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Honolulu Community College

Creative Services

Cosmetology

Cosmetology

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If you have a passion for hair, makeup and style, you’ve come to the right place!

About the Program

Our Cosmetology (COSM) program will provide you with the skills, training, and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career in the beauty industry. Through lectures and demonstrations, followed by actual hands-on work in a salon atmosphere, you will learn skills in hair, skin, and nail services. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be ready to take the Hawai‘i Board of Cosmetology examination, which will allow you to become a licensed cosmetologist to work in Hawai‘i.

This is the only Cosmetology program offered through the University of Hawai‘i system. Our program is also part of an international member school system known as Pivot Point. The Pivot Point training method is widely recognized and respected within the industry and is designed to give you an advantage over other beauty school graduates.  It also meets the requirements of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional Vocational Licensing and the Department of Health licensing examination.

Classes are held on-campus, Monday through Friday, from 7:30am – 3:20pm. When attending class, plan to follow the department’s dress code. The student clinic environment is designed to look and feel like an actual salon, which is open to the public for accepting clients.

Cosmetology can be an exciting and rewarding career. There are also some unique aspects of the profession and important skills that will help you be successful in this field, including: physical dexterity and stamina, communication skills, and interpersonal relationship skills.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes are program goals that describe what you will gain from this learning experience. They are located in the program descriptions in the College Catalog.

Technical Standards

Technical Standards describe some of the essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills that are necessary for successful participation in and completion of courses in this curriculum.

Thinking Skills

General

Use scientific and cosmetic concepts and theories to perform salon work safely and appropriately.

Specific
  • Read and apply information from lectures, textbooks, and handouts.
  • Follow Hawaii State Cosmetology Board Rules and Regulations.
  • Apply basics of hygiene, sanitation and safety in personal practices.
  • Apply basics of bacteriology, sterilization, and disinfection in salon practices.
  • Apply fundamentals of hair, skin and nail structure, and chemistry.
  • Detect and handle skin disorders safely and correctly.
  • Analyze product ingredients for proper uses.
  • Measure and calculate correct amounts of products.
  • Analyze hair and skin and prescribe appropriate services and products.
  • Apply color theory to achieve desired effect.

Sensory/Observation Skills

General

Use sensory cues to assess clients’ needs, treatments, and services.

Specific
  • Examine hair and skin prior to contact for evidence of disorders.
  • Detect slight differences in color or form.
  • Apply make-up, treatments, or hair removal techniques to clients’ faces.
  • Observe and replicate teacher-demonstrated procedures and techniques.

Motor Skills

General

Possess sufficient mobility and dexterity to do precise and aesthetically pleasing work.

Specific
  • Operate salon tools, equipment, and materials safely.
  • Use proper salon techniques.
  • Position and maneuver while servicing salon clients.
  • Work at varying levels.
  • Perform chemical treatments from start to finish within prescribed time constraints for safety purposes.
  • Lift and transport materials and equipment as necessary.

Communication Skills

General

Communicate effectively with clients and co-workers to gather and convey information.

Specific
  • Obtain necessary information from oral and written sources.
  • Express information coherently.
  • Document work accurately.

Behavioral Skills

General

Behave appropriately in both self-directed and shared learning environments.

Specific
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
  • Follow through with responsibilities.
  • Work diligently and put in necessary time to complete tasks.
  • Persist on difficult tasks.
  • Exercise good judgement.

Environmental Tolerance

General

Function safely in a salon environment.

Specific

Work for prolonged periods amidst: Sharp tools, Electrical equipment, Chemicals and toxins, Dust, heat, fumes, and odors

In addition to the Tuition, other costs include:

  • Basic Cosmetology Kit and Textbooks: Approximately $2,600
  1. Apply to Honolulu Community College.
  2. Students who enroll in Cosmetology (COSM) courses must submit one copy of their high school diploma to the Records office, and another copy to the Cosmetology department.
  3. Prerequisite: Placement in ENG 100
  4. Recommended: Successful completion of ENG 100 and Math 100.

Cosmetology Instructor Training

Students who wish to take the instructor training must have served actively as a licensed cosmetologist for a minimum of one year and the license must be valid upon enrollment. This course of study specializes in the theory and principles of teaching. Students receive a minimum of 600 clock hours in lesson preparation, teaching methods, and practice teaching. Cosmetology Instructor Training, uniform and textbooks cost approximately $700.

Careers

Many of our Cosmetology graduates have gone on to careers in the occupations listed below.

Visit the Hawaii Career Explorer website for more information.

Degrees & Certificates Offered
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Course Information

Financial Aid and Scholarships

First, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance which may help to cover your tuition and any additional costs, such as cosmetology tools. For more information about Financial Aid and FAFSA, visit Financial Aid Overview.

Next, see if you may qualify for Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of merit, academic performance, and/or financial need. View the Scholarships page for available scholarships.

Get Started

HonCC offers more than 23 academic programs offering 22 associate degrees and 31 certificates to prepare you for a lifetime of meaningful work.

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