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Cosmetology is increasing in popularity in high school CTE programs.
It is a profession that allows students to explore their creativity while also preparing for a reliable job. (According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.)
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Establishing a work-based learning environment where students can truly explore their creativity while also learning the skills they need to enter the workforce comes down to a few key considerations.
Create the right flow in the room.
As an instructor, do you have clear sight lines around the room so that you can see all (or a large majority) of your students and they can see you?
Often cosmetology work stations and furniture can be a bit bulky, so it’s important to make sure your lab is laid out in a way that allows for open communication and visual instruction from any point in the room.
Consider your storage needs.
Cosmetology programs require a lot of supplies – mannequins, styling tools, materials, etc. Appropriate and sufficient storage is important.
In addition to closets and shelving, create storage solutions at each styling station when possible. Stations with built-in storage are ideal, but if you don’t have this, think about ways to add storage options without creating clutter.
Save your cosmetology stations from wear and tear.
One of the biggest concerns we hear from instructors is what happens to the table tops of styling stations after mannequin heads are clamped down class after class, day after day.
The simplest way to solve this problem is to invest in stations that have stainless steel edges or sections on the table tops that can withstand this type of use. Steel is designed to stay strong and unmarked and will save your styling stations from getting chewed up over time.
Learn more about how to give your cosmetology lab the extra boost it needs in our CTE: Guide to Cosmetology.
