Cosmetology

The Cosmetology curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. The curriculum provides a simulated salon environment which enables students to develop manipulative skills.

Course work includes instruction in all phases of professional imaging, hair design, chemical processes, skin care, nail care, multi-cultural practices, business/computer principles, product knowledge, and other selected topics.

Graduates should qualify to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. Upon successfully passing the State Board exam, graduates will be issued a license. Employment is available in beauty salons and related businesses.
 

Admission to Program

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the cosmetology program advisor or instructor as soon as possible to begin the admissions process.

SCC Requirements

  • Complete all Southeastern requirements.
  • Complete the Cosmetology Student Checklist prior to the start of the first semester.
  • Meet with a program advisor to discuss other program requirements and connected careers.
     

Cosmetology Program Requirements

All students are required to pay for tuition and fees, textbooks, and other support information. In addition to these fees, all first year students are required to purchase a tool kit, a black styling vest, solid black scrub uniforms, solid black closed-toe shoes, and other small essentials prior to the start of the first semester. Below are fees associated with courses within the program:

  • COS 112 $17.50 – Malpractice Insurance or current mandated fee
  • COS 117 $79.00 – Computer-based Written Examination or current mandated fee
  • COS 117 $30.00 – Career Readiness Certificate or current mandated fee
  • COS 118 $17.50 – Malpractice Insurance or current mandated fee
  • COS 118 $94.00 – Practical Examination or current mandated fee

Any applicant convicted of a felony or charged with a felony that is still pending may apply for Board approval upon enrollment in a cosmetic art school. All documentation submitted shall have no effect on an individual’s ability to attend a cosmetic art school, take an examination administered by the Board, or apply for a license. Applicants should be aware that additional information is required upon graduation as outlined in the NC Board of Felony Policy (21 NCAC 141.0401). 
 

Continuation in Program

Coursework

Students must take all courses as outlined in the graduation plan for the SCC Cosmetology Program. In addition, they must satisfactorily complete all courses in this plan and achieve a grade of C or better in all cosmetology classes. Students who do not successfully complete all courses outlined in the graduation plan may not be allowed to sit for state licensing examinations and may ultimately be removed from the program.
 

Dismissal of Students

  • Cosmetology faculty follow published college and cosmetology department policies and practices that provide for identification and dismissal of students who do the following:
  • Demonstrate physical or emotional health problems which conflict with the safety essential to the cosmetology profession and do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time.
  • Demonstrate unsafe lab practices or behavior which conflicts with the safety essential to the cosmetology profession. Students who demonstrate unsafe behavior can be dismissed from the cosmetology program regardless of whether treatment or counseling has occurred.
     

Transfer and Readmission

Students wishing to transfer in or be readmitted to the SCC Cosmetology Program must meet current program requirements. All students must successfully complete all developmental and general education courses as outlined in the graduation plan. The transferability of general education courses is determined by the director of student services. Due to the changing nature of subject matter, students must also pass written and practical entrance examinations that may be given by the cosmetology department. Previously acquired cosmetology classes, hours, or performance credits older than five years are considered expired and will not be accepted.

No more than 1,000 hours can be transferred in from another institution. All students must also complete at least 500 hours of studies at SCC if we are to certify application for the NIC Licensing examinations. The student must also complete this 500-hour requirement during their final semesters before licensing exam eligibility. Students coming from other institutions must provide a letter from their previous program cosmetology program director verifying the student’s good standing in cosmetology theory, lab performance, and professional ethics. Please be aware that any students who withdraws, drops, fails, or is dismissed from a cosmetology program with unresolved safety or ethical issues are not eligible for readmission to any cosmetology class at SCC.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

COS 111: Cosmetology Concepts I

Program
Credits 4 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course introduces basic cosmetology concepts. Topics include safety, first aid, sanitation, bacteriology, anatomy, diseases and disorders, hygiene, product knowledge, chemistry, ethics, manicures, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently apply cosmetology concepts in the salon setting.

State Corequisite Courses

COS 112: Salon I

Program
Credits 8 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 24
Clinical Experience Hours
0
This course introduces basic salon services. Topics include scalp treatments, shampooing, rinsing, hair color, design, haircutting, permanent waving, pressing, relaxing, wigs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate salon services.
State Corequisite Courses

COS 113: Cosmetology Concepts II

Program
Credits 4 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers more comprehensive cosmetology concepts. Topics include safety, product knowledge, chemistry, manicuring, chemical restructuring, and hair coloring. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently apply these cosmetology concepts in the salon setting.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 114: Salon II

Program
Credits 8 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 24
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course provides experience in a simulated salon setting. Topics include basic skin care, manicuring, nail application, scalp treatments, shampooing, rinsing, hair color, design, haircutting, chemical restructuring, pressing, wigs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate these salon services.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 115: Cosmetology Concepts III

Program
Credits 4 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers more comprehensive cosmetology concepts. Topics include safety, product knowledge, salon management, salesmanship, skin care, electricity/light therapy, wigs, thermal hair styling, lash and brow tinting, superfluous hair removal, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently apply these cosmetology concepts in the salon setting.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 116: Salon III

Program
Credits 4 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 12
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course provides comprehensive experience in a simulated salon setting. Emphasis is placed on intermediate-level of skin care, manicuring, scalp treatments, shampooing, hair color, design, haircutting, chemical restructuring, pressing, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate these salon services.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 117: Cosmetology Concepts IV

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 2 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers advanced cosmetology concepts. Topics include chemistry and hair structure, advanced cutting and design, and an overview of all cosmetology concepts in preparation for the licensing examination. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of these cosmetology concepts and meet program completion requirements.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 118: Salon IV

Program
Credits 7 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 21
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course provides advanced experience in a simulated salon setting. Emphasis is placed on efficient and competent delivery of all salon services in preparation for the licensing examination and employment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in program requirements and the areas covered on the Cosmetology Licensing Examination and meet entry-level employment requirements.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 119: Esthetics Concepts I

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 2 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers the concepts of esthetics. Topics include orientation, anatomy, physiology, hygiene, sterilization, first aid, chemistry, basic dermatology, and professional ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of esthetics and meet course requirements.

COS 120: Esthetics Salon I

Program
Credits 6 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 18
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers the techniques of esthetics in a comprehensive experience in a simulated salon setting. Topics include client consultation, facials, body treatments, hair removal, make-up applications, and color analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently demonstrate esthetic services on clients in a salon setting.

COS 121: Manicure/Nail Technology I

Program
Credits 6 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 6
Clinical Experience Hours
0
This course covers techniques of nail technology, hand and arm surface manipulation, and recognition of nail diseases and disorders. Topics include OSHA/safety, sanitation, bacteriology, product knowledge, salesmanship, manicures, artificial applications, pedicures, surface manipulation, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently perform nail care, including manicures, pedicures, surface manipulations, decorating and artificial applications in a salon setting.

COS 125: Esthetics Concepts II

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 2 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers more comprehensive esthetics concepts. Topics include nutrition, business management, makeup, and color analysis. Upon completion students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the advanced esthetics concepts and meet course requirements.

COS 126: Esthetics Salon II

Program
Credits 6 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 18
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course provides experience in a simulated esthetics setting. Topics include machine facials, aromatherapy, surface manipulation in relation to skin care, electricity, and apparatus. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in program requirements and the areas covered on the Cosmetology licensing examination for Estheticians.

COS 127: Natural Hair Care I

Program
Credits 6 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 6
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers techniques of Natural Hair Care. Topics include disinfection, shampooing, blow-drying, anatomy, disorders of the hair and scalp, product knowledge, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently perform Natural Hair Care Services.

COS 222: Manicure/Nail Tech. II

Program
Credits 6 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 6
Clinical Experience Hours
0
This course covers advanced techniques of nail technology and hand and arm surface manipulation. Topics include OSHA/safety, product knowledge, customer service, salesmanship, artificial applications, nail art, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence necessary for the licensing examination, including advanced nail care, artificial enhancements, and decorations.
State Prerequisite Courses

COS 223: Contemp Hair Coloring

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 1 Lab Hours 3
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers basic color concepts, hair coloring problems, and application techniques. Topics include color theory, terminology, contemporary techniques, product knowledge, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify a client’s color needs and safely and competently perform color applications and correct problems.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 224: Trichology & Chemistry

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 1 Lab Hours 3
Clinical Experience Hours
0
This course is a study of hair and the interaction of applied chemicals. Emphasis is placed on pH actions and the reactions and effects of chemical ingredients. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of chemical terminology, pH testing, and chemical reactions on hair.

COS 225: Adv Contemporary Hair Coloring

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 1 Lab Hours 3
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers advanced techniques in coloring applications and problem solving situations. Topics include removing unwanted color-replacing pigment and re-coloring, removing coatings, covering grey and white hair, avoiding color fading, and poor tint results. Upon completion, students should be able to apply problem solving techniques in hair coloring situations.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 228: Natural Hair Care II

Program
Credits 6 Class Hours 4 Lab Hours 6
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers advanced techniques of Natural Hair Care. Topics include twisting, extending, locking, and thermal ironing the natural hair. Emphasis is placed on development of manipulative skills. Upon completion, students should be able to understand Natural Hair Care concepts and meet program requirements.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 240: Contemporary Design

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 1 Lab Hours 3
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers methods and techniques for contemporary designs. Emphasis is placed on contemporary designs and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate and apply techniques associated with contemporary design.

State Prerequisite Courses

COS 250: Computerized Salon Ops

Program
Credits 1 Class Hours 1 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course introduces computer and salon software. Emphasis is placed on various computer and salon software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize computer skills and software applications in the salon setting.

COS 251: Manicure Instr Concepts

Program
Credits 8 Class Hours 8 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course introduces manicuring instructional concepts. Topics include orientation, theories of education, unit planning, daily lesson planning, laboratory management, student assessment, record keeping, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify theories of education, develop lesson plans, demonstrate supervision techniques, and assess student classroom performance.

COS 252: Manicure Instr Practicum

Program
Credits 5 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 15
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers supervisory and instructional skills for teaching manicuring students in a laboratory setting. Topics include demonstrations of services, supervision, student assessment, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the areas covered by the Manicuring Instructor Licensing Examination and meet program completion requirements.

State Corequisite Courses

COS 253: Esthetics Ins. Concepts I

Program
Credits 11 Class Hours 6 Lab Hours 15
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course introduces esthetic instructional concepts and skills. Topics include orientation, theories of education, unit planning, daily lesson plans, laboratory management, student assessment in a laboratory setting. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate esthetic services and instruct and objectively assess student performance in a classroom setting.

COS 254: Esthetic Ins. Concepts II

Program
Credits 11 Class Hours 6 Lab Hours 15
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers advanced esthetic instructional concepts and skills. Topics include practical demonstrations, lesson planning, lecture techniques, development and administration of assessment tools, record keeping and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competencies in the areas covered by the Esthetics Instructor Licensing Examination and meet program requirements.

COS 260: Design Applications

Program
Credits 2 Class Hours 1 Lab Hours 3
Clinical Experience Hours
0
This course provides an overview of the design concepts used in cosmetology. Topics include the application of art principles and elements to artistically design hair, nails, and make-up and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and techniques associated with design concepts.

COS 271: Instructor Concepts I

Program
Credits 5 Class Hours 5 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course introduces the basic cosmetology instructional concepts. Topics include orientation, theories of education, unit planning, daily lesson planning, laboratory management, student assessment, record keeping, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify theories of education, develop lesson plans, demonstrate supervisory techniques, and assess student performance in a classroom setting.

State Corequisite Courses

COS 272: Instructor Practicum I

Program
Credits 7 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 21
Clinical Experience Hours
0
This course covers supervisory and instructional skills for teaching entry-level cosmetology students in a laboratory setting. Topics include demonstrations of services, supervision, and entry-level student assessment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate salon services and instruct and objectively assess the entry-level student.
State Corequisite Courses

COS 273: Instructor Concepts II

Program
Credits 5 Class Hours 5 Lab Hours 0
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course covers advanced cosmetology instructional concepts. Topics include practical demonstrations, lesson planning, lecture techniques, development and administration of assessment tools, record keeping, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to develop lesson plans, demonstrate supervision techniques, assess student performance in a classroom setting, and keep accurate records.

State Prerequisite Courses
State Corequisite Courses

COS 274: Instructor Practicum II

Program
Credits 7 Class Hours 0 Lab Hours 21
Clinical Experience Hours
0

This course is designed to develop supervisory and instructional skills for teaching advanced cosmetology students in a laboratory setting. Topics include practical demonstrations, supervision, and advanced student assessment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the areas covered by the Instructor Licensing Examination and meet program completion requirements.

State Prerequisite Courses
State Corequisite Courses