2024 – 2025
Cosmetology
Guy Shepherd, Academy C Administrator – Ext. 113
Course & Program of Studies
Statement of Purpose
The philosophy of the Cosmetology Program is dedicated to providing the best and most complete technical education for all of our students. As a vocational-technical high school, our fundamental purpose is to provide education for employment and to prepare students for post-secondary education. The high school graduates of the 21st century face a world in which the most important skills in the workplace are the ability to learn, to change, and adapt. The underlying fundamentals of the program will include career and technical training, integrated with English, math, related science, and OSHA Safety training to provide each student with the background to advance educationally as well as professionally. The course instruction utilizes the competencies from the Cosmetology Technology Program Career & Vocational Technical Educational (CVTE) Frameworks and the objectives contained within the six strands of the CVTE Frameworks.
Exploratory Program
This 3 day course provides students with an overview of the cosmetology program. Students are introduced to safety and sanitary practices, cosmetology skills, equipment, and different types of careers available to Cosmetology students. The skills discussed and equipment used involves manicuring, roller placement, facials, shampooing, scalp treatments, braiding, and blow drying with an emphasis on client safety and sanitation. Hands-on work will demonstrate hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and maintain an exploratory binder describing their experience to determine students’ potential success in the Cosmetology profession.
Freshman Program
Students entering the 9th grade shop are provided with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for success in the cosmetology industry. Students receive practical instruction on safety and sanitation and how to maintain a professional shop setting. Practical work includes the use of blow dryers, rollers, curling irons, flat irons, manicuring and facial cosmetics. Tasks will enable students to practice hand-eye coordination and dexterity. The course will train students to perform such tasks as draping, shampooing and
conditioning, long hairstyling, wet hairstyling, hair and scalp treatments, manicuring, facials and hair removal. The history of cosmetology is explored and students work to create a professional image and develop communication skills. Students also maintain a portfolio that includes before and after photographs of tasks they have accomplished which shows the progression of their work through senior year. The portfolio will be utilized by students when seeking employment upon attaining their cosmetology license. Instruction includes demonstrations, hands-on practice, writing, and reading assignments; quizzes and tests determine a student’s competency level.
This course is designed to further develop the basic skills and knowledge needed for success in the cosmetology field. The students will work on the fundamentals of hair design. These tasks include wet and thermal hairstyling, and haircutting. Makeup application and the demonstration of artificial hair and wigs are also explored. Students will develop an understanding of the usage and implementation of tools, along with safety and sanitary practices.
The students refer to their Milady Standard Cosmetology textbook as a reference tool. Instruction includes demonstrations and hands-on practice; writing and reading assignments, portfolio development, quizzes and tests will determine competency levels.
Sophomore Program
The sophomore course is a 90-day course designed to follow the guidelines established by the Massachusetts State Board of Regulations, Massachusetts Vocational Technical Education Frameworks and aligned with that of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Students will be provided instruction in the areas of wet and thermal hairstyling, principles of design, haircutting, hair removal, facial makeup, manicuring, pedicuring, wigs and hair enhancements. Students will have an opportunity to apply the related theory to students in the shop setting.
Sophomore Related Class 1
Principles of Design
This course is taught once a day in the shop setting. Students will be provided instruction in the areas of wet and thermal hairstyling, principles of design, haircutting, hair removal, facial makeup, manicuring, pedicuring, wigs and hair enhancements. Students will have an opportunity to apply the related theory to students in the shop setting. Included in this class are lectures, textbook, online resources, videos, reading and writing assignments, projects, maintaining a notebook, quizzes and tests.
Sophomore Related Class 2
Biological Science
This course is taught once a day in the shop setting. Students will be instructed in the care, structure, composition, analysis, function, and the identification of disease and disorders that relate to hair, skin, and nails. Students will be able to put into practice after instruction, a client consultation, explain the importance of good posture and follow sanitary precautions when performing a haircut. Students will acquire knowledge pertaining to facial massage, skin types, and skin care products. Students will also be able to discuss types of hair loss and services available. Instruction includes lecture, textbook, online resources, videos, reading and writing assignments, projects, tests, notebook, and quizzes.
Junior Program
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to advance their knowledge and technical skills in the cosmetology program. The junior year in Cosmetology is designed to give the student a strong foundation in basic hair color theory, classification of color, formulation, application of temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent and permanent hair color, bleaching, lightening, and special effects.
Students will also be able to review competencies from freshmen and sophomore year. Students will conduct client consultation and learn to keep and record services. This course will provide students with the opportunity to perform cosmetology services in a realistic salon setting. This course will provide daily opportunities to develop desirable workplace habits and behaviors. Throughout the year, a strong emphasis will be placed on developing decision-making and time-management skills. Instruction will include portfolio development, demonstration, hands on practice; maintaining a notebook, writing and reading assignments, projects, quizzes and tests will determine competency levels.
Junior Related 1
Hair Coloring
Hair coloring is a junior-level related course, offered twice a day during the academic cycle. This course will provide students with the necessary theory instruction to perform successful hair coloring services, such as color theory, classification and differentiation of color, lightening products, level, tone, color correction techniques, and industry-standard terminology relating to hair color. Students will have an opportunity to develop sound problem-solving and decision-making skills through hair color formulation. A variety of teaching methods will be utilized throughout this course, including lectures, hands-on classroom assignments, audio-visual presentation and a notebook will be maintained.
Junior Related 2
Cosmetology Health and Sciences
This junior course is offered once a day during the academic cycle. During this course students will identify appropriate methods to ensure personal health and well-being. Soft skills examined are active listening and communication skills. Anatomy and physiology is taught in respect to the needs of the cosmetology profession and personal health. A variety of teaching methods will be utilized throughout this course, including lectures, articles, presentations, hands-on classroom assignments, audio- visual presentations and brainstorming.
Senior Program
This senior course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to master their technical skills and comprehension level in the Cosmetology program. Students will review subject matter in the areas of safety and sanitation, professional practices, skin, hair, and nail care. The course will train students to perform permanent waving and chemical hair relaxing. Students will receive practical experience working in and operating the clinic, and review practical procedures. Upon completion of 1,000 hours of study, a mock State Board examination will be given in preparation to take the Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing Exam.
Students may pursue co-op opportunities by the last quarter of senior year provided they have reached the 1,000 hour requirement, have successfully completed the cosmetology curriculum, and have met school-wide attendance and grade requirements. Instruction will include portfolio development, demonstration and hands-on practice; maintaining a notebook, writing and reading assignments, projects, quizzes and tests will determine competency levels.
Senior Related 1
State Board Preparation
This senior-related course is provided once a day during the academic cycle. Students will review subject matter in the areas of safety and sanitation, professional practices, chemical services, hair coloring, and structure, function, disease and disorders pertaining to skin, hair, and nail care. Students will also obtain information on exam requirements, eligibility, and content.
Senior Related 2
Business of Cosmetology
This senior course is provided once a day during the academic cycle. Upon completion of this course, students will review communication skills and salon ethics, create a business plan for a “mock” salon, and examine business laws and banking services. Students will also study factors for establishing a salon, review state rules and regulations, and create a salon floor plan. Instruction will include lectures, hand-outs, articles, role playing, guest artists, presentations, classroom assignments, tests, quizzes, audio visual presentations and brainstorming.
Senior Related 1
Texture Services
Students will develop an understanding of the products, procedures, and history on the topics of chemical texture services, which include permanent waving, chemical hair relaxing, and soft curl perms. Braiding, hair extensions, and basic spa services will also be examined.
Students will have an opportunity to apply the related theory in the shop setting. Instruction will include lectures, hand-outs, articles, role playing, guest artists, presentations, classroom assignments, tests, quizzes, audio visual presentations and brainstorming.
Certifications
- Cosmetology State Board Licensure – Massachusetts
- Acrylic Nail Application- OPI/Creative Nail/Cuccio
- OSHA 10
Career Opportunities
- Cosmetologist
- Salon Owner
- Make-up Artist
- Platform Artist
- National Product Educator
- Retail/Sales-Associate
- Stylist
- Booth Renter
- Salon Manager
- Salon Owner
- Skin Care Specialist/Aesthetician
- Make-Up Artist
- Day Spa Stylist or Technician
- Hair Stylist for TV, Movies, or Theater
- Manufacturer’s Representative
- Teacher, Private School
- Teacher, Vocational
- Department Head
- School Director
- Product/Salon Educator
- Cosmetic Chemist
- Beauty Editor Writer
- State Board Member/Inspector
Post-Secondary Education
Upon completing 1,000 hours of instruction in the Cosmetology Clinic, students are prepared to take the state licensing examination in Cosmetology. Post-secondary degree programs are available in Cosmetology Management and Teacher Training.
