Tricoci University Bridgeview

Mario Tricoci began his hairstyling career in Italy and started working in Chicago in 1960, opening his first salon in Villa Park, Illinois in 1963. The salons and spas later merged with Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas in 2001 and were bought back by Mario Tricoci in 2018. He founded the schools and opened the first Tricoci campus in 2004, though he is no longer involved with the schools.

Campuses are in Bridgeview, two places in Chicago (Rogers Park and the Norwood Park campus near O'Hare), Elgin, Glendale Heights, Libertyville, Normal, Peoria, Rockford, Urbana, Bloomington, Highland, Fishers (Indianapolis NE), Lafayette and Janesville, Wisconsin. Many campuses run clinic salons open to the public, including Rogers Park, Glendale Heights, Libertyville, Normal, Elgin, Indianapolis NE and Janesville. Guests can walk in or call ahead, and the clinic booking line is 1.888.616.9051. Student salons can be busy, especially on Saturdays, so the school suggests calling ahead to check wait times.

Because students perform the services, appointments may take longer than at a traditional salon. Services may be adjusted after consultation based on instructor guidance, timing and the guest's needs. Specific student requests are not guaranteed; without one, appointments are assigned by campus rotation and student progress toward graduation.

Programs include Cosmetology (1,500 hours, roughly 10 months full time or 17 months part time at many campuses), Esthetics (750 hours, 5 months full time or 9 months part time), Barber, Nail Technology and Instructor Training for cosmetology, esthetics and teachers. Illinois cosmetology and barber licensure requires 1,500 training hours, and Illinois esthetician licensure requires 750. The cosmetology curriculum covers cutting, color, styling, chemical and texture services, skincare, nails and makeup, and includes salesmanship, retailing and basic salon management. Libertyville and Janesville include state board exam preparation.

Listed prices on the booking site are discounted and may change without notice; extra product may add a charge for longer or denser hair, discussed before service. Corrective color is quoted after a consultation. Cancellations and changes need at least 24 hours' notice. Students may apply for federal aid through the FAFSA, and Pell Grants and federal Direct Loans may be available to eligible students. No-interest payment plans and school scholarships and grants are also available.

Training is hands-on and supervised: students perform services in the clinic salon while licensed educators oversee the work. The curriculum is built around state licensing hour requirements.

Working salon floors sit alongside treatment rooms and theory classrooms, so visitors see the training as it happens.