Cosmetology is a Certificate Of Completion program offered by Stage One-The Hair School in Lake Charles, LA. The program takes 1,500 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $18,825.
Program Overview
Discover the art and science of beauty through our comprehensive cosmetology program. Our program covers 1,500 clock hours of training, during which you can study the artistic and scientific principles of beauty through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. This is your opportunity to learn the techniques and people skills needed to pursue your dream career in the beauty industry while studying in a creative, supportive environment at our Lake Charles campus.
The objective of our Cosmetology course is to acquaint you with all aspects of cosmetology so that you will have the well-rounded background you need to become a successful cosmetologist. You will learn the biology and chemistry of hair, as well as artistic approaches to hair sculpture, design, color and perm. You will be able to work with hair of all lengths, styles and textures. Manicuring, facials, make-up and pedicuring are also part of your training. In addition, you will receive special preparation for the State Board Examination which you must pass in order to practice your profession.
To help you better prepare for a more successful career, Stage One The Hair School has a complete People Skills program. It is the first program that addresses communication skills targeted specifically to a salon environment. With a strong technical background and People Skills, you have the resources to become a successful designer.
What sets this Program apart
Since Stage One The Hair School opened its doors in 1984, we've been committed to delivering education that helps students pursue their goals within the beauty industry. Here's why students choose Stage One The Hair School:
- Exclusive Pivot Point training: We're one of the only schools in Louisiana certified in the Pivot Point system, a beauty education system that teaches precision and allows creativity.
- Experienced educators: Our instructors are beauty professionals with years of industry experience. They provide mentorship, feedback, and guidance for students learning new skills.
- Beyond the basics: We teach more than basic beauty skills. We're also passionate about helping students develop professional skills such as client communication and business management to prepare them for the varied demands of a salon environment.
- Convenient location: Located in Lake Charles, our 4,400-square-foot campus offers students a comfortable and professional setting for studying and practicing skills. We have a student lounge, clinic stations, and dedicated areas for beauty services.
- Career guidance: While we can't guarantee job placement, the team at Stage One The Hair School can help support students with career counseling and resume building. When possible, we also inform students of potential job opportunities within their local area.
Admission Requirements and Process
Stage One The Hair School is a private institution looking for exceptional students who possess the desire and willingness to work hard in order to achieve their dreams. The school admits as regular students high school graduates, holders of a GED, or students who have completed homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by Louisiana state law. Students must be at least 16 years of age, provide proof of self, such as a driver's license or birth certificate, and successfully complete an admissions interview. Stage One The Hair School does not admit ability to benefit students and does not accept external transfer applicants.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageStudents must be at least 16 years of age.
- High school completionProvide a high school diploma from an approved high school or an official transcript with a raised seal showing passing scores, a GED, or proof that you completed homeschooling at…
- Proof of identificationProvide proof of identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate, and your social security card.
- Admissions interviewSuccessfully complete an admissions interview with a member of the team, which takes place during your campus tour.
- Foreign diplomasA foreign high school diploma must be verified by an outside agency qualified to translate documents into English and confirm academic equivalence to a U.S. high school diploma.
- Application formComplete the Stage One The Hair School application form and return it to the admissions office.
Application Process
- 1Schedule a campus tourAll prospective students are encouraged to take a tour of the campus before completing enrollment; you'll complete an interview with a member of the admissions team during the tour, which is part of the enrollment requirements.
- 2Submit your applicationPick up an application during your campus tour or stop by the admissions office during business hours and request one, then return your completed form to the admissions office.
- 3Provide documentationSubmit a copy of your high school diploma (or equivalent) and a valid ID along with your application; other documentation may be necessary depending on your circumstances and program.
- 4Apply for financial aidComplete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing Stage One The Hair School with Federal School Code 016747, and discuss your options with the financial aid team.FAFSA Code for Lake Charles: 016747Complete FAFSA Application
- 5Receive your start dateOnce accepted, you'll receive information with details about your start date and class schedule.
Program Schedule
Hours of instruction. Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Start dates. Cosmetology courses start every two weeks. Upcoming 2026 enrollment dates are October 20, November 3, November 17, December 1 and December 15. Stage One The Hair School reserves the right to change scheduled start dates and/or class schedules as needed.
The school is closed for the following legal holidays: New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- November 17th, 2026
- December 01st, 2026
- December 15th, 2026
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Schedule of fees (Cosmetology and Cosmetology (Hybrid)). Tuition $18,825.00; Books/Kit $2,650.00; Registration fee $100.00; Total Charges $21,575.00. Course costs are subject to change without notice.
Payment plans. Stage One The Hair School does offer institutional monthly payment plans that are interest free and extended plans are interest bearing. Cosmetology – 12 payments (standard), 18 payments (extended). Acceptable payment methods include but are not limited to cash, credit card, personal check, money order, Title IV funding, and private loans. Private pay students are also required to make a tuition down payment on the first day of class.
Over-exit charges. A student who exceeds the end date on the enrollment agreement/contract will incur over-exit fees of $396.00 per week for every additional week needed to complete the program requirements.
Federal financial aid. Stage One The Hair School is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans. In order to qualify for financial assistance all applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school's Federal School Code is 016747.
Louisiana state programs. Louisiana residents may also be eligible for the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) and Louisiana Workforce Commission – Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS).
Veterans. Stage One The Hair School is approved for Veterans Educational Benefits.
Curriculum
Our comprehensive curriculum includes haircutting and styling, skincare, nail care, health and safety, salon management and people skills. Stage One The Hair School's Cosmetology program consists of the study of artistic and scientific principles of cosmetology in theory, concept and practical application. Within the 1500 clock hours, students will be taught through audio-visual presentations, lectures, demonstrations, practical hands-on experiences, and written and practical testing. The course is organized in three phases (phase I-240 hours, phase II-660 hours, phase III-576 hours).
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Graduates of Stage One The Hair School's cosmetology school have gone on to work in a variety of jobs within the beauty industry, including:
- Salon owners
- Spa managers
- Freelance hair and makeup artists
- Hair color specialists
- Makeup artists for television or social media
- Beauty representatives
- Beauty educators
Outcomes (Cosmetology Disclosure 2023). Placement rate 81.82% for students who completed the cosmetology program between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and were employed by November 30, 2024 (NACCAS annual report). On-time completion rate 79.59% for cosmetology graduates in the same period.
Career placement. Although we do not guarantee job placement, we will help you to find employment in the cosmetology/esthetics field after graduation. Stage One The Hair School offers free lifetime placement assistance. When you are nearing completion of your hours you will discuss opportunities with the director of Stage One The Hair School. The director is in constant contact with salons in this area and in other cities.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Stage One The Hair School is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences and massage therapy. Stage One The Hair School is licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
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