Top Myths About Beauty School  June 12, 2025

Hey future beauty pro, We see you—you’re curious, creative, and wondering if beauty school could be your next big step. But if you’ve done any Googling or heard a few things from friends or family, you’ve probably come across some mixed messages. Let’s set the record straight! At TSPA Fort Wayne, we’ve heard it all. So today, we’re busting the most common myths about beauty school and sharing the truths we think every potential student deserves to know. No fluff—just real talk.

Truth: Beauty school is hands-on, skills-based training that prepares you for a real, licensed profession. In fact, our programs require dedication, discipline, and state board certification. You’ll learn anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, business, communication, marketing—and of course, techniques in hair, skin, nails, and more.

You don’t just learn how to make people look good. You learn how to help people feel confident, safe, and seen. That’s real, valuable education.

This misconception about “real education” often comes from the fact that beauty school programs are shorter in length than a traditional four-year college degree. But that’s actually a strength—not a flaw. Our programs are designed to focus directly on the skills you’ll need in your career—no fluff, no filler. Every hour you spend with us is intentional, hands-on, and aligned with your future goals. That’s why our students love that they don’t have to sit in general education classes for years before launching their dream career. Instead, they’re getting industry-ready in a fraction of the time—and hitting the ground running in a field they’re passionate about.

Truth: This one’s outdated. Beauty school isn’t a “backup plan”—it’s a launchpad for creative, entrepreneurial individuals who want something different than the traditional 4-year path.

Our students choose this route on purpose. They want to work with their hands, build a flexible career, and use their creativity in a real way. And the best part? They’re often working in the field and earning income faster than their college-bound peers.

For many of our students, beauty school was their first choice—but sometimes, it became their second choice because of the voices around them. Whether it’s a parent wanting “something more stable,” a teacher pushing a traditional college route, or a well-meaning friend who doesn’t understand the industry, we’ve seen how outside opinions can cause students to pause on their passion. It’s common for students to try other careers first—maybe enrolling in a different program, starting a job they don’t love, or chasing a path that doesn’t quite fit—before they finally circle back to the beauty industry. And when they do, there’s often a lightbulb moment: “This is what I was meant to do.” At our school, we welcome those full-circle journeys. Because whether beauty school was your first choice or your second try, what matters most is that you’re following the path that feels right to you—and we’re here to help you thrive on it.

Truth: This is one of the biggest misconceptions—and we get why. Beauty careers look different from typical 9-to-5 jobs, and income can vary based on where you work, your experience, your schedule, and your ambition.

But here’s the thing: Many beauty professionals build thriving, sustainable careers. Some work in high end salons, others become independent artists, business owners, educators, or brand ambassadors. Some work part-time with full-time flexibility. Some specialize in areas like lashes, skincare, or barbering. The opportunities are wide-ranging—and your path is what you make of it.

What’s important is that beauty careers offer you control. With the right mindset, strong skills, and customer care, you can grow a loyal clientele, build your brand, and increase your earning potential over time. We won’t promise you a number. But we *will* tell you this: The beauty industry is one of the most relationship-driven, growth-oriented industries out there. And if you’re willing to put in the work, it can absolutely pay off. When you pair this with a positive mindset, your earning potential is boundless!

Truth: Not at all! While many of our grads love working in salons, there are so many career paths available in beauty. You could work in:

But the opportunities don’t stop here. From working with the brands you’ve always loved to being part of the innovation behind salon technology, the industry is full of dynamic roles that go beyond styling and skincare. Think: working in marketing or education for a top color brand, becoming a sales rep for professional tools, training salons on the latest booking software, or even joining a company that provides business services to beauty professionals. Many of the people who thrive in those roles started where you are—with a passion for beauty and a license to practice. Their hands-on experience gives them a deep understanding of the industry that companies value—and that creates exciting opportunities to grow in ways you might not have imagined yet.

Your license is the foundation. Where you go from there is completely up to you.

Truth: Talent is great—but it’s not everything. In fact, we believe passion, persistence, and a willingness to learn are far more important than being a “natural.” Beauty school is where skills are taught, refined, and practiced until they become second nature. No one starts as a pro—you grow into one through repetition, coaching, and commitment.

The beauty of this industry (no pun intended!) is that learning never stops. Outside of school, there are countless ways to stay fresh and on-trend—social media tutorials, online masterclasses, hands-on workshops, trade shows, and brand trainings. If you’re curious and committed, the education is always there. The most successful professionals in this field aren’t always the most naturally gifted—they’re the ones who show up, stay inspired, and keep learning.

Choosing a career path is a big decision. We believe it should be based on facts, not fear. If you’ve heard these myths before, we hope this helped you see that beauty school is so much more than people think. It’s creative. It’s empowering. It’s professional. And yes—it can be a smart, exciting move for your future.

Have questions? We’re here for that too. Come visit us, chat with admissions, and let’s talk through what your path could look like.

Your future is in your hands (literally). Let’s get to work.

Book a tour today and discover how our beauty programs can help you become the beauty pro you’re meant to be.