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Beauty school advice: Empire vs private school

b3llatryxz

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Aug 20, 2025
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Hello! I'm new to this forum and I joined to get some advice. I'm seriously looking at getting into a cosmetology school and so far, what I have are two very different options.

One is a local Empire Beauty School. The name recognition is a factor for me, but I've heard mixed things about this specific location. The local buzz is that they're rushed, with limited hands-on salon time. The other option is a small, privately-owned school. I have a tour scheduled and all the reviews are fantastic. Everyone I've talked to says the teachers are supportive, and students get lots of practical salon experience early on.

Does a big-name school like Empire have more value on a diploma, even if the education isn't as good? Or is it better to go with the smaller school that has a great reputation locally? I feel like the answer is obvious, but I'm worried about missing something important. Any thoughts on big-name versus small-name schools would be super helpful. Thanks!
 
Smaller schools usually have better hands-on training and better teacher-to-student numbers. When it comes to cosmetology, getting practical skills and having a good local name means more than just going to a fancy, well-known school. Pick the school where you'll get the best experience working in a salon.
 
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