What To Expect On Your Beauty School Tour

If you’re considering a career in the beauty industry, taking a tour of beauty schools is a critical step in deciding which institution is the best fit for your needs and goals. Touring a beauty school gives you the chance to get an in-depth look at the environment, the curriculum, and the culture, helping you make an informed decision about your education.

At Taylor Andrews Academy, we pride ourselves on providing students with the training and hands-on experience they need to succeed in the beauty industry. Whether you’re interested in cosmetology, esthetics, or barbering, our tours provide valuable insights into the world of beauty education.

In this blog, we’ll explore what you can expect on your beauty school tour, what to look for during your visit, and how to make the most of your experience.

1. First Impressions: The Atmosphere and Culture

As soon as you step through the doors of a beauty school, the atmosphere is one of the first things you’ll notice. A warm, welcoming environment speaks volumes about the school’s culture and values. During your tour at Taylor Andrews Academy, you’ll quickly see that we’re more than just a school—we’re a community.

You should pay attention to how the staff greets you and whether students seem engaged and happy. The school should feel like a place where you can see yourself thriving both academically and socially. Positive energy, clean and organized facilities, and modern design are indicators that the school values the experience of both students and clients.

Key Things to Observe:

Is the school welcoming and professional?
Do the students appear passionate and focused?
Is the facility clean, modern, and well-maintained?

2. Meet with Instructors and Staff

One of the most valuable aspects of any beauty school tour is the opportunity to meet instructors and key staff members. The quality of your education will largely depend on the expertise and passion of your instructors, so it’s important to feel comfortable with them. At Taylor Andrews Academy, our instructors have years of industry experience and are committed to helping students reach their full potential.

Questions to Ask:

How experienced are the instructors?
What’s their teaching style like?
How does the school support students outside of class?

3. Explore the Curriculum

Your beauty school tour should include a comprehensive overview of the curriculum offered in your area of interest, whether that’s cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, or another specialty. At Taylor Andrews Academy, we offer well-rounded programs that balance foundational theory with hands-on practice.

Ask about the subjects covered in each course, the structure of the programs, and how the school stays updated with current industry trends. For example, in a cosmetology program, you may want to know whether the curriculum includes trending techniques like balayage, hair extensions, and textured hair services. In an esthetics program, inquire about topics such as microneedling, chemical peels, and advanced skincare technology.

Things to Learn About the Curriculum:

How comprehensive is the program?
Are modern and trending techniques covered?
How often is the curriculum updated?

4. Tour the Classrooms and Training Spaces

A beauty school’s facilities should be designed to replicate real-world salon or spa environments. At Taylor Andrews Academy, our classrooms and training spaces are designed to mimic the professional settings you’ll encounter in your career. During your tour, you’ll get the chance to see where students practice their skills on both mannequins and real clients.

Things to Pay Attention to in Training Spaces:

Is the equipment up to date and well-maintained?
Are the classrooms clean and organized?
Do the facilities replicate real-world salon or spa environments?

5. Observe a Class in Session

One of the most important parts of your beauty school tour is the chance to observe a class in session. Seeing instructors and students in action will give you a good sense of the learning environment. At Taylor Andrews Academy, our classes are interactive and designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and individual growth.

Things to Consider During Class Observations:

Is the class interactive and engaging?
How involved is the instructor?
Do the students seem excited and focused?

6. Check Out the Student Salon

Most beauty schools operate a student-run salon where students can practice their skills on real clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. At Taylor Andrews Academy, our student salon gives students the opportunity to hone their craft in a professional setting while building their portfolios and confidence.

During your tour, take some time to observe the salon in action. How are students interacting with clients? What services are being performed, and do the clients seem satisfied with their experience? This is a great way to gauge the quality of the training students receive and the level of professionalism expected from students.

7. Learn About the Hands-On Experience

Hands-on training is an essential part of any beauty education. You’ll want to ask about how much hands-on experience students get and whether it’s integrated throughout the program or concentrated in specific courses. At Taylor Andrews Academy, we believe in the importance of hands-on learning from day one. Our students practice everything from cutting and coloring to advanced skincare techniques, gaining the experience they need to feel confident in their skills.

You should also ask about the types of clients students work with and whether they have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas. The more diverse your hands-on experience is, the better prepared you’ll be for your career after graduation.

Questions to Ask About Hands-On Experience:

How much hands-on experience do students get?
Are students able to work with real clients?
Can students specialize in specific services or techniques?

8. Career Support and Job Placement Services

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a beauty school is the level of career support offered. A good school should not only provide you with an education but also help you transition into a successful career after graduation. Taylor Andrews Academy offers comprehensive job placement services, including resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Questions to Ask About Career Support:

What is the school’s job placement rate?
Does the school have connections with local employers?
Are internships or externships offered?

9. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Paying for beauty school is a major consideration for many students, and most schools offer financial aid options to help make tuition more affordable. At Taylor Andrews Academy, we are dedicated to helping students find financial solutions, whether through federal financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans.

During your tour, you’ll have the chance to meet with a financial aid advisor who can walk you through the options available to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how financial aid works, what scholarships are offered, and whether there are any grants or other funding options you may qualify for.

10. Student Life and Community

While your primary focus will be on education, student life, and community involvement are also important parts of your beauty school experience. Taylor Andrews Academy fosters a supportive and inclusive community where students can form lasting friendships, collaborate on creative projects, and participate in events like fashion shows, charity fundraisers, and more.

Things to Consider About Student Life:

What extracurricular activities does the school offer?
Are there opportunities for professional development?
How involved is the school in the local beauty community?

Next Steps: Enrolling and Starting Your Journey

After your tour, you should have a clear sense of whether Taylor Andrews Academy—or any beauty school you tour—is the right fit for you. If you feel excited about what you saw, the next step is to meet with an admissions advisor to discuss the enrollment process. They will guide you through the application, financial aid paperwork, and any other requirements so that you can start your journey toward a successful career in the beauty industry.

Take time to reflect on your experience, review any notes you took, and ask any remaining questions before making your final decision. A beauty school tour is your opportunity to get a feel for the school, its culture, and whether it aligns with your career goals.

If you’re ready to schedule a tour, contact us today! We look forward to meeting you.