The Barbering and Cosmetology program at Salt Lake Community College has high standards for students. As a member of the Pivot Point International School, the program is now a part of the most prestigious network of beauty schools in North America.
As well as studying hair cutting, styling and coloring, permanent waving, chemical relaxing and much more, cosmetology students at SLCC learn communication, leadership and marketing skills that are vital for succeeding after graduation. The program participates with Skills USA, an organization driven to ensure that graduates excel and become part of an accomplished workforce in America.
Shelly Bueno is the administrative assistant to the chair of the Barbering and Cosmetology program at SLCC.
“We have had instructors teaching here for a long time who have won multiple national competitions,” said Bueno. “Students who graduate from this program and go work for other salons often end up teaching certain skills that they learned here to their coworkers.”
Kendal Gillett is a student in the program and graduates at the end of this summer. Gillett explained that the instructors in the Barbering and Cosmetology program make sure the students are prepared for everything once they graduate.
“With private colleges, they just want the students out on the floor as soon as possible so they can make more money. The instructors here make sure that you’re ready. They don’t let students do a certain service unless they have proven proficiency with it,” said Gillett.
Gillett also explained that students who might not feel completely comfortable with a service yet always have instructors there to either shadow or assist them.
Because SLCC is associated with Skills USA, students in high school can take college courses through the School of Applied Technology. The school has a variety of programs offered there, including the Barbering and Cosmetology program.
Gillett began her training while she was still in high school. She graduated last year and will have her cosmetology license by the end of the summer. Gillett is also studying basic esthetics, which is a part of the Barbering and Cosmetology program.
“The [School of Applied Technology] definitely gave me a good head start. That’s why I chose to go SLCC,” said Gillett.
“Students can learn barbering, cosmetology and esthetics. It doesn’t take longer than two years,” said Bueno. “It’s also cheaper than many hair schools.”
Students who aren’t interested in studying cosmetology can still take advantage of the program. SLCC offers discounted services for all customers. Men’s haircuts are $2 and women’s haircuts are $3. However, men are accepted by walk in only, while women need to make an appointment at least one day in advance.
The Esthetics services include waxing, facials, tinting, manicures and pedicures. The prices are slightly more expensive than the cosmetology services, but are still good deals. A full facial is $25 and a French tip manicure is $10.
Barbering and Cosmetology is located on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus in Room 178 of the Administration Building. Esthetics is located in Room 189. The website for the program is www.slcc.edu/barberingcosmetology.
