NELSONVILLE — The classroom is starchy due to the excessive white color as fluorescents that cover the ceiling create an alabaster hue across the room. In the corner of the classroom, there is a tall door leading to the lab where the dawn’s sunlight shines through the window. Pop music echoes but most of it is blocked out by the chatter of senior students.
One of 23 programs offered at Tri-County Career Center and High School in Nelsonville is Cosmetology. Graduates leave with a certified cosmetology license and are able to work right out of high school.
The program covers hair, skin, nails and a lot more. Within the hair realm, students are taught cuts, styles, braiding, coloring, perming, relaxing, and other techniques.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for cosmetologists is going to grow 7% by 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. More than 89,000 openings for cosmetologists are projected in the following year. The need for barbers and hairdressers comes from the demand for basic hair care services. Also, an increased demand for hair coloring, hair straightening and other advanced hair treatments is expected to grow in the next decade.
The instructor of the program at Tri-County, Rebecca Dicken, has been teaching for 11 years and, prior to that, received a full year of training under the previous instructor before taking over.
“I’ve got some working on balayage (French term to sweep on bleach creating highlights) techniques, some are working on clipper cuts, just a wide array of everything for all genders in the salon,” Dicken said.
Outside of the hair realm, students are taught to perform manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail art, facials, waxing, and makeup application. They also have a business course where the students are taught not only about salon management, but also life business such as taxes, assets, liabilities, and opening a business. In addition, the course provides instruction on general life skills.
“There are absolutely some difficult aspects, but it really depends on the student. Some students come in with some experience on their own with color, with cuts, and they have some comfort there,” Dicken said. “Some students come in with zero experience on anything. There are students who grasp a concept really easily, and others who struggle with that exact same concept. What’s difficult to one may be simple to another.”
The students also get to experience what it’s like to work in a salon. Beginning Oct. 1, the student-run salon opened up and offers free haircuts to Tri-County students every Tuesday.
The students also have positive things to say about the program. Alexander senior, Yvonne Bias, 17, never had a plan for anything beyond standard high school. She hadn’t found herself interested in anything that would make college worth it.
“Cosmetology interested me because I know it’s a program many career centers have. I thought it would be easiest for me because I’m a creative person,” Bias said. “I’ve done a lot of things to my own hair, I started dyeing and bleaching my own hair when I was in like, eighth grade?”
Bias said that the most enjoyable part of the lab is when she struggles with something, and then finally figures it out. She feels optimistic about the fact that she could be successful after going through this program.
“If you want to join cosmetology, be aware that it’s a lot of work, but also be aware that it is worth it,” Bias said.
Tri-County junior, Jetta Cozad, 17, was homeschooled but living in the Miller district prior to coming to Tri-County. She comes from a family of cosmetologists and wanted to keep the tradition going. Specifically, she enjoys the closeness between her and her classmates and the creativity involved with the program.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here, everyone is very nice and I feel very welcome.” Cozad said. “(Cosmetology) is really kind of an art form.”
She also enjoys one-on-one time with Dicken.
“She can really be there to help when I’m struggling and give me the extra help I need sometimes,” said Cozad.
LilliBelle McBride is a student journalist with Tri-County Career Center and High School’s New Media+ program. This article originally appeared on The 360, a publication of the New Media+ program.
