What to Expect on Your Beauty School Tour

A beauty school tour at Alabama School of Nail Technology & Cosmetology covers a lot of ground. You’ll walk through classrooms and the student salon floor, spend time with instructors, review each program we offer, and talk through admissions and financial aid. That way, you can see exactly what training will look like before you enroll. Tours are offered at both our Jackson and Saraland campuses.

What happens during a beauty school tour?

A tour is built to answer the questions a website can’t. You get a feel for what the classrooms are actually like, how students spend their training hours, and whether the school feels like the right fit.

1. A warm welcome. A member of our admissions team greets you and walks the tour with you, answering questions as they come up.
2. A look at classrooms and learning spaces. This is where theory instruction happens before students move into hands-on training.
3. A guided walk through the student salon floor. This is where students provide services to real clients under instructor supervision.
4. Time observing students in action. You get to see hands-on training happening in real time, not just hear about it.
5. Meeting instructors and staff. You get a real conversation with the people who will actually be teaching you.

What will you see on the student salon floor?

This is usually the part of the tour that makes the training feel real. You will see students performing manicures, facials, cuts, color, and other services on actual clients, guided by instructors the whole time.

It is also a good moment to picture yourself on that floor. Most prospective students say seeing the student salon in person changes how real the training feels compared to reading about it online.

Which programs will you learn about during the tour?

Your tour guide will walk through each program we offer so you can compare them side by side.

• Cosmetology program: hair, skin, and nail services together, requiring 1,500 training hours, completed in as little as 45 weeks full time.
• Esthetics program: skincare, waxing, and makeup services, requiring 1,000 training hours, completed in as little as 32 weeks full time.
• Nail technology program: manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements, requiring 750 training hours, completed in as little as 23 weeks full time.

What admissions requirements should you bring or ask about?

It helps to bring these documents with you, or at least know where to find them. That way your tour guide can walk through the enrollment process with specifics, not generalities.

• High school diploma, transcript showing graduation, or GED
• Any higher education transcripts, if applicable
• State-issued photo identification
• Signed Social Security card

Will financial aid be discussed on the tour?

Yes. Every tour includes time to talk through payment options, not just program details, so it is not something you have to bring up on your own. Many students start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Our admissions team can also walk you through scholarship opportunities during your visit.

What should you prepare before your tour?

A short list of questions goes a long way toward making the visit useful.

• Ask about scheduling: courses are offered on both full-time and part-time schedules, so ask which pace fits your current work or family situation.
• Ask to see student work: many campuses can show you finished nail art, color work, or skincare results from current students.
• Ask about class sizes: smaller groups usually mean more one-on-one time with instructors.
• Bring your admissions documents: having them on hand means you can move straight into the application conversation if you are ready.

Can you apply the same day as your tour?

Many students do choose to begin their application during the visit, since your admissions documents and questions are already in hand. There is no obligation to decide that day. Plenty of students take time afterward to think it over, compare programs, or talk with family before applying.

What happens after the tour if you need more time to decide?

If you leave without applying, an admissions team member will typically follow up to see if you have more questions. That follow-up is a good time to ask anything that came up after you left. It could be about scheduling, financial aid, or how a specific program compares to another one you toured.

Why tour before choosing a beauty school?

Reading about a program online only goes so far. A tour lets you meet the instructors who will actually be teaching you and see real students working on real clients. You also get a feel for whether the environment fits how you learn best. It is also the most direct way to compare our Jackson and Saraland campuses, if you are not sure which location makes more sense for you.

Contact our admissions team to schedule your tour at Jackson or Saraland and see the student salon in person.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a beauty school tour usually take?

Plan for about 45 minutes to an hour, though you are welcome to stay longer and keep asking questions. Your campus can confirm timing when you schedule.

Can you bring a friend or family member on your tour?

Yes. Many prospective students bring a parent, spouse, or friend along. It can help to have a second set of questions during the visit.

Do you need an appointment, or can you walk in for a tour?

Scheduling ahead is recommended. That way an admissions team member, and where possible an instructor, are available to walk you through the campus. Contact the Jackson or Saraland campus directly to set a time.

What if you are not sure which program is right for you yet?

That is a common reason to tour in the first place. Your admissions team can walk through cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology side by side. They can help you think through which one fits your interests and goals.

Is the beauty school tour free?

Yes. Touring either campus is free, with no obligation to enroll.

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.