When you’re choosing a beauty school, technique and training matter—but so does the energy of the space you’re walking into every day. At Paul Mitchell Tthe School San Diego, we don’t just teach future beauty professionals. We empower them in a culture built on kindness, community, and support.

It’s called the Be Nice Culture, and it’s at the heart of what sets us apart. It shapes not only why students enroll, but a feeling of home here.

The Origin of the Be Nice Culture at Paul Mitchell Schools

Our Be Nice Culture was inspired by our dean, Winn Claybaugh—a renowned speaker and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools. Winn helped shape not just a curriculum, but an entire experience rooted in empathy, encouragement, and personal growth. His mission remains at the center of everything we do: to create beauty professionals who are as kind as they are talented.

Winn’s book, Be Nice (Or Else!), laid the foundation for the positive, people-first environment we live and breathe today.
It explores how to:

• Be kind to yourself first
• Respond thoughtfully to unkindness
• Build strong support systems
• Create uplifting environments at home, in school, and in the workplace

Most importantly, it teaches that being nice is a powerful business tool—one that transforms classrooms, careers, and communities. That’s why kindness isn’t an afterthought at Paul Mitchell The School San Diego. It’s a core part of your training, your growth, and your everyday experience.

What the Be Nice Culture Looks Like at Our San Diego Campus

There’s a reason students, guests, and even social media followers say our school feels different. The energy is magnetic. Music plays, creativity flows, and laughter echoes—it’s where passion lives and purpose grows.

We encourage every Future Professional to express themselves, explore their identity, and create art that reflects who they truly are. When people feel accepted, supported, and celebrated, they shine—and that glow can be seen in every corner of our campus.

At Paul Mitchell Tthe School San Diego, the Be Nice Culture shows up in countless ways:

• Future Professionals leave each other handwritten compliments, known as FACEings
• Learning Leaders provide encouragement and mentorship, even on the toughest days
• Students support one another with hugs before exams, high-fives after fades, and positivity through every challenge
• Diversity is celebrated, self-expression is encouraged, and support is always unconditional

That spirit of leadership and positivity is also embodied in our Be Nice Club—a student-led group that helps keep our culture thriving. Often compared to a student council, the Be Nice Club includes Future Professionals who are passionate about building morale and leading with kindness. They help plan celebrations, organize theme days, and support schoolwide efforts like our annual FUNraising campaign. It’s just one more way our Future Professionals take ownership of their experience—and make this school feel like home for everyone around them.

Here, you’re not just learning how to pass the State Board—you’re learning how to build a career that uplifts others, while staying grounded in who you are.

A Graduate’s Perspective: How Kindness Fuels Career Confidence

The Be Nice Culture isn’t something students leave behind when they graduate. It becomes a part of who they are as professionals—and continues to shape their careers long after school.

“The supportive atmosphere made learning fun, and I graduated feeling confident and excited to step into the beauty industry. I’m so grateful for the foundation this school gave me.

I’ve been in the industry now for 15 years and am an independent stylist at a salon space in Mission Valley called “Maen the Salon”, which I share with one other stylist who is also a dear friend. I specialize in long hair, blonding, and extensions.”
— Ann T. Degischer, Paul Mitchell The School San Diego Alumni 2010

Ann’s story is just one example of how a supportive, values-based education creates not only technically skilled professionals—but confident, compassionate leaders in the beauty industry.

*Individual results and career paths may vary. Results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

Why Kindness in Beauty Education Matters Now More Than Ever

In a world that can feel overwhelming, competitive, or isolating, Paul Mitchell Tthe School San Diego is a reminder that kindness isn’t soft—it’s strong. It builds resilience. It fosters community. And it helps you become the kind of stylist or esthetician that clients come back to—not just for your skills, but for how you made them feel.

Ready to Experience the Be Nice Culture?

If you’ve been searching for a beauty school that leads with heart, feels like home, and helps you grow from the inside out—this is your sign.

Schedule a tour, learn about our cosmetology, barbering and esthetics programs, and meet our fabulous team. Come see what the culture of kindness is all about!

Your journey starts here, and it’s a beautiful one.