Educational Programs2025-12-29T18:06:28-06:00

Education Programs

AIB IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Choosing a career path isn’t always easy and that’s why we’re here to help. American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is one of Florida’s premier beauty, barber, and massage schools, and by choosing us, you could be our next SUCCESS story!

In each of our programs, AIB educators have professional training, skills and REAL-WORLD industry experience to share with each student to help them learn the techniques necessary to achieve a fun and rewarding career! From the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, to the hands-on experience with clients in our student salon or spa, you can gain the experience necessary to graduate and get your career started. It’s time to FOCUS on YOU!

It’s your time to shine and showcase your talents, after all we are located in Florida, the SUNSHINE STATE! The area that has it all, white sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, and a fun night life, all in close proximity to AIB in the Tampa Bay area.

Take The First Step!

Take The First Step!

AIB IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Choosing a career path isn’t always easy and that’s why we’re here to help. American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is one of Florida’s premier beauty, barber, and massage schools, and by choosing us, you could be our next SUCCESS story!

In each of our programs, AIB educators have professional training, skills and REAL-WORLD industry experience to share with each student to help them learn the techniques necessary to achieve a fun and rewarding career! From the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, to the hands-on experience with guests in our student salon or spa, you can gain the experience necessary to graduate and get your career started. It’s time to FOCUS on YOU!

It’s your time to shine and showcase your talents, after all we are located in the SUNSHINE STATE! The area that has it all, white sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, and a fun night life, all in close proximity to AIB in the Tampa Bay area.

“I learned so much! The educators here are amazing and have so much to offer to each student individually and as a whole. Each educator has their own unique style of teaching. I have gained so much because of this, as a student and a person. Anyone looking for an amazing school to start a new career path you want to be at American Institute of Beauty.” – Melissa S. (Graduate)

What Can I Learn in AIB’s Programs?

At AIB, you’ll learn more than just theoretical concepts. We know that to prepare for a career you LOVE and can be successful at, you’ll need training that exposes you to a variety of skills in many areas.

It’s all an adventure and it begins right here! Our education programs are filled with hands-on practice and creating on top of having fun. We know practice won’t make you perfect, but it sure can make you better! Knowledge is power and we ensure you know the theory behind what you’re learning along with hands-on experience in our student salon and spa. We encourage our future professionals to be passionate about what they do every single day! Love what you do!

Go ahead and complete the form or give us a call to see how you could be a part of our AIB SUCCESS story!

Cosmetology Student

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

Massage Student

Why Choose AIB?

Beauty, Barber, and Massage* school is a big step in starting your journey to becoming a licensed professional. Picking the right school can help you set your future career up for success and ignite your passion even more!

See how we can help you pursue what you love, learn the skills necessary, and live your future career as a licensed professional. Reaching your full potential is right around the corner- we want you to Love itLearn it, and Live it!

We’re all about diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. AIB is more than just a beauty school; we offer a real and authentic educational experience.

*Not offered at all campus locations

What Does a Future in the Beauty, Barber, and Massage Industry Look Like?

Wondering what careers are waiting for beauty, barber, health and wellness professionals? The world of beauty is vast! There are so many opportunities available! Here are a few potential careers you could pursue after licensure:

Barber student smiling while using shears to cut hair and comb to hold hair as he cuts. Client is sitting in barber chair with back facing the camera

Potential Careers

  • Salon or spa owner
  • Barbershop owner
  • High-end salon stylist
  • Platform artist (such as Redken)
  • Hair Colorist
  • Freelance professional
  • Hair and makeup for theatre
  • Eyelash extension specialist
  • Medi spa esthetician
  • Waxing specialist
  • Makeup artist
  • Brow specialist/artist
  • Nail artist
  • Massage Therapist in Medical Office
  • Sports Team Massage Therapist
  • Social media influencer
  • Brand ambassador
  • Product Creator/Manufacturer
  • Educator
  • And so much more!

Start The Enrollment Process

Have you decided American Institute of Beauty may be the right school for you? Contact our admissions team by giving us a call or filling out the form. From there, we’ll reach out to you to schedule your personal tour, so you can get an inside look of our school and start the enrollment process. We can’t wait to meet you and help you get started on your future as a beauty, barber, or massage therapy professional!

AIB Student

Beauty, Barber, and Massage School FAQs

When you’re looking to enroll in a beauty, barbering/hair design, or massage therapy program, there are a few questions you’ll want answered right away. We’re here to address the most commonly asked questions about starting beauty school so you can get the info you need to make a decision that changes your life. You want to do this, and we want to help!

What Schedules Are the Programs Offered In?2025-06-10T12:55:42-06:00

Our St. Petersburg campus offers cosmetology, barbering/hair design, full specialist,nail technology, and skin care programs in both full and part-time day and evening schedules. We know that our students have other obligations in their life, like family and their current jobs. That’s why we offer schedules that work with you!

Our Bradenton campus currently offers cosmetology and barbering/hair design programs in full-time and part-time day schedules. We’re always evaluating student needs, and we’re excited to help you find a program that fits your educational journey.

How do you transfer to AIB?2025-04-16T11:39:42-06:00

For questions on transferring to American Institute of Beauty from your current beauty school institution, please contact our Admissions team!

Largo Campus: 727-532-2125 | St. Pete Campus: 727-826-0969

When Do Classes Start?2025-04-16T11:39:57-06:00

Class start dates vary by program and campus.

How Long are the Programs?2025-04-16T11:35:58-06:00

The length of the program ultimately depends on which one you are interested in and how flexible your schedule is! Our programs are offered in full-time or part time day or part-time evening schedules.

*The Massage program is not offered at all campus locations.

How Long Will It Take to Complete the Program?2025-04-16T11:37:46-06:00

Once again, this depends on which program you are interested in and how flexible your schedule is! For example, our Nail Technology program can be completed in just 9-weeks on a full-time schedule!

What Are My Options for Funding My Education?

Financial Aid2025-10-08T11:34:21-06:00

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. All campus locations in Largo, St. Petersburg, and Bradenton offer financial aid.  Your future is worth funding. Don’t be afraid to learn more about what options are available for investing in a career you love.

Veterans’ Training2025-03-31T13:38:31-06:00

American Institute of Beauty is approved for veterans’ training by the Veterans Administration. We accept many different types of VA benefits, including your POST-9/11 GI Bill®, at our campuses. You’ve dedicated your life to making the lives of others better, and you can continue that lifestyle with a career in beauty! Contact us to learn more about using veterans benefits at AIB.

Dependents and spouses of veterans may also be eligible. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Florida Prepaid2025-03-31T13:38:59-06:00

Florida Prepaid is a great way to fund your education, and it’s not limited to traditional colleges. If your parents have put money away for you to invest in yourself, you can use it to help fund your beauty education at AIB! www.myfloridaprepaid.com/

Scholarships2025-05-28T15:10:27-06:00

External Scholarships

AIB provides access to many different external scholarships to students who have enrolled in our programs. Each external scholarship has its own requirements and availability throughout the year. The criteria for each external scholarship is unique. For more information visit: Beauty Changes Lives | Scholarships

Testimonials

I just graduated as a Full Specialist and I couldn’t be any happier with my experience. My Skin Care educator was the MOST passionate, educated, and genuine teacher I’ve ever had. She truly wanted to see us succeed. She was very hands on, answered all our questions, and even gave us the best advice when we truly needed it. There was a great level of respect that we all had for each-other. Her experience in the beauty world is so helpful, especially because she is so knowledgeable in her field. She cared about us INSIDE the classroom and OUTSIDE the classroom. We have cried together, laughed together, and made the best memories in such a short amount of time. I always looked forward to going to class because I knew we would be making the most out of our time. I’m truly sad to leave but I know that I can always stay in touch with her. I’m also very sad to leave all the amazing friends I made while being in school. I made my forever friends. Thank you AIB for this experience and for giving me the education of a lifetime. I get a forever mentor, friends, and an license! –Selena Sanchez (Graduate)

My educator was an amazing instructor. 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 than having a happy client. I know that feeling too well since I do makeup for weddings on weekends. Making many people feel this happy too is the most honorable feeling. My educator made me feel like I am just as good of an esthetician as I am a makeup artist. To feel comfortable in your service. -Kat R. (Graduate)

When I was attending AIB I was enrolled in the nail technology course. I was new to nails so I had a lot to learn, and I was overwhelmed by the bookwork, but I can honestly say that because of my educator it was the best school experience I’ve had. She really goes over and above for her students. She took the time to go over things with me and made sure I thoroughly understood the curriculum we were being taught. When I had to take test, I did great, and I really do feel I owe that to her. She made it enjoyable to learn and even just come to class in general because she’s just a genuinely nice/cool person. We would do fun nail trivia in class too, so it made things easy to learn. She made sure if we wanted to learn something specifically, she would go out of her way to show us a demo. With that being said, my educator taught me so much in the three months of my course. Even after graduating I know that if I have a question or concern with nails, she’s willing to help with no hesitation. I could go on and on specifically about why she’s a great teacher, but I made my point! -Jade S. (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!

Cosmetology

For those that want it all! Hair, Skin, & Nail care. If you want flexibility in your career, the cosmetology program offers you a career as a hair stylist, skin care specialist, nail speciality, plus so much more…

Cosmetology

Got the vision? Built for the hustle? AIB’s Barbering/Hair Design Program teaches every skill from fades to color and design so you can perfect your craft and own the chair…

Cosmetology

Ready to dominate the med-spa world? Our Advanced Esthetics course teaches you in-demand techniques like advanced chemical peels, microcurrent treatments, LED light therapy and pre/post-op skincare so you can start your pro career fast.

Cosmetology

Explore the world of facials, waxing, gel/acrylic nails and more. Do you have a passion for skin care? Do you love to do your nails? If you answered “Yes!” a career as a full specialist might be right for you!

Cosmetology

Are you looking to be that “one-stop-shop” for all things health, wellness, and skincare related? The Spa Therapy program gives you the ability to become a licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician.

Cosmetology

Glowing skin. Makeup artistry. Skin care routines. Brows, brows, brows! Are you excited by the idea that you could one day be a professional esthetician? A fresh new career in skin care could be right for you.

Cosmetology

A strong attention to detail, a love of fashion, a passion for art, and a desire to take on a career in the beauty industry are what you need to pursue a nail tech education!

Restricted Barber

Driven by the fade? Step into the culture. AIB’s Restricted Barber Program builds your precision, creativity, and clipper skills preparing you to be shop-ready fast.

Cosmetology

Have you always been interested in helping people reach their health and wellness goals? Explore the world of therapeutic techniques such as Hydrotherapy, Swedish, Chair, and Sports Event massage.

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!🤩
Kinda chic meets AIB✨ We’ve been seeing this trend everywhere and obviously had to give it the beauty school treatment💆‍♀️ 

Beauty school comes with transformations, creativity, new skills, new friends, the distinct smell of a perm (IYKYK), approximately 4,782 before & after photos and a whole lot of “wait… I actually DID that?!” moments💅✂️💈

We’ll let the carousel take it from here➡️
There’s so much value in connecting our future professionals directly with employers in the industry! 💆‍♀️✨ Our Massage Therapy future professionals recently heard from Marisol, co-owner of SolVita Wellness Spa (@mysolvita), who stopped by to share more about SolVita, what they look for in potential team members, and their current opportunities for licensed massage therapists!

As our future professionals prepare for careers in the massage industry, opportunities like this give them a chance to learn about local employers and the career possibilities waiting for them after graduation🎓️

A big thank you to Marisol and SolVita Wellness Spa for spending time with our future professionals, sharing your perspective as an employer, and helping them feel even more prepared for their next chapter! 💆‍♂️🌿
Today, we’re celebrating 4 incredible years of Fran at AIB! ✨💆‍♀️If you’ve had the opportunity to learn from Fran, you know there’s something special about the way she teaches. She brings a calm, encouraging presence to the classroom, a wealth of skin care knowledge, and a genuine investment in seeing each of her future professionals grow and succeed.

Over the last four years, Fran has helped shape so many aspiring advanced esthetics professionals; not only by teaching them the techniques and knowledge they’ll need in their careers, but by encouraging them to trust themselves, build their confidence, ask questions, and continue pushing toward their potential🎓️ 

The best educators leave an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom, and Fran has certainly done that. Every future professional she has encouraged, every skill she has helped strengthen, and every bit of knowledge she has shared has become a small part of the careers they’re building❤️

Fran, thank you for four years of patience, mentorship, encouragement, and heart! We’re so grateful for everything you bring to our Advanced Esthetics program, our future professionals, and the entire AIB family.

Happy 4-Year AIB Anniversary, Fran! 🎉 Here’s to four years of making a difference, and so many more future professionals whose journeys will be better because you were a part of them🤝😍
Ashley said new cut… might as well get a new color to match🔥 This transformation came together in TWO parts, and we caught the whole journey from start to finish!

It all started when AIB Cosmetology future professional Ashley (@ashlee10300_) modeled for Rolando Aqui’s (@rolandoaqui) live haircut demo during his visit to our Bradenton campus, where he kicked off her new look with a fresh short cut✂️

But why stop there? 👀 With the cut complete, Ashley was ready to switch things up even more taking her natural hair color to a rich, dark auburn❤️‍🔥 Fellow Cosmetology future professional Kayla D. (@kayla_klips) brought the color to life, with Ms. E lending her expertise throughout the service!

And that final reveal?! The cut + the color came together SO GOOD👏

A huge thank you to Rolando again for sharing his talent and education with our future professionals, Kayla D., for bringing Ashley’s color vision to life, and Ms. E for providing her guidance and supervision throughout the color process🎨

Ashley, this transformation looks GREAT on you! 😍
Okayyyy, Olivia with the good hair, we see you👀🤍✨Because when the layers are layering, the blonde is BLONDING, and the blowout has this much bounce… we have to give credit where credit is due💁‍♀️

✂️ Cut: Brenda P. (@rosesbloomco) understood the assignment with these gorgeous, flowy layers.

💨 Blowout: Bree F. (@curlupand.dy3) brought it all together with the volume, movement, and that fresh-from-the-salon finish.

Two sets of talented hands. One flawless finish🤌🔥
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