Skip to main content

Cosmetology

Cosmetology

In this program, you will be immersed in the beauty and wellness industry by practicing the fundamentals of hair care, including shampooing, precision cutting, and chemical processes used in styling hair. You will provide manicures, pedicures, advanced skincare treatments, makeup applications, and specialized hand and facial massages to clients. You will become skilled in skin and nail analysis, salon ergonomics, infection control, and the laws that regulate Ohio's cosmetology industry.

A busy hair salon with stylists working on clients sitting in chairs.

Career Expectations

Ohio State Cosmetology & Barber Board Internship

  • Complete approximately 300 hours of an unpaid summer internship between junior and senior year
  • Must work at least three but no more than 10 hours per day
  • Maintain a daily journal of all services/tasks; entries must be verified by the salon
  • Must have a government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security card required to verify citizenship

Ohio State Cosmetology & Barber Board Exams

  • Must complete 1,500 hours to be eligible for the state exam
  • Exam offered only in English
  • Two-part exam; passing score ≥75% (written questions and practical skills)
  • Each examinee has an individual workstation
  • Communication/mobile device use during the exam causes immediate failure
  • No personal written materials unless provided by the Board

Cosmetology Safety Standards

  • Follow all Board regulations
  • Keep workstations/ tools (scissors, combs) clean and sanitized
  • Administer therapeutic medications as permitted; refer clients with chronic or contagious scalp conditions for medical treatment
  • Work may involve chemicals, sanitizers, soaps, extended standing, close proximity to others, and odors
A nail technician carefully works on a client's manicure at a salon station.

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Development Courses

Year 1

  • Microbiology and Infection Control 
  • Hand and Foot Treatment Fundamentals and Enhancements 

Year 2

  • Fundamentals of Hair Cutting and Styling
  • Skincare Fundamentals and Enhancements 

 

View complete course guide here

Next Ready Skills

At Great Oaks, you’ll do more than learn a trade; you’ll master NextReady skills like clear communication and problem-solving that help you get hired. You will get a head start on building a professional reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and technically skilled before you even graduate

Effective Communicators

Maintain client appointment histories, use body language and social cues to interpret client wants and be empathetic when resolving disagreements or navigating issues in the salon.

Critical Thinkers

Analyze hair and skin types to determine appropriate services, examine each client’s unique physical features to develop a beauty plan, and find creative ways to address challenges while meeting client expectations.

Adapt­able Navigators

Stay current with shifting fashion/beauty trends, keep up with product advancements, and adjust quickly to unexpected changes in cosmetology services or schedule adjustments.

Account­able Employees

Take responsibility for cosmetology service results and follow State Cosmetology and Barber Board ethics/standards regarding tool sterilization/sanitation/client care/confidentiality.

Skilled Professionals

Model personal hygiene and station cleanliness, exceed client expectations through quality service, and maintain professional character.

Bottom Line: If you are creative, social, and want a career where your artistic skills help people feel great about themselves, Cosmetology may be right for you.

Contact the Instructors

Vickie Stuckey

Diamond Oaks

Jessica Day

Laurel Oaks

Kaysie Moses

Live Oaks

Erica Boggs

Scarlet Oaks

Danielle Davis

Scarlet Oaks