Everything You Need to Know to Start Beauty School

Starting beauty school is simpler than most people think. You need a high school diploma or GED, to be at least 17 years old (18 years old for Massage Therapy), and to choose a program that fits your goals. From there, you apply, sort out financial aid, and begin hands-on training. Here’s exactly what that process looks like at Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy in Yakima, WA.

What Program Is Right for You?

The beauty and wellness industry covers more ground than most people expect. Choosing the right program means thinking honestly about what kind of work you want to do every day.

Elite offers eight programs, each focused on a specific area:

• Cosmetology covers hair cutting, coloring, styling, skincare, and nail services. Washington state requires 1600 training hours to sit for the cosmetology state exams — a program full-time students can complete in as little as 12 to 16 months
• Hair Design is a hair-only program covering cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical services. Washington requires 1400 hours for a Hair Design license — roughly 200 fewer hours than full cosmetology
• Barber focuses on men’s cutting, fades, beard grooming, and shaving techniques in a hands-on setting — 1000 total hours
• Esthetics covers facials, skincare treatments, and client care. Washington state requires 750 hours to sit for your esthetics license
• Master Esthetics is an advanced skincare program for students who already hold an esthetics license — 450 hours in addition to the 750 required for a basic Esthetics license
• Manicuring covers manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements — one of the shorter programs offered at Elite — 600 total hours
• Massage Therapy builds hands-on skills in therapeutic massage, bodywork, and wellness techniques — 625 total hours
• Instructor is designed for currently licensed beauty professionals who want to teach the next generation — 500 total hours

Not sure where to start? Schedule a tour of the Yakima campus and talk through your options with an admissions representative.

What Are the Enrollment Requirements?

Enrolling at Elite requires three things:

•       Age: Be at least 17 years old (18 for the Massage Therapy program).
•       Secondary education: A high school diploma, GED certificate, official transcript, or state certification of homeschool completion. Foreign diplomas require a validity and equivalence report.
•       Application: Complete and submit the enrollment application. Once all paperwork is processed, Elite will notify you whether your application has been accepted.

Transfer students are welcome. Documented hours from another accredited school may be applied toward your program — bring your transcripts so the team can evaluate what carries over.

What Does Training Look Like Day-to-Day?

At Elite, you aren’t stuck at a desk reviewing textbooks for your first few months. Students work in an on-site salon and spa environment from early in their program, practicing on real clients. All services are provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Washington’s curriculum now requires training on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair — part of HB 1874, which took effect March 1, 2026. That requirement is built into Elite’s cosmetology, hair design, barber and esthetics programs.

Elite also offers a 45% distance learning option for many programs, meaning a portion of your coursework can be completed remotely. Flexible scheduling means you don’t have to put the rest of your life on hold to pursue your education. Many students balance work, family, and school at the same time.

How Does Financial Aid Work?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

To find out what you may be eligible for, you’ll fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) as part of the enrollment process. The FAFSA® opens the door to federal grants, loans, and other aid programs. According to data from Trade Colleges Directory, 68% of Elite’s enrolled students received grant or scholarship aid.

Elite’s financial aid team walks you through the process. You can also use the Net Price Calculator on Elite’s website to get a rough estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before you commit.

▶  Explore your financial aid options at Elite →

What Happens After You Complete Your Program?

Completing your program makes you eligible to sit for the Washington state licensing exams. For cosmetology, hair design, barber, master esthetics, esthetics and manicuring students, that means passing both a written and a practical exam through the National-Interstate Council (NIC), with a minimum passing score of 75%. For massage therapy students, this means passing the written MBLEx exam. If you pass and your application is approved, you can receive your Washington state license in your field.

That license is what allows you to practice professionally in Washington state.

Ready to Begin Your Beauty Education?

The first step is a conversation. Contact Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy to schedule a campus tour, ask questions, and see the school in action. Call 509-457-9246 ext. 101 or schedule your tour online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to enroll in beauty school?

No prior experience is required. Programs at Elite are built to take students from beginner to license-ready, regardless of background.

Can I work while attending beauty school?

Yes. Many Elite students balance work, family, and school by using the 45% distance learning option available for several programs.

How long does beauty school take?

It depends on the program and your schedule. The cosmetology program can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time. Esthetics and manicuring require fewer hours and can be completed faster.

What do I need to bring on my first day?

Your admissions team will give you an enrollment checklist indicating the documents that need to be turned in and steps completed prior to attending orientation and starting class. All tools and supplies necessary for successful program completion are provided for students while on-campus. Come ready with a positive attitude and a willingness to get hands-on from day one.

Is financial aid available?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see what you may be eligible for.