Story and photos by Nayeli Ocampo, COMM 1318/Photography 1
It’s not all about cutting hair and shaving. The new barber certificate program at South Plains College involves training students to work with hair, skin, and nails.
“We are here from 8 to 4 every day,” says Sarah Thompson, the program coordinator for cosmetology/ barber and assistant professor of cosmetology.
“It’s just like being in a salon. We try to give them a real word experience by being here in the salon.”
Customers at this SPC salon can come to get their hair cut and colored by barber students.
They can also get their nails done.
The two-semester barber certificate program began this academic year. In the fall, students started with basics.
“They learn about what equipment they are going to use out on the lab floor,” Thompson says. “In theory we go over the chemical reaction, safety sanitization, all the safety benefits.”
In this spring second semester, Thompson says, students start working on mannequins and clients. It’s practice, practice, practice.
The class list for second semester includes Chemical Reformation and Related Theory, Principles of Hair Coloring and Related Theory, Barber Styling II, and Advanced Barber Styling II.
To find out how to apply for the barber certificate program, go to the SPC barber certificate web page. The site explains the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations requires all cosmetology/barber students be 17 years old and have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. In addition to meeting general SPC requirements, students who want to get into the Cosmetology/Barber program must complete a separate application and complete additional requirements listed on the web page.
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