Professional Institute of Beauty

Beauty education has been offered in El Monte for more than 60 years at this school. Maria A. Quiñonez serves as president and has been connected with the school since 1986. The training facility spans 7,200 square feet and can accommodate up to 150 students at once.

Training is hands-on. The school says its classrooms simulate real salon conditions so students learn by doing. The student salon offers haircuts, manicures, pedicures and permanent waves during set salon hours, with walk-ins welcome, and students perform the services under licensed supervision.

The Cosmetology program takes 1,500 clock hours and can be completed in about twelve months of full-time attendance. Hair training covers permanent waving, chemical straightening, haircutting, coloring and bleaching. Skin and nail training covers facials, eyebrow arching, makeup, manicures, pedicures and artificial nails. Additional coursework covers salon management, professional ethics, salesmanship, resume preparation, desk and reception, and modeling. The total cost is listed at $16,100.

The Cosmetology Instructor program is 600 hours and listed at $7,100. It covers teaching techniques, lesson planning, evaluation, classroom management and supervising students. Nail Care is a 400-clock-hour program listed at $4,300, covering manicuring, pedicuring, artificial nails, nail art and design, and sanitation and nail-related anatomy. Nail Care graduates may continue into cosmetology instructor or cosmetology courses, but the school does not offer an esthetician course.

Schedules include full-time, part-time day and evening options, with bilingual instruction in English and Spanish. Classes start every Tuesday. The school accepts all students. Qualifying Cosmetology students may receive federal Pell Grants and federal student loans, while Nail Care is not eligible for federal aid. Payment plans and private financing are available for qualifying students.

Training is built around practice in conditions that mirror a working salon, and school-administered final exams are required for course completion.