Cosmetology

Wallace Campus

Cosmetology is the science and art of beautifying and improving the skin, nails, and hair. Wallace Community College offers a traditional cosmetology program. Classroom instruction prepares students with the knowledge base necessary for actual application of skills. Students then practice skills on mannequins and on each other and gradually move into live work activities. Lectures, videos, and demonstrations are used to enhance instruction and to provide networking opportunities with industry experts. The Salon and Spa Management program can be completed in as little as 12 months, or 3 semesters.

Students completing all courses listed in the curriculum will be awarded a program certificate and will be eligible to apply for the State Board Examination if they have a minimum of a 10th grade high school equivalency. After passing the examination, students are awarded a license to practice as a Cosmetologist in Alabama. Admission is conditional and depends on the student’s ability to perform the essential functions identified for this program. A high school diploma or GED® is not required; however, students are required to demonstrate college and career readiness. (See Admission to Courses Not Creditable Toward an Associate Degree in the Admissions Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.) Reasonable accommodations are considered.

NOTE: A minimum grade of “C” in the all COS prefix courses is required for a student to enroll in COS prefix courses for the next term and for graduation. Students must complete the entire program curriculum, to include all academic courses, to be eligible to sit for the Alabama Board of Cosmetology exam. Students who withdraw from the program must re-enter the program within a period of 12 months or start over with the first term of COS prefix courses. All students enrolled in the program must have books, kit and other required supplies within the first week of class. After graduation or leaving the program for any reason, students will have 30 days to pick up any personal materials and supplies left in the department. Materials and supplies not picked up will be disposed of.

Degrees and Certificates

Course Descriptions

COS 111: Introduction to Cosmetology

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

. This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the history and development of cosmetology and standards of professional behavior. Students receive basic information regarding principles and practices of infection control, diseases, and disorders. Additionally students receive introductory information regarding hair design. The information presented in this course is enhanced by hands-on application performed in a controlled lab environment. Upon completion, students should be able to apply safety rules and regulations and write procedures for skills identified in this course. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 112

COS 112: Introduction to Cosmetology Lab

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

In this course, students are provided the practical experience for sanitation, shampooing, hair shaping, and hairstyling. Emphasis is placed on disinfection, shampooing, hair shaping, and hairstyling for various types of hair for men and women. This course offers opportunities for students to put into practice concepts learned in the theory component from COS 111. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 111.

COS 113: Theory of Chemical Services

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

During this course students learn concepts of theory of chemical services related to the chemical hair texturing. Specific topics include basics of chemistry and electricity, properties of the hair and scalp, and chemical texture services. Safety considerations are emphasized throughout this course. This course is foundational for other courses providing more detailed instruction on these topics. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 114.

COS 114: Chemical Services Lab

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

During this course students perform various chemical texturing activities. Emphasis is placed on cosmetologist and client safety, chemical use and handling, hair and scalp analysis, and client consulting. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 113.

COS 115: Hair Color Theory

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

In this course, students learn the techniques of hair coloring and hair lightening. Emphasis is placed on color application, laws, levels and classifications of color and problem solving. Upon completion, the student will should be able to identify all classifications of haircoloring and the effects on the hair. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 116.

COS 116: Hair Color Lab

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

In this course, students apply hair coloring and hair lightening techniques. Topics include consultation, hair analysis, skin test and procedures and applications of all classifications of hair coloring and lightening. Upon completion, the student will be able to perform procedures for hair coloring and hair lightening. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 115.

COS 117: Basic Spa Techniques Theory

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

This course is the study of cosmetic products, massage, skin care, and hair removal, as well as identifying the structure and function of various systems of the body. Topics include massage skin analysis, skin structure, disease and disorder, light therapy, facials, facial cosmetics, anatomy, hair removal, and nail care. Upon completion, the student will be able to state procedures for analysis, light therapy, facials, hair removal, and identify the structures, functions, disorders of the skin, and nail care. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 118

COS 118: Basic Spa Techniques Lab

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course provides practical applications related to the care of the skin and related structure. Emphasis is placed on facial treatments, product application, skin analysis, massage techniques, facial make-up, hair removal, and nail care. Upon completion, the student should be able to prepare clients, assemble sanitized materials, follow procedures for product application, recognize skin disorders, demonstrate facial massage movement, cosmetic application, and hair removal using safety and sanitary precautions, and nail care. This is a CORE course.

Corequisites

COS 117

COS 119: Business of Cosmetology

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

This course is designed to develop job-seeking and entry-level management skills for the beauty industry. Topics include job seeking, leader and entrepreneurship development, business principles, business laws, insurance, marketing, and technology issues in the workplace. Upon completion, the student should be able to list job-seeking and management skills and the technology that is available for use in the salon.

COS 134: Advanced Esthetics

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 6

This course includes an advanced study of anatomy and physiology relating to skin care, cosmetic chemistry, histology of the skin, and massage and facial treatments. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss the functions of the skin, effects of chemicals on skin, different types of massage and benefits, and key elements of the basic facial treatment.

Prerequisites

As required by college.

COS 135: Advanced Esthetics Applications

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course provides advanced practical applications related to skin care. Principal topics include massage techniques, various facial treatments, proper product application through skin analysis, and introduction to ingredients and treatments, prescribe proper type of facial treatment and product, and demonstrate facials using any of the eight functions of the facial machine.

Prerequisites

As required by college.

COS 148: Nail Care Theory

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

This course focuses on all aspects of nail care. Topics include salon conduct, professional ethics, sanitation, nail structure, manicuring, pedicuring, nail disorders, and anatomy and physiology of the arm and hand. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate professional conduct, recognize nail disorders and diseases, and identify the procedures for sanitation and nail care services.

Corequisites

COS 152.

COS 149: Nail Art Theory

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

This course focuses on nail enhancement products and techniques. Topics include acrylic, gel, fiberglass nails, and nail art. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify the different types of sculptured nails and recognize the different techniques of nail art.

Corequisites

COS 154.

COS 152: Nail Care Applications

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course provides practice in all aspects of nail care. Topics include salon conduct, professional ethics, bacteriology, sanitation and safety, manicuring and pedicuring. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform nail care procedures.

Corequisites

COS 151

COS 154: Nail Art Applications

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course provides practice in advanced nail techniques. Topics include acrylic, gel, fiberglass nails, and nail art. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform the procedures for nail sculpturing and nail art.

Corequisites

COS 153

COS 163: Facial Treatments

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 6

This course includes all phases of facial treatments in the study of skin care. Topics include treatments for oily, dry, and special skin applications. Upon completion, students will be able to apply facial treatments according to skin type.

Prerequisites

As required by college.

COS 164: Facial Machines

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This is a course designed to provide practical experience using the vapor and facial machine with hydraulic chair. Topics include the uses of electricity and safety practices, machine and apparent, use of the magnifying lamp, and light therapy. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of electrical safety and skills in the use of facial machines.

Prerequisites

As required by college.

COS 165: Related Subjects Estheticians

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course includes subjects related to the methods for removing unwanted hair. This course includes such topics as electrolysis information and definitions, safety methods of permanent hair removal, the practice of removal of superfluous hair, and the use of depilatories. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply depilatories and practice all safety precautions.

Prerequisites

As required by college.

COS 167: State Board Review

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 6

Students are provided a complete review of all procedures and practical skills pertaining to their training in the program. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate the practical skills necessary to complete successfully the required State Board of Cosmetology examination and entry-level employment.

COS 168: Bacteriology and Sanitation

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 6

In this skin care course, emphasis is placed on the decontamination, infection control and safety practiced in the esthetics facility. Topics covered include demonstration of sanitation, sterilization methods and bacterial prevention. Upon completion, the student will be able to properly sanitize facial implements and identify non-reusable items.

COS 169: Skin Functions

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course introduces skin functions and disorders. Topics include practical application for skin disorder treatments, microdermabrasion, and skin refining. Upon completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate procedures for acne, facials and mask for deeper layers and wrinkles.

COS 181: Special Topics Theory

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 0

This course is designed to allow students to explore issues relevant to the profession of cosmetology. Upon completion, students should have developed new skills in areas of specialization for the cosmetology profession.

COS 182: Special Topics Lab

Program
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 0 Lab Hours 9

This course is designed to allow students to explore issues relevant to the profession of cosmetology. Upon completion, students should have developed new skills in areas of specialization for the cosmetology profession.