August Is the Best Time to Enroll in Beauty School. Here's Why.
Why August Is a Smart Time to Start Beauty School
August sits at an interesting crossroads. Summer is winding down, fall is coming, and for a lot of people it is the moment when the question they have been putting off all year starts feeling urgent: what am I actually doing with my career?
For prospective beauty school students, August is not just a good time to think about enrolling. It is one of the most strategically sound times to actually do it.
Students who start at ISSA in August are positioned to complete shorter programs before the spring season, one of the busiest periods in the beauty industry. Students in longer programs like cosmetology or barbering build foundational skills through fall and winter, entering their advanced clinic hours just as client demand picks up again.
The timing works. Here is everything you need to know before you take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enrolling in Beauty School in August
Is it too late in the year to start beauty school in August?
No. ISSA enrolls students throughout the year, and August is one of the most popular entry points. There is no academic calendar the way there is in a traditional college setting. You start when you are ready, and your program timeline begins from your enrollment date.
What programs does ISSA offer for fall 2026 enrollment?
All of ISSA's programs are open for August enrollment:
Cosmetology: 1,500 hours. 15 months full-time or 22.5 months part-time. The broadest program, covering hair, skin, and nail services for all ages and genders.
Esthetics: 600 hours. 5 months full-time or 8.5 months part-time. Focused on skincare, facial treatments, and advanced skin services. Students who start in August can be licensed as early as winter 2026.
Nail Technology: 300 hours. Approximately 5 months full-time. The fastest path to licensure ISSA offers. An August start puts nail tech graduates on track for the holiday season, one of the highest-demand booking periods of the year.
Barbering: 1,500 hours. 12 months full-time or 18 months part-time. Covers men's grooming, clipper cuts, straight razor shaving, beard design, and scalp treatments.
Hairstyling: 10 months full-time or 15 months part-time. A focused program for students primarily interested in hair services.
Continuing Education: ISSA also offers standalone certifications for licensed professionals looking to add services like dermaplaning, eyelash extensions, cosmetic resurfacing, electric nail file, and waxing.
What fall beauty trends should I know about as a new student?
Knowing what clients are asking for is part of being a great beauty professional. Here is what is shaping the fall 2026 service menu:
Hair: The transition from summer sun-kissed color to richer, deeper fall tones is the most consistent seasonal shift in every salon. Warm brunettes, dimensional coppers, and soft auburn tones are what clients start requesting in August and carry through to December. Lived-in, low-maintenance color that grows out gracefully continues to dominate.
Skin: Fall is when clients start addressing the cumulative sun exposure of summer. Hyperpigmentation treatments, skin barrier repair, and brightening services all see a surge in bookings. Clients are increasingly educated about ingredients and skin health, rewarding estheticians who can speak knowledgeably during consultations.
Nails: Fall nail trends in 2026 are leaning into moody, rich tones. Deep plums, terracotta, warm burgundy, and abstract nail art are gaining traction on social media and translating directly into salon bookings.
Brows and lashes: Lash lifts, tints, and brow lamination remain consistent year-round earners. Fall is a strong season for these services as clients prepare for holiday events and photos.
How long will it take me to finish beauty school if I start in August?
It depends on the program and your schedule:
Nail Technology: Approximately 5 months full-time. A student starting in August could finish as early as December or January.
Esthetics: 5 months full-time or 8.5 months part-time. A full-time August start puts graduation around January 2027.
Hairstyling: 10 months full-time or 15 months part-time.
Barbering: 12 months full-time or 18 months part-time.
Cosmetology: 15 months full-time or 22.5 months part-time.
Part-time tracks are available across all programs for students balancing work, family, or other commitments.
What do I need to enroll in beauty school?
A high school diploma or GED is the core requirement. No prior beauty experience is necessary. ISSA's programs are built to take complete beginners through to licensed professionals. Students range from 17 to 65 years old and come from every kind of background. If you have the desire to learn, you meet the baseline.
How much does beauty school cost at ISSA?
Tuition and fees vary by program, and the most accurate information comes from a direct conversation with ISSA's admissions team. What is consistent across all programs: textbooks are included in each program's kit, and financial aid is available for students who qualify, including federal financial aid programs.
ISSA's admissions team walks every prospective student through costs and available options before enrollment, with no pressure and no obligation. The only way to know what applies to your specific situation is to ask.
What happens after I finish beauty school?
After completing your program, you are required to pass the Colorado state board exam to receive your license. The exam has two components: a practical hands-on portion and a written portion. ISSA's curriculum is structured to prepare students for both.
Testing facilities in Colorado include the Garden of the Gods location in Colorado Springs and locations in Denver. Once you have passed both portions, your Colorado state license is issued and you are eligible to work professionally.
What can I do with a beauty license in Colorado?
A Colorado beauty license opens a wide range of professional paths depending on your program:
Salon or barbershop employment
Booth rental, running your own chair independently
Spa and medical spa settings
Bridal and special event work
Film, television, and commercial production
Nail studios and nail bars
Continuing education and advanced certifications
Salon or studio ownership
Beauty education and instruction, after meeting additional requirements
Why should I choose ISSA over other beauty schools in Colorado Springs?
ISSA has been training beauty professionals in Colorado Springs since 1971. It is locally owned, nationally accredited by NACCAS, and veteran-led since 1999. A few things that distinguish the experience:
Real client hours from early in the program. ISSA's student salon is open to the public. Students work on real clients under the direct supervision of licensed instructors, not just mannequin heads in a classroom. That live experience is what builds the confidence and skill to perform professionally from day one of your career.
Instructors with industry experience. ISSA's staff have worked in the field and understand what clients actually ask for, what state board examiners are looking for, and what it takes to build a sustainable career.
Flexible scheduling. Full-time days and part-time evenings across all programs. Beauty school fits into real life with real responsibilities.
Financial aid available. ISSA's admissions team works with every prospective student to explore what options are available before enrollment.
A community with staying power. With thousands of graduates over more than 50 years, ISSA's alumni network in Colorado Springs runs deep.
The Decision You Keep Putting Off
A lot of people who end up in beauty school say the same thing: they thought about it for a long time before they actually did it. The program takes 5 months, or 10 months, or 15 months. That time is going to pass regardless.
August is as good a time as any to stop waiting.
Contact ISSA today:
📞 (719) 597-1413
📧 ISSACO@ISSACO.EDU
📍 5707 N. Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Hours: Mon–Thurs: 8AM–9PM | Fri: 8AM–5PM | Sat: 8AM–3PM
International Salon and Spa Academy (ISSA) is a locally owned beauty school in Colorado Springs, CO, in operation since 1971. Programs include cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, barbering, and hairstyling. Nationally accredited by NACCAS. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.