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Cosmetology & Esthiology School - Grand Rapids

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Next class start dates:
Cosmetology: December 27, 2023
Esthiology: January 8, 2024

Address

138 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 616.808.3078

Programs Offered

Cosmetology
Esthiology

Service Hours

Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm

Retail Hours

Monday: 9am – 10pm
Tuesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm

The Grand Rapids Difference

Our People

Our Place

  • Large, two-story retail area with vintage brick walls opens to a expansive clinic floor with 60 styling stations
  • Two full classrooms and one convertible classroom
  • Industrial loft-style feel with original glass garage doors that open to a patio
  • Student break room located in the upstairs loft
  • Luxury spa setting for facials and nail services
  • Day and evening classes offered in Cosmetology and Esthiology

Cosmetology Curriculum

Cosmetology is taught in an educationally progressive environment, emulating a high-end salon setting. To start, you’ll be in our classroom, receiving instructional education with our Educators providing guidance all along the way. Once you’re ready, you’ll train on the student clinic floor, interacting with a diversity of guests. Because we want you to be successful, we give you all the support you need, every step of the way. Our Educators work side-by-side with you, offering guidance and training while you work and gain real hands-on experience.

Cosmetology program features:

  • 1,500 hour program
  • Preparation for state board exam
  • Full-time (11 months) and part-time (15 months) schedules available

Esthiology Curriculum

In this full or part-time program, you move through Intro and Senior Theory, studying high-touch, high-tech techniques to purify, balance and renew the skin — the foundation of aesthetic beauty. Through hands-on training, you’ll work on mannequins, live models and then graduate to the student clinic spa interacting closely with guests. You also learn extensive business-building skills and wellness therapies, providing the training you need for a successful career as a licensed esthetician.

Esthiology program features:

  • 750 hour program
  • Preparation for state board exam
  • Daytime (5 months) and Evening (7 months) schedules available

Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids since 2007, the historic post office is our home — known for its unique artwork embedded in the façade. This high-energy area, with a ton of foot traffic, is situated in an up-and-coming area and within walking distance to the Van Andel Stadium. Rated as one of the best places to raise a family, thousands flock to Grand Rapids in the fall to participate in Art Prize, a community event we’re proud to be involved in, as well as many other local charities, including Miranda’s Beautiful U, which focuses on positive self-esteem for school-aged girls. Contact us or call us at (877) 311-8957 to schedule a tour!

What advice would you give a student?
Assist after you graduate! I was an assistant at a salon with hairstylists from other schools and because of the strong foundation I received at Douglas J, my education definitely put me ahead. I learned so much and had such a solid background, I was able to create my own style. I’m an artist, I look at hair as a sculpture and know I can’t cut everyone’s hair the same way. If a person really wants to succeed, they have to grow beyond the basics and they prepared me to do just that.

- Sarah Dilley-Couture, Douglas J Aveda Institute Graduate and Salon Owner

A couple weeks after graduation, I received a call from someone that was opening a new salon. She said that she heard great things about me from friends and also loved the fact that I was Aveda trained and offered me a job right away.

- Justin Gentges, Douglas J Aveda Institute Graduate

Childhood Dream: Taylor has always wanted to have a career in the cosmetology field, but waited until she was a little older to pursue it. Homegrown Talent: She started at Douglas J because she heard it was the best education in Grand Rapids, where she wants to continue to live and work after she completes her program — and contribute to the incredible growth happening in Grand Rapids.

- Taylor Cabala, Douglas J Aveda Institute Grand Rapids Student

Shaelyn’s Inspiration: At a young age, she developed an interest in hair and makeup while spending time with her aunt, who worked in an Aveda salon. She'd never considered a career in the beauty industry, but as she was putting more thought into her career choices, she decided to give it a try. Raising the Bar: She chose Douglas J because it was the most professional — holding her to higher standards than other schools she visited.

- Shaelyn Bunner, Douglas J Aveda Institute Grand Rapids Student

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:

The Douglas J team offers a complete system of excellence and support for every student in every facet of education. From the quality of the educators, to the relationship with salon owners seeking talent, to the network of global artists affiliated with the company, everyone is completely committed to developing the student to their highest potential. We give Douglas J education system our highest endorsement.

- DAVID ADAMS, FORMER TECHNICAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, AVEDA CORPORATE

Cosmetology

Esthiology

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