Frequently Asked Questions — SOHO Hair Academy  

Have questions about enrolling at SOHO Hair Academy's cosmetology programs in Council Bluffs, Iowa or Omaha, Nebraska? Below you'll find answers to the most common questions from prospective students about our programs, tuition, financial aid, scheduling, and licensing. If you don't see your question here, contact us directly — we're happy to help.

SOHO Hair Academy specializes in Cosmetology. We do not offer Esthetics, Nail, Massage, or Instructor programs.

Our Council Bluffs, Iowa campus offers a combined Barbering and Cosmetology curriculum that prepares students for the Iowa Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences license. In 2024, Iowa legislation merged the Barber and Cosmetology State Boards into a single license — giving our Iowa graduates the broadest cosmetology credential in the region.

Our Omaha, Nebraska campus offers a Cosmetology curriculum that prepares students for the Nebraska Cosmetology license.

Federal financial aid is available at our Council Bluffs, Iowa campus for eligible students. Apply at studentaid.gov using FAFSA — our school code is 007611.

Our Omaha, Nebraska campus does not currently participate in federal financial aid programs. We offer interest-free payment plans and provide guidance on additional financing options to help make enrollment accessible.

Contact us and our staff will walk you through every option available for your situation.

No. SOHO Hair Academy’s program runs Monday through Friday during the day only. Evenings and weekends are entirely yours.

We designed the schedule this way intentionally — so you can chase your goals in school without sacrificing everything else in your life. Work a part-time job, spend time with family, or just decompress. Your time outside of school stays yours.

No. SOHO Hair Academy is a full-time program only, running Monday through Friday during the day. Because the schedule is daytime-only with no evening or weekend requirements, most students find it easier to manage than a traditional part-time arrangement at other schools.

The 1,800-hour program takes approximately 13 months to complete for students attending on a standard full-time schedule.

Life happens — illness, family, personal circumstances can extend that timeline. If interruptions occur, your program simply takes longer to finish. We work with students to keep them on track.

Yes. SOHO provides career support including salon tours, career fairs, business coaching, resume preparation, and interview guidance. Our founders own and operate Trios Salon and XOXO Salon in the Omaha metro, giving graduates direct connections to working professionals and potential employers in the local industry.

Our goal is to make sure you hit the ground running — not just licensed, but ready to build a career.

Yes. Many states have reciprocity agreements that recognize a cosmetology license in good standing from another state. Because SOHO operates in the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro — a two-state area — we actively assist students through the application process for both Iowa and Nebraska licensure.

One important note: Iowa’s new Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences license currently reciprocates as a Cosmetology license only (not a Barbering license) in other states. We will help you navigate the specific requirements for whichever states you plan to work in.