What is Lead?
A Degree in Beauty
To create future beauty professionals and leaders for this fast-growing industry, Lead | ROLFS Global Institute powered by L’Oréal, is proud to launch the first college and university degrees for beauty professionals.
This is a historic moment for the beauty industry and its transformation to the next level. Higher education empowers our industry to redefine beauty and reclaim its impact on our collective humanity.
— Francis Tesmer, Lead | ROLFS Global Institute CEO
Your Path to the Future
Who is Lead for?
The $500-billion beauty industry is reinventing itself, and it demands more leaders with entrepreneurial spirit and experience than ever before. If you fit into one of the categories below, there’s a place for you in Lead’s degree program:
Beauty Professionals of the Future
- Current & graduated Cosmetology Students
- High school graduates who are interested in a career in beauty
- Individuals from other industries who are considering a career change
Beauty Professionals Embracing Transformation
- Licensed Stylists (1-2 years)
- Experienced Licensed Stylists (5-20 years)
- Salon Educators/Managers/Owners, etc
The Program
Through this accelerated program, students with their cosmetology license will receive college credit toward their associate degree, enabling them to earn their associate in two semesters and their bachelor’s degree in four.
Although Lead does not require a cosmetology license, licensed beauty professionals have the ability to earn their degrees in less time, with an associate’s degree taking one year and a bachelor’s degree taking two years. This program is the fastest, most cost effective, and most transformational degree offered.
The difference between hobby and profession is a degree in beauty.
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Beauty and Wellness promotes progressive thinking skills and experiences to enhance personal growth and professional success, equipping you with the credentials needed to kickstart an exciting career in beauty. Students who complete this AAS have fundamental strategies to effectively and successfully implement innovative principles in the beauty industry to serve consumers.
What do you get from Lead?
- Higher education and career path mapping
- Complete Enrollment Assistance
- Student Success Advisor
- Scholarship Opportunities
- College Preparation Courses
- Mentorship
- College Accredited, Industry Focused Curriculum
- Professional Development Training
- Personal Development Training
- Job Placement Services
- Meet and interact with fellow aspiring beauty professionals worldwide
The Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Strategic Leadership provides students with an understanding of the principles of innovation, leadership, communication, psychology, ethics, science, finance, collaboration, and evidence-based decision making. Graduates will be prepared to transform, innovate, and elevate standards in the personal care industry that extend into the future.
What do you get from Lead?
- Higher education and career path mapping
- Complete Transfer Enrollment Assistance
- Student Success Advisor
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Mentorship
- College Accredited, Industry Focused Curriculum
- Professional Development Training
- Personal Growth Education
- Job Placement Services
- Meet and interact with fellow aspiring beauty professionals worldwide
- European exchange student program
Lead Program Features
Online courses
Year-round flexible start dates
Available for International Enrollment
Multiple financial assistance and/or scholarship options
Study from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world
Learn from some of the best professors and academic leaders
Why Lead?
We are the bridge to your future
Our Mission
It’s time to acknowledge the level of impact beauty professionals have in our lives. Every year an individual consults with a beauty professional over 48% more than a physician. This is why advancing the accredited education of beauty professionals is our mission. Lead is shaping the future of beauty by developing the minds and expanding the intellect of beauty professionals who maintain and restore our self-expression and well-being.
Our Significance
Like doctors, beauty professionals examine clients, review their history, diagnose conditions, administer treatment, and counsel clients on their outer and inner self-care and well-being. Yet the significance of beauty professionals’ impact and the prestige of their profession has been undermined. At Lead, we are equipping our students with the knowledge to elevate their lives and to launch the modern beauty experience.
Lead the future
Learn from leading professionals
Advocate respect for the profession
Acquire an innovative mindset
Elevate the beauty industry
Get a degree. Earn a career. Elevate your world. Increase your potential.
Student Stories
Education is the greatest equalizer.
— Francis Tesmer, Lead | ROLFS Global Institute CEO
Apply in 2 Easy Steps
1. Apply to Lead
2. Check your email
Enrollment Deadlines
The application for Spring 2026 is currently open. December 19th, 2025 is the next deadline.
Welcome to the Next Level
There has never been a more perfect time to elevate the industry and the idea of what being a salon professional or salon owner could be.
An Unprecedented Partnership
LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute has partnered with L’Oréal USA Professional Products Division (L’Oréal PPD) to create a whole new era in beauty filled with prestige and financial stability. Together, these partners pave the way for the next generation of beauty professionals, leaders, and innovators.
Scholarships
$1M+
ROLFS invests in the beauty professionals of the future by providing scholarships, empowering them to transform their lives. ROLFS has awarded over $1 million dollars in scholarships to beauty professionals, enabling them to enter into the workforce and enjoy a whole new level of financial success, personal fulfillment, and happiness.