Enrollment Cancellation & Refunds

Students may cancel enrollment within 3 business days of signing to receive a full refund. A full refund is also granted if enrollment was based on misleading information. Withdrawals or terminations after this period are refunded based on percentage of hours completed. The school may retain up to $1,000 for cancellations before the course starts. All refunds are processed within 30 days of official withdrawal or dismissal.

Payment Policy

Payment arrangements are required to be paid every Friday the week before coming to school. So in other words, if no payment is made on Friday then the student cannot come to school the following Monday.  All payment arrangements must be approved by the Administrative Staff in advance. A $50 a day late service charge may be applied to overdue payments after the 3rd day. The total overall price includes all fees, registration, tuition and books. The only additional fee added is the $15 monthly processing fee that will need to be paid to TFC our processing center, depending on the length of the loan. Empire Hair Institute accepts the following payment methods:
Cash, money orders, credit/debit card, Zelle, Cash App, Afterpay and Venmo. If a student's training extends beyond their contracted completion date, additional instructional charges will apply. The current rate is $15 per hour for all courses but it will only apply depending on the student's situations if approved by EHI. Students may also explore alternative financing options through third-party providers such as Acorn and other private lenders including banks and credit unions.

Withdrawals & Re-Enrollment

To withdraw, students must submit a signed request form. If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign. Automatic withdrawal may occur after 10 consecutive days of unexcused absences. Re-enrollment requires a $175 fee and payment of any outstanding balance. Credit is retained for hours completed prior to withdrawal. Refunds for kits and supplies are not guaranteed.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate and qualify for the State Board exam, students must:

1. Complete required clock hours:

Cosmetology – 1000 hrs
Class A Barber – 1000 hrs
Esthetician/Nail Tech – 800 hrs
Nail Tech – 600 hrs
Cosmetology/Barber Crossovers – 300 hrs
Esthetician - 750 hrs
Hair weaving & Extension Tech - 300 hrs
Esthetician/Hair Weaving & Extensions Tech - 800 hrs
Eyelash Tech - 320 hrs

2. Maintain a 70% academic average and 67% attendance
3.Pass final written and practical exams

4. Clear all tuition or be on an approved payment plan

Students in Cosmetology or Barber may take the written exam after 900 hours.

Licensing Requirements (TDLR)

To apply for a Texas license through TDLR, students must:

1. Be at least 17 years old
2. Complete required hours at a licensed school
3. Pass both the written and practical exams
4. Submit the license application and fees
5. Have no disqualifying criminal history

Students with legal concerns may request a Pre-Evaluation Form from the school.

TDLR Testing Portal → PSIEXAMS.COM

If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) or pleaded  guilty or no contest (resulting in a deferred adjudication) to any in state, out-of-state or federal criminal offense, you must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF) along with your application materials. The department will conduct a criminal history background check on all persons who apply for a license. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred. Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete. Individuals may request TDLR review their criminal background before actually applying for a license. TDLR uses the same process for this pre-application evaluation as the process as a license application. See the Criminal History Evaluation Letter page for more information. Please see the Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions, which describe the process that TDLR uses to determine whether a criminal conviction renders an applicant an unsuitable candidate for the license, or whether a conviction warrants revocation or suspension of a license previously granted. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain in good standing, students must:

Maintain at least a 70% GPA and 67% attendance SAP is evaluated regularly. Students not meeting these standards will be placed on warning, then probation if needed. Appeals require valid documentation. Transfer hours count toward SAP and program completion. SAP status is maintained during official Leaves of Absence and re-entry.

Attendance & Make-Up Policy

Students must follow their assigned schedules:

1. Call in at least 1 hour before class if student is going to be absent.
2. Arrival after 8:45 AM may result in dismissal

Attendance is tracked digitally; edits require admin approval. Approved make-up hours support graduation but do not remove absences. Make-up tests and assignments must be pre-approved by an instructor.

Job Placement Support

EHI offers Job Placement with our sister company "Empire Hair Studio Salon Spa & Barbershop", if student chooses to apply.
EHI also offers career support through:
Resume and interview coaching job postings in student lounge and our extensive networking support and opportunities with The Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and The Brazosport Area Chamber of Commerce. Referrals to local employers upon request
graduates are encouraged to stay in contact for continued support.

Compensation in the Profession

As a licensed cosmetologist or barber, there are several ways you may be compensated in the industry:
1. Base Salary + Commission:
Many large salons offer a guaranteed base salary along with a commission structure. Once your service sales exceed your base, you begin earning a percentage—typically between 40% and 60%—of your total production, depending on experience. Example: With a $1,000 base salary and 50% commission on $6,000 in services, you’d earn $3,000 in commission, totaling $4,000 for the month.
2. Straight Commission:
In this model, you earn a set percentage of your service total with no base pay. Example: If you generate $1,000 in services in a week at a 50% rate, you’d earn $500. Taxes, including Social Security (7.65%), are typically withheld by the employer.
3. Booth Rental:
Independent professionals can rent a station at a salon for a fixed weekly fee. You keep all earnings but are responsible for your own taxes and expenses. This option offers more freedom but also higher financial risk, especially without an established clientele.
Each compensation method has its pros and cons, and understanding them will help you choose the right path for your career and lifestyle.

Uniform Policy

Uniforms are required daily and must follow program guidelines.

Required Attire:

Scrubs or smock
Black pants or black jeans
Closed-toe shoes

Not Allowed:
Du-rags, bandanas, ripped jeans, shorts, tank tops, Crocs, flip-flops, UGGS, skirts, or leggings.

Violations may result in dismissal or suspension.

Physical, Employer & Safety Requirements of the Profession

The cosmetology and barbering professions are physically demanding. Students should expect:

1. Long hours on their feet
2. Frequent bending and repetitive movements
3. Focused attention on detailed tasks

4. The need for finger dexterity
5. Potential physical ailments include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, back strain, and muscle fatigue.

Additional information is available in the program textbook.

Employer Expectations

1. Professional appearance and conduct
2. Punctuality and reliability
3. Strong customer service and communication skills
4. The ability to accept and manage feedback professionally
5. Dress codes may also be enforced by employers.

Safety Requirements

To ensure safety while working:

1. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and professional clothing
2. Use protective masks when filing acrylic nails
3. Wear gloves during chemical services or when using sharp instruments
4. Keep all tools (e.g., razors, shears) in good condition and use them with care
5. Treat and protect any nicks or cuts immediately

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sets health, safety, and sanitation standards and conducts regular inspections. Violations may result in fines or penalties.

Conduct Policy

All students are expected to behave professionally.

Prohibited Conduct Includes:

1. Disrespectful or loud behavior
2. Inappropriate language or conversations
3. Use of electronics on the clinic floor
4. Refusing client services
5. Smoking or vaping on school property
6. Physical altercations or unsafe behavior

Violations may result in written warnings, suspension, or termination.

General Rules

1. Remain inside the building while clocked in
2. No unauthorized sales or substances on school property
3. Sanitize your station and tools regularly
4. Use only approved devices (cell phone and school-issued laptop)
5. Do not clock in/out for others
6. No cheating, stealing, or weapons
7. Use downtime for assigned tasks or practice

Drug & Alcohol-Free Campus

The use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances is strictly prohibited. Violations will be reported to authorities and may lead to expulsion.

Student Privacy (FERPA)

Student records are confidential and released only with written consent, unless required by law. Records are kept for a minimum of 5 years. Students may request access with ID and pay a small copy fee.

Grievance Policy

Students may file grievances in writing with the lead instructor, school director, or president. A written response will be provided within 7 business days. Unresolved complaints may be directed to:

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 12884, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (512) 463-6599

Corrective Action Process

Empire Hair Institute follows a 3-step discipline plan:

1. Warning – Written notice of a policy violation
2. Advising Session – Counseling and corrective action plan
3. Suspension – Temporary removal for continued or severe violations

Further non-compliance may result in termination of enrollment.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Empire Hair Institute does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or financial status. Accommodations are made in compliance with federal law.

Transcript & Certificate Requests

Unofficial transcripts available upon request
Official transcripts and certificates are issued only if the student has a $0 balance
Duplicate certificates: $100 fee
Processing time: 3 business days