fbpx
847-985-5900
Book a Tour

Learn Beauty

If you’ve ever dreamt of a career in the beauty industry, Pivot Point Academy – Wahl Barber Academy can turn that dream into a reality. Being part of the beauty industry can provide you with countless opportunities. You can become self-employed and set and work on your own schedule.  By enrolling in Pivot Point Academy – Wahl Barber Academy, you learn beauty industry skills, meet new people, and build lifelong professional relationships.  We can help enhance your creative skills, find your purpose, and live your passion.  Our courses include hands-on training and cover many areas of hair and skincare. From cutting and coloring to makeup and shaving, there’s a lot to learn here at our Academy. Since we believe beauty professionals should have business skills, business management, and social media training are part of our curriculum.

Great news. We just received approval from the state of Illinois and open for Business: Wahl Barber Academy, a barber school only. Located near O’Hare Airport and easily accessed from the CTA Blue Line, the Wahl Barber Academy has assembled a team of leading licensed instructors who demonstrate technical skills and the ability to inspire and motivate students.

Cosmetology Icon

Cosmetology

Designed to provide students the knowledge and skills to use their creativity to become confident and salon-ready hairdressing professionals.

LEARN MORE

Esthetics Icon

Esthetics

Build confidence in students to graduate knowing they are spa-ready and ready to begin a career in skincare, make-up, or related industries.

LEARN MORE

Barbering Icon

Barbering

Add skills like men’s haircutting, shaving, and grooming, along with others that give you a robust repertoire current with barbering trends.

LEARN MORE

Teacher Training, Makeup, Continuing Education… More Programs

Why
Pivot Point Academy?

Brand
Pivot Point

From the first phone conversation to your first visit to our Academy, we ensure that you'll feel welcomed, included, excited, and a part of the Pivot Point Family. You will enjoy your learning experience, being immersed in the salon, barber clinic and spa surroundings with like-minded people. Soon you will say, “I am Pivot Point”.

Experienced
Instructors

Your instructors are experienced, award-winning educators. Highly motivated, and extraordinary professionals. Our master educators are trained with our proprietary Mindful Teaching Professional Development product, and provide clear, consistent training to make the most of your fun, interactive, classroom, and hands-on experience.

Learning
Made Fun

Our mantra that sums up our style: positive vibes in a fun environment while maintaining the orientation of learn forward to an outcome of success. Visits from guest artists who'll share their stories, their techniques, and their talents to support your growth as future beauty professionals during workshops. Providing you with unique opportunities to form relationships with these industry experts.

Real-World
Salon and Spa

You will experience real, hands-on practice in our professionally managed student salon, barber clinic, and spa. Actual customers will support your development and enjoy your continually improving services at value prices while receiving ongoing promotions and bundles offerings. IN 2019 around 5,400 services were performed.


Exam Prep

All of our programs include test preparation, including a mock State Board Exam, in order to prepare you for the Illinois State License exam.

Top Job Placements

Our graduates are highly sought after by the most successful salons, spas, and barbershops in Chicagoland and beyond. Career opportunities for our students and graduates are frequently posted on our website by our area partners. Career Fairs hosted at our academy offer you opportunities to build relationships for strong alliances in your future career.

Community
Outreach

A beauty career is all about helping others to look and feel their best. Through our teachers’ guidance, our students are encouraged to reach out and share beauty to those in our communities who may need our services the most, and Pivot Point Academy supports all of these efforts.

Salon
Readiness

Mastery of fundamentals plus proficiency in technical aspects will allow you to discover the artistic side of your profession. Together with Pivot Point Academy’s business-focus training, every student’s salon readiness will flourish.

Competition
Participation

Competition is an adventure of discovery. It stretches your artistic talent and skills further than you thought possible. Pivot Point Academy encourages students to compete; those interested are provided a coach and a mentor. Students who compete maximize their creativity and improve their speed, skills requisite for excelling in the profession.

Spotlight
on You

We at Pivot Point are singularly focused on our students. We are beauty-obsessed and education-obsessed. You’ll benefit from the fun of a creative and nurturing learning environment that trains you in developing your skill and artistry while advancing your career and employment options.

Digital
Learning Experience

The beauty industry is social and visual, inclusive and so are you. You will experience just how fun learning can be! Your education is delivered via an innovative online learning experience. “Learn About Beauty" (LAB) is designed specifically for our industry. A mix of online collaboration, class-room, workshops and hands-on training sessions including soft skills, business, and social media elements.

Alumni
Benefits

During your tenure at Pivot Point Academy and after graduation, you have access to specialized tools at a discounted price. Continuing education support is paramount, and advanced classes will be at your disposal at a discount for any additional licenses or certifications that you would like to add to your portfolio of education.

We’re AACS Golden School Award Winners

We’re proud to announce that we have won two 2022 Golden School Awards. We couldn’t have done this without the hard work of our amazing instructors, staff, and our students of course. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, we’re excited to see what the future holds for Pivot Point Academy!

Advanced Barbering Seminar offered by Wahl Professional at Wahl Barber Academy Chicago, IL. Have a look https://www.wahlpro.com/events

Open
Advanced Barbering Seminar offered by Wahl Professional at Wahl Barber Academy Chicago, IL. Have a look https://www.wahlpro.com/events

First Day Barber-1500 hour class planned to start beginning of October 2023. Enroll now! https://www.pivotpoint.edu/wahl-barber-academy/

Open
First Day Barber-1500 hour class planned to start beginning of October 2023. Enroll now! https://www.pivotpoint.edu/wahl-barber-academy/

Have a look at the kit coming with the Barber 1500 hour program. Amazing! www.pivotpoint.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PPA_Student_Barbering_Kit_May_2023-2.pdf

Open
Have a look at the kit coming with the Barber 1500 hour program. Amazing! www.pivotpoint.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PPA_Student_Barbering_Kit_May_2023-2.pdf

Yes! Open for Business! Get started https://www.pivotpoint.edu/wahl-barber-academy/

Open
Yes! Open for Business! Get started https://www.pivotpoint.edu/wahl-barber-academy/

This leadership scholarship is created for the next generation of leaders to join the beauty industry.
Wahl Barber Academy proudly sponsors a Barber full-tuition scholarship. This leadership scholarship covers all tuition and registration fees.
See link below on how to apply: www.pivotpoint.edu/wahl-barber-academy/

Open
This leadership scholarship is created for the next generation of leaders to join the beauty industry. Wahl Barber Academy proudly sponsors a Barber full-tuition scholarship. This leadership scholarship covers all tuition and registration fees. See link below on how to apply: www.pivotpoint.edu/wahl-barber-academy/

Wahl Barber Academy proudly sponsors a Barber program full-tuition scholarship to support the upcoming Beauty with a Purpose Event on Sun Sep 17 2023 at 09:00 am at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort (3500 Midwest Rd, Oak Brook, IL). Apply for scholarship here www.pivotpoint.edu/2023/08/scholarships-2023/

Open
Wahl Barber Academy proudly sponsors a Barber program full-tuition scholarship to support the upcoming Beauty with a Purpose Event on Sun Sep 17 2023 at 09:00 am at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort (3500 Midwest Rd, Oak Brook, IL). Apply for scholarship here www.pivotpoint.edu/2023/08/scholarships-2023/

All inspections passed, just one more approval from the state for our new second campus - barber school only.

Open
All inspections passed, just one more approval from the state for our new second campus - barber school only.

Happy 4th of July! In 1776, 13 states signed the
Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Open
Happy 4th of July! In 1776, 13 states signed the Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Getting closer to open by the day. Last inspections are scheduled. We will keep you posted.

Open
Getting closer to open by the day. Last inspections are scheduled. We will keep you posted.

Wahl Barber Academy will use MONY as its financial literacy training as this powerful curriculum will help to create economic empowerment for future professionals with critical money education b4 they enter the workforce. www.pivotpoint.edu/2023/05/why-attend-a-school-that-teaches-you-about-money/

Open
Wahl Barber Academy will use MONY as its financial literacy training as this powerful curriculum will help to create economic empowerment for future professionals with critical money education b4 they enter the workforce. www.pivotpoint.edu/2023/05/why-attend-a-school-that-teaches-you-about-money/

@americasbeautyshow teachers from @pivotpoint_academy and @wahlbarberacademy are in the house. Learning made fun!

Open
@americasbeautyshow teachers from @pivotpoint_academy and @wahlbarberacademy are in the house. Learning made fun!

Welcome…

Open
Welcome…

It’s coming together. First sneak look at our barber clinic floor.

Open
It’s coming together. First sneak look at our barber clinic floor.

Coming soon!
A NEW BARBER-ONLY SCHOOL IN CHICAGO, IL

Open
Coming soon! A NEW BARBER-ONLY SCHOOL IN CHICAGO, IL

A NEW BARBER-ONLY SCHOOL IN CHICAGO, IL
#opportunity #learning #training
Coming soon! Pending approval from the IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation. Approved!

The perfect choice for those with an entrepreneurial mindset. Our program offers comprehensive training in all aspects of barbering, including haircuts, shaves, beard grooming, and more. With experienced instructors and a hands-on learning environment, you can have the opportunity to hone your skills and develop a deep understanding of the craft.

Open
A NEW BARBER-ONLY SCHOOL IN CHICAGO, IL #opportunity #learning #training Coming soon! Pending approval from the IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation. Approved! The perfect choice for those with an entrepreneurial mindset. Our program offers comprehensive training in all aspects of barbering, including haircuts, shaves, beard grooming, and more. With experienced instructors and a hands-on learning environment, you can have the opportunity to hone your skills and develop a deep understanding of the craft.

Testimonials

  • I chose pivot point intentionally because I’ve always loved makeup. Going through all the phases and learning all the curriculum I’ve never been so happy to become a well-rounded hairstylist knowing all techniques and learning all different hair types. I’ve never been so blessed to be working at Sharon Daniel Salon to further my career and make everyone feel beautiful!

    Alissa M.

    I chose Pivot Point because of its professional but fun atmosphere. I feel that they took cosmetology as seriously as I did but everyone was still warm and welcoming! I am now working at a Redken elite salon in Chicago and I feel like I’ve found a home in my rising salon!

    Mikey D.

  • Pivot Point Academy is not only a school, it is a home. This place helped me branch out into a whole different person. I tried things I never knew I would try and accomplished so much more than I would’ve ever thought. Pivot Point allowed me to find another home at Sorelle Salon in Bartlett. I am a full-time stylist now doing hair, makeup, spray tans, lash extensions, lash lifts, and nails! This industry offers so much and Pivot Point helped me realize beauty is unstoppable!

    Gabby B.

    I chose Pivot Point Academy because I wanted a supportive, family-like school. I knew from the minute I toured the academy; I was home. The educators were amazing, my classmates were always cheering me on and the rest of the team always had my back. I knew going to Pivot Point I would have the best cosmetology education and opportunities following graduation. I was given all of that, plus so much more.

    Savannah F.

  • I chose Pivot Point because it had always been highly recommended to me and frankly; no other school compared. I felt welcomed and at home right away, so I knew it was the right choice. After graduating from Pivot Point, I was able to come across an amazing job opportunity at The Mixx Hair Salon where I am now a full-time hairstylist and lead makeup artist.

    Nathaly L.

    I just graduated from the teacher training program and I want to share my appreciation for the school, I’ve learned so much! I truly have enjoyed my time there. The staff & students have been wonderful. I just truly love the atmosphere, curriculum, and basically everything about this wonderful school.

    Brittany S.

  • After doing a ton of research, I chose to attend Pivot Point Academy to obtain my Cosmetology license. Their curriculum looked the best compared to other schools, and I’ve heard great feedback from friends that attended this beauty school.

    Lisa W.

    I recently attended the Cosmetology school at Pivot Point Academy to tighten up my skills. Great instructors that facilitate a collaborative learning experience that is not only based on concepts – but also hands-on practice to help enhance your skills.

    Sophia B.

  • Attending Pivot Point Academy for my cosmetology training was the single most important career decision I’ve made. From the strongest in fundamentals to a vast network, I wouldn’t be the traveling artists I am today without it. In one word: Blessed!

    Matt B.

    I felt the most comfortable at Pivot Point Academy when I did my walk-through, I can tell the staff really cared about me and are down to earth. Pivot point truly cared about wanting me to succeed and go far in this industry and supported me throughout school and even after graduation. Pivot Point Academy has instilled in me the professional that I have become, and for that, I am forever grateful. After I completed both cosmetology and barber school, I have been building a solid clientele and been loving it every day! With having such an awesome educational background I truly can go forth with confidence for any client that sits in my chair. I am so fortunate to have made such close friends while in school that I will have for a lifetime!

    Natalie G.

Financial Planning Services – Much More Than
Financial Aid

Our Financial Services team is here to assist you in creating your financial planning. Full support from start through graduation. Provide support to fill out the FAFSA application and evaluate access to Title IV programs for post-secondary education and eligibility. Discover and help to apply for available scholarships you may qualify for (Financial Planning Appointment).

Stronger Together

Prosper U LogoWahl LogoPivot Point Lab LogoBio-Therapeutic LogoNACCAS LogoPivot Point LogoPCA Skin LogoMUD Partner SchoolDermalogic Partner School LogoBeauty Cast Network LogoBaaB Partner Network Logo

Barber Icon

Barber

Our barber program offers comprehensive training in all aspects of barbering, providing students with the skills and confidence to succeed in the industry. Learn classic haircuts, shaves, grooming, and more!

Barber Crossover Icon

Barber Crossover

Our barber crossover program empowers experienced hairstylists to seamlessly transition into the world of barbering through specialized training and focused skill development. Learn unique techniques, styles, client interactions, and more!

Teacher Training Icon

Teacher Training

Our teacher training barber program is designed for experienced barbers who aspire to share their knowledge and passion with the next generation of barbers. Learn classroom techniques, mentorship, curriculum development, and more!