Choosing a cosmetology program offers numerous benefits, whether you’re passionate about beauty or looking for a creative, hands-on career. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

• Creative Freedom: If you love working with your hands and expressing your creativity, cosmetology gives you the opportunity to design unique hairstyles, makeup looks, and more, while helping clients look and feel their best.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: A cosmetology license opens doors to various careers—hair stylist, makeup artist, esthetician, nail technician, salon owner, beauty influencer, or even working in the entertainment or fashion industries. You can specialize in what you enjoy most.
• Job Security and Growth: The beauty industry continues to grow, with consistent demand for trained professionals. People always seek beauty services, making it a stable and reliable career choice.
• Flexible Work Environment: Cosmetology allows flexibility in your career. You can work in a salon, spa, or on your own schedule as a freelance stylist. The flexibility also extends to where you work, from high-end salons to bridal services and photo shoots.
• Quick Entry to the Workforce: Compared to other professions, cosmetology programs typically have shorter completion times, allowing you to start working and earning money sooner.
• Hands-On Learning: You’ll gain practical experience through hands-on training and real-world scenarios. This helps you build confidence and prepares you to work with clients immediately after graduation.
• State Licensing: A reputable program prepares you for state licensure, which is essential to legally work in the field. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills required to pass the licensing exam and meet industry standards.
• Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth: Cosmetology is a career where you never stop learning. With ongoing trends and innovations in beauty techniques, there’s always room to advance your skills and grow professionally.

By choosing the cosmetology program, you’re entering a vibrant, ever-evolving industry with the potential for a rewarding, flexible, and creative career.

To be successful in the cosmetology field, you’ll need a blend of technical skills, professionalism, and personal qualities. Here’s what it takes:

• Strong Technical Skills: Mastery of cutting, styling, coloring, skin care, makeup, and nail techniques is essential. Regular practice, continuous learning, and staying updated with trends will help you stay competitive.
• Creativity: Cosmetology is an art. Being able to visualize and create unique looks for each client will set you apart. Creativity allows you to tailor your services and keep clients coming back for fresh, personalized styles.
• Customer Service Skills: Building a loyal clientele requires exceptional people skills. You’ll need to be friendly, patient, a good listener, and able to make clients feel comfortable and valued. Creating a positive, personalized experience for each client is key.
• Professionalism: Timeliness, cleanliness, and maintaining a professional demeanor are crucial in a service-oriented industry. You’ll also need to manage appointments, handle customer requests, and operate within a salon environment professionally.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Trends in beauty are constantly changing. Being willing to learn new techniques, attend workshops, and adapt to changing client needs will help keep your skills relevant.
• Business Acumen: Whether you work for a salon or plan to run your own, understanding the business side is vital. Skills like managing your schedule, promoting your work, and building a portfolio, as well as using social media to attract clients, are crucial for long-term success.
• Work Ethic and Stamina: Cosmetology can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet. A strong work ethic, dedication to your craft, and the ability to manage multiple clients in a busy environment will help you thrive.
• Networking and Continuous Learning: Staying connected with other professionals, attending beauty expos, and learning from industry leaders can open up career opportunities and help you stay ahead of trends.

By combining these qualities, you’ll not only grow your skills but also build a thriving and rewarding career in cosmetology.

Certificate program: The student would complete the required courses, sit for the state license exam and then apply for an apprenticeship license. At this point, you are allowed to go to work under a licensed cosmetology. Upon completing the six-month apprenticeship, you are able to apply for your cosmetology license.

If you are seeking a short-term training, such as Natural Hair Care Specialist, you can finish training in as little as one semester. If you are seeking certificate in cosmetology, you could finish in three semesters depending on your attendance and course load. If you are seeking a diploma or an associate degree, you could potentially complete a diploma within one year and an associate degree within two years, depending on the course load you can work into your daily schedule.

Depending on the program or credential you are seeking, you may be able to take the general education classes in a seated, blended, hybrid, or online format.  All Cosmetology core classes are offered face to face for theory and labs. Consultation with an advisor is recommended to discuss your options for the program you are interested in.

A cosmetology program prepares you for the workforce in several key ways:

• Hands-on Skill Development: You’ll learn essential techniques such as hair cutting, coloring, styling, skin care, nail care, and makeup application, all of which are in high demand in salons and spas. Practical training ensures you’re confident and competent in delivering professional services.
• State Licensing Preparation: The program prepares you to pass the state licensing exam, a requirement to work legally in the cosmetology industry. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the state board’s standards.
• Professionalism and Business Skills: Beyond technical skills, you’ll also learn how to manage clients, book appointments, maintain hygiene standards, and operate within a salon setting. Many programs offer insights into marketing, customer service, and social media promotion, helping you build a clientele or even prepare to run your own business.
• Exposure to Industry Trends: Staying updated on the latest trends and techniques is essential in cosmetology. Programs often introduce you to current beauty trends and tools, ensuring you’re competitive in a fast-evolving industry.
• Portfolio Building: You’ll have opportunities to build a professional portfolio through photos and projects, which can be used to showcase your skills to potential employers or clients.
• Networking: Many cosmetology programs offer connections with local salons and beauty professionals, and networking opportunities to kickstart your career.

Uniform Policy and Student Kit

Cosmetology is a professional, on-the-job-training course, and all students must maintain a professional appearance and conduct themselves professionally at all times.

Uniform apparel can be purchased at any uniform (scrubs) shop.

• Solid White uniform pants (2-3 pairs)
• Solid White uniform Scrub Top (2-3)
• Solid White, closed-toe shoes
• Solid White lab coat

No variations are allowed in the uniform. The complete White uniform must always be worn in any area of Cosmetology.

All uniform components must be kept neat, clean and in good repair. Turtlenecks and the like may be worn under uniform tops but must be solid White and professional-looking.

Kit supplies

All Cosmetology Salon courses (COS 112, COS 114, COS 116 and COS 118) require a kit that can be purchased at the Bladen Community College Bookstore.

Students who have questions may email [email protected]