How to Make the Most of Your Beauty School Experience

Starting beauty school can be an exciting milestone—one filled with creativity, passion, and the opportunity to shape a future in the beauty industry. Whether you’re drawn to hair, skincare, nails, or makeup, your time in cosmetology school can be a foundation for your success. At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, we believe that your beauty education should be more than just checking off class hours—it should be an empowering, transformative journey.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you can do to make the most of your time at beauty school.

1. Set Clear Goals for Yourself

Before you even begin classes, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve from your beauty school journey.

Ask yourself:

• What area of cosmetology excites me most?
• Do I want to work in a salon, own my own business, or specialize in a niche field?
• Where do I see myself in 5 years?

Once you have a vision, set short-term and long-term goals to guide your daily decisions. Having clear direction can help you stay motivated when things get challenging and keep you focused on your bigger picture.

Pro Tip: Write down your goals and revisit them every few months to track progress and shift focus as needed.

2. Embrace Every Learning Opportunity

At David Pressley, students gain *hands-on experience in a real-world salon environment. Take advantage of every lesson—whether it’s in the classroom or working with guests on the clinic floor.

Here’s how to stay engaged:

• Ask questions during theory classes.
• Volunteer for extra practice or services.
• Try techniques outside of your comfort zone.
• Take feedback constructively and apply it.

Remember, even the most seasoned professionals once struggled to hold shears or apply lashes. Your effort and attitude toward learning can make a world of difference in how much you grow.

3. Build Relationships With Instructors and Peers

Your instructors are more than just teachers—they’re experienced professionals with industry insight. Get to know them, ask them about their career journeys, and don’t hesitate to seek mentorship.

Your fellow students are also an invaluable part of your journey. Beauty school is more fun—and productive—when you have a support system. Lift each other up, practice on one another, and exchange tips and encouragement.

Why this matters:

• You’ll build a network of future colleagues.
• Group study and practice often yield better results.
• You’ll feel more supported and confident in your growth.

4. Practice Like You’re Already a Pro

Treat every client, mannequin, and class activity like a real-world experience. Approach each assignment with professionalism. This mindset can help you build confidence, skill, and work ethic.

Practice tips:

• Stick to a schedule—even when it’s tempting to coast.
• Use the time between clients or classes to improve weaker techniques.
• Keep your kit and station organized and sanitized.

At David Pressley, our reputation is built on preparing students to be salon-ready from day one. That starts with a professional mindset.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Balancing beauty school with life responsibilities can be tough. Long hours on your feet, staying creative, and managing deadlines can lead to burnout if you’re not careful.

Prioritize self-care:

• Get enough rest and stay hydrated.
• Take breaks and stretch throughout the day.
• Eat healthy meals that give you energy.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re overwhelmed.

When you feel your best, you perform your best—and that shows in your work and your client relationships.

6. Build a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is your calling card. It showcases your range of skills and your personal style. Start building it early and update it often.

What to include:

• Before-and-after photos of haircuts, color, makeup, or nail designs.
• Close-up shots of technical details like braids, fades, or lashes.
• Short blurbs describing the client’s request and your process.
• Testimonials from clients or classmates.

Use Instagram or a personal website to share your portfolio and grow your professional presence online.

7. Learn Business and Marketing Basics

Beauty is both an art and a business. Whether you plan to work in a salon, rent a booth, or start your own business, basic marketing and financial skills can set you apart.

Start learning:

• How to book and retain clients.
• Social media marketing and branding.
• Customer service and consultation techniques.
• Basics of budgeting, pricing, and taxes.

At David Pressley, we offer resources and guidance to help you build not just technical skills, but business-savvy confidence as well.

8. Participate in School Events and Competitions

From guest speakers and product demos to local competitions and community events, there are plenty of ways to get involved outside the classroom.

Benefits of participation:

• Gain exposure to industry trends and brands.
• Meet professionals who can become mentors or employers.
• Add impressive experience to your resume and portfolio.
• Challenge yourself and showcase your creativity.

Students who get involved often graduate with more confidence, broader networks, and clearer career goals.

9. Stay Inspired with Ongoing Education

The beauty industry is constantly evolving. Techniques, tools, and trends change every year, and successful professionals keep learning long after graduation.

Stay sharp by:

• Following industry leaders and educators on social media.
• Watching YouTube tutorials or webinars.
• Reading beauty magazines or blogs.
• Attending trade shows or advanced training courses.

When you stay inspired, your passion continues to grow, and your clients will notice.

10. Ask for Feedback—Then Use It

Constructive criticism is one of the fastest ways to improve. Don’t wait for someone to point out a mistake—ask for their input.

Who to ask:

• Instructors (for technical and theory feedback)
• Peers (for technique and design opinions)
• Clients (for service quality and experience)

Learning to accept and apply feedback with grace can make you a more adaptable and professional artist.

11. Take Your Licensing Seriously

Getting licensed is a major milestone, and your future career depends on it. Take the time to understand your state’s requirements, study thoroughly, and treat your practical and written exams like top priorities.

Study strategies:

• Use flashcards, apps, or group study to stay on track.
• Schedule mock exams to simulate test conditions.
• Practice timed services and refine your technique.

At David Pressley, we help students prepare confidently for the Michigan State Board exams with built-in support and review sessions.

12. Start Thinking About Your Next Steps Early

Don’t wait until graduation to start planning your career. The earlier you start exploring your options, the smoother your transition from student to stylist will be.

Consider:

• Which salons, spas, or medspas you might want to work at.
• Whether you want to specialize (color, skincare, bridal, etc.)
• How to polish your resume and prepare for interviews.
• Getting mentorship from alumni or guest artists.

Our staff is here to help with career planning, job placement assistance, and portfolio prep.

13. Promote Yourself and Build Your Brand

You don’t have to wait until after graduation to start building your clientele or online presence. The earlier you start, the more momentum you’ll carry into your career.

Branding tips:

• Choose a name or handle that’s consistent across platforms.
• Post your work regularly and tag the school or brands you use.
• Share behind-the-scenes content from school life.
• Engage with your followers—consistency builds trust!

Social media is one of the most powerful tools you have as a beauty professional. Start practicing now while you’re surrounded by inspiration every day.

14. Lean Into Your Passion and Stay Curious

Your time in beauty school can be filled with ups and downs. Some days you’ll feel like a rockstar, and other days you might feel stuck. That’s part of the process.

What makes a great student—and future beauty pro—is resilience, curiosity, and heart. Stay passionate about learning. Stay curious about people. Stay hungry to create something beautiful.

Because when you truly love what you do, your work will always shine.

Your Journey Can Start Now

At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, our mission is to give students more than a license—we aim to give you the tools, mindset, and confidence to build the career of your dreams.

From the first time you shampoo a mannequin to the day you pass your State Board exams, every step of your beauty school journey is part of something bigger. The time you invest in yourself now can pay off in skills, connections, and opportunities for years to come.

So show up, stay hungry, ask questions, practice boldly, and lean into everything this experience has to offer. Your future is waiting—and it looks beautiful.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’re thinking about enrolling at David Pressley School of Cosmetology, we’re here to help. Our admissions team can walk you through the application process, program options, and tour the campus with you.

Contact us to schedule your visit today.

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.