like a place where you could belong and become the person you’ve always wanted to be, we’d love to show you around. Tour our campus and discover your future in cosmetology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cosmetology program teach?
A cosmetology program covers a broad range of beauty skills. At Evergreen, the Cosmetology program focuses on cutting, coloring, and styling hair, along with the fundamentals of skin and nail care.
How long does cosmetology school take at Evergreen Beauty College?
Evergreen’s Cosmetology program is a 1,600-hour program that most students complete in about 13 months. The exact timing depends on your schedule and pace.
How does Evergreen’s EverFlex schedule work?
EverFlex is built around flexibility and freedom. You spend four hours on campus per day for hands-on training in the morning, afternoon, or evening (depending on the campus), plus about 10 hours online per week for coursework you can complete on your own time.
Is Evergreen Beauty College accredited?
Yes. Evergreen is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and is an active member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and the Washington Federation of Private and Vocational Schools.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Evergreen welcomes students from all backgrounds and financial standings, and the admissions team can walk you through your options.
