The Ultimate Beauty School Guide

Choosing to pursue a future in beauty is more than selecting a career—it’s choosing creativity, confidence, and the chance to positively impact others every day. Whether you dream of becoming a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, or beauty educator, your first big step is finding the right beauty school to help launch your goals.

That’s where Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture comes in.

If you’re exploring beauty school for the first time—or you’re ready to level up your understanding of what to expect—this ultimate guide will walk you through every step of the journey: from choosing the right program to enrollment, financial aid, day-to-day life, and what happens after graduation.

Let’s get started.

Why Choose Beauty School? Discover a Career That Grows With You

A career in beauty offers opportunities that few other industries can match. It gives you the freedom to express yourself while helping others feel their best. Some of the biggest advantages include:

• Flexibility: Work in salons, spas, freelance, or even own your own business.
• Creative Expression: From color to skincare, you get to create every day.
• Connection: Build meaningful relationships with clients.
• Career Stability: Beauty services remain in high demand.
• Room to Specialize: Explore specialties like lashes, facials, makeup, textured hair, extensions, and more.

Beauty school is the place where your passion becomes your profession—and your long-term success begins with choosing the right school.

Why Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture? What Sets Us Apart

Before you choose any beauty school, it’s important to understand what makes it unique. At Rudae’s, students benefit from:

A Supportive, Family-Like Culture

Students consistently praise the encouragement and one-on-one attention they receive from instructors and staff.

Real-World, Hands-On Training

The student salon and spa gives you the opportunity to work with real clients under licensed instructor supervision, helping you build confidence and skill.

Flexible Schedules

Rudae’s offers schedule options to help balance school with work, family, or other responsibilities.

Accreditation + State-Approved Programs

This can ensure that your education meets high industry standards and prepares you for your state licensing exam.

Explore Rudae’s Programs

Rudae’s offers three main programs, all designed to help students gain the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry.

Cosmetology Program

The cosmetology program is perfect for students who want a full-spectrum beauty career. You can be trained in:

• Haircutting
• Haircolor and lightening
• Hair styling and finishing
• Chemical texture services (perms, relaxers, smoothing)
• Basic skincare
• Makeup application
• Manicuring and pedicuring basics
• Salon business and client communication
• And more

This program can give you the versatility to work in salons, spas, bridal styling, editorial work, or even pursue entrepreneurship.

Esthetics Program

If skincare is your passion, esthetics can be the ideal path. Students learn:

• Facials and facial massage
• Advanced skincare techniques
• Makeup artistry
• Hair removal
• Spa services and body treatments
• Skin analysis and consultation
• Sanitation and safety
• Professional spa equipment and technologies

Graduates can pursue careers in spas, medspas, dermatology offices, skincare retail, makeup artistry, and more.

Instructor Training Program

This program is designed for licensed cosmetologists or estheticians who want to transition into teaching and mentoring.

You can learn how to:

• Teach practical and theoretical lessons
• Manage classroom environments
• Create lesson plans
• Coach students with different learning styles
• Oversee services in the student salon and spa
• Prepare future professionals for exams and real-world careers

This is an excellent step for beauty professionals who want to give back to the industry and share their knowledge.

How Long Does Beauty School Take at Rudae’s?

Timelines vary based on the program and schedule you choose. Here’s a general overview:

• Cosmetology: ~1,500 hours
• Esthetics: ~900 hours
• Instructor Training: ~1000 hours

Most students complete their education in 8 to 18 months, depending on whether they attend full-time or part-time.

Your First Day at Rudae’s: What to Expect

Starting beauty school can be exciting, and Rudae’s does everything they can to make your first day smooth and welcoming.

Here’s what typically happens:

Orientation

Meet your instructors, learn about the school culture, and go over your program expectations and schedule.

Your Student Kit

You’ll receive your professional tools, which may include:

• Shears
• Combs and brushes
• Mannequin heads
• Makeup or skincare supplies (depending on program)
• Textbooks and digital resources

These are the tools you’ll use every day throughout your program.

A School Tour

You’ll get familiar with classrooms, the student salon and spa, your locker area, and student common spaces.

Your First Lessons

Expect an introduction to:

• Theory
• Safety and sanitation
• Basic hands-on techniques

You’ll build essential foundational skills before working with clients.

Daily Life as a Rudae’s Student

Life at Rudae’s blends creativity, learning, technical skill-building, and hands-on practice.

Hands-On Skills Training

You’ll spend a lot of time working on mannequins and guests to perfect:

• Color
• Cuts
• Facials
• Makeup
• Waxing
• Styling
• Spa treatments

Classroom Theory

You’ll learn the “why” behind the “how,” covering:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Chemistry of color
• Product knowledge
• State laws
• Business practices
• Client communication

Student Salon + Spa Services

Once you’re ready, you’ll begin taking clients—one of the most transformative parts of your education.

You’ll learn how to:

• Consult with clients
• Understand their beauty goals
• Perform services efficiently
• Handle real-world salon situations
• Build confidence and professionalism

A Creative + Supportive Community

Expect themed events, guest speakers, competitions, and moments to express your creativity.

Financial Aid: Making Beauty School Affordable

Rudae’s offers several financial aid options for those who qualify, and their financial aid department helps students understand and apply for all available resources.

Options may include:

• FAFSA (Federal Student Aid)
  – Pell Grants
  – Federal loans

• Payment Plans
  Spread tuition over more manageable payments.

• Scholarships
  Both school-specific and nationwide beauty scholarships.

• Veteran Benefits
  For eligible students and families.

The financial aid team walks students through every step, making the process easier and less stressful.

State Board Exam Prep

Your education at Rudae’s is designed to prepare you for both the written and practical licensing exams.

Support includes:

• Mock exams
• Hands-on practice
• State board review classes
• Instructor guidance
• Test-taking strategies

The goal is to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed on exam day.

Career Support: Your Future Starts Here

Graduation is just the beginning. Rudae’s provides career-focused preparation, including:

• Resume help
• Portfolio development
• Job placement assistance
• Interview tips
• Industry networking opportunities

Many salons, spas, and employers actively seek out Rudae’s graduates because of the school’s reputation for producing well-trained, professional beauty artists.

Is Beauty School Right for You?

Beauty school might be a great fit if you:

• Love creativity
• Enjoy working with people
• Are excited about hands-on learning
• Want a flexible and rewarding career
• Are looking for a supportive place to build your skills

If this sounds like you, Rudae’s could be your next step.

How to Get Started at Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture

Here’s how to begin your journey:

1. Schedule a School Tour
   See the campus, meet instructors, and experience the culture.
2. Meet with Admissions
   Get program details, schedules, and enrollment information.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
   Complete the FAFSA and explore funding options.
4. Choose Your Program + Start Date
   Rudae’s offers multiple enrollment periods throughout the year.
5. Begin Your Path Toward a Beauty Career
   Start building your skills and confidence from day one.

Your Beauty Career Starts Here

Choosing a beauty school is a big decision—but with Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture, you’re choosing experience, hands-on learning, and a supportive community that wants to see you succeed.

If you’re ready to turn your creativity into a career, Rudae’s is ready to help you every step of the way.

Ready to begin? Contact Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture today to schedule your tour and take the first step toward a future in beauty.