Braiding and Hair Design Certificate of Specialization

Program Overview

The Braiding and Hair Design Certificate of Specialization at the College of San Mateo equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in braiding and hair design techniques. Through a student-centered approach, the program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, preparing students for entry-level positions in the cosmetology industry. Graduates can pursue diverse career opportunities, including salon stylists, product inventors, and beauty bloggers. The program emphasizes technical proficiency, client consultation, and ethical practices, ensuring students are well-prepared for success in the field.

Program Outline

Program Overview:

Additionally, the program emphasizes individual training, group projects, and supervised practice on the public, effectively linking theoretical knowledge to practical experience.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for initial licensing and/or entry-level job placement in the field of cosmetology.
• Enable students to pass program benchmarks and earn the credentials required for certificate specialization.
• Equip students with a holistic understanding of the beauty industry and the specific skills required for success.

Program Description:

This program blends classroom instruction with hands-on training, covering topics such as hair styling, hair design specific to cosmetology, and portfolio preparation. Students also receive guidance on resume preparation and job placement support. They gain exposure to a range of hair design techniques, including cutting, coloring, and styling. The program emphasizes the development of strong technical skills alongside an understanding of client consultation, communication, and ethical practices crucial for success in the cosmetology industry.

Outline:

The Braiding and Hair Design Certificate of Specialization consists of two required core courses:

• COSM 763: Braiding and Hair Design I (1.5 units) focuses on foundational skills and techniques with emphasis on safety and sanitation.
• COSM 764: Braiding and Hair Design II (1.5 units) builds upon knowledge acquired in the first course, delving deeper into advanced braiding techniques and intricate hair designs.

Assessment:

Teaching:

Careers:

Career opportunities for graduates include:

• Independent salon stylists
• Salon and spa owners/managers
• Product inventors and educators
• Movie/television/runway/platform and print work artists
• Beauty bloggers and writers
• School educators

Other:

Additional information available about the program:

• Students receive training that fulfills the requirements for initial licensure through the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
• The CSM Cosmetology program has a strong record of preparing students for successful careers in the field.
• Program learning outcomes demonstrate the program's focus on preparing students for a successful career in the cosmetology industry.
• Recommendations for high school preparation include coursework in Art, Business Mathematics, Accounting, Psychology, and Interpersonal Communication.
By combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, the Braiding and Hair Design Certificate of Specialization offers a comprehensive and practical approach to prepare students for a successful career in the cosmetology industry.