The Cosmetology Program is a scientific study of beauty culture. The student will learn the care of the hair, skin and fingernails. Hands-on skill work includes hair styling, permanent waving, hair cutting, highlighting or hair tinting, hair setting, scalp treatments, removal of superfluous hair, thermal waving and curling, chemical hair relaxing, skin care and make-up. Manicuring will include basic manicures, French tips, nail art, sculptured nails, acrylic overlays, and nail tips.

Upon graduation from the Cosmetology Program, a student can take a state licensing examination. This examination focuses on knowledge and skill with a written test. All states require cosmetologists and nail technicians to be licensed.

A cosmetology student, should have a desire to work with the public, a willingness to follow client instructions, and a positive attitude and self-image.

Cosmetologists work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Full-time employment is generally 40 hours a week including evenings and weekend hours.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the overall employment within the beauty industry is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018, because of an increase in population, and growing demand for personal appearance services.

For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state/national wages and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field click here.

Opportunities for college credit

GACTC graduates can get a jump start on post-secondary education by taking advantage of the various articulation and/or dual enrollment opportunities. Click here to review the college credit opportunities for the Cosmetology program.