Beauty Colleges ( vocational schools) in Japan

Schools

Posted: Wednesday, August 9, 2023

This article discusses Beauty Schools, which are a subset of the various vocational schools in Japan. Typically, these specialized institutions provide a 2-3 year curriculum focused on beauty-related subjects. We have gathered a list of some schools that are open to foreign students. However, it is important to be aware that besides language proficiency, there are additional requirements for studying at Japanese vocational schools. For more in-depth information, please refer to the full article.

What is a Beauty College?

A beauty vocational school is an educational institution that specializes in providing specialized education in the field of beauty. Beauty colleges offer opportunities for individuals aspiring to pursue careers in beauty-related professions such as hairdressers, makeup artists, nail technicians, and estheticians to acquire specialized knowledge and skills.

The typical curriculum of a beauty vocational school covers both theoretical and practical aspects. The theoretical part includes learning about the structure of the skin, knowledge about beauty products, and safety measures concerning hygiene. The practical part involves acquiring various skills related to beauty, such as hair cutting, hairstyling, coloring, makeup techniques, nail art, massage, facials, and more.

Beauty vocational schools are an essential step for those aiming to enter the beauty industry. Upon graduation, students can obtain beauty licenses, esthetician certifications, nail technician credentials, and other relevant qualifications.

The structure and offerings of beauty vocational schools may vary depending on the region, but many of them have practical training facilities where students can gain hands-on experience with real clients. These schools often prioritize staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in the beauty industry, ensuring that students have access to the most recent information and techniques.

For individuals with a passion for beauty and a desire to build a career in the beauty industry, beauty vocational schools serve as crucial institutions for acquiring specialized knowledge and skills.

Differences Between Barbers and Hairdressers in Japan

The process of obtaining a license for barbers and hairdressers is the same in that graduates must complete designated vocational schools or training facilities specified by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare and pass the national examination. However, the content of their studies and the technical skills required in the examination differ. Similarly, there are differences in the services that hairdressers and barbers can provide.

What is a Hairdresser?

Hairdressers work to enhance the appearance for fashion and beauty purposes. Their job is to support clients in achieving their desired style and look. They utilize specialized knowledge and skills in services such as haircuts, hair coloring, perms, and more to make the clients' appearance beautiful. Hairstyling, makeup application, eyelash extensions, eyelash perms, nail care, and dressing Kimono are all exclusive tasks performed by hairdressers. A hairdresser cannot provide the service of using a razor for a face shave.

What is a Barber?

Barbers focus on grooming and maintaining personal appearance. Their services include haircuts, shampooing, and facial shaving. Barbers offer facial shaving using a razor, which is a service not provided by hairdressers. However, tasks such as hairstyling, makeup, eyelash extensions, eyelash perms, and dressing Kimono which are performed by hairdressers, are not within the scope of a barber's work.

What is a Dual License?

Having a hairdresser license and a barber license are separate qualifications, but for those who cannot choose between the two or have an interest in both professions, there is a path to pursue a dual license as a hairdresser and a barber.

The main advantage of obtaining a dual license is the significantly increased job opportunities. With both licenses, individuals can work in both beauty salons and barber shops, providing an advantage when seeking employment or considering career changes.

To acquire both licenses, one can either attend two separate vocational schools, completing the required curriculums and obtaining the licenses individually, or choose a specialized school that offers a curriculum tailored for dual license seekers. In the latter case, it is possible to obtain both licenses in as short as three years.

Beauty Collages Accepting International Students in Japan

Each school offers different curricula, please visit the respective school's website for details. There are of course more schools beyond those listed below, so please search with this list as well.

Beauty Schools in Hokkaido

Sapporo Beauty Art College (Hokkaido)

Duration: 2-3 years

https://www.sanko.ac.jp/sapporo-beauty/

Sapporo Belle Époque Beauty College (Hokkaido)

Duration: 2 years

Duration: 2 years

https://asojuku.ac.jp/abc/

Fukuoka Belle Époque Beauty College (Fukuoka)

Duration: 2 years

https://www.fbe.ac.jp/

Miyazaki Southern Beauty College (Miyazaki)

Duration: 1-2 years

https://www.beauty.ac.jp/

Ryubi International Beauty College (Okinawa)

Duration: 2 years

https://www.ryubi-ac.com/

Created for expats living in Japan

Beauty Colleges ( vocational schools) in Japan

What is a Beauty College?