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Cosmetology

Offered at Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Knoxville, Royal Oak & Lincoln

Barbering

Offered at East Lansing, Knoxville & Lincoln

Esthiology

Offered at Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Knoxville, Royal Oak & Lincoln

Part-time Options

Flexible part-time, evening programs in cosmetology and esthiology.

Learn About Programs

CAREERS WITH ARTISTRY

Cosmetology School

Cosmetology school offers you the chance to start a rewarding career where you can express your creativity and make a positive impact on others. Our program combines digital learning, in-class lessons, and hands-on salon experience so you absorb what you are learning, preparing you for a successful career as a licensed cosmetologist.

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Not Sure Which Program Is Right for You? Take our quick beauty quiz.

Our Cosmetology Program

Our Cosmetology Program

Our goal is simple: help students complete their education, earn licensure, and launch a successful beauty career just one year from their start date.

In our 1,500-hour cosmetology program, students build a strong foundation in hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nail care, and makeup artistry. Along with technical training, students gain hands-on clinic floor experience and real-world business skills designed to prepare them for success in today’s beauty industry.

The Douglas J Difference

Hands-On Learning:

Our curriculum adapts to your learning style, with a blend of digital and practical education. Access videos, state board prep, portfolio tips, and more through our online portal while having the opportunity to cut, color, and style in a real salon setting. You’ll also be equipped with professional tools through our student kits to support your hands-on training from day one.

At Douglas J, you’ll train with top salon brands like Back of Bottle, Color Space™, and Davines. These high-performance, eco-conscious product lines give you the same tools professionals use in top salons.

Scheduling Options:

Some students prefer a fast track to graduation, while others need flexibility. Choose the schedule that fits your life. Our day classes offer the fastest path to graduation, while part-time classes provide more time to work or care for family.

Financial Aid:

Don’t let cost hold you back. As an accredited beauty school, we offer financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify.

Career Support:

While we can’t guarantee employment, we offer strong career support. As part of the Douglas J network, you’ll have access to resources like “how-to” videos, ring lights, and backdrops to build a professional portfolio and brand.

Student Resources

Still have questions about our programs or next steps?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find quick answers to common questions about tuition, schedules, kits, placement & more.

Your Passion Can Become Your Profession

The demand for beauty professionals continues to rise nationwide. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to grow faster than average over the next decade, with more than 84,000 job openings projected each year.

If you’re ready to build a creative, people-focused career, now is a great time to get started.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

%

Projected Industry Growth From 2024–2034

Job Openings Projected Annually

Faster than average career growth nationwide.

Cosmetology Careers

With a cosmetology education, you could pursue a variety of careers:

Your CAREER, Your HOURS, Your HUSTLE

Cosmetology offers flexibility, creativity, and the chance to earn great hourly pay doing what you love.

A career in cosmetology isn’t just about style—it’s about freedom. With the ability to set your own schedule and the potential to earn a strong hourly wage, this path puts you in control. Whether you're behind the chair, working freelance, or growing your own brand, a cosmetology license opens the door to a rewarding and flexible future.

"My favorite part of my program was learning color theory. We took a very comprehensive and in-depth look on how different colors react to each other and how that applies to hair color at different levels and basic tones. So I felt like that was very helpful, especially wanting to be a color specialist in the future." - Joey, DJ Cosmetology Student

What made you feel confident to enroll at Douglas J?
"Before attending Douglas J, I was looking into it, doing a lot of research, and I actually messaged other students who were attending Douglas J, and they had nothing but great things to say. Similar experiences to what I had, you know, going from no experience to cutting hair every single day, and that made me feel confident, and Douglas J was the right place for me." - Mason, Barber Student

"Douglas J is the Harvard of beauty schools. They don’t just teach hair - they teach you professionalism, business etiquette, and how to carry yourself with confidence.”

 - Hayley Smith - East Lansing Graduate and Celebrity Hairstylist

"I feel that I have learned so much from attending Douglas J and that I can take my techniques and experiences I had there to my current job."

- Hilary Butler, Douglas J Institute Graduate

"Every day on the clinic floor it felt like you were working in a real salon because of how fast paced it was. I think that prepared me well for time management."

- Nadine Bos, Douglas J Institute Graduate

What is your most memorable moment?

"Choosing to train with Douglas J is not just attending cosmetology school, it's the first step in building a career."

- Virginia Meyer, Former VP of Education Aveda Corporate Co-Founders of Redchocolate:tm

See What Employers Have to Say About Our Graduates

WHY CHOOSE DOUGLAS J

Faster Path to a Career

GRADUATE AND START EARNING QUICKLY

Hands-On Training

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE IN A STUDENT SALON/SPA SERVING REAL CLIENTS.

High-Demand Industry & Career Support

JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE AND DIRECT CONNECTIONS TO TOP SALONS & SPAS.

Cost & Financial Aid

LOWER TUITION THAN A 4-YEAR DEGREE + SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE.

Industry Prestige

PREMIUM PRODUCT TRAINING, AND TOP-TIER INDUSTRY REPUTATION.

Licensed & Accredited

Our Cosmetology programs are licensed by their State Boards of Cosmetology and accredited by NACCAS, meeting the standards required for licensure and professional placement.

Learn How To Apply

Ready to pursue your passion for beauty? Contact us to see if Douglas J Institute is the right fit! Fill out the form or call (877) 311-8957 to start your application. We’ll schedule a tour, answer your questions, and guide you through enrollment. Let’s get started!

WE SET THE BAR

You have a lot of choices out there, but the experience you’ll gain from a Douglas J education is like no other. Contact us today to find out which program is best for you.

GET STARTED TODAY!