Your career in beauty begins here.

Real training. Real experience. Real confidence.

Bennett School of Cosmetology is a modern, student-focused school preparing tomorrow’s beauty professionals with hands-on experience, industry skills, and business readiness.

Enroll Now & Secure Your Spot

At Bennett, success in the beauty industry is built through real experience, not memorization.

We focus on technical excellence, real client experience, professional communication, and the confidence required to step into any salon with authority.

Women working on mannequin heads with hairdryers in a salon, practicing hairstyling.

What Makes us Different?

Bennett was built intentionally. Every part of our program reflects the expectations, pace, and professionalism of today’s beauty industry.

  • Hands-on from day one
    Students work with real clients in a professional environment under the guidance of licensed instructors. This experience builds confidence, technical skill, and comfort behind the chair long before graduation.

  • Industry standards, not outdated school models
    Our curriculum reflects how salons operate today. We focus on current techniques, client communication, time management, and professional expectations so students graduate prepared to work, not retrain.

  • Intentional class structure and support
    Smaller class environments allow instructors to know each student, track progress closely, and provide direct feedback. This creates accountability, growth, and consistency throughout the program.

  • Professional development beyond technique
    We teach more than hair and aesthetics. Students learn professionalism, branding, client experience, and the realities of working in the beauty industry so they can build sustainable careers after licensure.

Person holding a catalog titled "Colors Like No Other" in front of shelves stocked with various bottles of ink or paint.

built for real industry success.

Bennett School of Cosmetology was founded with a clear purpose: to provide professional, industry-relevant education that prepares students for real careers in beauty. Built as a modern, independently owned school, Bennett was designed to bridge the gap between traditional cosmetology education and the expectations graduates face in today’s salons and professional environments.

The school operates with a strong emphasis on hands-on training, accountability, and professional standards. From curriculum design to daily instruction, every aspect of Bennett reflects the realities of the beauty industry and the level of preparation required to succeed within it.

Bennett School of Cosmetology is licensed by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering and operates in compliance with all state regulations and educational requirements. Our programs are structured to support licensure, skill development, and long-term professional success.

As the school continues to grow, Bennett remains committed to intentional education, high standards, and preparing students who are confident, capable, and ready to work.

our leadership and educators

  • A woman with blonde, wavy hair smiles while posing in front of a floral and animal print wallpaper background.

    Brittanie O'Neal

    FOUNDER & OWNER

    Brittanie O’Neal founded Bennett School of Cosmetology to bridge the gap between traditional beauty education and the real expectations of the industry. With a background that spans cosmetology, barbering, education, business, and coaching, she leads Bennett with a clear focus on professional standards, real client experience, and intentional training.

    Brittanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is a licensed cosmetologist, barber instructor, and cosmetology instructor. She is a Milady Certified Master Educator, a certified life and business coach, and holds advanced certifications including Invisible Bead Extensions. Her approach blends technical excellence with mindset, leadership, and professional development.

    Under her leadership, Bennett prepares students to graduate confident, capable, and ready to succeed in today’s beauty industry.

  • A woman with long blonde hair sitting in a salon chair in a hair salon, with hair washing stations and circular ceiling lights in the background.

    Amber McCaig

    EDUCATOR

    Amber brings over twenty-two years of experience behind the chair and a deep understanding of the beauty industry. She is the owner of A&M Hair Salon, which she has successfully led for thirteen years, and remains actively behind the chair while managing a fully staffed salon.

    As a professional makeup artist and working salon owner, Amber brings current, real-world experience into the classroom while reinforcing strong technical foundations, professionalism, and industry expectations.

    As an educator, Amber is known for her ability to challenge and support students at the same time. Her experience, consistency, and leadership make her a cornerstone of the Bennett team and a trusted mentor for students preparing for long-term success in the beauty industry.

  • A woman with wavy light brown hair and makeup, wearing a black top with gold buttons, standing in front of floral and animal print wallpaper.

    Alley Cross

    EDUCATOR

    Alley is a licensed cosmetology professional with a strong background in hair color, cutting, and foundational techniques. She has been active in the beauty industry since 2021 and brings practical, real-world experience into the classroom.

    In addition to her work as an educator, Alley is an active bridal artist and works behind the chair, allowing her to teach from current industry experience while emphasizing proper execution, consistency, and strong fundamentals.

    As an educator, Alley creates a supportive learning environment while maintaining high standards. Her skill, approachability, and consistency make her a valued asset to the Bennett team and a trusted guide for students building confidence and professionalism.

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a black top, standing indoors near a window and a decorative floral wallpaper, with tattoos on her arms.

    Brooke Smith

    STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

    Brooke is a Licensed Master Social Worker with seven years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions and personal challenges. Her work focuses on helping students build emotional awareness, healthy coping strategies, and stability as they move through their education.

    She brings experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, with an emphasis on emotional regulation and practical skill building. Brooke’s approach is grounded, supportive, and student focused.

    At Bennett, Brooke serves as a trusted student resource, helping individuals stay engaged, supported, and equipped to succeed both academically and personally.

  • Miriam Romero

    Miriam Romero

    EDUCATOR

    Miriam has been a licensed cosmetology professional for fourteen years and brings extensive hands-on experience into the classroom. She is a salon owner and remains actively involved in the industry, giving her a strong understanding of both technical execution and business expectations.

    She is certified in waxing, lash extensions, and hair extensions, and specializes in color corrections. Miriam’s background allows her to teach precision, problem-solving, and advanced consultation skills required for complex services.

    As an educator, Miriam is known for her attention to detail and ability to break down challenging concepts. Her experience helps students approach advanced services with confidence, accuracy, and a solutions-focused mindset.

  • A young woman smiling outdoors, standing in front of a brick wall, wearing a black top and a delicate necklace.

    Joanna Bates

    STUDENT EDUCATOR

    Joanna is a student educator at Bennett School of Cosmetology who brings a strong understanding of the student experience into her role. Having progressed from student to educator, she offers guidance grounded in firsthand knowledge of the program and its expectations.

    Her approach focuses on creating a supportive, structured learning environment that emphasizes skill development, professionalism, and confidence. Joanna works closely with students to reinforce fundamentals, encourage growth, and support consistent progress.

    As a student educator, Joanna is committed to helping students build confidence and competence through clear instruction and hands-on support.

  • A woman with long blond hair smiling outdoors in fall, wearing a white top with sheer polka-dot sleeves and layered gold necklaces.

    Dani Overton

    STUDENT EDUCATOR

    Dani has been a licensed cosmetology professional since 2010 and brings over a decade of experience behind the chair into the classroom. She is the owner of ElleRae Salon, which she has led since 2012, and remains actively involved in the industry.

    She specializes in weddings, pageants, and hair color, bringing a strong focus on preparation, detail, and polished execution. Her continued work with high-expectation clients allows her to teach techniques that translate confidently into professional settings.

    As a student educator, Dani brings a calm, steady presence into the classroom while maintaining clear expectations. Her experience helps students understand the professionalism, confidence, and consistency required for real-world success.

  • A smiling woman with long dark wavy hair, wearing a sleeveless black top and gold hoop earrings, sitting with her hand resting on her chin against a plain light-colored background.

    Gabby Gibbons

    STUDENT EDUCATOR

    Gabby is a licensed cosmetology professional with seven years of experience in the beauty industry. Her background behind the chair gives her a strong understanding of technique, efficiency, and client expectations.

    She is spray tan certified and specializes in blonding, balayage, and lived-in color, with a focus on formulation, placement, and consistency. Gabby helps students understand how technical choices impact results and long-term client satisfaction.

    As a student educator, Gabby emphasizes precision, professionalism, and building skills that translate into confident, repeatable work in the salon environment.

ready to start your career in beauty?

Enroll Now & Secure Your Spot