Spring Into Your Beauty Career: Why March Is the Best Time to Start Beauty School in Colorado Springs
Why March Is the Perfect Month to Enroll in Beauty School
Spring is a season of fresh starts — and for thousands of aspiring beauty professionals across Colorado, March marks the moment they stop dreaming and start doing. At International Salon and Spa Academy (ISSA) in Colorado Springs, we see it every year: students who walk through our doors in early spring and graduate just in time for the busy summer hiring season, fully licensed and career-ready.
If you've been thinking about a career in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or barbering, here's what you need to know about making your move this spring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting Beauty School in 2026
How long does it take to finish beauty school in Colorado?
The answer depends on your program:
Cosmetology: 1,500 hours (typically 12–14 months full-time)
Esthetics: 600 hours (as few as 5–6 months full-time)
Nail Technician: 300 hours (approximately 3 months full-time)
Barbering: 1,500 hours (typically 12–14 months full-time)
Students who enroll in March are often finishing their programs right as peak hiring season kicks off in late summer and fall — making spring one of the smartest times to start.
What programs does ISSA offer in Colorado Springs?
ISSA offers four core programs plus continuing education for licensed professionals:
Cosmetology — Learn cutting, coloring, chemical services, updos, and the business of running a chair. Our cosmetology program is one of the most comprehensive in Colorado Springs, training students in both the art and the science of hair.
Esthetics — From skincare fundamentals to advanced treatments like microdermabrasion and dermaplaning, our esthetics program opens doors in spas, medical offices, and beyond. In less than six months, you can have your esthetics license in hand.
Nail Technician — Master manicures, pedicures, nail art, enhancements, and sanitation best practices. Our nail tech program is one of the fastest paths to a licensed beauty career.
Barbering — Traditional barbering is booming. ISSA's barbering program covers cuts, shaves, beard styling, scalp treatments, and the client consultation skills that keep customers coming back.
Continuing Education — Already licensed? ISSA offers advanced certifications in eyelash extensions, dermaplaning, cosmetic resurfacing, electric nail file, waxing, and more.
How much does beauty school cost in Colorado Springs?
Cost is a real consideration — and ISSA is committed to making beauty education accessible. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and our admissions team walks every prospective student through their options before they enroll. Scholarships, federal financial aid, and payment plans may all be available depending on your situation.
The best first step? Schedule a tour and ask our team directly. There's no pressure, no obligation — just real answers to your real questions.
Is beauty school hard? What should I expect in my first month?
Beauty school is a real educational commitment — there's theory, science, state board preparation, and hours of hands-on practice. But here's what surprises most new students: it's also genuinely exciting.
Your first month at ISSA typically includes:
Orientation: Getting comfortable with tools, terminology, and your daily schedule
Theory foundations: The science behind what you'll practice — skin anatomy, color chemistry, sanitation protocols
Mannequin work: Building muscle memory before moving to real clients
Community building: Meeting your cohort, your instructors, and the ISSA family
Most students tell us those first weeks go by fast — because they're too engaged to watch the clock.
What jobs can I get after beauty school in Colorado Springs?
A Colorado beauty license opens more doors than most people expect. ISSA graduates have gone on to work in:
Salons and barbershops (booth rental or employed)
Day spas and resort spas
Medical spas and dermatologist offices
Film, TV, and photography sets
Bridal and special event styling
Nail studios and nail bars
Platform artistry and education
Salon ownership and entrepreneurship
The Colorado Springs beauty industry is growing — and licensed professionals with strong technical skills and great client communication are in high demand.
Spring Beauty Trends to Know in 2026
Part of being a great beauty professional is staying ahead of what clients are asking for. Here's what's trending this spring:
Hair: Lived-in color continues to lead — soft balayage, buttery blondes, and dimensional brunettes that grow out gracefully. Textured bobs and shaggy layers are replacing blunt cuts for a more effortless spring look.
Skin: Barrier repair is having a major moment. Clients are moving toward nourishing, skin-supportive services — hydrating facials, gentle exfoliation, and LED therapy are all in demand.
Nails: Quiet luxury meets spring color — sheer pinks, soft mauves, and modern French variations. Wearable everyday nail art is leading over maximalist designs.
Brows and lashes: Fuller, natural-looking brows remain dominant. Lash lifts, tints, and brow lamination services are a staple in virtually every esthetics practice right now.
Knowing these trends matters not just as conversation starters with clients — educated beauty professionals book more appointments, earn more referrals, and build stronger careers.
Why Choose ISSA for Beauty School in Colorado Springs?
Locally owned and lovingly operated. ISSA isn't a franchise or a national chain. We're rooted in Colorado Springs, and our team genuinely cares about every student who walks through our doors.
Hands-on from day one. Our student salon gives you real-world experience under the direct supervision of licensed instructors — the kind of training that prepares you for the floor, not just the state board exam.
Industry-leading product partners. ISSA students train with professional brands including Redken, Pravana, OPI, IMAGE Skincare, and Satin Smooth — the same products they'll use throughout their careers.
Financial aid available. We don't want cost to stand between you and your future. Our admissions team will explore every option with you.
A community that sticks. At ISSA, students build friendships and professional networks that last well beyond graduation day.
March Specials at ISSA's Student Salon
Looking for affordable beauty services in Colorado Springs? Our student salon is open to the public — and March brings some great deals on hair, skin, and nail services. All services are performed by students under the direct supervision of certified instructors. Check our March Specials flyer for current pricing.
Ready to Start? Here's Your Next Step.
Starting a beauty career in 2026 doesn't require a four-year degree, a mountain of student debt, or years of waiting. At ISSA, some students are licensed and working in under six months.
If you've been waiting for the right moment — this is it.
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 cosmetology school in Colorado Springs, CO offering programs in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, barbering, and continuing education. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
International Salon and Spa Academy is locally owned and lovingly operated, serving the Colorado Springs community with comprehensive beauty education and unwavering commitment to student success. We're proud to prepare the next generation of beauty professionals for thriving careers in our dynamic industry.