academies · ce-credits · brand-education

Paul Mitchell Schools

National franchise network delivering cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nails, makeup, and instructor training with Paul Mitchell product integration and guest service clinics.

Years active 1980-present
Delivery modes in-person, hybrid
Tuition range Tuition varies by campus; financial aid, scholarships, and military benefits promoted across the network.
Enrollment rhythm Rolling cohorts with multiple start dates per year; request campus calendars for exact openings.
Visit provider site View sources

Programs & tracks

Cosmetology Program

Hours
1500
Credential
Diploma; licensure eligible
Delivery
in-person, hybrid
Tuition / cost
Cost research underway
Enrollment window
Rhythm pending

Focus areas

  • Core, Adaptive, Creative learning phases
  • Cutting, color, texture, styling, skin, nails
  1. 1 Paul Mitchell Schools Cosmetology School | Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Programs Retrieved 2025-09-18

Barbering Program

Hours
1200
Credential
Barber diploma
Delivery
in-person
Tuition / cost
Cost research underway
Enrollment window
Rhythm pending

Focus areas

  • Short hair cutting, fades, shaves, beard design
  1. 1 Paul Mitchell Schools Paul Mitchell Beauty School & Training | Paul Mitchell Retrieved 2025-09-18

Instructor Program

Hours
600
Credential
Instructor training certificate
Delivery
in-person
Tuition / cost
Cost research underway
Enrollment window
Rhythm pending

Focus areas

  • Teaching methodology, classroom management, learning leader development
  1. 1 Paul Mitchell Schools Paul Mitchell Beauty School & Training | Paul Mitchell Retrieved 2025-09-18

Overview

Information Notice (last reviewed September 2025):
  • For the latest licensing or curriculum details, consult your local government licensing board and the provider's official website.
  • Scissorpedia is an independent reference resource; we do not advertise or promote any specific education company and are not affiliated with those listed.
  • All information compiled here is sourced from public records and may change without prior notice.

Mission & heritage

Equip Future Professionals with technical excellence, culture-driven customer care, and business acumen through Core, Adaptive, and Creative program levels anchored in the Paul Mitchell brand philosophy.

Accreditation: Campuses pursue NACCAS or state board approvals individually; verify accreditation per franchise location before publication.

Instructor network

Learning Leaders, guest platform artists, and business mentors rotate across campuses providing specialized training and salon readiness coaching.

Curriculum detail

Core Phase — Foundations of Paul Mitchell Cosmetology

Level: Beginner · Time on task: 300 hours

Category: Academies

Learning objectives

  1. Master fundamental cutting, color, texture, and styling techniques using Paul Mitchell methodology.
  2. Demonstrate sanitation, safety, and tool maintenance aligned to state board requirements.
  3. Translate guest consultations into service blueprints and home-care recommendations.

Assessment

Practical check

Tool tie-ins

  • Paul Mitchell 5.5-inch convex shear
  • 30-tooth texturizer

Required tools

  • Future Professional shear kit (cutting + texturizing)
  • Mannequin heads (straight + textured)
  • Disinfection setup (EPA-registered)

Tool education lab

  • Paul Mitchell tool and product integration labs

    Students practice with Paul Mitchell professional tools and product systems, learning maintenance, sanitation, and retail strategies tied to the brand ecosystem.

  • Core-Adaptive-Creative technical sequencing

    Progressive curriculum builds foundational shear control before advancing to adaptive hair design and creative expression, emphasizing consultation and finishing skills.

Paul Mitchell Future Professional Kit

Standard kit includes cutting and texturizing shears, clippers, styling tools, mannequin heads, combs, brushes, and Paul Mitchell product assortments. Confirm campus-specific inventory and pricing.

Required

  • 5.5-inch convex shear — Primary cutting shear used during Core and Adaptive levels.
  • Texturizing shear (30-tooth)
  • Cutting comb set
  • Mannequin heads (straight, wavy, textured)

Optional upgrades

  • Swivel shear upgrade
  • Additional curly mannequin for advanced texture work

Maintenance supplies

  • Shear oil pen
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths
  • Tension adjuster

PPE & safety

  • Cut-resistant glove
  • Sanitation kit (EPA-registered disinfectant, immersion jar)

Certification & outcomes

Licensing alignment
Cosmetology and barbering programs align with state licensing requirements; confirm hour totals per jurisdiction.
CE hours
Campus-specific CE offerings for alumni and educators; verify state approvals.
Placement & partnerships
Career services include resume coaching, digital support platform, and Paul Mitchell alumni network connections.

Schedule & logistics

Campuses & cohorts

  • Nationwide franchise network (100+ campuses) — active

Financials

  • Tuition: Tuition varies by campus; financial aid, scholarships, and military benefits promoted across the network.
  • Financing: Outline federal aid, payment plans, and brand scholarships.
  • Scholarships: Compile active scholarship programs.

Resource downloads

No downloads attached yet. Add admissions packets, kit guides, maintenance logs, and assessment rubrics.

Media gallery guidance

Unsplash banner suggestions

  • Search: "cosmetology classroom shears" — credit suggestion: Christina @ wocintechchat.com
  • Search: "haircut workshop tools" — credit suggestion: Adam Winger

Video storyboard

  1. Hook: Educator introducing shear philosophy and student outcomes.
  2. Learning goals: Highlight core modules, tool labs, and CE pathways.
  3. Demonstration: Quick convex vs micro-serrated cut comparison.
  4. CTA: Apply for next cohort or register for brand intensive.

Social snippet ideas

  • 60-second reel of shear handling warmup with instructor coaching.
  • Carousel: Before/after of maintenance lab edge inspection results.

Worksheet concepts

  • Technique scoring sheet for shear-over-comb refinements.
  • Tool maintenance log with weekly inspection checklist.

Microlearning integrations

Shear Handling 101 Microlearning Sprint1–4

Four bite-sized lessons to recalibrate grip, tension, and balance before every cutting shift. Ideal for cosmetology students, apprentices, and educators running pre-class warmups.

Lesson Time-on-task Practice drill Reflection prompt Tool tie-in
Neutral grip reset1 10 minutes Alternate open-and-close cycles with thumb-only motion, monitoring shoulder drop in the mirror. Where do you feel tension first? List two ergonomic adjustments for tomorrow. 5.5-inch convex shear from student kit; add swivel demo for comparison.
Tension & screw test1 8 minutes Use the drop test on paper towel strips, adjusting tension dial by quarter turns until blades close at 2/3 travel. How does cut quality change outside the tension sweet spot? Toolkit: tension key, microfiber cloth, blade oil.
Finger rest calibration2 6 minutes Practice palm-to-palm cutting on mannequin fringe while repositioning pinky rest to maintain neutral wrist. Did wrist alignment improve? Record a quick video to review with mentor. Short blade shear plus offset handle comparison.
Balance & closure rhythm4 12 minutes Perform 3-minute timed shear-over-comb drills per quadrant focusing on even closure cadence. Did cadence stay consistent between quadrants? Clipper-comb + 6.0-inch shear; add magnetic guard for height control.
Sectioning efficiency3 9 minutes Map out LAB sectioning pattern, clip sections with minimal tension, rehearse shear placement before cutting. Did sectioning stay consistent with LAB benchmarks? Note timing improvements. LAB comb set, sectioning clips, 5.75-inch shear.
Ergonomic reset walk-through4 7 minutes Run Hanzo body mechanics routine: neutral spine check, elbow drop, thumb travel warmup, breathing cadence. Which posture checkpoints need reminders during busy shifts? Hanzo ergonomics checklist, anti-fatigue mat markers.

Cutting Technique Clinics1–6

Modular clinics for working stylists to tighten precision, layering, taper control, curly shear strategies, and blade diagnostics between major certifications.

Clinic focus Time-on-task Practice drill Reflection prompt Tool tie-in
Blunt bob precision1 35 minutes Zero-elevation perimeter cut with laser level verification; repeat using mirror to audit posture and Sassoon ABC tension markers. How consistent is the weight line after cross-checking? Document any over-direction habits and ABC adjustments. 5.25-inch convex shear; add cutting collar, sectioning clips, and digital angle finder.
Layered shag articulation2 40 minutes Section shag outline, execute point-cutting on macro sections, finish with channel cutting through crown using Sam Villa body mechanics cues. Did channel cutting maintain length integrity? Note shear angle adjustments and body alignment corrections. 6.0-inch dry cutting shear + texturizer, medium-density mannequin, Sam Villa blow dryer.
Men's taper refinement3 30 minutes Clipper-over-comb baseline followed by shear-over-comb refinement in three passes with LAB timing checkpoints. Where did bulk remain after pass two? Diagram needed comb rotations and shear angle shifts. 6.5-inch barber shear, taper comb, fade brush, LAB timing tracker.
Curly hair elevation control2 45 minutes Dry curl-by-curl carving combined with slide cutting on expanded shapes; integrate moisture mapping and shear tension reset every quadrant. How did curl pattern rebound? Capture before/after stretch photos and note shear pressure adjustments. 7.0-inch shear with micro-serrated blade, curl hydration spray, diffuser for finish.
Dry cutting ergonomics reset4 25 minutes Run Hanzo Artist ergonomics drills: thumb-only opening, neutral shoulder stance, alternating step patterns between sections. Which body zones fatigued first? Record adjustments to stance, elbow height, and scissor length. Hanzo swivel shear demo kit, anti-fatigue mat, ergonomics checklist.
Blade diagnostics & maintenance5–6 30 minutes Inspect shear edges under loupe, perform tension drop test, log findings, then practice micro-cleaning routine before storage. What did magnification reveal about wear patterns? Plan next sharpening appointment and list preventive steps. Inspection loupe, microfiber cloth, oil pen, Mizutani or Kasho maintenance card.

Maintenance & Sharpening Essentials1–5

Weekly micro-sessions to safeguard blade integrity, sanitation compliance, CE documentation, and vendor accountability.

Session Time-on-task Practice drill Reflection prompt Tool tie-in
Daily sanitation reset1 7 minutes Clean blades with pH-neutral solution, dry with microfiber, oil pivot while tracking in maintenance log. Did oil application hit the correct pivot points? Note any residue concerns. Shear sanitation kit, disposable wipes, pivot oil.
Weekly edge inspection2 12 minutes Perform light test and cutting test on silk strip; record findings and next sharpening date. Is drag appearing on tips or heel first? Set reminder for pro sharpening. Inspection light, silk test strip, loupe (20x).
Sharpening partner audit2 20 minutes Review guild certifications, turnaround times, and warranty terms for current sharpener; log findings in vendor scorecard. Does your sharpener provide service logs? Capture gaps to discuss and note pricing shifts. Sharpening agreement template, vendor scorecard, CE alignment checklist.
Balance recalibration3 10 minutes Check screw tension, test blade alignment, confirm bumper integrity using microscope or loupe diagnostics. Did balance drift after the last service? Schedule follow-up if needed and record which adjustments stabilized motion. Tension key, spare bumpers, screwdriver set, inspection loupe.
Sharpening lab prep4 18 minutes Pack shears by category, note blade condition, prep intake forms, and label protective sleeves for upcoming sharpening accreditation lab. Which tools need priority service? Document expected results and loaner needs. Kasho or Mizutani maintenance card, protective sleeves, intake checklist.
CE documentation upload5 15 minutes Scan maintenance logs, sharpening receipts, and sanitation checklists into CE tracker; verify hour totals and expiration dates. Are documents named consistently for audits? Note missing certificates or upcoming deadlines. CE tracker spreadsheet, cloud storage folder, Empire licensure checklist.

Advanced Texture Lab Microlearning1–3

Four focused drills blending shear, razor, and diffusing techniques to enhance texture diversity in salon services and certification prep.

Texture focus Time-on-task Practice drill Reflection prompt Tool tie-in
Coily shaping foundations1 35 minutes Section in diamond panels, perform curl-by-curl elevation with minimal tension, finish with moisture-mapping diffuse cycle. How did shrinkage affect weight removal? Note adjustments for next client. Sam Villa InvisiBlend shear, curl hydration mist, diffuser with mesh cap.
Razor + shear hybrid on waves2 30 minutes Outline with Mizutani razor, refine internal weight with convex shear, close with tension test on mid-lengths. Where did the transition from razor to shear need refinement? Capture before/after photos. Mizutani Acro razor, 6.0-inch dry cutting shear, cutting lotion.
Textured bob precision3 28 minutes Use Sassoon ABC bob pattern adapted for textured hair; incorporate channel cutting to maintain movement. Did the perimeter retain balance after diffusing? Sketch section map revisions. 5.5-inch precision shear, channel cutting shear, sectioning comb set.
Salon finishing lab1 22 minutes Execute product layering (leave-in, cream, gel) with rake and shake, document final finish with client education script. What home-care coaching resonated? Add two retail storytelling talking points. Texture toolkit (leave-in, styling cream, gel), finishing pick, microfiber towel.

Barber Fade Mastery Microlearning1–3

Quick-hit drills for refining clipper-to-shear transitions, taper detailing, and edge work in barber-focused education labs.

Focus Time-on-task Practice drill Reflection prompt Tool tie-in
Low fade mapping1 18 minutes Establish baseline with clipper guard system, create transition zones, then outline shear-over-comb refinement plan. Did weight sit evenly around the occipital? Sketch guard progression for next service. Clipper set with guards 1-3, taper comb, 6.0-inch barber shear.
Shear refinement passes2 20 minutes Three-pass shear-over-comb sequence focusing on blade angle control, body position, and cadence. Where did shadows remain after pass three? Note body shifts or shear adjustments required. Hanzo or equivalent convex shear, fade brush, handheld mirror.
Edge detailing & beard blending3 15 minutes Outline beard and neckline with trimmer, transition to shear-point cutting for soft blend, finish with razor line cleanup. How clean was the perimeter? Record guard-to-shear adjustments for beard density. Detail trimmer, 5.5-inch detail shear, straight razor with guard.
Finish + product coaching2 10 minutes Apply styling product, brush out blend, rehearse client education script covering maintenance and sharpening cadence. Which talking points drove retail interest? Capture quick notes. Styling cream, finishing spray, maintenance log sheet.

CE Audit Prep Sprint

Four short sessions to organize CE documentation, maintenance logs, and vendor evidence before board audits or renewal deadlines.

Task Time-on-task Action steps Verification Tool tie-in
Hour reconciliation 15 minutes Cross-check CE tracker totals against state requirements; flag deficits or expiring hours. Match totals to state mandate (e.g., TX 4 hrs, FL 10 hrs, IL 14 hrs) and log in tracker. CE Compliance Tracker Spreadsheet, state CE data sheet.
Certificate audit 18 minutes Collect certificates, rename files with date-provider-hours, upload to cloud folder. Ensure each file includes provider ID, approval number, and stylist name. Cloud storage folder, PDF naming convention, audit checklist.
Maintenance log sync 12 minutes Update shear maintenance log with recent sharpening, sanitation, and inspection entries. Attach receipts/service logs; confirm alignment with CE elective documentation. Shear Maintenance Log PDF, sharpening vendor checklist.
Board packet assembly 20 minutes Combine tracker export, certificates, maintenance logs, and CE provider approvals into single archive. Spot-check against board instructions; schedule submission or retention reminders. PDF merge tool, calendar reminder, CE Registry submission guide.

Consult your state board’s official CE website for the most current statutes, approved provider lists, and audit submission instructions.

Sources

  1. Paul Mitchell Beauty School & Training | Paul Mitchell — Paul Mitchell Schools (retrieved 2025-09-18)
  2. Cosmetology School | Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Programs — Paul Mitchell Schools (retrieved 2025-09-18)

Next Up

Verify tuition and accreditation documents, attach download assets, and add alumni placement data before publishing the provider profile.