Jeffrey Imbrescia, CEO and President of DEC, Invest Pittsburgh Interview
March 10, 2026
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Cosmetology Training in Pennsylvania
COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM
DIPLOMA PROGRAM
Cosmetology Academy Training for Real-World Salon Careers in Pennsylvania
At Douglas Education Center, we help creative, motivated students build professional beauty skills with confidence and turn a passion for beauty into career-ready skills. Our cosmetology academy provides a supportive learning environment where students study hair design, color, nails, skin care, professional practices, salon management, and real-world client service. For anyone searching for a cosmetology school near Pennsylvania, DEC offers focused instruction, experienced faculty, and a campus atmosphere designed to help students grow with confidence.
Our cosmetology program goes beyond the minimum state requirement, giving students additional time to practice, refine techniques, and prepare for Pennsylvania state board expectations. Through hands-on cosmetology training and focused skincare training, we help students build the foundation needed to pursue opportunities in salons, spas, medi-spas, entertainment settings, or even independent business ownership. If you are ready to take the next step, contact Douglas Education Center at 800-413-6013 and request more information today or schedule a visit.
Our Student Clinic Experience
Our Student Clinic allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional-style salon setting while serving real clients from the community. Guests can enjoy reduced-rate services performed by students under supervision by licensed professionals, while students gain confidence in hair, skin, nail, and client-care services. If you are in Pennsylvania and looking for beauty services nearby or a practical beauty education experience, DEC offers a welcoming place to learn, practice, and prepare for the professional workplace with purpose.
Our cosmetology school at Douglas Education Center allows students to learn the basic principles of cosmetology, the chemistry of hair, and other practical applications. This well-rounded program gives students a foundational understanding of the skills required for a career in the cosmetology profession. Douglas Education Center aims to prepare students as Licensed cosmetologists to work in salons, spas, medi spas, television, film or even starting their own business.
What sets us apart from other institutions is that students will have the opportunity to make lifelong connections, mentors, and friends to guide them through their future endeavors. Our teachers have real-world experience and the knowledge to assist students in finding a career path that works best for them.
While the state of Pennsylvania only requires 1250 hours, Douglas Education Center requires students to complete 1350 hours in the cosmetology program. Students are prepared in everything needed to become a Licensed Cosmetologist by training in Hair Design, Nails and Skin, Color, Professional Practices and Salon Management as well as Clinic experience. The goal of our program is to assist students in passing their state board exams and preparing them for the professional workplace.
Changing Lives EVERY DAY!
OUR STUDENT CLINIC
Douglas Education Center emphasizes the importance of classroom education combined with real-world experience. That’s why we have a student cosmetology clinic that looks, works, and acts as a professional setting. Here, students can work with real-life clients, gain experience working in an upscale salon setting, and learn how to create the ideal environment for clients to relax. Students can explore the complexities of hair, treating skin, and designing nails first-hand.
For those looking to book an appointment at our student clinic, we offer services at reduced rates. While we recommend scheduling ahead of time, we do accept walk-ins. Please note that we cannot begin chemical services two hours before closing. In addition, we base all of our charges on reasonable material costs, and students will complete all services.
For more information about our student clinic hours or booking an appointment, call 724-653-2188.
EMPLOYERS OF GRADUATES INCLUDE:
Students will build a portfolio that showcases their abilities. We will take professional pictures of your work that you can take with you to use throughout your career. Building a portfolio will not only give you a step up over competitors, but it will give employers a clear look at how you’ve grown as a professional cosmetologist.
DEC graduates work at a variety of highly-renowned companies, including:
Chaney’s Natural
Cloud 9
Eye Candy Salon
Geno Levi Salon and Spa
Great Clips
Holiday Hair
JCPenney Salon
Jacques Dessange Spa & Salon
Julia James Salon
Madkat Salon
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Peles Salon
Phillip Pelusi
Regis Hair Salon
Salon Seva
Sanctus Rejuvenation Spa and Salon
Sephora
Sly Fox Hair Studio
Smart Style Hair Salon
Spa Harmony
Sport Clips
Stephen Szabo Salon
Studio Envy
Studio 7 Salon
Super Cuts
Hair Force Salon
Salon Boutique
Hey Jude Salon
Kristen’s Beauty Salon
Luxaria Hair Studio
Deanna Damerow and Co.
Salon Amara
Toscano’s Beauty Salon and Barber Shop
Rustic Beauty
Cuts N’ Such
Lash’d By Tammy
Bad Wolf Studio
Glam Glitter Glow
CERTIFICATIONS
DEC will provide a certificate of attendance in the below listed specialized training:
Curriculum includes training in:
Multiply Hair Extension
Techniques
Redken Haircolor
Redken Products
FACULTY
CLICK TO EXPAND
+ KAREN NELSON, Cosmetology Supervisor
Diploma General Cosmetology, Pittsburgh Beauty Academy
Diploma Cosmetology Teacher, Pittsburgh Beauty Academy
Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
+ BONNIE PITZARELLA, Instructor
A.S.T. Cosmetology Management Pittsburgh Beauty Academy
Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
+ KISSIE COBB, Instructor
Diploma, Cosmetology Teacher, Douglas Education Center
Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
+ RACHEL SPYRA, Instructor
Diploma, Cosmetology, Penn Commercial
Diploma, Cosmetology Teacher, Penn Commercial
Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
STUDENT CLINIC
SERVICE MENU (PUBLIC)
SERVICE MENU (DEC STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES)
Cosmetology students at The Cosmetology Academy supplement their classroom education with real-life experience. DEC cosmetology students learn and work in an upscale salon setting, and work on real clients through The Student Clinic. At The Cosmetology Academy at DEC, we’ll teach you how to create an atmosphere where your clients can relax and walk away feeling wonderful. Most importantly, students – within a simulated salon environment – are able to explore the complexities of styling hair, treating skin, and even designing nails as they work on paying members of the community. All of their services are offered at reduced rates and are carried out under the careful tutelage of licensed professionals.
No chemical services will be started two hours prior to closing. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins welcome. All charges based on the reasonable cost of material only. All work done by students.
For hours and to make an appointment, please call: (724) 653-2188
