Bottom Line Up Front: Want to make bank doing something you actually love? Our hair cutting classes in LA are like Netflix for your career—addictive, life-changing, and way more fun than you expected. Six months later, you’ll be the person everyone wants to book (and you’ll finally understand why stylists drive nicer cars than lawyers).
So here’s a wild story: Last year, Maria walked into our school knowing absolutely nothing about hair except that hers was “kinda brown and annoying.” Fast forward to today? She’s booked solid for the next three months, charges $150 per cut, and just bought a Tesla. Plot twist: she used to work in accounting and was miserable. Turns out, trading spreadsheets for shears was the best career move she ever made.
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Why Hair Cutting is Having Its Main Character Moment Right Now
Okay, real talk—while everyone’s freaking out about AI taking over jobs, there’s one thing robots definitely can’t do: give you a killer haircut while listening to your dating drama. And guess what? That job security is paying off big time.
Here’s a fun fact that’ll blow your mind: the beauty industry is growing 7% faster than basically every other job out there. We’re talking about 89,100 new openings every single year. That’s like creating a new small city worth of jobs annually—just for people who know how to work magic with scissors.
But here’s the really shocking truth: most people think hair cutting is just about, well, cutting hair. Wrong! It’s part therapist, part artist, part entrepreneur, and part magician. You literally get paid to make people feel amazing about themselves. Try finding that job satisfaction in corporate America.
And let’s talk money for a hot second. The median wage is around $18 per hour, but that’s just the starting line. Good stylists in LA? They’re pulling in $50-100+ per hour once they build their client base. Some of our grads are making more than their friends with fancy college degrees—without the student loan nightmares.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Hair Cutting Classes? (Spoiler: It's Not Forever)
Plot twist: You don’t need four years and a mountain of debt to start an amazing career. Our hair cutting classes take just 6 months. That’s shorter than most Netflix series you’ve binged.
California says you need 1,000 hours of training (they’re pretty serious about making sure you know what you’re doing before you touch someone’s precious locks). But here’s the cool part—every single one of those hours actually matters. No boring lectures about the history of ancient Rome or calculus you’ll never use. Just straight-up skills that pay the bills.
Think about it: while your friends are still arguing about their majors, you could be earning money doing something creative and fun. By the time they graduate, you’ll be the one with three years of experience and a waiting list of clients.
What's the Real Cost of Hair Cutting School? (And Why It's Actually Genius)
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room—money. Everyone’s thinking about it, so let’s just dive in.
Here’s the deal: quality hair cutting classes and training cost money, but we’re not trying to bankrupt you. We’ve got payment plans that work with real-life budgets, not trust fund budgets. Our financial aid team is basically like having a money wizard on your side—they’ll help you figure out how to make it work.
But here’s the kicker: we throw in a professional kit worth over $800. That’s like getting a free iPhone with your education. These aren’t cheap knockoff tools either—we’re talking about the same professional-grade shears and equipment you’ll use when you’re making bank.
And here’s a little secret: most of our students start making money way before they even graduate. Once you get a few months of training under your belt, you can start practicing on friends and family (with supervision, obviously). Before you know it, people are asking you to do their hair for special events. Ka-ching!
What You'll Actually Learn in Our Hair Cutting Classes (Hint: It's Not Just Snip-Snap)
Forget everything you think you know about beauty school from movies. This isn’t about gossiping while filing nails (though there might be some of that—we’re only human).
Here is what you’ll learn at Elite Cosmetology College during our hair cutting classes:
Hairstyling and Scissor Cutting: The Foundation of Everything Cool
First up: scissor skills that would make Edward Scissorhands jealous. We're talking precision cuts that make hair fall exactly where it should, every single time. You'll learn to read hair like it's telling you a story—because honestly, it kind of is. Here's something crazy: the difference between a $20 haircut and a $200 haircut isn't just the fancy salon chair. It's understanding how hair grows, moves, and behaves. Once you get this, you're not just cutting hair—you're creating art that people wear on their heads. We teach you to work with every hair type imaginable. Curly, straight, thick, thin, stubborn, cooperative—by the time we're done with you, you'll speak fluent Hair.
Layering and Finishing Techniques: Where the Magic Really Happens
Okay, this is where things get spicy. Layering is like the secret sauce of amazing haircuts. It's what makes hair bounce when someone walks, what gives volume to flat hair, and what makes people stop you on the street asking, "Where did you get your hair done?" But cutting is only half the battle. The finishing techniques? That's where you become a total wizard. We're talking blow-drying methods that make hair look like it belongs in a shampoo commercial, product knowledge that turns frizz into fabulous, and those little tricks that make clients say "I could never do this at home" (which keeps them coming back). Fun fact: a great finish can make an okay cut look amazing, but a bad finish can make an amazing cut look tragic. We make sure you nail both.
Barbering Foundations: Because Modern Stylists Do It All
Here's something wild: the whole "men go to barbers, women go to salons" thing? Totally outdated. Today's clients want stylists who can do everything—a perfect bob one minute, a sick fade the next. That's why we teach you legit barbering skills. Clipper work, fade techniques, traditional methods that are having a major comeback. Seriously, everyone wants a good fade right now—from CEOs to teenagers to your neighbor's mom. This dual training is like having a superpower in today's market. While other stylists are turning away clients because they can't do men's cuts, you'll be booking everyone. More skills = more money. It's basic math, but fun math.
Day vs. Night Classes: Choose Your Own Adventure
This might be the most important decision you make, so let’s break it down like we’re choosing pizza toppings—carefully and with full consideration of your lifestyle.
Day Hair Cutting Classes (9 AM - 3 PM): For the Early Birds and Free Spirits
Are you one of those people who actually likes mornings? (We know, you’re rare, but you exist.) Day classes might be your jam. There’s something pretty awesome about starting your day in the salon, working with natural light, and having your whole afternoon free.
Here’s what day students love: you can work part-time in the evenings, have dinner with friends, hit the gym, or just binge Netflix guilt-free because you already conquered your day. Plus, if you’re someone whose brain works better in the morning (lucky you), those early hours can be incredibly productive.
The day crowd is super diverse too—you’ve got recent high school grads figuring out their lives, career changers ready for something new, and parents whose kids are in school. It’s like a really supportive friend group where everyone’s cheering each other on to succeed.
Night Hair Cutting Classes (5 PM - 9 PM): For the Hustlers and Life Jugglers
Now, if you’re currently working during the day, have kids, or just can’t rearrange your entire existence to go back to school—our night classes are a total game-changer. We get it. Not everyone can drop everything to pursue their dreams.
Night students bring this incredible energy that’s honestly inspiring. They’re here because they chose to be here, after working all day, and that determination is contagious. You’re learning alongside people who are dead serious about changing their lives.
There’s also something pretty cool about the evening vibe. The salon lab feels different at night—more chill, more collaborative. Students often say they focus better in the evening because all the day’s distractions are done. Plus, let’s be honest, some of us are just night owls who come alive after 5 PM.
The Real Talk: Both Are Awesome
Here’s the truth bomb: both schedules give you the exact same education, hands-on practice, and instructor attention. The only difference is timing. So the real question isn’t “which is better?” but “which fits your life right now?”
- Financial aid for those who qualify
- Flexible payment plans
- Scholarship opportunities
- Veterans benefits acceptance
Your Professional Toolkit: We Hook You Up (For Real)
Okay, this part is pretty exciting. Every single student gets a professional kit worth over $800. We’re not talking about some cheap knockoff scissors from the drugstore—this is the real deal.
You get high-quality shears that’ll last your entire career, professional clippers, every comb and brush you could need, and styling tools that actually work. Having your own kit means you can practice at home, get comfortable with your tools, and start building that muscle memory that makes cutting feel natural.
Here’s a pro tip: by the time you graduate, these tools will feel like extensions of your hands. That’s not poetic nonsense—that’s literally how it works. The best stylists don’t think about their tools; they just create.
How to Build Your First Client Base: The No-BS Guide to Getting Booked
Alright, this is where we get real. School teaches you to cut hair, but nobody really explains how to actually get people to let you cut their hair. Here’s your step-by-step playbook for going from “I just graduated” to “I’m booked solid.”
The Foundation Phase (Months 1-3): Start Where You Are
Your inner circle is gold: Friends, family, coworkers—these are your first clients. Don’t be weird about it; just offer great work at friend prices
Document everything: Take before/after photos (with permission, obviously). Your future clients want to see proof you know what you’re doing
Perfect your consultation game: This is where most newbies mess up. Really listen to what people want. Ask questions. Be that stylist who “gets it”
Master the basics first: Don’t try to do Instagram-worthy rainbow hair on day one. Nail the fundamentals, then get fancy
The Growth Phase (Months 3-6): Time to Level Up
Get your social media game tight: Instagram and TikTok are your best friends. Post your work, use local hashtags like #LAhair, and show your personality
Ask for referrals (but do it right): Happy clients want to help you succeed. Make it easy for them to recommend you
Network like it’s your job: The beauty community is surprisingly supportive. Make friends, not just clients
Create packages and deals: New client specials, loyalty programs—give people reasons to choose you and stick with you
The Loyalty-Building Phase (Months 6+): Becoming the Stylist Everyone Wants
Remember the details: Clients love feeling remembered. “How’s your daughter’s soccer season going?” goes a long way
Stay current: Follow beauty influencers, take continuing education classes. The industry moves fast
Create an experience: It’s not just about the cut—it’s about how people feel in your chair
Develop your signature style: Find techniques or specialties that become your thing
Pro Tips That Actually Work (From Real Stylists Who Made It)
Be on time, every time: Sounds basic, but reliability builds trust faster than anything else
Invest in good lighting: Your work looks better, clients feel more confident, everyone wins
Learn to take feedback: Every “hmm, can we adjust this?” is a learning opportunity, not a personal attack
Price yourself right: Don’t work for peanuts, but be realistic about your experience level
Keep business cards everywhere: You never know when someone will ask about your hair
The Secret Sauce: Why Some Stylists Succeed and Others... Don't
Here’s something they don’t teach in most schools: being a great stylist is only partly about technical skills. The other part? People skills.
Every client who sits in your chair is trusting you with something pretty personal—their appearance. That’s not something people take lightly. Great stylists learn to read the room. Is this person looking for a dramatic change or just a refresh? Do they want to chat about their life, or would they prefer a peaceful, quiet service?
Here’s a shocking truth: your first year isn’t really about becoming the world’s best hair cutter. It’s about building confidence—yours and your clients’. Every great cut makes you better. Every happy client becomes part of your reputation. It’s like compound interest, but way more fun.
And here’s another industry secret: the stylists making serious money aren’t necessarily the most technically gifted ones. They’re the ones people actually want to spend time with. Be someone your clients genuinely enjoy being around, and you’ll never lack for work.
The Secret Sauce: Why Some Stylists Succeed and Others... Don't
Here’s something they don’t teach in most schools: being a great stylist is only partly about technical skills. The other part? People skills.
Every client who sits in your chair is trusting you with something pretty personal—their appearance. That’s not something people take lightly. Great stylists learn to read the room. Is this person looking for a dramatic change or just a refresh? Do they want to chat about their life, or would they prefer a peaceful, quiet service?
Here’s a shocking truth: your first year isn’t really about becoming the world’s best hair cutter. It’s about building confidence—yours and your clients’. Every great cut makes you better. Every happy client becomes part of your reputation. It’s like compound interest, but way more fun.
And here’s another industry secret: the stylists making serious money aren’t necessarily the most technically gifted ones. They’re the ones people actually want to spend time with. Be someone your clients genuinely enjoy being around, and you’ll never lack for work.
Ready to Stop Dreaming and Start Doing?
Here’s the thing: you can keep thinking about maybe someday possibly changing careers, or you can actually do something about it. Our hair cutting course aren’t just about learning to cut hair—they’re about building a skill that can support you for decades, give you creative fulfillment, and connect you with amazing people.
Whether you’re 18 or 48, whether you choose day or night classes, whether you want to work in trendy West Hollywood salons or cozy neighborhood spots—it all starts with getting proper training from people who actually know what they’re doing.
Ready to turn those scissor dreams into reality? Hit up Elite Cosmetology College to schedule a campus tour, chat with our admissions team about making it financially work, or just get your questions answered by real humans who’ve been where you are. Also, learn about our Cosmetology courses.
Your future clients are out there right now, probably getting mediocre haircuts and wishing they could find someone who really gets it. That someone could be you. Let’s make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our hair cutting program takes 1,000 hours and you can knock it out in just 6 months if you go full-time. That's faster than most people decide what to watch on Netflix.
We keep it real with our pricing and offer payment plans that won't require selling a kidney. Hit up our admissions team for the actual numbers and financing options.
Absolutely! Our financial aid specialists are basically money wizards who help you figure out how to make your dreams financially feasible.
The sky's the limit—salon stylist, barber, salon owner, freelance artist, entertainment industry work. Some of our grads even become social media influencers teaching others.
Yep, California doesn't mess around. But our program gets you totally ready for both the written and practical state exams.
Everything you need to start your career—professional shears, clippers, combs, brushes, styling tools. Worth over $800 and it's all yours to keep.
With your kit, you can practice techniques at home. But for paying clients, you'll need to finish the program and get licensed first. Safety first, people!
We focus on real skills for the real world, give you professional tools, offer flexible schedules, and our grads actually get jobs because we teach what salons actually need.
Disclosure: Individual career success varies and is dependent on effort, market conditions, and ongoing professional development. Elite Cosmetology College provides quality education and career preparation, but cannot guarantee specific employment outcomes or income levels.
