Cosmetology School

A practical path into the beauty industry

Cosmetology is the broadest path in beauty, and at John Amico it is taught in four levels. Level One builds the foundation skills that prepare students for real-world experience. Level Two moves into advanced methods, including color formulation, creation, and application. Levels Three and Four refine those skills, add salon-ready and business training, and prepare students for graduation. Founder John Amico is an award-winning celebrity stylist whose organic Italian hair color is produced at his own plant in Italy and used in thousands of U.S. salons.

Training blends the latest American and European techniques with the school’s “You Are The Greatest” approach to self-esteem and client communication. Hands-on repetition, educator feedback, and real client interaction matter as much as technique: confidence and consultation are what carry a new professional once they reach the salon floor.

Students can ask admissions for current schedule options, catalog details, supplies, and financial-aid steps for those who qualify.

What students practice

• Color: formulation, foils, highlights, lowlights, blocking, and touch-ups
• Hair sculpting, cutting, design, and finishing
• Texture services and keratin smoothing across hair types
• Men’s cutting: shears, clipper work, fades, line-ups, and beard grooming
• Sew-in, braiding, and extension techniques
• Spa add-ons: waxing, manicuring, pedicuring, facials, and makeup
• Consultation, retailing, client care, and salon professionalism

Course description: The following is a breakdown of the units of theoretical and practical instruction necessary for completing the course, as prescribed by Illinois statute. Please note that the actual sequence of instruction may vary.

Cosmetology course outline (1500 hours)

• Basic Training (150 hours): Tools and Equipment, Their Use and Safety, Shampoo, Understanding Chemical Products and Their Use and Chemical Safety, Types of Hair, Health, Sanitation and Infection Control, Hygiene, Skin Diseases and Conditions, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Bacteriology, Electricity, Professional, Ethics, Nail Technology, and Esthetics.
• Practical Chemical Application and Hair Treatment (500 hours): Chemical Safety, Product Knowledge and Their Use and Safety, Permanent Waving, Hair Coloring, Tinting and Bleaching, Hair Relaxing, Skin Chemical Procedures, Hair and Scalp Conditioning, Shampooing, Toning and Rinsing.
• Hair Styling / Hair Dressing (475 hours): Cutting, Thinning, Shaping, Trimming, Application of Electrical or Mechanical Equipment, Curling, Scalp and Hair Treatments, and Marceling.
• Shop Management, Sanitation, and Interpersonal Relations (200 hours): Labor Law, Worker’s Compensation, Client Relations/Resume/Career and Employment Information, Salon management and Business Administration, Business Ethics, Bookkeeping, Marketing and Merchandising, Emergency First Aid, Right To Know Laws, Pertinent State and Local Laws and Rules, Sanitation, Electrical Devices, Personal Grooming and Hygiene.
• Esthetics (85 hours): Principles and Techniques of Skin Care Treatments and Application of Cosmetics.
• Nail Technology (55 hours): Principles and Techniques of Nail Services.
• Electives (35 hours)

Cosmetology decision guide

Cosmetology is the right starting point for students who want the widest range of salon careers. Across four levels you move from foundation skills into color formulation, cutting and design, texture and keratin work, men’s cutting, and extensions: the full toolkit a licensed cosmetologist uses every day.

The best admissions conversation starts with your goals. Some students want a broad career path, some want to focus on color or cutting, and some are building on previous experience. Ask how each certification, color, hair sculpting, keratin, men’s cutting, and sew-in/braiding, is introduced, and how practice is supervised as your skills develop.

Because schedules, supplies, and program availability can change, confirm the current details with admissions before enrolling.