EAst Lansing Campus
Cosmetology &
Esthiology School
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our quick beauty quiz or explore full-time and part-time evening program options.
East Lansing Campus
Opened in 1986 and hailed as our flagship location and Douglas J Headquarters, our East Lansing Institute sits in the heart of Michigan State’s campus, only miles away from the State Capital and our first salon. You’ll find us next to Jackson National Life Student Center known as “Jackson Zone” in the Jacobson’s retail store that still holds the original spiral staircase. We’re also deeply involved in our community and collaborate with many local charities including Hidden Key Fashion Show put on by The AITCH Foundation. Contact us or call us at (877) 311-8957 to schedule a tour!
Address
331 E Grand River Ave
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 517.349.9343
Service Hours
Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
Cosmetology
Esthiology
Barbering
Learn about part-time program options.
Retail Hours
Monday: 9am – 10pm
Tuesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Address
331 E Grand River Ave
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 517.349.9343
Service Hours
Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
Cosmetology
Esthiology
Barbering
Learn about part-time program options.
Retail Hours
Monday: 9am – 10pm
Tuesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Train With Eco-Conscious, Industry-Leading Beauty Brands
At Douglas J, you’ll learn using the same high-performance, sustainable, and cruelty-free product lines favored by top salons and spas. From ingredient-transparent skin care to vegan, plastic-neutral, carbon-neutral hair systems, our brands let you build the skills and confidence you need—while making choices that honor the planet.
Cosmetology Curriculum
Ready to turn your passion for beauty into a career? At Douglas J, you’ll learn in a high-end salon setting, gaining real-world experience from day one. Start in the classroom with expert guidance from our Educators, then transition to the student clinic floor, where you’ll work with real guests and refine your skills. With hands-on training and full support every step of the way, you’ll graduate feeling confident and career-ready.
Cosmetology program features:
- 1,500 hour program
- Preparation for state board exam
- Full-time (11 months) and part-time (15 months) schedules available
- Licensed by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology & Accredited by NACCAS
Esthiology Curriculum
Want to be the skincare expert everyone turns to? In our Esthiology program, you’ll master high-touch, high-tech techniques to purify, balance, and renew the skin. Through hands-on training, you’ll work on mannequins, live models, and eventually, real guests in our student clinic spa. You’ll also gain business skills to help you stand out in the beauty industry after you graduate.
Esthiology program features:
- 750-hour program
- Prepares you for the state board exam
- Flexible schedules: Daytime (5.5 months) & Evening (7.5 months)
Barbering Program
Barbering is more than just a skill—it’s an art form. At the Douglas J School of Barbering, you’ll train in a setting that mirrors a classic barbershop, learning techniques that blend traditional and modern trends. With the growing demand for skilled barbers, this program sets you up for success in an industry full of opportunities. Licensed barber educators work alongside you, helping you perfect your craft with real, hands-on experience.
Program Highlights:
- 1,800 hour program
- Financial aid options available (VA Benefits, Pell Grants & Scholarships)
- Strong Douglas J network access, connecting you to real career opportunities
From the runway to red carpets, Hayley Smith’s beauty career has taken her from Douglas J classrooms to styling celebs across the globe.
Discover how this East Lansing graduate turned her dreams into a thriving freelance business in New York City, working with icons like Paige Bueckers, Brynn Whitfield, and top fashion brands.
FASTER PATH TO A CAREER
Start Your Career Sooner
Traditional degrees can take years, but at Douglas J Institute, you’ll be career-ready in a fraction of the time. Our focused programs provide hands-on training, so you can start doing what you love—sooner.
Student Success Story: Kristen Smetek
Ann Arbor Institute Graduate | Master Stylist, California From night student to Master Stylist in sunny Southern...
Student Success Story: A Journey of Growth, Education & Passion Behind the Chair
At Douglas J, we’re proud to spotlight alumni who’ve taken their education and passion for the beauty industry and...
Student Success Story: Kevin Pelham
Master Stylist + Salon Manager | Luxe Lab Salon, Santa MonicaCampus Attended: Ann Arbor From receptionist to master...
Meet Rebecca – Director of the East Lansing Campus
With nearly two decades of experience and a passion for shaping the next generation of beauty professionals, Rebecca leads with heart, grit, and purpose. From cosmetology to esthiology, she brings it all together to help students thrive.
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 location is best for you.