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Cosmetology

Summary

Student in Cosmetology ProgramCosmetology students receive comprehensive training in all areas of hairdressing and the related fields needed to qualify for both the state licensing examination and employment as a cosmetologist. Students also learn about business management. Curriculum includes inventory control, record keeping and salon based technology, personal hygiene and good grooming, bacteriology, sterilization and sanitation. Anatomy and physiology play an important part in the program.

Becoming a Cosmetologist

After 200 hours students will apply for an Apprentice license which allows students to work in professional salons. The Apprentice can perform services on clients.

Licensing

  • Graduate from an accredited school, and;
  • Pass the Cosmetology State Board Exam

Opportunities

Upon graduation, students are employable as:

  • Cosmetologist
  • Hairstylist / Hairdresser
  • Makeup Artist
  • Nail Technician/Manicurist
  • Hair Colorist
  • Aesthetician

Certifications

Advancement usually takes the form of higher earnings as barbers and cosmetologists gain experience and build a steady clientele. Some barbers and cosmetologists manage salons, lease booth space in salons, or open their own salons after several years of experience. Others teach in barber or cosmetology schools or provide training through vocational schools. Still, others advance to become sales representatives, image or fashion consultants, or examiners for State licensing boards.

Connections to Work and Higher Education

Licenses:

  • Licensed Cosmetology Apprentice
  • Licensed Cosmetologist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Licensed Operator
  • Aesthetician Instructor
  • Licensed Manicurist
  • Licensed Demonstrator
  • Licensed Instructor
  • Cosmetology Salon, Booth Shop, Manicuring Shop

Technical and Higher Education Majors

  • Make-up Artist Specialist
  • Cosmetic Chemistry
  • Business/Marketing
  • Business/Entrepreneurship
  • Salon Manager
  • Trichology
  • Special Effects Make-Up Designs

Apprentice/Licensing Connections

Division of Registration of Cosmetologists 1000 Washington St #710, Boston, MA 02118 (617) 727-9940

Industry Affiliations: SKILLS USA, American Board of Certified Hair Colorists (ABCH)

Industry Certifications and License Option Available in High School

  • Licensed Cosmetology Apprentice
  • OSHA General Industry – 10 Hrs (OSHA G10)
  • Advanced Haircoloring Certification
  • Barbicide Sanitation and Disinfectant Certification
  • SOCAP Hair Exensions: Product Specific Hair Certification
  • Cosmetologist License (COSL) 1,000 hours (preparation for exam)

Courses

  • The Grade 9 Exploratory Program in Cosmetology introduces students to a variety of different aspects of the salon curriculum. Students also practice all safety procedures, including sterilization and sanitation precautions as shown by the instructor. The integration of academics and career technical curriculum includes daily writing assignments. While Exploratory students do not need to wear a uniform while in shop, they must dress appropriately for the Cosmetology Shop setting. Concepts of Exploratory include salon safety & sanitation, hair styling, makeup & career exploration. We put an emphasis on employability skills that are relevant in all career areas.

  • The Freshman class will study the History of Cosmetology and Safety in the Salon which includes infection control and sanitation. Students will be introduced to beginning level hair, nails & makeup instruction, life skills & communication.

  • Cosmetology students will study the following competencies: wet hairstyling: shampooing, conditioning, finger waving, roller sets, pin curl placement, braiding and comb outs; thermal: round brush styling, iron curling, special occasion styling, comb-outs; and haircutting; students will be introduced to basic haircutting skills; hair coloring, skin care treatments & hair removal: eyebrow shaping, waxing, manicuring, and make-up application. Students will also practice all safety procedures and sanitation precautions as shown by the instructor: OSHA certification and Apprenticeship license.

  • Grade 10 Cosmetology Related students will study the following competencies: Cosmetology / The History and Opportunities, life skills, professional image, facials, communication, infection control, properties of hair and scalp, hair design principles, shampooing, rinsing and conditioning, braiding, histology of skin, hair removal, facials, makeup, nail structure, manicuring, anatomy/ physiology. materials required​:​ textbook, work books, uniform and shop kit. Students must replace any materials missing from shop kits as needed.

  • Grade 11 students will study the following competencies: salon management, thermal hair styling, wet styling, blow drying, haircutting, permanent waving, waxing, and intro to basic hair coloring, pedicuring, advanced nail techniques, and make-up. The students will practice all safety procedures, sterilization and sanitation precautions as shown by the instructor.

  • Grade 11 Cosmetology Related students will study the following in theory and practical: salon management, cosmetic cosmetology, nails/diseases/disorders, thermal hair styling, skin/diseases/disorders, hair styling, removing unwanted hair, haircutting, electricity, permanent waving, chemistry, facials, anatomy/physiology, and color theory. Materials required​:​ textbook, work books, uniform and shop kit. Students must replace any materials missing from shop kits as needed.

  • Grade 12 Cosmetology students complete curriculum in preparation for the Massachusetts State Board Examination for their Cosmetology License. Successful licensing allows students opportunities to participate in the Cooperative Education Program (additional eligibility criteria apply). Senior Cosmetology students complete the following competencies: salon management; advanced skin care, chemical hair relaxing/ reconstruction, advanced hair coloring/ special effects, color analysis, sanitation, haircutting, wigs, hair extensions, clinic/salon management, client procedure / conduct, anatomy/physiology and chemistry.

  • Grade 12 students are prepared to take the state board license exam. Advanced chemistry, anatomy & physiology, Advanced Hair Color are covered. Students also learn salon ready skills for retailing, and also soft skills such as communication & consultation skills are perfected. Senior cosmetology students practice advanced styling & chemical service skills. Authentic assessment is conducted through working on salon/clinic clients.