What to Expect On Your Beauty School Tour

Choosing a beauty school is a major milestone in your journey toward a career in cosmetology, esthetics, or barbering. It’s not just about picking a place to learn—it’s about finding the right environment to nurture your talent, passion, and future. One of the most important steps in that decision-making process is scheduling and attending a beauty school tour.

At Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy, we encourage every prospective student to take a tour before enrolling. It’s your opportunity to see the facilities, meet instructors and students, and get a real feel for the culture of the school. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you can expect from your beauty school tour so you can make the most of your visit.

Why Your Beauty School Tour Matters

Before we dive into what to expect, let’s talk about why the tour is so important. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or considering a career change, a tour helps you:

• See if the school’s vibe fits your personality and goals
• Ask detailed questions about programs, schedules, and curriculum
• Understand the expectations and support systems in place
• Get inspired by the success stories of current students and alumni
• Make an informed decision about your future

You wouldn’t buy a house without walking through it first, right? Choosing your beauty school deserves the same attention and care.

What to Expect Before the Tour

When you schedule a tour at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy, our admissions team will typically reach out beforehand to confirm your visit. You might be asked a few questions about your interests so we can tailor the tour to your goals—whether you’re drawn to cosmetology, barbering, or esthetics.

How to Prepare:

• Dress comfortably and appropriately. You don’t need to dress up, but wear something that reflects your professionalism and readiness to learn.
• Bring questions. Think about what you want from a beauty school—class sizes, career services, hands-on experience—and write those questions down.
• Bring a guest (if you’d like). A parent, friend, or mentor can help you take it all in and offer a second perspective.

Arrival and First Impressions

When you arrive for your tour at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy, you’ll be greeted warmly by a member of the admissions team. We know this may be your first step into the world of beauty education, and we want it to be exciting, not intimidating.

You’ll likely start with a brief sit-down where the admissions representative will ask about your goals, explain the structure of the tour, and maybe hand you a folder with materials about programs, *financial aid options, and enrollment steps.

Pro tip: This is your chance to make a first impression too. Showing your passion, enthusiasm, and curiosity can help you connect with staff and show that you’re serious about your future.

Touring the Facilities

Once the introductions are out of the way, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the academy. Here’s what you’ll likely see:

1. Classrooms and Theory Areas

You’ll walk through the academic side of beauty education, where you’ll learn the science behind hair, skin, and nails. Expect to see classrooms equipped with whiteboards, multimedia tools, mannequins, and plenty of hands-on learning resources.

2. Student Salon & Spa

One of the highlights of any beauty school tour is the student salon. At Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy, you’ll get to see where students work on real clients under instructor supervision. This gives you a feel for the kind of professional environment you’ll train in.

You might see:

• Haircuts, colors, and styling in progress
• Esthetic services like facials or waxing
• Manicure and pedicure stations
• A barbershop environment (if you’re interested in barbering)

You’ll be able to observe how students interact with clients and instructors, and get a sense of what your day-to-day could look like once you’re enrolled.

3. Product Stations and Retail Area

Many schools have a product dispensary and retail section. This is where students learn about product knowledge, up-selling, and the business side of beauty—important skills no matter where your career takes you.

4. Break Room and Student Spaces

Being a beauty school student means spending a lot of time on campus. Touring the lounge or break area can help you picture yourself there daily. These areas often foster community and collaboration among students, making it a great place to recharge or review study materials.

Meeting Instructors and Staff

During your tour, you may get the chance to meet instructors or program directors. This is a great opportunity to ask about:

• Their background and industry experience
• Teaching styles and expectations
• How they support students who may be struggling
• Career success stories from former students

Our instructors at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy are passionate professionals who bring real-world knowledge into the classroom. They’re committed to helping you grow both technically and creatively.

Observing Classes or Services in Action

Depending on when you schedule your tour, you may get to observe an actual class or student service session. This is a golden opportunity to:

• Watch hands-on training in real time
• See how instructors provide feedback
• Notice the classroom atmosphere (collaborative, structured, supportive, etc.)
• Ask current students what they love most about the program

Seeing real students in action gives you a more accurate sense of what to expect when you start your own journey.

Asking Questions

This is your time to gather information. Some key questions to consider asking include:

About the Program:

• What programs are offered, and what’s the difference between them?
• How long does each program take to complete?
• What are the class schedules like?
• Are there evening or weekend options?

About the Curriculum:

• Is the curriculum more hands-on or theory-focused?
• How often do students work with real clients?
• Do you teach business, marketing, or social media skills?

About Student Life:

• Is there a dress code or required kit?
• What is the attendance policy?
• How do students stay involved and connected?

About Career Support:

• What job placement assistance is available after graduation?
• Are there partnerships with local salons or spas?
• Can students participate in competitions or industry events?

About Financing:

• What financial aid options are available?
• Are there scholarships, payment plans, or grants?
• Is there a financial aid officer I can speak to?

At Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy, we believe no question is too small. This is your future—you deserve answers.

Learn About the Enrollment Process

As your tour wraps up, the admissions team will walk you through the next steps if you’re ready to apply. You’ll get information on:

• Application requirements
• Interview process (if any)
• Enrollment deadlines
• Orientation dates
• What comes with your student kit
• Licensing requirements

We aim to make the process as smooth and welcoming as possible. Our team is here to support you from your first tour to your first day in class—and beyond.

Red Flags to Watch For

While beauty school tours are typically exciting, it’s important to keep a critical eye out for potential red flags. Trust your instincts. Some things that may be cause for concern include:

• Unkempt or outdated facilities
• Lack of transparency about tuition and fees
• No visible student work or practical learning spaces
• Negative energy from staff or students
• Overly pushy sales tactics

A great school will make you feel informed and empowered, not pressured.

What Makes Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy Stand Out

Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy is more than just a place to learn—we’re a community of artists, innovators, and future professionals. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experienced, passionate educators who care about your growth
• Hands-on training with real clients in our student salon
• Curriculum that blends classic techniques with current trends
• Focus on career readiness, including resume help and job placement support
• Multiple program options to match your goals: Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Barbering.
• Student-centered culture with creativity, support, and excellence at the heart

We want every student to leave our academy feeling confident, capable, and ready to succeed.

After the Tour: Next Steps

Once your tour is complete, take some time to reflect on your experience. Ask yourself:

• Did the school feel like a good fit for my personality and goals?
• Did I get my questions answered clearly?
• Was the environment welcoming and professional?
• Can I picture myself thriving here?

If the answer is yes, then you’re ready to take the next step! Contact the admissions team to begin your application process or to explore financial options.

And if you need a little more time to decide, that’s okay too. Your beauty journey is yours to shape—go at your own pace.

Schedule Your Tour Today!

If you’re ready to see what Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy has to offer, we’d love to meet you. Whether you’re passionate about hairstyling, skincare, makeup, or barbering, your future in beauty starts with a simple step: a tour.

Come walk the halls, meet the team, and feel the energy of Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy for yourself. Your dream career might be closer than you think.

Ready to get started?
Click here to schedule your tour today.

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify