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
-
Cosmetology, Certificate -
Nail Technology, STC
Course Descriptions
COS 111: Introduction to Cosmetology
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 112: Introduction to Cosmetology Lab
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 113: Theory of Chemical Services
During this course, students learn concepts of the theory of chemical services related to chemical hair texturing. Specific topics include the basics of chemistry and electricity, properties of the hair and scalp, and chemical texture services. Safety considerations are emphasized throughout this course. This course serves as a foundation for more advanced courses that provide in-depth instruction in these areas. This is a CORE course.
Corequisite Courses
COS 114: Chemical Services Lab
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 115: Hair Color Theory
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 116: Hair Color Lab
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 117: Basic Spa Techniques Theory
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 118: Basic Spa Techniques Lab
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 119: Business of Cosmetology
This course is designed to develop job-seeking and entry-level management skills for the beauty industry. Topics include job seeking, leadership 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 123: Cosmetology Salon Practices
This course is designed to allow students to practice all phases of cosmetology in a salon setting. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, receptionist duties, hair styling, hair shaping, chemical, and basic nail and skin services for clients. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate professionalism and the procedures of cosmetology in a salon setting.
COS 148: Nail Care Theory
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 149: Nail Art Theory
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
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.
Corequisite Courses
COS 154: Nail Art Applications
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 167: State Board Review
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 181: Special Topics Theory
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
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.