Hairdressing/Barbering
Course Descriptions

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO HAIRDRESSING/BARBERING (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program.  Please see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter the field of hairdressing and barbering will be exposed to the basics of safety and sanitation and personal hygiene, as well as equipment identification and use. Students are introduced to professional image, sterilization and sanitation methods, draping, product knowledge, hair design and styling, nail structure, skin care and permanent waving. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

HAIRDRESSING 10 - PREREQUISITE HAIRDRESSING/BARBERING SKILLS (3 credits)
In Grade 10, students are introduced to: professional image; sterilization and sanitation; draping techniques; shampooing; rinsing; conditioning; haircutting; hair designing; permanent waving; hair coloring; chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perm; artificial hair techniques; nails; skin care; hair removal (temporary); electric current and light therapy techniques; styling enhancers; and salon business and management. Attention is focused on learning the basics, especially with haircutting (sectioning, club cut, basic layer, and angle cut), mock applications of hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perm. Tenth grade students can do in-school (student) customer work only. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

HAIRDRESSING 11 - APPLICATION OF HAIRDRESSING/BARBERING SKILLS IN A SALON SETTING (3 credits)
In Grade 11, topics introduced in Grade 10 are covered in greater detail. Students will start to provide hairdressing/barbering services to outside customers within the school salon. The primary focus is on the development of the student’s hands-on skills. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

HAIRDRESSING 12 - PREPARATION OF HAIRDRESSING/BARBERING FOR NOCTI AND LICENSURE TESTING (3 credits)
In Grade 12, students continue to refine their skills in all areas. Students spend more time working with customers in the school salon and completing theory and clinical hour requirements for licensures (200 theory hours and 1,300 clinical hours). In addition, instruction focuses on preparation for the licensure examination. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview, and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Students can choose to further their education at numerous colleges and universities across the country in order to obtain a two year or four year degree.  Upon graduation from this program, students will be prepared and qualified to work in salons or spas as a state of Connecticut licensed cosmetologist.  State licensure exams are offered prior to graduation.  Other types of employment include retail cosmetology sales in a variety of settings.