Knoxville Campus
Cosmetology, Barbering,
& Esthiology School
Scholarships available for eligible students. Click here to learn more.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our quick beauty quiz or explore full-time and part-time evening program options.
Knoxville Campus
Opened in 2011, we’ve taken up shop right in the heart of Market Square in a beautiful, historic diner. We’ve preserved the original architecture starting with the recycled green glass. The ceilings, staircase, flooring and restaurant bar are all preserved as well with our Institute and luxury upscale spa. Located in the center of Knoxville, we’re surrounded by restaurants and shops, just steps from Market Square, which holds weekly events and concerts. Contact us or call us at (877) 311-8957 with questions or to schedule a tour!
Address
516 S Gay St
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 865.824.2990
Service Hours
Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9am – 10pm
Wednesday: 10am – 10pm
Thursday: 9am – 10pm
Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
Cosmetology
Esthiology
Barbering
Learn about part-time program options.
Retail Hours
Monday: 10am -10pm
Tuesday: 9am -10pm
Wednesday: 9am – 10pm
Thursday: 9am – 10pm
Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Address
516 S Gay St
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 865.824.2990
Service Hours
Monday: 5pm – 10pm
Tuesday: 9am – 10pm
Wednesday: 10am – 10pm
Thursday: 9am – 10pm
Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
Cosmetology
Esthiology
Barbering
Learn about part-time program options.
Retail Hours
Monday: 10am -10pm
Tuesday: 9am -10pm
Wednesday: 9am – 10pm
Thursday: 9am – 10pm
Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Limited Knoxville Campus Scholarships Available
Douglas J Institute Knoxville is offering a limited number of scholarships for current high school students in 25 surrounding counties.
Beginning May 1, 2026, students can receive these scholarships on a first come, first served basis.
- $2,500 Cosmetology & Barber Scholarships
- $1,250 Esthetics Scholarships
Schedule Your Tour today to take advantage of these limited scholarships before they’re gone.
Eligible Knoxville Counties
Blount County
Bradley County
Campbell County
Cocke County
Fentress County
Grainger County
Greene County
Hamblen County
Hawkins County
Jefferson County
Knox County
Loudon County
Monroe County
Morgan County
Rhea County
Roane County
Sevier County
Sullivan County
Union County
Washington County
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
Barbering Program
At Douglas J, Barbering is taught in an educationally progressive environment emulating a traditional barbershop setting. Many communities have seen a recent revival of the urban barbershop, which continues to build demand for barbers. Licensed barber educators work side-by-side with you, offering guidance and training while you gain real hands-on experience and master your craft.
Barbering program features:
- 1,500 hour program
- Many financial aid options (VA Benefits, Pell Grants, & Scholarships)
- Access to the Douglas J network, connecting you with real career opportunities
Esthiology Curriculum
In our full or part-time Esthiology 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
- Lash + PCA Peel & PCA Dermaplane certifications
- Preparation for state board exam
- Daytime (5 months) and Evening (7 months) schedules available
Meet the Heart Behind Our Knoxville Campus
Meet Marleen Wens—an industry powerhouse leading the way at Douglas J Knoxville. Discover how her global experience and passion for beauty education are shaping the future of our students.
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...
“If you feel called to be creative, help others feel confident, and make the world more beautiful – answer that call! Douglas J is a great place to begin.” – Courtney Irwin – Douglas J Knoxville Graduate and co-owner of Salon Wildflower
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.
Tennessee Disclosures
Tennessee Higher Education Commission Authorization
Douglas J Institute is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Job Placement and Graduation Information
In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Douglas J Institute, please visit THEC Authorized Institutions and Data
Transferability of Clock Hours
Clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute may not transfer to another educational institution. Clock hours earned at another educational institution may not be accepted by Douglas J Institute.
You should obtain confirmation that Douglas J Institute will accept any clock hours you have earned at another educational institution before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement. You should also contact any educational institutions that you may want to transfer clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute to determine if such institutions will accept clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement.
The ability to transfer clock hours from Douglas J Institute to another educational institution may be very limited. Your clock hours may not transfer, and you may have to repeat courses previously taken at Douglas J Institute if you enroll in another educational institution. You should never assume that clock hours will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and you are advised to make certain that you know the transfer of clock hours policy of Douglas J Institute and of any other educational institutions you may in the future want to transfer the clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement.





