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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know About Starting Your Journey With Us!
Getting Started
Who are your courses for?
Our courses are designed for everyday women ready to create a new future for themselves - whether you're starting from scratch or returning to something you’ve always loved.
They’re perfect for:
◾ Career changers who want more purpose and flexibility
◾ Mums ready to build a profitable side hustle or new career
◾ Creatives of any age who want to turn their love for beauty into income
You don’t need any prior experience - just the drive to learn, show up, and take bold steps toward a career that lights you up.
If you’ve ever said “I wish I’d done this sooner” - this is for you.
Do I need to do both Hair Styling and Makeup Artistry or can I do just one?
You can choose to do just one - either hair or makeup - depending on your passion, budget, and goals.
But if you’re serious about working in the industry, we highly recommend learning both.
Why? Because artists who offer both services are booked 3x more often and earn more per client - especially in bridal and special event work.
It is well known in the industry that approx 80% of paying clients prefer to book one artist who can do it all. Offering both hair styling and makeup makes you more convenient, more valuable, and far more likely to stand out in a competitive market.
You don’t need to do both at the same time - many of our students start with one and return for the other once they gain confidence. Either way, we’ll support your growth at every step.
What Are the Entry Requirements?
There are no formal entry requirements - you don’t need previous experience, qualifications, or a portfolio to join.
Our courses are designed for complete beginners through to artists who want to refine their skills.
All you need is:
◾ A passion for beauty
◾ A commitment to show up and do the work
◾ A willingness to learn and grow
Whether you're switching careers, returning to work, or finally pursuing something for yourself — you’re welcome here.
I have previously learnt from another school, can I join your course?
Absolutely. In fact, a significant percentage of our students come to us after completing courses elsewhere. Many find that larger institutions teach outdated techniques or lack the personalized, hands-on guidance needed to feel truly confident.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution, or an established working artist wanting to sharpen your skills, master modern high-end trends, and elevate your technique, you are incredibly welcome here. Our intimate class sizes and precise, detailed mentoring are designed to take your artistry to the next level.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution, or an established working artist wanting to sharpen your skills, master modern high-end trends, and elevate your technique, you are incredibly welcome here. Our intimate class sizes and precise, detailed mentoring are designed to take your artistry to the next level.
Can I work in the industry after completing your course?
Yes! Most of our students come to us because they want a no fuss approach to a course that will certify them to work in the industry. We teach our students exactly what they need to know when it comes to working in the bridal, glamour, fashion and media industries, building their own businesses, working in a salon, working in retail or becoming a freelance hair stylist and makeup artist. We don’t complicate things, instead our curriculum is designed so that everything you learn in our course is actually realistic to what you will do as a working professional, we skip the fluff!
Do I need a Diploma or Certificate to work as a Hair Stylist or Makeup Artist?
The short answer is no, not for the vast majority of the industry. You do not need a government qualification to work in bridal, glamour, editorial, runway, fashion, retail, or to launch your own successful freelance business. In these lucrative fields, clients and agencies only care about three things: your talent, your professionalism, and your portfolio.
The only exception is if you want to work exclusively in film, television, or special FX (SFX). Those highly specific fields often require a 12-to-18-month institutional diploma, which can cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with significant student debt before you even start working.
If your goal is to master high-end commercial, bridal, and glamour styling, an intensive, practical course is the smartest investment. It gets you industry-ready and earning an income in weeks, not years.
The only exception is if you want to work exclusively in film, television, or special FX (SFX). Those highly specific fields often require a 12-to-18-month institutional diploma, which can cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with significant student debt before you even start working.
If your goal is to master high-end commercial, bridal, and glamour styling, an intensive, practical course is the smartest investment. It gets you industry-ready and earning an income in weeks, not years.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes you will, we ask students to complete at least 80% of their course as well as pass their final assessment in order to receive their certificate.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Join?
Yes. We’ve had students as young as 13 and as experienced as 60.
If you’re under 18, we may ask for parent or guardian permission - but if you’re passionate and ready to learn, age is never a barrier here.
What matters most is your attitude and your willingness to take the first step.
Confidence & Skills
I have never Done Hair or Makeup Before, I have no experience. Can I still join?
Yes you can join if you have no experience. Most of our students start as complete beginners - many even doubt themselves. Our classes are hands-on, small, and supportive, so you can build skill and confidence step by step.
I’m not confident or good at hair and makeup - will I fall behind?
Not at all. Everyone learns at their own pace, and we support you through everything. You'll never be rushed or left behind. Confidence comes with experience - we’ll help you build both.
Payments & Pricing
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we have 2 payment plans to choose from. Once you pay the course deposit on our website which secures your seat, you can pay the remaining balance one of 2 ways. Choose between 2 split payments or weekly payments spread throughout the duration of your course.
Are there hidden fees?
No hidden costs. Your course fee covers your tuition, products used in class and access to our beauty app for support after the course.
How are your courses structured to offer better value than traditional institutions?
Traditional accredited courses often cost between $6,000 and $17,000 and drag out over 12 to 18 months due to rigid, bureaucratic government requirements.
We have purposefully streamlined our curriculum to eliminate the unnecessary fluff. By focusing exclusively on intensive, high-end practical skills and modern business training, we deliver an elite education in a fraction of the time. You graduate faster, save thousands on unnecessary tuition, receive a professional kit included in your fees, and start earning an income as a working artist months ahead of your peers.
We have purposefully streamlined our curriculum to eliminate the unnecessary fluff. By focusing exclusively on intensive, high-end practical skills and modern business training, we deliver an elite education in a fraction of the time. You graduate faster, save thousands on unnecessary tuition, receive a professional kit included in your fees, and start earning an income as a working artist months ahead of your peers.
Course & Delivery Info
What class Sizes Do You Run?
Small. A maximum of 7 students per teacher, and two qualified teachers for larger groups.
Does the course come with a professional kit?
No, and that's deliberate. All makeup and hair styling products will be supplied in the classroom. We do include a professional brush set and artist brush belt for our makeup course and a mannequin head and a clamp for our hair styling course. We want you to learn on a range of brands, not one pre-packed kit, so you understand which products suit each client and look. While you're working that out, you'll have full access to our professional ranges in class, so you can build your own kit with confidence instead of guessing.
Is your course nationally recognised?
No, and that’s by design.
We’ve chosen not to follow the government-accredited curriculum because it’s often outdated, overly rigid, and doesn’t reflect what the beauty industry actually demands today.
Our courses are built around real-world, on-trend techniques that are current, in demand, and aligned with what clients expect — not what’s written in a government manual.
You’ll graduate with a Certificate of Attainment from the Academy of Hair & Makeup, which is all you need to gain insurance, start working, and build a professional freelance career.
How do I enrol?
For hair styling click the Professional Hair Styling page, and for makeup click the Professional Makeup Artistry page, select Face To Face courses and Add to Cart, it’s that simple! When you complete the enrolment online, you can choose to pay the full amount up front or you can pay a $500 non refundable deposit, reserves your place, and pay the balance through our interest free payment plan. Once we receive your enrolment from our end, we will email you a course confirmation, along with your course modules and everything you need to know.
Who will be my trainer?
You'll be taught directly by our team of working industry professionals: Alondra, Diana, Helen or Leonie. Larger classes have two trainers in the room, so you get plenty of hands-on guidance. Every educator at the Academy is a working artist with real industry experience.
Alondra Gataé (Founder & Director)
A self-taught artist with over 26 years of international industry experience, Australia and Dubai. Alondra has worked with global brands including CHANEL, MAC, Dior and YSL, and founded the Academy to train the next generation of working artists. She focuses on building your technical confidence and teaching you the business systems you need to earn a real income from your skills.
Diana (Former National Artist for CHANEL)
Ten years in the industry. A former National Makeup Artist for CHANEL, Diana is known for her sharp, flawless technique and deep industry knowledge. She has been with the Academy since day one and brings real precision to the classroom, with a passion for helping students master their artistry and step into the industry with confidence.
Helen (Nominated Best Makeup Artist in Glen Iris & Small Business Awards)
An accomplished senior artist known for her technical precision and industry expertise. Helen brings years of salon, bridal and commercial experience to the classroom, and guides students to flawless execution with patience and attention to detail.
Leonie (Award Winning ABIA Finalist)
Twenty-six years in the industry. Leonie brings optimistic, vibrant and encouraging approach to the classroom. An industry veteran, Leonie has worked with everyone from L'Oreal to MAC Cosmetics.
Our trainers are patient, transparent and invested in your success, both in mastering your craft and in launching your business.
Alondra Gataé (Founder & Director)
A self-taught artist with over 26 years of international industry experience, Australia and Dubai. Alondra has worked with global brands including CHANEL, MAC, Dior and YSL, and founded the Academy to train the next generation of working artists. She focuses on building your technical confidence and teaching you the business systems you need to earn a real income from your skills.
Diana (Former National Artist for CHANEL)
Ten years in the industry. A former National Makeup Artist for CHANEL, Diana is known for her sharp, flawless technique and deep industry knowledge. She has been with the Academy since day one and brings real precision to the classroom, with a passion for helping students master their artistry and step into the industry with confidence.
Helen (Nominated Best Makeup Artist in Glen Iris & Small Business Awards)
An accomplished senior artist known for her technical precision and industry expertise. Helen brings years of salon, bridal and commercial experience to the classroom, and guides students to flawless execution with patience and attention to detail.
Leonie (Award Winning ABIA Finalist)
Twenty-six years in the industry. Leonie brings optimistic, vibrant and encouraging approach to the classroom. An industry veteran, Leonie has worked with everyone from L'Oreal to MAC Cosmetics.
Our trainers are patient, transparent and invested in your success, both in mastering your craft and in launching your business.
What is the Complete Career Change Program?
The Complete Career Change Program is our full pathway from beginner to working artist. You'll complete both our Makeup Artist Course and Hair Styling Course and graduate certified in both. You'll also do a Content Photoshoot Day to build your portfolio. Once you've finished both courses, you'll get six months of small-group business coaching on Zoom every fortnight, covering the business side of building your career. It's designed for people who want to make hair and makeup their career, not just learn a new skill. Call us on 03 9961 6084 to find out if it's the right fit for you.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, international students are welcome at the Academy. Because we are a private institution, we do not have the complex visa or entry restrictions often required by government universities. Our fast-tracked, intensive format is ideal for international students looking to gain elite, industry-ready skills without committing to years of study.
Do you offer government funding or VET student loans?
No, we have intentionally chosen to remain a private academy.
Government funding is typically reserved for traditional, 12-to-18-month institutional courses that cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with substantial student loan debt. Instead, we offer streamlined, high-value education. By cutting out institutional bureaucracy, we keep our tuition efficient and cost-effective, offer flexible internal payment plans, and include your professional kit in the fees so you can graduate debt-free and start earning immediately.
Government funding is typically reserved for traditional, 12-to-18-month institutional courses that cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with substantial student loan debt. Instead, we offer streamlined, high-value education. By cutting out institutional bureaucracy, we keep our tuition efficient and cost-effective, offer flexible internal payment plans, and include your professional kit in the fees so you can graduate debt-free and start earning immediately.
