About Us

Changing the Future of Beauty Training Today!

American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is an innovative Florida Beauty, Barber, Massage and Skin Care School centrally located in Pinellas & Manatee County, with campuses in Largo, St. Petersburg, and Bradenton. The school offers programs in Cosmetology, Barber, Advanced Esthetics, Full Specialty (nails & skin), Massage Therapy, Restricted Barber, Nail Technology, Spa Therapy (massage & skin), and Fundamental Skin Care. AIB students receive a robust solid education including theory, clinical application, and professional development. Our goal is to prepare our students for a long-term career in the beauty industry and give each student an exceptional educational experience!

AIB is different because we teach fresh, current techniques that employers are looking for in their new hires. We use industry-leading product lines which help to create a real-life salon & spa environment, combined with experienced educators who motivate, develop, and equip our students with the best hands-on training, product knowledge, current trends, and business management skills available.

Whether you’re training to become a licensed Cosmetologist, Barber, Advanced/Medical Esthetician, Massage Therapist, Nail Technologist, Skin Care Specialist, Spa Therapist, or Full Specialist it’s all about being in the know. At AIB we make it FUN and EXCITING while learning trend-setting and cutting-edge skills with a BIG emphasis on creativity!

Take The First Step!

Take The First Step!

Changing the Future of Beauty Training Today!

American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is an innovative Florida Beauty, Barber, Massage and Skin Care School centrally located in Pinellas County, with campuses in Largo and St. Petersburg. The school offers programs in Cosmetology, Barber, Clinical Skin Care, Full Specialty (nails & skin), Massage Therapy, Nail Technology, Spa Therapy (massage & skin), and Fundamental Skin Care. AIB students receive a robust solid education including theory, clinical application, and professional development. Our goal is to prepare our students for a long-term career in the beauty industry and give each student an exceptional educational experience!

AIB is different because we teach fresh, current techniques that employers are looking for in their new hires. We use industry-leading product lines which help to create a real-life salon & spa environment, combined with experienced educators who motivate, develop, and equip our students with the best hands-on training, product knowledge, current trends, and business management skills available.

Whether you’re training to become a licensed Cosmetologist, Barber, Clinical Esthetician, Massage Therapist, Nail Technologist, Skin Care Specialist, Spa Therapist, or Full Specialist it’s all about being in the know. At AIB we make it FUN and EXCITING while learning trend-setting and cutting-edge skills with a BIG emphasis on creativity!

Our Mission

The mission of American Institute of Beauty is to educate and train each student with the skills to achieve a rewarding career in the Beauty, Barber, Massage Therapy, and Wellness Industry to build a future you can be proud of. Our objective is to thoroughly instruct and prepare the student to pass the state licensing exam (when applicable) and to be competent and efficient while working in the industry. If you’ve longed for a career that allows you to be creative, interact with others, and be in charge of your life and work schedule, this industry might be perfect for you!

Our Legacy and Story

American Institute of Beauty is a Redken Premier Beauty School where the minute you walk through our doors you can feel the difference! Our passion for helping to change our students’ lives started over two decades ago in 2003 and grows stronger with each graduating class. Our priority is to teach our students career-ready skills for a future that makes them happy, successful, and excited! We’re all about diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. AIB is more than just a beauty school; we offer a real and authentic educational experience.

Whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or looking for a brand-new start, AIB wants to help you pursue a future you can be proud of. We strive to go above and beyond the call of education. Not only can we help you prepare to sit for your state board exam in whichever field you choose, we also have a Business Office department prepared to assist you in finding employment upon graduation.

Flexible schedules, a variety of learning opportunities, and our ability to offer financial aid to those who qualify in eligible programs allow us to help our students on the path toward success. Take the first step and contact us today to learn more about our school, our programs, and our culture.

Why AIB?

  • Full and Part-Time Schedules Available
  • Approved for Veterans Training
  • Financial Aid available to those who qualify in applicable programs
  • Educators who are skilled and highly trained with real-life experience to help students individually
  • Hands-on salon & spa experience in a real-life career atmosphere
  • Online access for overviews of progress, grades, and accomplishments, just a click away
  • Learn business skills and critical thinking techniques to increase your ability to be successful
  • Learn social media skills to build your brand and clientele
  • Continued post-graduation support and job placement assistance
  • Nationally accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)

Accreditation

American Institute of Beauty is nationally accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).

By attending American Institute of Beauty-an accredited School, you can be confident that we have met the highest standards of accreditation. These standards ensure that our cosmetology program, barber program, advanced esthetics program, massage therapy program, nail technology program, spa therapy program, skin care program, full specialist program, and restricted barber program perform at the level of educational quality you should expect. MSA-CESS is a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education.

What does Accreditation mean to you and your educational experience?

The Value of Accreditation Accreditors establish best practices, generally referred to as “standards,” and then ask a school to show how that school is meeting (or exceeding) those standards. By attending American Institute of Beauty, an MSA-CESS accredited institution, you should have confidence in knowing that you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous accreditation process that has evaluated educational quality in the programs offered and that AIB- an Accredited School has shown that it is meeting MSA-CESS established standards.

Accreditation relies on experienced individuals – administrators, educators, and subject matter specialists – to review the quality of the education provided by your school. The accreditation process evaluates areas including the qualifications of administrators and faculty delivering the education; the relevance and adequacy of the curriculum, equipment and learning materials; and the achievements of students in graduating from a program and subsequently obtaining employment in the field. A school that has successfully completed an accreditation review should have in place the instructional resources and student support services necessary to assist you in achieving your educational goals.

You can learn more about MSA-CESS accreditation by visiting their website at www.msa-cess.org

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE)

License Number 2835 Largo Campus
License Number 4688 St. Petersburg Campus
License Number 12861 Bradenton Campus

Florida Department of Education:

325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission toll free at 888-224-6684

Wondering if the beauty and wellness industry is right for you?

American Association of Cosmetology Schools

AACS Member

American Institute of Beauty- an Accredited School- is also a member of the American Association for Cosmetology Schools (AACS) which is an organization representing beauty and wellness since 1924. By being a member of this organization our students benefit by qualifying to apply for scholarships and grants from beauty industry partners. Click for how you can apply for these scholarships and grants www.beautychangeslives.org.

Florida Association of Cosmetology and Technical Schools (FACTS)

FACTS Member

American Institute of Beauty- an Accredited School- is also a member of the Florida Association for Cosmetology & Technical Schools (FACTS). An organization that works to encourage high educational standards and business practices by providing networking opportunities, continuing education, up-to-date news and guidance on regulatory changes. As Founding Members of FACTS, we take your career seriously and strive to make our beauty school and the entire Industry strong. All Florida cosmetology schools should belong to this organization and participate as members. www.facts-edu.org

Investing in Yourself: You’re Worth It!

*Financial Aid Available To Those Who Qualify

Esthetician

About Our Largo Campus

At the Largo/Clearwater campus, AIB offers Cosmetology, Full Specialist (nails & skin), Advanced/Paramedical Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology, Spa Therapy (massage & skin) and Fundamental Skin Care Programs.

  • Day and Evening Classes
  • Approved For Veterans Training
  • Financial Aid Available, If Qualified
  • Flexible Full-Time And Part-Time Schedules
  • Hands-on Training

The Largo campus has over 13,000 sq. ft. of classrooms and salon/spa areas with surroundings that provide a REAL-world learning experience. American Institute of Beauty is the only Florida Beauty and Massage Therapy School located in Largo, Florida, in Pinellas County.

We are conveniently located in Clearwater/Largo city limits close to Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, Seminole, Pinellas Park, Tampa, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Countryside, Oldsmar and the Gulf Beaches, just a short drive from anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.

Barber

About Our St. Petersburg Campus

At the St. Petersburg campus, AIB offers Cosmetology, Barber, Full Specialist (nails & skin), Fundamental Skin Care, and Nail Technology Programs.

  • Day and Evening Classes
  • Approved For Veterans Training
  • Financial Aid Available, If Qualified
  • Flexible Full-Time And Part-Time Schedules
  • Hands-on Training

We are one of Florida’s largest Beauty and Barber Schools providing exceptional training to develop the skills you need to succeed. This campus is approximately 11,000. sq. ft. of classroom and salon/barbershop/spa environment that provides a REAL-world learning experience.

We are conveniently located in St. Petersburg, city limits close to Seminole, Pinellas Park, Tampa, and the Gulf Beaches. We are also just a short drive over the Skyway Bridge from Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, Ruskin, Brandon, Riverview and other Tampa Bay areas.

Hair Stylist

About Our Bradenton Campus

  • Day and Evening Classes
  • Financial Aid Available, If Qualified
  • Flexible Full-Time And Part-Time Schedules
  • Hands-on Training

Testimonials

My instructor is amazing. She is extremely patient, and she makes sure that no one is left behind. She wants all her students to become successful. I do feel like as her student, I will become successful. I did a facial on a client today and she told me in front of my class that I have a bright future because she felt so satisfied with my service. Nothing makes me happier then having a happy client. I know that feeling too well since I do makeup for weddings on weekends. Making people feel this happy is an awesome feeling. ~Kat R. (Student)

I cannot say enough about this Beauty Institute!! I have worked for 2 different Med Spas, and have been in the cosmetic and TV fields as well. I cannot express how amazing the teachers are because the students are excellent!! I have had facials my whole life, but nothing like theirs!! And the prices are insane!! Not to mention their customer service rocks! The customer service is also amazing! I will never go anywhere else for my beauty services! Thanks for being so reasonable with the prices so I can take care of myself and feel beautiful without going broke! Ladies and men too!! You must try this school, you will be hooked!! Thanks again! ~Peggy P. (Salon Guest)

All of the instructors are great, but my Skin Care instructor goes above and beyond! She has amazing techniques that she loves to share with her students. I not only picked up a full specialty license & a plethora of knowledge- I also picked up some life long friends who will forever be like family. THANK YOU TO MY EDUCATOR & AIB ~Tonya T. (Graduate)

The Extras at AIB

We like to go above and beyond in providing for our students. That’s why we offer a few extras at AIB!

Twice a year, AIB hosts industry-leading employers in our communities from all aspects of the beauty industry to come in and connect with our students on career days. You can meet potential employers, do mock interviews, and you might even land a job before you graduate!

We offer lifetime career placement assistance. You can come back any time after you graduate and we’ll help you find opportunities. We can also help you mock interview and fine-tune your resume.

We bring in guest speakers, such as Redken representatives, to talk about expectations, desired skills, and their experience in the beauty industry. We also bring in industry leaders to demonstrate what is trending and is hot in the beauty industry. You can have the chance to meet and interact with beauty industry professionals!

Four years of helping future massage therapists find their confidence, build their skills, and prepare for careers they love! Today, we’re celebrating Ashlee and her four incredible years of impact at AIB!❤️🎉 Ashlee has been part of our Massage Therapy program since the very beginning💆‍♀️ When the program first launched, she helped lay its foundation, bringing her industry knowledge, passion for the healing arts, and dedication to education into the classroom from day one. Over the past four years, that impact has continued with every future professional she’s taught and encouraged. Ashlee has a gift for taking the knowledge students need to know and helping it truly stick, preparing them not only for their licensing exam, but for the careers waiting for them beyond AIB. 🎓 Her knowledge, compassion, and genuine investment in her future professionals make her an invaluable part of our AIB family and the Massage Therapy program she has helped build! Ashlee, thank you for four years of sharing your expertise, believing in your students, and helping shape the next generation of massage therapists. We’re so grateful for everything you’ve poured into AIB and our future professionals! ❤️👏
From building your own business to developing highly specialized skills, there are so many directions a career in massage therapy can take you💆‍♀️✨ Our Largo Massage Therapy future professionals recently welcomed Alison Lynch, owner of @animainterna, to share insight from her years of experience in the wellness industry. As a business owner herself, Alison spoke with our future professionals about opening and operating a massage therapy business, touching on requirements specific to the massage industry and offering a firsthand look at what goes into taking your skills from the treatment room to a business of your own. The class also had the opportunity to learn about one of Alison’s specialties: Craniosacral Therapy. This highly specialized, gentle hands-on approach uses very light touch and focuses on the craniosacral system, the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Alison demonstrated what a Craniosacral Therapy session can look like, giving our future professionals exposure to a modality they may not encounter every day. She also briefly demonstrated visceral manipulation, another specialized hands-on approach involving gentle work with the body’s internal organs and surrounding connective tissues. Alison’s background also extends into other areas of holistic wellness, including certification in Reiki. Guest speakers like Alison give our future professionals an opportunity to see just how expansive the massage therapy field can be. Whether they’re interested in entrepreneurship, continuing education, or eventually developing a specialty of their own, there are so many ways to continue growing beyond their foundational training!❤️ Thank you, Alison, for sharing your experience, expertise, and time with our Largo Massage Therapy future professionals!
📣Important Hours Update for AIB ST. PETE!📣We’re making a change to our campus schedule! Saturday, September 12 will be the final Saturday that our St. Pete Campus is open. Beginning Monday, September 14, our updated hours will be: 🕘 Campus Hours: Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM ✂️ Salon Hours: Monday–Friday | 10:30 AM–8:00 PM *Services not offered after 3:00 PM on Mondays If you regularly visit us on Saturdays, please keep this change in mind when planning your next appointment or service❤️ Thank you to our clients and St. Pete community for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you during our new Monday–Friday schedule!
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our nation and the lives of so many Americans. As we reflect on the passage of a quarter century, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the families and loved ones who have carried their absence every day since, and the first responders and ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage, compassion, and selflessness in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Twenty-five years may have passed, but the significance of that day has not faded. Today, we pause to remember the lives behind the numbers, honor the heroes who answered the call, and reflect on the strength and unity shown in the days that followed. We remember the lives. We remember the bravery. We remember the way people came together when it mattered most. May we continue to carry their memories with us, not only today, but for generations to come. September 11, 2001. Forever remembered. Never forgotten. 🇺🇸
September’s spotlight is shining on some of the incredible people who help make AIB what it is!❤️🎉This month, we’re excited to introduce a few of the team members who bring their own talents, experience, and dedication to our campuses each day👏 Get to know our September In the Spotlight staff members! 🌟
A little self-care doesn’t have to take all day✨ Our Express Facial may be quick, but it still packs plenty into one refreshing service! From an in-depth cleanse and exfoliation to a mask, toner, and moisturizer, our future professionals get to practice the steps that help leave your skin feeling fresh, clean, and cared for🫧 Shoutout to Ally C. (@bare.by.ally), one of our Advanced Esthetics future professionals, for capturing and creating this Reel!🎥 Ally did a beautiful job showcasing both her esthetics skills and creativity. We LOVE seeing our future professionals find their own ways to share the skills they’re building and putting into practice at AIB❤️ Ready for YOUR refresh? Come experience an Express Facial at AIB for just $20!😮 Call to book your appointment 👇️ Largo Campus: 727-532-2125 St. Pete Campus: 727-826-0969 Bradenton Campus: 941-222-0456 *All services are performed by students under the supervision of licensed professionals*
Today, we’re celebrating 3 amazing years of Asia at AIB!❤️As our day Skin Care Educator at the St. Pete campus, Asia has spent the last three years helping future professionals turn their interest in skin care into the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to begin building careers of their own. Being an educator is about so much more than teaching what’s in a textbook. It’s answering the questions, demonstrating a technique one more time, celebrating the moments when everything finally clicks, and encouraging future professionals through every step of their journey. Over the past three years, Asia has been there for so many of those moments🎓️✨ With every class she teaches and every future professional she guides, Asia is helping shape the next generation of skin care professionals and leaving her mark on an industry she loves. The knowledge and encouragement she shares in the classroom today will continue forward through the careers of the future professionals she’s helped prepare💆‍♀️ Asia, thank you for three years of dedication to your future professionals, your program, and our St. Pete campus. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the AIB family and to celebrate this milestone with you! Happy 3-Year AIB Anniversary, Asia!🎉🥳 Here’s to the future professionals you’ve already impacted and all those still to come! 🥂❤️
Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and passion that keep our communities moving forward❤️💙🤍 From the professionals already making their mark to the future professionals working toward the careers they love, we’re proud to recognize the talent, creativity, and commitment behind every craft. Happy Labor Day from all of us at American Institute of Beauty!💪✂️ Stay safe and we'll see you back at school again tomorrow🏫
There’s always more to learn behind the chair✂️ Our St. Pete Cosmetology and Barbering future professionals recently had the opportunity to learn from Ashly Rose (@scissorsandash) during a special education class presented by @hanzonation!💈 Ashly joined our classes for hands-on haircutting education, demonstrating two different layered cuts—one with longer layers and one with a shorter, more shaped finish. Throughout each demo, she broke down the techniques behind creating a well-balanced haircut, showing our future professionals how to strategically remove weight, build movement, and use different types of shears to achieve the desired result. Beyond the finished cuts, Ashly gave our future professionals a closer look at how the right tool, and knowing how and when to use it, can completely change the way a haircut comes together💇‍♀️ A huge thank you to Ashly Rose and Hanzo Shears for spending time with our St. Pete future professionals and sharing your skills, wisdom, and passion for the craft!❤️ We’re grateful for every opportunity that brings industry education directly into our classrooms and gives our future professionals another chance to learn, ask questions, and continue sharpening their skills✨
That’s a wrap on AIB’s FIRST Back-to-School Savings Week!🎒✂️ What started as a way to help local families prepare for a new school year turned into a week filled with fresh cuts, new looks, lots of smiles and plenty of hands-on experience for our future professionals🤝 There’s something special about seeing someone light up when they see their finished look, and knowing our future professionals got to play a part in helping them feel ready and confident for that first day back made this event even more meaningful. A huge THANK YOU to every family who visited one of our campuses, trusted our future professionals and helped make our first Back-to-School event such a success! We loved getting to be part of your back-to-school preparations❤️ We hope everyone’s school year is off to an amazing start and that your fresh haircuts, manicures and other AIB glow-ups helped you walk into it feeling confident and ready to take on the year!📚✨ Here’s to a great school year ahead!🤩
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