Beauty school vs. salon apprentice: which free haircut is right for you?

Two kinds of training

Beauty-school students are working toward their state license. They practice in the school's clinic under instructors, following the curriculum for the state exam.

Salon apprentices and assistants usually already hold a license, or are training inside a salon's own education program. They practice the salon's specific cutting and color methods so they can move onto the floor.

Cost

Salon model sessions are often free, sometimes with a product fee for color. Beauty-school clinics usually charge a low fixed price. Either way, it's a fraction of a regular salon visit.

Supervision and results

Both are supervised. At a school, instructors check each step. In a salon program, an educator or senior stylist reviews the work and often finishes it. Salon sessions tend to focus on one technique, while school clinics may offer a wider menu.

If you want a specific trend the salon is known for, a salon model night is the better bet. If you want a simple, predictable service at a set price, a school clinic is easy to book.

How to choose

• Flexible on the look and want it free? A salon model night.
• Need a particular service on a particular day? A school clinic often has more availability.
• Want color? Salon color model calls are often more specialized, especially for balayage.