SPC cosmetology offers discount cuts

by Caroline Basile, sports editor

 

The cosmetology program at South Plains College has many things to offer to students.

It offers a good education in a field that is widely depended on, along with, facials or manicures, if you must. The department has an open salon where students and local residents both can go and have their hair permed or a manicure done.

"It's a good program,“ student Silvia Martha said. “It really educates you and gets you prepared for the real world."

It is a three-semester program, with classes held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll, and be at least 17 years of age," said Carolyn Newkirk, an instructor at SPC's Levelland campus. "Accuplacer and TSI testing are also needed. And an application and interview with a faculty member is required."

There are three instructors on the Levelland campus, with Tracy McCormack and Sarah Thompson joining Newkirk. At the Plainview campus, the instructor is Jan Decker.

"We do all phases of cosmetology, hair, skin, and nails,” Newkirk said. “For a minimal fee, students on campus can come and have something done."

Newkirk added that a number of people come in from Levelland and some surrounding towns.

"We offer everything involving hair, skin, and nails,” McCormack said. “Facials, manicures, pedicures, and artificial nails also. Haircuts, colors, perms, relaxers, braiding, and many different kinds of hair styles.”

The cost of these procedures is inexpensive. The salon at the Cosmetology Department offers senior citizens a discount also. Cost is very minimal, as a regular haircut is $4, and senior citizens can get a cut for $2. Highlights are $25, and a full-set manicure is $20.

"You name it, we do it,” McCormack said. “Only they're students, and that's what people tend to forget, is that they are students. All of the students work in the salon, and one of us three instructors check the work they do. We do not let anyone walk out without being checked by one of us first."

Though it’s hard work, students find it to be an enjoyable occupation as well as an opportunity for them to have a good job, work through school, and raise a family. Just like every career, it takes work and dedication to be successful. It also takes much patience and time.

"Students must clock in 1,500 hours of work during the year they are here.” McCormack said. “On the completion of those hours, students go to the state board and take the written and practical exam, and once they pass that, they are licensed and able to work at a salon."

“I chose a career in cosmetology because I've always had an interest in it, and I feel that there is a lot of opportunity in it," said Brent Gates, a student who graduates in December. "Also, it's one of the only careers where you can be guaranteed a job right of school."

Thompson worked as a hairstylist for 29 years before becoming an instructor two years ago.

"It's a wonderful program for the students, especially ones who would like to get an occupation within a years time,” said Thompson. “They can have a career and work through school, or even have a family and still have a successful career."

To call for an appointment on the Levelland campus or other information, call ext. 2288. Appointments are available from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and noon to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.