Cosmetology

General Description

The FCTS Cosmetology Program is an accredited Chapter 74 vocational program. Our curriculum follows the framework established by the Massachusetts Department of Education which is aligned to Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensure educational requirements. The total hours of instruction exceeds the minimum 1,000 hours required for Cosmetology Licensure in Massachusetts and is intended to ensure adequate instructional time to support the educational needs of all students.

Cosmetology students learn all facets of hair, skin, and nail treatment. They learn and practice hair styling, hair cutting, hair setting techniques, hair coloring, wig care and service, hair straightening, permanent waving and shampooing, facial treatments, manicuring, and artificial nail application. Students gain knowledge in the areas of anatomy, physiology, and chemistry as well as interpersonal and customer relations.

Training is also provided in shop and business management to prepare students who plan to operate their own businesses. Students who complete this program and pass the license examination can become cosmetologists, estheticians, hair colorists, nail technicians, and salon owners.

Licensing and Certifications

Cosmetology students can take the state licensing exam at no cost once they have reached 1,000 hours of classroom instruction. This generally takes place in their senior year. Students also receive professional training and certifications throughout their student careers. These include the following mandatory trainings: Infection Control (Milady), Sanitation (Mirabella), Cosmetology (SP/2), OSHA-10 General Safety, Domestic Abuse Awareness (Milady) and Human Trafficking Awareness (Milady). Other certifications students can achieve include Contour and Brows (Mirabella), Eye Expertise (Mirabella), and SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference Awards.

Employment Opportunities Through Cooperative Education:

Upper-class students who meet eligibility requirements for the Cooperative Education Program can be accepted into employment in the field of cosmetology in area businesses on their shop weeks. Students currently on Coop include:

Carla Rompies at Siren in Greenfield
Lorenzo Buccaroni at Lift in Amherst
Krista Uzdavinis at J.C. Penny in Hadley

Make an Appointment at the FCTS Techniques Salon

FCTS runs a salon during limited weekday hours. Appointments are open to the public, and a mask is required. Appointments at Techniques Salon provide students with valuable real-life experience to practice and hone their skills. Please contact the Techniques Salon to make an appointment: 413-863-9561, ext. 156; or by email, Lynn Wiles or Electra Manley.

Further Information on Health and Wellness:

The Environmental Working Group is a community 30 million strong, working to protect our environmental health by changing industry standards. They have a free, searchable cosmetic database where you can learn about what is in the products you use: EWG Cosmetic Database