Total Transformation Institute of Cosmetology

In the School's Words

We are delighted you're considering Total Transformation. Whether you're thinking about a career in cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring, Total Transformation is an excellent choice.

Our mission is to help our students graduate with all the knowledge, skills and tools required to become a licensed professional cosmetologist in Texas.

We will treat you with respect and dignity as we work with you to achieve your goals. At Total Transformation, you can expect an encouraging, upbeat atmosphere where you can learn and develop your skills.

Cosmetology Program - 1,500 Hours

Achieve your full potential in modern haircutting, hair styling, esthetics and manicuring. Gain the knowledge and skills to become a licensed cosmetologist through demonstrations, hands-on practice and classroom study. No previous experience required.

The Cosmetology curriculum includes the following:

• Orientation
• Shampoo and related theory
• Hair and Scalp Treatment and related theory
• Cold Waving and related theory
• Chemical Hair Relaxing and related theory
• Hair Coloring and related theory
• Manicuring and related theory
• Facials and related theory
• Haircutting, Styling and related theory
• Chemistry
• Salon Management and Practices

The 1500-hour cosmetology program is divided into 3 phases. Each phase includes theory, projects and practicals designed to enhance and complete your learning experience. In Phase 1, you learn the fundamentals of cosmetology including haircutting and styling, nail and skin services and sanitation. Students pass the Phase 1 practical exam to begin the next phase.

In Phase 2, you begin working on clients, under the close supervision and support of an instructor. You advance into the latest trends and techniques, building confidence and developing your professional abilities. Students pass the Phase 2 practical exam to enter the final phase. After completing the required hours and passing a written exam, a student is also eligible to take the written State board exam.

In Phase 3, you fine tune technical skills and focus on the "soft" skills of client interaction and retailing. Students monitor the reception desk, staff the dispensary, and continue to work on clients in a less supervised setting. Students pass the written exam and mock State board practical exam to be eligible for graduation.

Esthetics Program - 750 Hours

Realize your artistic talents as a licensed esthetician. Develop techniques to care for and beautify skin through a 750-hour esthetics program which includes:

• Make-up artistry
• Electrotherapy
• Treatments for varied skin types and conditions
• Hair removal
• Aroma therapy
• Eminence Organics professional skin care products

In the esthetics program, you’ll learn the how’s and why’s of skin care from demonstrations by licensed professionals, hands-on experience, classroom theory, self-paced projects and practicals. In Phase 1, you learn the fundamentals of skin care including facial treatments, make-up application, hair removal and electrotherapy. Students pass the Phase 1 practical exam to begin the advanced phase.

In Phase 2, you perform skin services on clients with supervision and support of an instructor. You develop professional techniques and client care skills as you advance through the program. Students pass the written exam and mock State board practical exam to be eligible for graduation.

Student Instructor Program

Expand your career horizon with an instructor license in cosmetology, esthetics or manicuring. Develop effective communication, grading and instruction methods and gain practical teaching experience with beginner and advanced students in 1-to-1, small group and school-wide settings.

Barber Program - 1,000 Hours

The barber program prepares you to become a licensed professional. Future Professionals will learn the fundamentals of shaving, haircutting, hair coloring, styling, esthetics and manicuring to pass the Texas licensing exam and gain the advanced understanding and techniques to successfully compete in the dynamic barber industry.

In Phase 1, you begin the first week learning and practicing different facets of your new Barber Career. You continue learning shaving, cuts, color, styling and nail and skin services from demonstrations and hands-on practice. Pass a practical exam to begin Phase 2.

In Phase 2, you work on clients under close supervision of an instructor, building your confidence and advancing into the latest trends. After 900 hours, you may take the Texas written licensing exam.

After completing the program and passing the Texas written and practical evaluation, youobtain a license and are fully qualified to begin working as an entry level Barber.

Barber Curriculum

Practice - 750 Hours
Shaving; mustaches and beards; haircutting; hairstyling; hair and scalp treatment, scalp massage; safety, first aid, and sanitation; hairweaving, extensions, and wigs; face and neck massage and treatments; facial hair removal; manicuring; chemistry (haircoloring, chemical waving, and relaxing); and razor techniques, safety, first aid, and sanitation.

Basics - 150 Hours
Anatomy and physiology; disorders of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails; chemistry (haircoloring, chemical waving, and relaxing); bacteriology, sterilization, and sanitation; safety, first aid, and sanitation; barber implements, tools, equipment, and related theory; and history of barbering .

Business - 100 Hours
Texas barber laws and rules; customer service; barbershop management; professional ethics and image; safety, sanitation, related practices, and theory; and hygiene and good grooming.

About Us

Our Facilities

Total Transformation Institute is a cosmetology school located conveniently along IH35 in San Marcos at 907 Highway 80 in the SanMar Plaza shopping center. The 3600 sq. ft. facility is furnished with space for classroom theory, demonstrations and practical application of services on clients. There is also a reception area, facial room, manicure room, salon floor, offices, dispensary, break room and lockers. The school meets government codes and the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR.)

Our Staff

Our lead Cosmetology Instructor acts as a coach guiding and encouraging students through the program. Licensed by the State of Texas as a cosmetology instructor, she brings years of experience as a stylist to help students gain the knowledge and skills required to pass the State license exams.

Manicure and cosmetology students benefit from the professional nail technician experience of our Manicure Instructor who is one of only 4 licensed manicure instructors in the Austin-San Antonio area.

Our licensed Esthetician Instructor offers a special focus on skin care techniques for students in the esthetics and cosmetology programs.

School Licensing

Total Transformation is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR.) We use Salon Fundamentals curriculum.

Editor's Description

The Total Transformation Institute of Cosmetology offers a 1,000-hour licensed cosmetology program, alongside a 750-hour esthetics and a 500-hour student instructor program.

Their cosmetology program covers hair care, nail care, and skincare in-depth and uses the Milady hair system to provide students with premium credentials on which they could build great careers.

Former students rave about the program, as seen in this testimonial from alumna Cierra: "I've learned so many things at the Total Transformation Institute and doing the things I've learned here has really been life-changing. From all the different types of future stylists, clients, and great teachers have made me really love cosmetology. I have grown, learned, and conquered. I am confident that I can do any tasks that are thrown my way, all because I have the knowledge and skill set that was taught to me. I am prepared for the real world!"