Cosmetology class gets makeover
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Moraine Park Technical College offers state-of-the-art facilities
Looking a bit like “Stepford Wives,” disembodied heads, in rows, are getting blow-dried, diffused, scrunched and styled. A classroom full of women, some just out of high school, others in mid-life seeking new careers, are eager students in the barber/cosmetologist program at Moraine Park Technical College.
“I went to a regular, four-year college and didn’t like it,” said Emily Tutas of Sheboygan. “I love doing people’s hair for proms and homecoming, so I came here. It’s a crazy, fun career.”
Jennifer Davis of Oshkosh said her dream is to someday open a business for clientele from the ethnic community.
“They need different types of chemical services and hair care,” Davis said. “As it is now, they have to drive out of the area to find what they need.”
Facilities makeover
Around for more than three decades, the setting for the department at Moraine Park in Fond du Lac was given its own half-million-dollar makeover last year and boasts a new, contemporary salon, state-of-the art facilities devoted to modern salon and spa offerings, renovated classrooms, and amenities that give students a real-world experience.
Classrooms are supplied with overhead screens, allowing students a good view of demonstrations. There’s ample space for storage, roomy areas for washers and dryers, private facial rooms and 40 stations where students get hands-on experience while working with customers from the area.
Clients enjoy it as well as students, said instructor Danielle Domenosky. Up to 200 people a week take advantage of services offered at the college’s Techniques Salon. Haircuts, starting at $7, along with facials, waxing, scalp treatments, styles and perms, manicures and pedicures are available by appointment.
“Our new facility exemplifies a real functioning, fully-equipped salon and day spa,” Domenosky said.
Nearby, Sara Beronja of North Fond du Lac relaxed while getting a pedicure.
“I just moved here from Phoenix and my neighbor suggested I come here,” she said. “I’ve always utilized colleges’ services in communities where I’ve lived.”
Domenosky, who herself got the bug as a child and quickly acquired four “Barbie heads” to practice on, said as a career good hair stylists in the area can earn between $40,000 and $60,000 a year. Jobs in large cities can bring in an annual $150,000.
Two paths
Moraine Park offers two paths into a hair-care career field and continues to draw a waiting list of potential students. Class size is limited to the first 20 students enrolled and paid. If class space becomes available, wait-list students are offered the spots.
The barber/cosmetology technical diploma is a 16-month (1,800 hours) program, including a summer term, that prepares graduates for the state licensing exam. First-semester students learn classroom theory and fundamental skill development. Second-semester students apply their skills in the on-campus salon where they perform client services, including: shampoos, hair colors, hair styles, facials, scalp treatment, manicures and permanent waves. Students also attend area shows and hear guest presentations from industry artists.
The barber/cosmetologist apprenticeship is a two-year, 288-hour (on campus) program in which students spend one day a week in school. The rest of their learning takes place in a business setting.
Kimberly Sanborn, of Fond du Lac, is one of a growing number of apprentice students enrolled at Moraine Park.
“It’s great getting to work in the business. I learn the tricks of the trade while getting paid and go to school at the same time,” she said.
The weekly 6½-hour session, taught by Eileen Bouchard, takes apprentice students through the rigors of hair theory, math proficiency, chemistry, anatomy, laws, skin structure and its disorders and occupational communication.
Leah Greil explains her life as a student working under the guidance of professionals at Renaissance Hair Salon in Fond du Lac.
“It’s really cool. I’m learning from the best, and I’ve been given a creative way to express myself,” she said.
Reputation
Deya Sanchez of Berlin said it’s a people-oriented career that takes patience and the ability to listen.
“People come in and may not know what they want to do with their hair. You throw ideas out, you work with their hair type, you offer advice,” she said.
Students are required to purchase a $1,200 kit that includes mannequins, blow dryers, a stand, curling irons and straighteners.
Domenosky said the program at Moraine Park has a great reputation, with positive feedback from employers.
“The program is longer than most others in the area, which allows students to practice and perfect their skills before leaving school. We have had employers tell us they will only hire new stylists if they graduate from our program.”
In the salon, Elsie Koopman of Fond du Lac is in for her weekly hair appointment and laments about the salon being closed for five weeks each year during summer break.
“Years ago, I started coming here for perms, and back then, I came all the way from St. Peter,” she said. “It’s been a real budget-saver for me and I wouldn’t go any place else.”
The college plans to expand its offering next year by providing the first online barber/cosmetologist apprenticeship program in the state.
