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Cosmetology Program Program
Program Overview
Find Your Niche. Elevate Your Passion. Master the business of beauty with the academy that turns students into industry leaders.
Our 1,600-hour Cosmetology program blends advanced classroom theory with high-energy, hands-on clinical practice. Our students gain an understanding of beauty and wellness, mastering hair cutting, coloring, texture services, nail care, and makeup artistry.
We’re here to help you root yourself in Idaho’s beauty scene. At TSPA, you’ll build the industry connections and lifelong friendships you need to thrive both during school and throughout your career.
Why Choose TSPA Nampa For Cosmetology School?
At TSPA Nampa, we don’t just teach cosmetology; we elevate it! As part of The Salon Professional Academy franchise, our cosmetology program is constantly evolving to stay ahead of industry trends and accelerate your success for a lifelong, thriving beauty career.
An Elevated Educational Experience
We believe in the personal approach. Our commitment to small class sizes, 1-on-1 teaching, hands-on training, and guest speaker sessions ensures you master both technical artistry and essential business skills. At TSPA, you’re doing more than earning a license; you’re finding your place in a professional beauty community and building a network that supports you long after graduation.
Mentorship from Industry Pros
Our greatest resource is our team of educators. These aren’t just instructors; they are industry veterans who have spent years perfecting their craft. They use their real-world knowledge to mentor you, helping you unlock your full potential and reach your unique professional goals.
The Redken Standard
As the only school in the area recognized by Redken 5th Ave NYC for Excellence in Education, you’ll train with the same professional products and elite techniques used in the world’s top salons.
1600-Hour Cosmetology Curriculum
Prepare for the salon floor with a structured, four-phase approach designed to build confidence and precision.
Phase 1: Foundations & Theory
Master the basics of hair design, sculpting, and anatomy. This stage focuses on the art of hair design for all genders and textures.
Phase 2: Practical Instruction & Hands-On Mastery
Transition from mannequins to real guests on our professional salon floor. You will refine your skills through advanced workshops that cover coloring, texture services, and effective client communication.
Our students will also learn from professional guest speakers, including:
- Redken Regional Educators
- L’Oreal SalonCentric Experts
- Professional Product Representatives
Phase 3: Business & Digital Branding
Successful stylists need business acumen. Learn to leverage social media to fill your chair, master guest consultations, and develop the marketing strategies needed to maximize your earning potential.
Phase 4: State Board & Career Prep
Refine your techniques in our student salon as you prepare for the Idaho state licensure exam. We ensure you are fully equipped to transition seamlessly into a professional environment.
Specialized Skills You’ll Master
Hair Care & Design: Master precision hair cutting (shears, razor, tapering), advanced color chemistry, chemical texture services, and the art of professional blowouts, perms, and extensions.
Skin Care: Learn techniques for waxing, peels, masks, and skin conditioning for hair removal.
Nail Artistry: Receive practical training in performing manicures, pedicures, paraffin dips, and acrylic/gel or artificial nail enhancements.
Business & Marketing: Build a cosmetology career, not just a job. We teach entrepreneurial skills, digital branding (Instagram portfolio building), retail strategies, guest relations, and salon operations.
Have a specific niche or trending technique you’re dying to master? In our Nampa cosmetology program, you aren’t limited to just the skill sets listed above. If there is a specific specialty you want to pursue, our instructors will dive in and learn alongside you, helping you pioneer your own unique path in the beauty industry.
Full Student Kit & Professional Tools
Every student at TSPA is provided with a student kit packed with professional tools, products, and technology designed to enhance their educational experience. It includes a variety of essentials, from mannequins and hair styling tools to makeup kits, ensuring you have all the necessary resources at your fingertips.
Download the Cosmetology Kit & Textbook Disclosure
Financial Support For Your Future
We believe a premium education should be accessible. TSPA Nampa is an accredited institution, which allows us to offer:
- Scholarships (including Military Scholarship & servicemember scholarships)
- Financial aid (available for students who qualify)
- Grants
- Loans
- Idaho LAUNCH tuition assistance
- Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans
- VA Benefits, including Military/Servicemember Scholarships
- Payment plans and TSPA-specific scholarships for those who qualify
Accurate cosmetology school cost details will be provided during your admissions meeting. Schedule a meeting with our admissions team to learn more.
Comprehensive Student Services
We provide a dedicated support system to help you navigate your journey from student to professional:
- Job Placement Services: We assist completers in finding the right salon fit through our deep industry connections.
- Interview Coaching: Learn how to build a portfolio, ace your interview, and negotiate your worth.
- Annual Career Fairs: Meet local salon owners face-to-face and network with potential employers before you even graduate.
- Academic & Career Counseling: Personalized guidance to keep you on track for success.
Job Placement & The SPEC Network
We want you to find your place within the beauty community. As part of SPEC, a nationwide network of elite beauty schools, TSPA Nampa connects you with top-tier salons and spas across the country.
Local Roots, National Reach: Our graduates are highly sought after throughout the Treasure Valley and beyond. You’ll find TSPA Nampa alumni thriving in top salons across Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Boise, and beyond.
The Academy Advisory Board: We stay ahead of the curve through our Advisory Board, which consists of local salon and spa owners, professional educators, and business leaders. This board ensures our curriculum meets the actual demands of the current labor market. We even survey the employers who hire our graduates to ensure we are preparing you exactly the way the industry’s top bosses want.
Cosmetology School FAQs
Is TSPA Nampa an accredited cosmetology school?
Yes. The Salon Professional Academy Nampa is proud to be nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). We have maintained our accreditation since 1988, ensuring our students receive an education that meets the highest national standards.
How long is the Cosmetology program at TSPA Nampa?
Our Cosmetology program in Nampa consists of 1,600 hours. Depending on the schedule you choose, you can complete your training in approximately 54 to 67 weeks.
While the program provides a full 1,600 hours of elite training, we utilize the Idaho “80% Rule” (HB 514) to help you enter the workforce faster:
- Early Testing Eligibility: You don’t have to wait until graduation to get licensed. Our students are eligible to sit for their exams at the 1,280-hour mark (80% completion).
- The Advantage: By testing early, you can have your professional license in hand by the time you walk across the graduation stage. This allows you to jumpstart and pursue a cosmetology career and transition seamlessly into a professional salon environment without the typical post-graduation waiting period.
To get specific details on how these hours fit into your personal schedule, we encourage you to discuss timing and start dates with our admissions team during your consultation.
What are the top careers in cosmetology?
There are many cosmetology career opportunities, each uniquely aligned with your individual strengths and passions. These opportunities include:
- Hair Stylist
- Personal Stylist
- Make-up Artist
- Salon or Spa Owner or Manager
- Educator/Instructor
- Platform Artist
- Influencer
- Men’s Grooming Specialist
- Color Specialist
- Eco-friendly or Organic Beauty Specialist
An education at TSPA leads you to many fun and exciting careers, including self-employed beauty careers and possibilities. Our graduates are employed by leading beauty and wellness establishments and open successful businesses of their own.
How are training and education conducted?
While specific content will vary from program to program, most courses include a combination of classroom training paired with hands-on practice in the student salon training area. Most courses will include complimentary training covering a variety of topics like social media, business, and guest/client relations designed to increase your earning potential and longevity in the industry.
What is the application process like to enroll in cosmetology school?
Application procedures start with a scheduled visit and beauty school tour. Learn about curriculum, schedules, kits, and payment options. Fulfill the requirements and submit the material listed in the Admission Requirements.
Acceptance starts with scheduling a signing appointment with an admissions representative, where all aspects of the enrollment contract are reviewed and signed by the student. The enrollment contract serves as the student’s notification of acceptance contingent on The Academy’s receipt of all necessary documents (e.g., diploma, transcripts). Once the student has provided all the required documents to the school, the student will receive a copy of the enrollment contract signed by the student and a school director. The enrollment contract serves as official acceptance into the school.
Our admissions representative will provide you with a simple checklist to make the process as easy as possible.
What are the application deadlines?
Early enrollment is encouraged. However, at TSPA’s discretion, enrollment can be permitted until class begins. The enrollment process can be started by filling out the “Request Info” form or contact us online.
If there are any questions about the process, please call or text 208-205-9821.
Student Work
Our Upcoming Start Dates
Learning Preview
Hair Cutting & Styling
Learn the fundamental cutting techniques, styling skills, how to use tools, and principles of hair design for all hair types.
Hair Coloring & Chemical Services
Dive into color theory, product chemistry, and hands-on techniques that help you create everything from natural blends to bold transformations.
Business and Professional Skills
Learn essential business and professional skills like client communication, retailing, time management, scheduling, social media basics, and how to build a loyal clientele to grow your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
An education at TSPA leads you to many fun and exciting career possibilities. Our graduates are employed by leading beauty and wellness establishments and open successful businesses of their own. Some share their talents in the entertainment world and at vacation destinations like cruise ships and resorts.
Each program available and your choice of Full-Time or Part-Time, when applicable, affects the total cost. Additionally, a variety of ways to afford an investment in your education are available to those who qualify that can affect your final cost. We offer very competitive program costs and are transparent with our pricing but believe it is most responsible to provide numbers in the context of an admissions meeting with all of the available options included. Please contact our admissions office to discuss with our team.
While specific content will vary from program to program, most courses include a combination of classroom training paired with hands-on practice in the student salon training area. Most courses will include complimentary training covering a variety of topics like social media, business, and guest/client relations designed to increase your earning potential and longevity in the industry.
Our admissions team is here to make your experience a great one and will support you throughout the entire enrollment process. There is your class start date to determine, some paperwork to take care of along with arranging for how the investment in your education will be handled. The school’s admissions representative will provide you with a simple checklist to make the process as easy as possible.
