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.

The WCC Cosmetology programs operate under the full approval of the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts Examiners. A state board examination must be successfully passed in order to receive a license. Employment is available in beauty salons and related businesses.

Contact Information

For information about Cosmetology in Wilkes or Ashe, contact:

Image of Tonya Watson
Tonya Watson
Coordinator of Cosmetology
Phone: 336-903-3108
tgwatson758@wilkescc.edu

Pathways

This part of the website is currently undergoing maintenance. Please refer to the WCC Catalog for program information.

The Cosmetology course is designed for full-time and part-time classes. 1500 hours and mastering numerous skills are required before receiving a certificate of completion. A state board exam is administered before licenses can be rendered.

We offer a complete cosmetology course, including skills of haircutting, styling, permanent waving, hair coloring, hair relaxing, facials, manicuring, pedicuring, make-up, massage, lash/brow tint, waxing, and other cosmetic procedures.

Students completing the basic curriculum satisfactorily will advance to the clinic to complete remaining hours under instructor’s supervision.

This comprehensive course provides instruction and clinical practice in manicuring, nail building (application and maintenance of artificial nails), and pedicuring. The course content includes nail anatomy, disorders of nails, and irregularities of nails; theory and salesmanship as it relates to manicuring; actual practice in manicuring; and arm, hand, and foot massage.

Manicurist students must complete 300 hours in an approved beauty school or college before applying to the State Board of Cosmetic Arts for examination. Students enrolled only in manicuring shall only perform services directly to the prescribed course in manicuring.

Please note: this is a comprehensive course to provide training for those persons interested in becoming registered manicurists only and not desiring to become licensed cosmetologists.

The Esthetician (Skin Care) Program consists of facial manipulations; facial for dry, normal, and oily skin types, packs and masks. It also includes make-up application, waxing, tweezing, and the study of skin disorders and diseases. This course is designed for full-time and part-time classes, and includes theory and practical application. 600 hours are required.

Upcoming Courses

Visit the WDCE page for a complete list of upcoming courses. Many courses are offered online via Ed2Go.

Is there a specific course you would like to see offered? Contact cbmiller923@wilkescc.edu.

Technical Standards

The Cosmetology program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

Standard Essential Function Examples
Communication
Oral / Written
  • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  • Skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
  • Communicate with coworkers and customers via phone, or face-to-face
  • Communicate efficiently with clients on their needs and details of their service
  • Establish rapport with clients, colleagues, and other salon professionals
  • Ability to schedule appointments through client communication and input in appointment book or scheduling assistant using technology
Mobility / Motor Skills
  • Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
  • Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective salon services
  • Ability to use sharp instruments such as razors and scissors
  • Hand-eye coordination to manipulate implements and use cosmetology techniques
  • Maneuver in confined spaces
  • Manipulate multiple implements at a time
  • Physical activities may include:
    • Bending
    • Stooping
    • Standing
    • Lifting
    • Reaching
Physical Strength and Stamina
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to elevate arms for extended periods of time
  • Ability sufficient to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
  • Ability to continuously keep work area clean
  • Ability to multitask and utilize time management skills
  • Stand up to 12 hours while working with customers
  • Use cosmetology implements at elevated position while working on customer’s hair
  • Assist customers in and out of shampoo chairs
  • Sweep, wipe down all equipment, countertops, and implementations continuously
  • Work with multiple clients at a time
Sensory

  • Sight
  • Sound
  • Taste
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
  • Ability to clearly distinguish colors and shades of color
  • Listening skills sufficient to communicate with others
  • Ability to feel textures
  • View work to determine if hair is cut evenly
  • Mix, apply, and observe the hair color process
  • Listen to client during consultation
  • Ability to feel changes in hair texture and skin
Environmental / Occupational Exposure
  • Exposure to chemicals and their odors
  • Exposure to varied lighting
  • Exposure to hot equipment
  • Exposure to high paced work environment
  • Exposure to excessive noise
  • Hair colors, perm solution, cleaning products, acrylics
  • Work in low lighting
  • Work with hot curling iron and other heated implements
Field or Industry Professional Standards
  • Free of disabling or contagious disease (NC law)
  • NC requirement example: 30 minutes to complete 90-degree haircut

Disability Services Statement

Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.