Program Description

    Students in the Cosmetology program learn hair care skills such as shampooing, cutting, styling, relaxing, braiding, coloring, waving, and styling wigs. Instruction includes care of hands and nails, skin, and makeup artistry. Students practice these techniques on each other, and are given clinical experience in the junior and senior year by applying their skills to customers in the cosmetology clinic.
    Special emphasis is placed on related information such as: sterilization, anatomy, and chemical reactions to cosmetics, customer relations, and safe and effective customer service. The cosmetology uniforms is purchased at the beginning of the their sophomore year. The cosmetology kit is loaned to the student and includes combs, brushes, curling iron, scissors, rollers, and other cosmetology supplies. Upon the completion of 1250 hours of training, students are prepared to take the State Board Examination, which is required for licensing.

{Cosmetology}

If you apply for Cosmetology you should like:

• Having a sincere interest in meeting people and in working with and serving others.
• Doing creative work.
• Seeing the physical results of your work.

You should possess:

• Good physical stamina
• Good eye and hand coordination.
• Good eyesight, including color vision.
• The ability to get along with others.
• A neat appearance and pleasant personality.

Nature of Occupation

    Cosmetologists usually work independently in clean, well lighted and ventilated shops. Many shops are air-conditioned. Most beauty salons are small, having fewer than four employees. More than half of all salons are owner operated.
    Most cosmetologists work a five-hour day, forty-hour week that may include weekend and evening work. Overtime work may be necessary during peak periods and holiday season.
Cosmetologists work can be physically demanding because they must be on their feet for hours at a time and work with their hands at shoulder level. Presently the number of male cosmetologists is increasing steadily.

Qualifications of the Graduate

    Students who complete the Cosmetology program can work as shampoo assistants until they have secured a license permitting them to work full time in a beauty salon. Upon successful completion of the examination, the student then becomes a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Pennsylvania. Additional certification must be secured to become a salon manager, teach in a beauty culture school, or enter a specialty area. Opportunities are unlimited for motivated students who have a strong desire to succeed.

Occupations Related to Cosmetology Include:

• Beauty Consultants
• Wig Specialist
• Instructors
• Beauty Supply Distributors
• Salon Managers
• Cosmetic Salesperson
• Hair Coloring Technician
• State Board Inspector
• Platform Stylist
• Skin Care and Make-up Technical