Paul Mitchell – The School
Paul Mitchell is an iconic and influential brand in the hair care industry. The name can be found on hair care products and more than 50,000 salons worldwide. Graduating from a Paul Mitchell beauty school can imply professionalism and commitment to excellence.
Paul Mitchell Schools: An Overview
Paul Mitchell has more than 100 schools in the United States under the name “Paul Mitchell – The School.” These schools may offer various combinations of the following: cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, makeup, nails, and instructor training programs. While the length and curriculum for each program area differ to meet various state requirements, generally speaking:
Curriculum and Approach at Paul Mitchell Schools
Most Paul Mitchell programs are divided into three levels: core, adaptive, and creative. Core covers the basics, and students generally learn theory and practice their new skills on mannequins. Adaptive is the next level, where students work on live clients in the student clinic salons. The Creative level is about applying learning to advanced techniques and helping students prepare to launch their careers.
Classes cater to various learning styles, using hands-on work, demonstrations, lectures, and multimedia. In addition, students receive a kit complete with Paul Mitchell styling tools and an iPad.
Career Services and Culture
With Paul Mitchell schools, graduates can build a positive reputation and industry contacts. Students are connected through the school's online portal and proprietary apps. They also receive a personalized career plan and guidance.
If you enroll at a Paul Mitchell school, you could network with salon owners, guest artists, and other beauty professionals. This may help you gain employment after graduation.
Given the schools' affiliation with the Paul Mitchell brand, students only work with Paul Mitchell products.
Paul Mitchell Schools prioritize giving back, and that's clear from the school's culture. There are opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Paul Mitchell Schools host charity events like cut-a-thons, fashion shows, and car washes every year.
Organizations they support include Habitat for Humanity, Best Friends Animal Society, and Food4Africa. They may also work with local causes that teachers and students care about.
Why Students Choose Paul Mitchell Schools
Paul Mitchell Schools' reviews suggest students love the hands-on learning environment and teachers.
"Knowledgeable instructors that made learning fun," a former student wrote on Indeed. "A good school to go to if you want hands-on experience. The preparation for the exams is thorough, so there is no guesswork on what is expected on examination day."
"Great combination of lectures and hands-on work. The teachers are amazing! The school's environment is so welcoming. Just by walking in the building, you get a hopeful feeling that you made the right choice," another student says on Indeed.
Former students appreciate the school's fun learning dynamic and culture.
"Overall, it was a great experience and fun culture to be a part of. They had a lot of fun ways to make learning more exciting," a former student says on Indeed.
Paul Mitchell's brand name also helped graduates stand out in the beauty industry.
"I love the culture. Everyone is very helpful. They all want to see you succeed. Name brand cosmetology school. Good networking because of the well-known name," a former student wrote on Indeed.
Many students praised the school's high standards and the variety of skills taught.
Alumna Kaitlyn says, "The program really gave me a broad knowledge base so that any salon I went to, there was something I could offer—I wasn't just limited to doing one thing. That really sets you up for success."
"They set a very good standard there, and the people who leave that school have everything it takes to get a job in the field," a former student wrote on Indeed.
The many programs and practical training offered often made students feel prepared.
"It was a good school. It caters to many career paths. It helps with not just beauty but tips in other fields. By taking customers, you really experience the job you plan to do in the future," a former student says on Indeed.
Paul Mitchell Schools: Company Info
Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria founded the brand in 1980 with $700 and three hair care products. Today, the brand manufactures more than 100 products, which are sold in over 80 countries.
It took 30 years to open the first Paul Mitchell – The School. Then, in 2000, the founders and new partners realized how important education is to their brand. So, Mitchell, DeJoria, motivational speaker Winn Claybaugh, and Mitchell's son, Angus, entered education.
Claybaugh's "Be Nice" mantra and inclusive philosophy became the principles guiding Paul Mitchell – The School.
The school franchises its locations, meaning each campus is individually owned and operated.
Paul Mitchell Locations



16803 North Marketplace Boulevard
Nampa, ID 83687

113 Main Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301

7351 Assateague Drive Suite 370
Jessup, MD 20794

12450 Parklawn Drive
Rockville, MD 20852



15303 East Sprague Avenue Suite C Suite C
Spokane Valley, WA 99037

Paul Mitchell The School Little Rock – Accredited
Little Rock, AR 72117
Paul Mitchell The School Sherman Oaks – Accredited
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs – Accredited
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Paul Mitchell The School Jacksonville – Accredited
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Paul Mitchell The School Fort Lauderdale – Accredited
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33388
Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta – Accredited
Atlanta, GA 30318
Paul Mitchell The School Bradley – Accredited
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Hair Expressions, a Paul Mitchell Partner School – Accredited
Rockville, MD 20852
Paul Mitchell The School Farmington Hills – Accredited
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Paul Mitchell The School Grand Rapids – Accredited
Kentwood, MI 49512
Paul Mitchell The School Las Vegas – Accredited
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Paul Mitchell The School Tulsa – Accredited
Tulsa, OK 74134
Paul Mitchell The School Rhode Island – Accredited
Cranston, RI 2920
Paul Mitchell The School Charleston – Accredited
North Charleston, SC 29418
Paul Mitchell The School Rapid City – Accredited
Rapid City, SD 57701
Paul Mitchell The School Nashville – Accredited
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Paul Mitchell The School Murfreesboro – Accredited
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Paul Mitchell The School Austin – Accredited
Austin, TX 78759
Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio – Accredited
San Antonio, TX 78259
Paul Mitchell The School Logan – Accredited
Logan, UT 84341
Paul Mitchell The School Salt Lake City – Accredited
Salt Lake City, UT 84117
Paul Mitchell The School St. George – Accredited
St. George, UT 84770
Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke – Accredited
Roanoke, VA 24015
Paul Mitchell The School Spokane – Accredited
Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Paul Mitchell The School Milwaukee – Accredited
Wauwatosa, WI 53222