FAQ's

Why Donato?
John Donato, a renowned industry leader in the hairstyling industry, built the Academy to establish a higher level of learning in order to train future hairstylists and aestheticians.

In addition to being the largest salon + spa in Canada, Donato is a great choice for your education for the following reasons:

• Small student to teacher ratios
• Recognized by the MTCU (Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities)
• Located in South Etobicoke, accessible to the highway and public transit
• Customized student kits
• State of the art facilities and equipment.  

Are there registration deadlines?

Classes begin in September and January. As class sizes are limited we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

What happens after I graduate? Am I a licensed hairstylist?
Hairstyling is a skilled trade. There are steps you must take upon completing your Hairstyling Program before obtaining your license. Step one is to register with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) Apprenticeship office. You will be registering for the 2000hr. apprenticeship program. The Ministry will provide you with a book to be signed off by you salon manager or owner where you complete your 2000 hrs. Once your hours are complete and your book is completely signed you may apply to write your exam. Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive your Certificate of Qualification (license) which must be renewed every three years. For more information on obtaining your license you can visit the MTCU website.

What is a starting wage for a hairstylist?
Wages differ from salon to salon. You may be paid hourly, salary or commission.


Does the Academy offer student loans?
At this time we do not offer student loans; however, speak to you local bank manager as they may be able to assist you with student financing.


Do I need previous experience to apply to the Academy?
No. Previous experience is not necessary. We require you to have a passion to be creative and a willingness to learn.


Do I get to keep my student kit and textbook?
Yes! Your student kit and textbook is your property and your responsibility. They are yours to keep and utilize in your future career.


Are students guaranteed a job with the Donato Academy or Donato Salons + Spas after graduation?
Donato currently operates four salons: Donato Salon + Spa Square One, Donato Salon + Spa Yorkdale, the Donato New Talent Salon on Lakeshore, and Donato Salon + Spa in Don Mills. We employ over 200 employees at our locations and still growing! The Academy cannot guarantee employment at any of our locations; however, we invite graduates to apply at any location after graduation. Potential candidates would then proceed through our interview process.

Upon completion of the Aesthetics Program, am I able to work?
After completing the Aesthetics Program, graduates will receive their certificate. This will enable them to immediately seek employment with established salons, spas, resort spas and destination spas.

What is the average starting salary for an aesthetician?
Similar to the junior hairstylist, aestheticians may be paid hourly, salary or may rent space as each salon/spa differs.

Classes for the Academy are held Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 am until 4:30pm.