How to Choose the Right Beauty Program for You
Thinking about starting a career in the beauty industry?
Great choice! Whether you’re passionate about skincare, hair design, or helping others feel confident in their own skin, the beauty world is full of rewarding opportunities.
But with different programs out there, like esthetics and hairstyling, it’s important to find the one that’s the best fit for you.
Here’s how to figure out which beauty program aligns with your goals, personality, and future career vision.
1. Know What You’re Passionate About
Start by asking yourself: What part of beauty excites me the most?
- If you’re drawn to skincare, facials, makeup, and spa treatments, an Esthetics program could be your path.
- If you love cutting, colouring, and styling hair or dream of working in a salon, Hairstyling may be a better fit.
Still unsure? Think about the services you love to receive or the tutorials you watch on repeat. Your personal interests are often a great indicator of what you’ll enjoy doing every day.
2. Think About the Work Environment You Want
Each beauty career offers a slightly different day-to-day experience.
Hairstylists often work in lively, social environments like salons where they interact with multiple clients throughout the day. They get to be creative and hands-on with haircuts, styles, and colours.
Estheticians typically work in quieter, more relaxing spaces like spas or skincare clinics. Their work is more focused on calming treatments, skincare routines, and detail-oriented services like waxing and manicures.
Ask yourself: Do I thrive in high-energy environments, or do I prefer calm, one-on-one client care?
3. Research Career Paths and Flexibility
Both hairstyling and esthetics offer flexible career options, including:
- Working in salons, spas, or clinics
- Becoming a freelancer or mobile professional
- Starting your own business
- Working in luxury, wellness, or even medical aesthetics environments
However, the services you’ll be certified to offer and the licensing requirements depend on which program you take. If you’re looking to specialize in one area or offer both services eventually, start with the one you’re most passionate about and build from there.
4. Consider the Skills You Want to Learn
Each program teaches a different set of hands-on skills.
In an esthetics program, you’ll learn things like:
- Facials and skincare analysis
- Makeup application
- Manicures and pedicures
- Waxing and hair removal
- Lash and brow services
In a hairstyling program, you’ll learn things like:
- Hair cutting and colouring
- Styling techniques and updos
- Hair treatments and scalp care
- Client consultation and salon safety
- Working with various hair types and textures
Take a look at the curriculum of each program and see which skill set excites you most.
5. Talk to Admissions or Visit the School
The best way to know if a program is right for you? See it in action.
At Modern College, our admissions team is here to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect from each program. You can also visit one of our campuses, tour the salon and spa learning environments, and meet instructors or students to get a feel for what life at beauty school is really like.
6. Think About Your Future Goals
Where do you see yourself after graduation? Do you want to open your own salon or spa? Travel and offer mobile services? Work in high-end beauty clinics?
Understanding your long-term goals can help you choose a program that aligns with your vision. The beauty industry is flexible, but having a clear direction will help you take your first step with confidence.
Ready to Choose Your Path?
No matter which route you take, whether it be hairstyling or esthetics, Modern College will support you every step of the way with:
- Hands-on, real-world training
- Supportive instructors and small class sizes
- Job placement assistance and career coaching
- Multiple campuses across Ontario
Your future in beauty starts with the right program and here at Modern College we’re going to help you find it! Just fill out the online inquiry form on our website and someone from our admissions team can walk you through your options and help you find the program that fits your future!