DON'T JUST CHOOSE A BEAUTY SCHOOL.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BEAUTY SCHOOL.

A Charlotte, NC boutique beauty school serving aspiring Nail Technicians & Estheticians throughout North and South Carolina. Passing the State Board examination is the minimum...we want you career ready!


Why Students Choose Academy of Nails & Esthetics

At Academy of Nails & Esthetics, you are not just a student — you’re part of a family.

What sets us apart? Small class sizes, experienced instructors with years of real-world industry experience, personalized coaching and education that goes beyond the minimum. You'll graduate job-ready—not just State Board ready.


What We Offer

• Positive, uplifting atmosphere

• Instructors who teach with heart and experience

• A curriculum designed for real success

• Hands-on training for confidence

• A safe, mature, respectful environment


9 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Nail or Esthetics School


1. "Can I see what the school is REALLY like before I enroll?"

Absolutely. Come see us on a normal school day. Don't just look at the lobby during a scheduled tour. Sit in on a lecture. See our clinic floor. Meet our educators. Talk privately with current students and ask about their experience.

See what school is really like. What you see is what you get.


2.  "Are you a public or private school-- and what does that mean for my education?"

We are a private school, our education isn't one department among dozens-- it's what we do. Public programs are typically offered through community colleges and may operate within a much larger college system. We are a boutique  beauty school, intentionally offering a smaller, more personal learning environment-- specializing  exclusively in Nail Technology and Esthetics.  Our school will allow you to graduate at a quicker pace than a public school that runs at a slower semester-based pace.  Our facility is a simulated spa environment that reflects the type of setting you'll experience after graduation. 


3. "Who will be my instructor?"

We are passionate about our students and the quality of their education. Our students develop relationships with experienced educators who know their progress, strengths and areas that need improvement. Ask to meet the educators who will actually be teaching you before you enroll. We pride ourselves on how long the instructors have been with the school and how much professional industry experience they have. 


4. “How much REAL hands-on experience will I get?"

We believe hands-on education means doing—not just watching. When an advanced modality is within the permitted scope of student training, our goal is for students to gain supervised, practical experience on live models so they leave understanding not only what a treatment is, but how to confidently perform the complete service. Students should graduate having actually worked with the tools, products, techniques and clients they'll encounter in today's industry. 

Watching a demonstration is not the same as actually performing a service. Ask how much time you'll spend working on real clients and live models, especially when learning advanced techniques.

For esthetics---

  • You will perform dermaplaning on live models!
  • You will practice microneedling on live models!
  • You will perform nano-infusion treatments on live models!
  • And More!

For nail students---

  • You will have access to an electric file to practice with daily and will be taught how to use it safely and use different bits.
  • You will learn different systems of acrylic, hard gel, builder in a bottle and soft gel extensions using professional brands like Gel X, Young Nails, SNS, etc.
  • You will have all the products and equipment needed to practice art, e-filing and different techniques provided by the school! All the gems, rhinestones and glitter you need!!!
  • And More!


5. "How long will it ACTUALLY take me to graduate—and does graduating faster cost extra?"
Don't stop at “It's a 600-hour program” or “It's a 300-hour program.” We want you to know your expected graduation timeline
before you enroll. Our esthetics program allows up to 180 online hours, and students can graduate in as little as 16 weeks. Our nail program allows up to 90 online hours, and students can graduate in as little as 7 weeks. The online component is part of our program pricing—not an addition cost.


6. “What will I REALLY have to pay for?”

We want students to understand their costs before they enroll—not discover surprise supply lists after class begins.


No Surprise Costs

We will not surprise you after enrollment with additional required purchases for items needed to complete your program.  After your total program cost, the only additional expenses you should expect are-

  • Purchase your uniform of all black scrubs.
  • $168.00 for your state board examinations, paid directly to the testing provider, Prov. 
  • $20.00 for your license, paid to the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.


Total Program Cost for Esthetics $8500.00

Total Program Cost for Nail Technology $3400.00


7.  "How will you prepare me for a career after graduation?"

Your career preparation starts on your very first day.  We don't wait until graduation to start talking about what comes next.  Throughout your program, we'll discuss the business side of the industry right alongside your technical education.  You'll learn about topics such as opening professional manufacturer and product accounts, understanding retail vs. wholesale, building a clientele, malpractice insurance, and even the steps involved in opening your own business. 


We can help you prepare for your next step with resume writing and interview preparation if you need it.  You'll also have the opportunity to complete an industry internship- up to 15 hours for Nail technology students and 30 hours for Esthetic students- giving you the chance to experience a professional workplace before you graduate. 


We also bring the industry into the classroom.  Throughout your program, you'll have opportunities to learn from guest speakers, industry professionals, business owners, potential employers, educators and manufacturer representatives who can give you a look at different career paths and opportunities. 


Our goal isn't just to prepare you to graduate. It's to help you understand the industry, explore your options, and feel prepared to take your next step once you're licensed. 


8.  What happens after I graduate?

Of course we prepare you for State Board--but our support doesn't end at graduation. 


We help you through the State Board process, including getting registered for your exams and understanding the steps you need to complete to become licensed.  We'll be right there with you through graduation, State Board and getting your license. 


And after that? You're still part of the Academy family!


We like to say, "Once a student, always a student." Our graduates stay connected with us long after they leave the classroom.  Past students regularly stop by to purchase professional products, receive treatments, ask questions, get advice about current jobs and job opportunities, or simply come by to visit. 


As opportunities come our way from salons, spas, medspas and other industry professionals looking to hire, we love being able to connect those opportunities with our graduates. 


Graduation may be the end of your program, but it isn't the end of your relationship with us. 


9.  What do current students, graduates and industry professionals say about Academy of Nails & Esthetics?

Don't be afraid to ask us directly about our school and take time to do your own research before making a decision. 


We are happy to answer questions about our programs, instructors, hands on training, etc. but we can also connect you with graduates who are currently working in the industry.  You can also do a little research on your own.  Call a few local spas, salons and med spas and ask which schools they are familiar with, where they see well-prepared graduates coming from and what they recommend looking for when choosing a school. 


When you tour, talk to the students who are here.  Ask current students what they enjoy about the school and whether they would choose the Academy again. We encourage you to have those convesations provately so you can hear about their experiences firsthand.




How do you enroll?  Call or text our admissions office at 704.521.2911

  • Stop by any time we are open for a tour!
  • Submit the online application.
  • Confirm start dates and availability. 
  • Make down payment to secure your spot in a class.


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School Closings and Holiday Schedule

ANE reserves the right to make changes to the holiday schedule and school closings.


We close for the following holidays and breaks:


School Closings 2026

Spring Break April 7, 2026-April 10, 2026

Summer Break June 27, 2026-July 4, 2026

Thanksgiving Break November 25, 2026-November 27, 2026

Winter Break December 22, 2026- January 1, 2027

Thank you to our

Partners

NAIL TECHNOLOGY HOURS

Monday Closed

Tue - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday Closed

PAYMENT OPTIONS
MasterCard Payment Accepted
American Express Payment Accepted
Discover Payment Accepted
Visa Payment Accepted

We do not offer Financial Aid

ESTHETICS HOURS

Monday Closed

Tue - Friday  8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday Closed