January 28, 2025
Which Combo Program Is Right for Me?

When you’re considering beauty school, you don’t have to choose a single field. The good news is that you can choose a combo program to make your skills more marketable and help you provide more services for your future clients. You can study hair design, nail technology, esthetics, or any combination of the three that interests you.
These fields are growing, and there are many professionals already working in the industry. There are more than 48,000 people working as estheticians, almost 300,000 working as hair stylists, and more than 400,000 providing nail tech services. While this might seem like the fields have plenty of licensed professionals already on the job, the beauty and skincare industries are expected to see a revenue gain of more than $580 billion by 2027.
Northwest College School of Beauty offers the combo programs that place you in the best position to build a brilliant career in the beauty industry. We want all of our graduates to finish our program with the marketable skills that help them land their dream job. This guide can provide you with the information you need to choose the right combo program for your goals.
Overview of Combo Programs
A combo program offers students coursework and practical hands-on experience to launch their career in more than one field within the beauty industry. You have the option of combining hair design, esthetics, and nail technology in any configuration you prefer. You’ll benefit from a combo program in a variety of ways. These include:
- Gain knowledge in multiple field of the beauty industry
- Flexibility
- More marketable to prospective employers
- Better earning potential
- Maximize your learning experience
- Gain more hands-on experience
- Comprehensive skill development
Northwest College School of Beauty has multiple combo programs available to their students. We maintain a unique student-centered approach that helps each student thrive. Our program drives you to be the best you can and offers an opportunity to build your confidence. When you’re ready to sit for your exams, you’ll feel well prepared and posses the knowledge you need to pass them. The hands-on experience help you when you find your first position and begin working solo.
Combo Program 1: Hair Design, Nail Technology, and Esthetics
With a combo program that includes esthetics, nail technology, and hair design, you can build a career within three areas of the beauty industry. You’ll spend your time learning in a classroom and practicing your skills in a hands-on setting. Esthetics teaches you skincare theory, practical applications, and business skills. You’ll be able to perform a range of services, including facials, skincare treatments, and makeup applications.
In the hair design program, you’ll develop all the skills you need to become a hairstylists. Precision hair cuts, coloring, and hair treatments are a few of the skills you’ll build during your time in school. Nail technology allows you the chance to stretch your arms a little more creatively. You’ll learn how to perform manicures and pedicures along with nail art.
Combo Program 2: Hair Design and Esthetics
Hair design and esthetics create a combo program that complements each other. When you complete the program, you’ll be able to transform your clients and help them look their best. After learning about esthetics, including business skills and skincare theory, you’ll build the same base of knowledge for hair care. Northwest College School of Beauty designed these combo programs to help you build the knowledge base you need to be successful.
Both of these niches offer hands-on training, so you’re about to facials, skincare treatments, makeup applications, hair cuts, coloring, and hair treatments to improve the texture and health of it. When you complete this combo program, you can find an opening at a day spa, salon, dermatologist office, and more. You’ll be able to offer more options to your clients, which can make it easier to build up a client list.
Combo Program 3: Esthetics and Nail Technology
If you can barely style your own hair, the esthetics and nail tech combo might be the right fit for you. Your learning will center around skincare and nail care. During your time at NW College School of Beauty, you’ll learn more about skincare theory and business. Your time spent earning hands-on experience gives you the chance to perfect your technique for giving facials and other skincare procedures.
You can learn more about the world of nail care, including sanitary steps and best practices. Practical experience helps you learn the ins and outs of providing manicures and pedicures. You’ll also hone your art skills as you learn to show your creative side on small nail-sized canvases. This combo program provides you with the skills sought by salons, day spas, and more.
Licensing Considerations for Other States
When selecting a combo program, it’s important to think about where you plan to practice after graduation. Licensing requirements for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and hair design vary by state. If you’re planning to move or work in another state after completing your education, make sure to research the specific requirements for licensure in that state.
Our programs are designed to prepare you for licensure exams in Oregon. However, we also recommend that you check the transferability of your license or certification. Some states may have reciprocal agreements or additional requirements, such as extra coursework or testing, to grant licensure. Our staff is here to help guide you through the process and provide any documentation you may need to ensure your license is valid wherever your career takes you.
Choosing the Right Combo Program for You
How do you choose among all these great options? You need to start by deciding where your true passions lie and how you can get those passions to align with your long-term career goals. You also need to take time and reflect on personal strengths and long-term goals in the beauty industry. When you have an idea of the direction that best suits your needs, you have to find the school that offers the program you want. It’s a good idea to identify a couple of schools and schedule a visit to the campuses. You want to ensure that your choices are reputable and well-regarded.
Northwest College School of Beauty Offers the Combo Program That’s Right for You
A combo program ensures that you have the skills to pursue a job in more than one field and helps you explore your passions for hair, skincare, and nails. At Northwest College School of Beauty, we’re committed to providing you with the information and training you deserve to confidently enter whichever field or fields you want to pursue. Our staff members are dedicated to helping you grow and succeed with support available whenever you need it. Reach out for more information or to schedule a visit to learn more about your options now.