Grand Rapids Campus
Cosmetology &
Esthiology School
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our quick beauty quiz or explore full-time and part-time evening program options.
Grand Rapids Campus
Located in the heart of downtown, Douglas J Institute Grand Rapids blends historic charm with modern creativity. With a vibrant campus atmosphere, hands-on learning, and deep community involvement, this location offers the perfect place to grow your skills and find your future in the beauty industry.
Address
138 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 616.808.3078
Service Hours
Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
Learn about part-time program options.
Retail Hours
Monday: 9am – 10pm
Tuesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Address
138 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 616.808.3078
Service Hours
Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 10pm
Wednesday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
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
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
- Licensed by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology & Accredited by NACCAS
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 (5.5 months) and Evening (7.5 months) schedules available
Professional Brand Training
Douglas J Grand Rapids students receive specialized training with innovative, professional brands, including:
- Back of Bottle (BOB): Clean, high-performance haircare developed with skincare chemists and sustainable packaging.
- ColorSpace: A science-based, vegan color line powered by plant-derived ingredients and modern, salon-ready education.
- Davines: A global leader in sustainable beauty, using naturally-derived ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
- *PCA Skin: The top professional peel brand, offering science-backed skincare solutions trusted by estheticians.
- *Eminence Organic Skin Care: Skin care certified by the non-profit B Lab® to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
*Only used in the Esthiology Program
This combination of curriculum and brand education helps students build real-world skills and stay ahead in a competitive industry.
Meet the Heart Behind Our Grand Rapids Campus
Want to learn from one of the best? Discover how Cathy Tuttle’s passion, experience, and leadership help shape the next generation of beauty professionals at Douglas J Institute in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids Campus
“I absolutely loved my experience at the Douglas J Institute in Grand Rapids. They greatly prepared me for entering this career force.”
– Cristina Young – Douglas J Grand Rapids graduate
Set Yourself Up
FOR SUCCESS
Feel confident choosing Douglas J Institute! With strong connections to alumni and top salons, we ensure your education goes beyond expectations. See why students and professionals trust us for their beauty journey.
“At Douglas J Grand Rapids, they for sure made me feel like I was ready to take on clients and build a career… they thoroughly take you through all the steps and get you comfortable around clients prepare you for consultations ”
Christina Young, Douglas J Graudate
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Student Success Story: Kevin Pelham
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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.