Academics

Each student at the HDS works within the Certified Learning in Cosmetology (CLIC) program, which combines hands-on and instructional learning to prepare him or her for the cosmetology licensing exam. The program requires 1200 class hours and takes about a year to complete. It focuses on hair--design, cutting, coloring, and styling--as well as basic skin care, retail training, and business development. Unlike beauty school, HDS doesn't offer course on make-up, body waxing, or nail techniques. Because of the hands-on nature of hairstyling (each school has a salon in which students work under supervision while they complete the program), there are no online courses.

A full-time program normally takes 41 weeks to complete, and classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM. Part-time students can select from an 80 or 88 week schedule. Classes meet in the evenings and last four to four-and-a-half hours. Students cannot miss more than 18 days and still graduate on time.

Admissions

The HDS has an open admissions policy, but it requires that incoming students have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and that they provide photo identification and complete a career-planning interview. Classes start six times throughout the year. The school sometimes accepts transfer credits from other licensed institutions. Students who choose to study at a Hair Design School will work with teachers who are required to maintain up-to-date certification and training in hairstyling and cosmetology. In addition, the Empire Beauty Schools network gives access to career placement services and the Future Professionals Expo, where students can meet beauty company representatives, attend seminars, and apply for international internships.

The Ocean New Jersey location enrolls both full-time (78%) and part-time (22%) students. The student body is 82% female and 18% male, and 60% of students are Caucasian, while 22% are Black or African American, and 15% are Hispanic or Latino. The Bloomfield location enrolls a similar percentage of full-time and part-time students, as well as a similar percentage of males and females. However, 71% of students are Black or African American, 20% are Hispanic or Latino, and 5% are Caucasian.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the HDS was approximately $14,400 for the program in 2010-2011, and the school offers tuition payment plans. Additionally, students are required to purchase cosmetology student kits, which include such supplies as mannequin heads, brushes, clippers and shears. Depending on your specialization area, you'll also have to purchase additional items. The estimated cost for books and supplies for the 2011-2012 academic year was $1,500. Additionally, students are required to pay a $100 enrollment fee and a $175 state licensure fee.

As an accredited institution, the HDS can offer state and federal financial aid to students. The available aid varies depending on the state in which a school is located and a student's individual financial situation. Students qualify for state federal grants and loans, and the Hair Design School's parent company (Empire Beauty Schools) offers scholarships to qualifying students. Each school also has Career Planning Specialists whom students are encouraged to contact for information on other aid available, as well as employment placement after graduation.

Sources: *The Hair Design School, **College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics.

School Contact Information

• Address:
  Bloomfield: Hair Design School, 15 Ward Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
  Ocean Township: Hair Design School, 1459 Route 35, Ocean, NJ 07713
• Phone Number:
  General: (800) 964-2396
  Bloomfield: (973) 680-0099
  Ocean Township: (732) 493-1356
• Website: www.hairdesignschool.edu