Hollywood Institute

The school traces its beginnings to 1974, when it started teaching cosmetology from a single building. It now operates four Florida campuses and offers programs in barbering, cosmetology, electrology, massage therapy, medical assisting, nail technology and skin care, plus dual programs that pair skin care with nails, electrology or massage. Which programs are available depends on the campus, so it is worth checking the one you are interested in.

Services for the public are carried out by students, so prices are modest: barber haircuts are listed at $12, manicure and pedicure combinations start at $33, and Dermalogica ProSkin facials start at $30. The salon takes day appointments Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM and evening appointments on Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Tuition varies by program and is set out in a catalog addendum that the school reviews and may change.

Students practice the whole client visit on live clients, from greeting and consultation through service, product sales and rebooking. Programs also cover salon business and retail, and the school says class sizes are kept small so instructors can give individual attention. Seasonal events, shows, job fairs and career seminars with local and national vendors are held on campus. Nail Technology students receive a professional kit and free tutoring, while Skin Care students receive Dermalogica kits and a Dermalogica book, along with access to Dermalogica Learning Lofts and guest lectures from local Dermalogica experts.

To enroll, applicants visit the campus in person to meet an admissions representative and tour the school, then submit a formal application and wait to be accepted. After acceptance they receive the catalog and sign an Enrollment Agreement before classes begin. Veterans and others eligible for GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill benefits can attend, since the school is approved by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. The school is also approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV federal financial aid for eligible students and is authorized to enroll M-1 visa students. Casselberry and Hollywood are accredited by NACCAS and Margate by ACCSC.

The school says it trains students to look, talk and work as licensed professionals, with presentation and professionalism built into the curriculum.