About Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design

Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design

Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design is a renowned cosmetology school located in the heart of Bryan/College Station, Texas, with a legacy spanning over 50 years. Founded by Charles and Sue Fikes, the school has been a cornerstone of excellence in beauty education since its establishment.

Originally founded in Snyder, Texas, Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design found its permanent home off 1711 Briarcrest Dr. in Bryan in 1978, after seven years in downtown Bryan. In 2003, the school was proudly passed down to Tracy Gilstrap, the daughter of Charles and Sue, who has been an integral part of the school’s success story. Tracy, who graduated from cosmetology school in 1981 and earned her instructor license in 1982, has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s curriculum and guiding its students toward successful careers in the beauty industry.

At Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design, education is more than just a curriculum; it’s a legacy. The school has been an accredited Pivot Point Curriculum school since the 1980s, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in hair design, coloring, and professional techniques. In 2015, the school expanded its offerings to include the Summit Salon Business Curriculum, empowering students with the business insight needed to thrive in the competitive beauty industry.

Over the past 53 years, Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design has witnessed the evolution of the beauty industry firsthand. From the development of innovative hair coloring and lightening services to the growing demand for hairstylists, the school has remained at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring that its students are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

In addition to its commitment to excellence in education, Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design prides itself on staying current with professional products. The school has offered a wide range of professional-grade products over the past 50 years, including Matrix, Aquage, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Milbon, and Jack Winn, ensuring that students have access to the best tools and products in the industry.

However, the true essence of Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design lies in its students. With over 2,300 graduated students, the school has been instrumental in helping aspiring cosmetologists kick start their careers. Whether students choose to pursue booth rent, a summit salon, or special events and make-up artist or any other path in the beauty industry, Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design is dedicated to providing them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to succeed.

As Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design looks toward the future, it remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional education and training to future generations of beauty professionals. With its rich history, commitment to excellence, and dedication to its students’ success, Charles & Sue’s School of Hair Design is poised to continue its legacy of excellence for another 50 years and beyond.

You can find more information about our school and our cosmetology program here.