In an area of the Bronx, known as Parkchester, a rich and diverse history thrives; from bakeries that still hold name in some of the broadest circles, to a movie theatre that opened their doors in 1939, the same year that Dorothy clicked her ruby slippers and brought dazzling technicolor to theatre audiences for the first time.

While much of that has changed, Macy’s first franchise store still stands, dispensing department store wares to the masses. Just around the corner from all this beautiful history, tucked within the trademark red brick buildings of the area, is the American Beauty School, one of the oldest cosmetology schools in the country.

Founded in the late 1970s, the “Bronx Beauty School” operated until the 1990s when the former owner passed away, leaving a loss in the community as the school many residents still recall fond memories of faded away. From the “creepy” practice heads to their “Aunt Judy” using them as a guinea pig while they were enrolled, the loss was felt.

It was then that the current owners purchased the building, and all of the fixtures, leaving the door open for the American Beauty School to fill that hole of need.

Bringing much of the original staff alongside, the school operated as it once did. Utilizing the strength of the diverse community, they continued their thorough curriculum to feature all types of hair and bringing in new skills and techniques from the amazing cultures that they are made up of.

Even though much of the original staff has since retired, the lessons and values they helped create live on, giving the American Beauty School a diverse program with the goal to produce highly sought after cosmetologists. Some of our graduates have gone on to work for some of the biggest salons, and biggest names in fashion today.

Now under the direction of Ms. Wendy and Mr. Ramon Ramos, with over 40 years of education experience each, the school will live on for many years to come, hosting hundreds of global students with their student visa program, and opening their doors to the most diverse community in the world.

All of which gives each and every one of their students the edge to create waves in the energetic and exciting world of cosmetology.