Learn by Doing. Build a Career in Textured Hair.
DSimone Texture Academy prepares future textured hair professionals through education, workforce development, mentorship, and Registered Apprenticeship — inside a real, working salon.
Cultivating Texture. Cultivating Confidence.
DSimone Texture Academy exists to close the educational gap in textured hair care while creating meaningful career pathways for future beauty professionals.
Through workforce development, Registered Apprenticeship, and specialized education, we prepare the next generation of texture specialists — inside a real working salon, alongside experienced Educators.
Why We Created DSimone Texture Academy.
For years, clients referred to DSimone as a “hair clinic” because of our commitment to textured hair education and healthy hair practices.
What began as a salon has evolved into a workforce development and education initiative dedicated to creating opportunities, closing knowledge gaps, and preparing the next generation of textured hair professionals.
Today, DSimone Texture Academy exists to cultivate texture, cultivate confidence, and create meaningful career pathways through education, mentorship, and professional development.
Texture education, raised to the standard of workforce development.
DOL Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor
Structured training pathways recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Textured Hair Education Specialists
Curriculum centered on textured hair excellence.
Workforce Development Partner
Connecting education with career opportunities.
Community Impact Focused
Creating access and opportunity for underserved communities.
Built for the people building the next generation of beauty.
Two structured pathways, one real-salon experience.
Begin with the Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship Program, then earn while you learn through our Registered Apprenticeship.
From interest to career advancement.
A clear, supported journey designed and delivered by textured hair Education specialists.
- 01Interest
- 02Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship
- 03Registered Apprenticeship
- 04Advanced Training & Professional Development
- 05Certified Texture Specialist
- 06Employment & Career Advancement
As DSimone Texture Academy expands, additional educational and licensure pathways may become available.
For schools, workforce boards, and community organizations.
Refer participants, sponsor cohorts, or co-design pathways with our team.
Looking for a Hair Braiding School in New Jersey?
DSimone Texture Academy provides hands-on education in braiding, textured hair, natural hair care, and professional development through our Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Registered Apprenticeship pathway. We’re a workforce development institution — not just a braiding school — preparing participants for long-term careers in the textured hair industry.
More Than Braiding Classes
Our programs introduce participants to braiding, locs, natural hair care, textured hair styling, workplace readiness, client communication, and career exploration. Loctician training and braiding instruction are part of a broader curriculum that builds the full skill set future textured hair professionals need to succeed in a working salon.
Natural Hair Education and Career Pathways
DSimone Texture Academy was created to help aspiring beauty professionals explore careers in textured hair while gaining real-world experience, mentorship, and industry knowledge. From first interest, to Pre-Apprenticeship, to Registered Apprenticeship, to becoming a Certified Texture Specialist — every step is supported by Educators who specialize in textured hair.
Braiding, natural hair, and career questions.
What is the best hair braiding school in New Jersey?+
DSimone Texture Academy is a New Jersey-based education and workforce development institution specializing in textured hair, braiding, and natural hair care. Rather than a traditional braiding school, DTA delivers structured education through the Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship and a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship — preparing participants for long-term careers, not just a single skill.
Are there braiding classes near me in New Jersey?+
DTA runs cohort-based programs in Elmwood Park, Somerset, and Willingboro. Braiding instruction is one part of a broader curriculum that also covers locs, natural hair care, textured hair styling, client communication, and workplace readiness.
How do I become a natural hair stylist?+
The most supported path is to start with the Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship — a 165-hour hybrid program — and then progress into the DOL-Registered Apprenticeship, where you earn while you learn inside a real working salon alongside experienced Educators.
How do I become a loctician?+
Loctician training at DTA is delivered as part of our textured hair curriculum — locs are introduced alongside braiding, natural hair care, and other textured services. As you advance through the apprenticeship pathway, you build hands-on competency under mentorship from professionals who specialize in textured hair.
What is the difference between cosmetology school and a Registered Apprenticeship?+
Cosmetology school is classroom-based instruction that prepares you for state licensure. A Registered Apprenticeship is paid, on-the-job training combined with structured education inside a working salon. At DTA, the apprenticeship complements cosmetology study by specializing in textured hair — apprentices must be currently enrolled in a cosmetology program.
Can I learn braiding without prior experience?+
Yes. The Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship is designed for participants new to the industry. No prior salon experience is required — only an interest in textured hair careers.
What careers can I pursue after learning textured hair services?+
Graduates pursue careers as natural hair stylists, braiders, locticians, salon professionals, and Certified Texture Specialists. DTA's career pathway moves from interest, to Pre-Apprenticeship, to Registered Apprenticeship, to advanced professional development and employment.
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Contact DSimone Texture Academy
Questions about Intro to Texture Pre-Apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, partnerships, information sessions, admissions, or career pathways? Our team is here to help.
Monday–Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Elmwood Park, NJ
Somerset, NJ
Willingboro, NJ
For admissions questions, application support, partnership opportunities, workforce development referrals, and program information, please contact the DSimone Texture Academy team.