Paul Mitchell vs. Aveda vs. Community College Cosmetology course?

Apr 26, 2012

Elise B.

I'm decided to go to Cosmetology school since hair and makeup is my passion, but I'm having trouble picking the right school. I loved the fact that Paul Mitchell focused a little more on makeup than Aveda did. But Paul Mitchell seems to teach you more about owning your own salon and all these glamorous things whereas Aveda seemed to take a more realistic approach. Personally, I like Paul Mitchell's edgy style more but I'm wondering if I'd become more successful by going to Aveda. Also, I dropped by a salon and asked a few stylists some questions and was told that I should just go to community college because I will learn the same things and pay three times less for tuition. So if anybody has any suggestions or personal experience, please help!

Apr 26, 2012

Secretlysarahann S.

hello elise...well the decision is really where you feel the most comfortable...i attended school that wasnt sponsored by any company but wasnt a community college either...anyway enough about me... yes your education is very important, but they are just teaching you the basics...your real training will begin with your first job as an apprentice...so go to a school you feel excited to go to everyday, somewhere you will enjoy learning the basics...time will fly by if you enjoy it and youll be a licensed cosmetologist in no time...best of luck :) xo sarahann

Apr 28, 2012

Jessica R.

Hi Elise :)
Personally, I am a licensed esthetician and I attended an Aveda Institute in Florida. In the curriculum makeup doesn't seem to be a huge portion of cosmetology, but in all honesty it will just depend on the school you attend and your instructors. Aveda offers tons of advanced education classes, makeup being the focus of quite a few of them. There is always the opportunity to learn anything you would like to focus more on if you just ask! That is the key. Personally I believe Aveda as a whole is one of the best companies to work for. It will change your perspective on health and beauty, provide you with one of the best educations in this industry, and open doors for lots of opportunities all around the world. I not only attended school with Aveda, but have been able to work for their company and even become an educator for the past 2 years. I looked at it as getting the BEST education in the industry. But it's not for everyone so deciding will have to be up to you. Here's a tip, take a trip to a few of your local salons (preferably the top competitive salons in your town), or even give them a call, to ask them if they are recruiting new stylist, in what order would they hire an Aveda graduate, Paul Mitchell graduate, and technical college grad. (Basically rating their top to bottom picks) That will give you an idea of where you will stand in the job market. I would love to answer any other questions you may have. Good luck with your journey!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions!
jessicar.nowbrow@gmail.com

Jessica

Apr 29, 2012

Elise B.

Thank you girls so much for your advice! I'm going to call up both schools and ask to sit in on their classes to get a better feel for what it would be like as a student there. And Jessica, I will definitely call some salons and ask questions, that's a great idea! I know Aveda is a really good school and has a great reputation so it'll be a hard decision to make. But thanks again for all your help (: 

Dec 27, 2012

Evalin A.

Elise B. could you tell me what school you decided to attend? I'm still debating on either Aveda or PM...