The Nail Inn & School of Cosmetology Joliet

The business operates from two locations: one on Stephen Street in Lemont and one on North Chicago Street in Joliet. It describes itself as not a typical beauty school and says it was founded by experienced industry professionals. Its stated focus is education in leadership, innovation and advanced skills.

The school offers the Illinois Cosmetologist license, which covers hair, skin care and nail services, and the Illinois Nail Technology License, which focuses on nails only. The cosmetology program totals 1,500 hours and can be taken full time over about 12 months or part time over about 23 months. The nail technology program totals 350 hours. Full-time nail students can finish in 12 to 14 weeks, while part-time classes run 22 to 29 weeks depending on the class and location. Both programs accept transfer hours from another school. Classes are kept small so instructors can work hands-on with each student.

Continuing education runs alongside the licensing programs. The business says it has held CEU sponsorship in Illinois for more than 20 years. It offers CEU classes for cosmetology, nail technology, barbering, hair braiding and esthetics, plus Master Education courses for nail technology and cosmetology with flexible hours. Topics include nail art, dipping, no chip manicures, extended ponytails with extensions, glue-in up-dos, back facials, microblading, acrylic encapsulating, sugar scrubs and body butter, hair extensions, waxing, 3D acrylic sculpting, advanced facials and makeup. Former students pay reduced rates for most of these classes.

Eyelash extension training is offered in small group sessions of 5 to 10 students over three to four weeks, or one-on-one. The listed group tuition is $1,500 per student and includes a lash kit and mannequin, a manual, live hands-on practice, mentorship, and guidance on business credit and funding. The course teaches a volume technique using pre-fanned custom lashes and ends with a diploma and a kit of glue and lashes. No license or prior experience is needed to enroll, though students are responsible for their own state licensing requirements. The business says it guarantees satisfaction with the lash learning experience.

The salon menu includes chemical services such as perms and relaxers, color work including balayage, foil and cap highlights, and double process color, along with cuts, blow dries, up-dos, extensions, manicures, pedicures, acrylic and gel sets, nail art, waxing, facials, makeup and individual lashes. Hair prices apply to shoulder-length hair, and many listed prices are starting prices.

Keeps classes small so instructors can spend time working hands-on with each student, with a stated focus on leadership, innovation and advanced skills.