About Beyond the Combs Academy

Beyond the Combs Academy (BTCA) is a comprehensive training program designed to equip aspiring hairstylists and makeup artists with the skills, knowledge, and industry insights necessary to succeed in the competitive world of Hollywood entertainment.

Whether you're a recent graduate or a professional looking to level up your career in Hollywood entertainment, Beyond the Combs Academy provides the comprehensive support you need to turn your passion into a successful career. With our expert instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to student success, BTCA is the ultimate launching pad for the next generation of Hollywood talent.

NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Rhonda O'Neal

As a young salon owner, I dreamed of working on sets, but it was nearly impossible to make the leap from salon to set. It took snagging a mentor and diving deep into the industry’s secrets for me to land that big break. Now, I've worked on hit shows and movies like "Brooklyn-99" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," scored an Emmy nod, and have led as the Haircraft President of Local 706 IATSE.

Through Beyond the Combs Academy, I’m pouring over 30 years of my film & TV industry wisdom into courses for hairstylists eager to make their mark, boost their skills, and grow their earnings. I’m incredibly driven to open doors for more people of color in this space. I'm also here to shine a light on mastering textured hair for current union hairstylists. Whether you’re joining me from your laptop or stepping into our Los Angeles studio, it’s time to elevate your game. Let’s do this together.

Self-Paced Online Courses

Learn how to navigate the entertainment industry as a hair & makeup artist.

1:1 Strategic Career Coaching

Unlock your dream career with mentorship from Rhonda.

Hone Your Hands-On Skills

Learn how to work with textured hair, as well as other techniques, at our hands-on, in-person workshops.

My Story

As a mother and an educator, I've always wanted to make a positive impact on my community.

At Beyond the Combs Academy, our goal is to open the eyes and minds of all people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to the diverse range of careers available in the Hollywood entertainment industry. By providing education and exposure, we aim to empower individuals to discover their unique paths and develop into healthy, focused, and responsible professionals who will contribute to the prosperity of their communities.

What Makes Us Different

In addition to the online materials on this website, we host in-person, hands-on workshops led by union and non-union industry leaders at our Los Angeles headquarters. Our trainers have worked on some of the biggest studio lots in the world, and their portfolios include renowned names such as Warner Brothers, Walt Disney, and Universal.

BTCA will prepare you to begin your journey to Hollywood. Our programming is designed to help you fulfill your aspiration of working in the entertainment industry. Our instructors are now working on shows that will train you so you will know what it takes to get on a production set.

THE BEYOND THE COMBS NEWSLETTER

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