Barbering Cosmetology

Program length for the Day Schedule is approximately 40 weeks and the Evening Schedule is approximately 56 weeks. Classes are conducted in residency, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm for day students and Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for night students. Please see the Class Start Calendar in the Catalog for start dates.

Pursuant to B&P 7362.5(c), the curriculum includes technical and practical instruction in the following areas:

• Health and Safety (100 hours): Including instruction on hazardous substances, chemical safety, safety data sheets, protection from hazardous chemicals, preventing chemical injuries, health and safety laws and regulations, and preventing communicable diseases; includes the Board Approved Health & Safety Course (B&P 7389(a)).
• Disinfection and Sanitation (100 hours): Including instruction on disinfection procedures to protect the health and safety of consumers as well as the technician and proper disinfection procedures for equipment used in establishments.
• Chemical Hair Services (200 hours): Including instruction on coloring, straightening, waving, bleaching, hair analysis, predisposition and strand tests, safety precautions, formula mixing, and the use of dye removers.
• Hairstyling Services (250 hours): Including instruction on arranging, blow drying, cleansing, curling, dressing, hair analysis, shampooing, waving, and nonchemical straightening, and hair cutting, including the use of shears, razors, electrical clippers and trimmers, and thinning shears, for wet and dry cutting.
• Skin Care (200 hours): Including instruction on chemical and manual facials and massaging, stimulating, exfoliating, cleansing, or beautifying the face, scalp, neck, or body by the use of hands, esthetic devices, cosmetic products, antiseptics, lotions, tonics, or creams.
• Hair Removal and Lash and Brow Beautification (50 hours): Including instruction on tinting and perming eyelashes and brows and applying eyelashes, and removing superfluous hair by depilatories, tweezers, sugaring, nonprescription chemicals, or waxing.
• Manicure and Pedicure (150 hours): Including instruction on water and oil manicures, hand and arm massage, foot and ankle massage, nail analysis, and artificial nail services, including acrylic, liquid and powder brush-ons, dip, tips, wraps, and repairs.
• Shaving and Trimming of the Beard (200 hours): Including instruction on preparing the client's hair for shaving, assessing the condition of the client's skin, performing shaving techniques, applying aftershave antiseptic following facial services, and massaging the face and rolling cream massages.
• Additional Instruction and Training (150 hours): Including career development skills, business and marketing strategies, financial literacy, and clinic floor practicum. Externships (for those who qualify).

Required texts: hardware and software to access Pivot Point LAB for Cosmetology + Barbering and workbook, included in the kit cost. When the kit, its contents, and the textbooks have been issued to the student, they become the financial and personal responsibility of that student.

Scholarships

Scholarships may be offered periodically. Institutional scholarships are offered for specified time periods and, if awarded, are reflected as a tuition allowance. All students who enroll during that time period are eligible for the scholarship.

The following is a description of the various financial aid programs available at Bellus Academy for students who qualify.

• Federal Pell Grant: Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant Program is determined by a standard need-analysis formula that is revised and approved by Congress. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back.
• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan: Under the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program the school certifies eligibility for each loan and sends the loan proceeds to the student's account.
• Federal Subsidized Direct Loan: Federal Direct Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need.
• Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students provide additional funds for the student's education.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds. Students must provide documentation of either a high school diploma or a GED certificate; be enrolled in an eligible program; have a valid Social Security number; be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident; and not be in default with any federal student loans, nor owe an overpayment on any federal student aid grant. The first step in applying for Title IV Federal Financial Aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Total program tuition is $21,700 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities for individuals entering the industry under the realm of Barbering, Cosmetology, Nail Technician or Esthetics. Your goals can guide you to a lifetime career working in a variety of professional job roles. Employment opportunities for Barbers include Barber, Stylist, Master Barber and Barber Shop Operator. Employment opportunities for Cosmetologists, Nail Technicians, Estheticians and Makeup Artists are available in individual salons, salon chains, department stores, supply houses, and day spas. The most successful graduates possess several personal qualities in addition to their acquired skills. These valuable qualities include but are not limited to a variety of business and marketing skills, including above-average people skills, good communication abilities, a sound work ethic and confidence.

Placement Assistance

One of our primary goals is to provide the specialized, intensive training that will make our certified and/or licensed graduates highly employable. Our academies work closely with salon owners and employers throughout the local regions so that all licensees are given an opportunity to secure a position that is the right one for them. Throughout your training, job search training is incorporated in your classes, and the Career Services Department is available if you have questions or need any assistance while you are in school. During your training, you will learn about the different salons and spas that are available, interviewing procedures, how to complete a job application, resumé preparation, and other valuable points you will need to know to help you land a great job after you are licensed. As you approach graduation, a Career Services representative meets with you to remind you of the different types of assistance the department offers, including resumé preparation, referrals, and graduate follow-up. Job placement assistance remains an option for you even if you have been out of school for a while. Although the academies work closely with our graduates to assist them with placement opportunities, the academies cannot guarantee employment.

Alumni Association

The Alumni Association supports the continued success of our licensed graduates by providing internationally acclaimed guest speakers, discounts on advanced education, discounts on professional products and equipment, development of a network of successful professionals, and providing extensive placement opportunities. Joining the Alumni Association keeps you informed of the latest events and trends in the industry.

Bellus Academy students are trained using the Bellus Cutting and Color system, which utilizes verbal, written, visual and hands-on instruction throughout the classroom and clinic floor practicum. Along with high-quality technical training, students learn career development skills such as client consultation, business tracking systems, and marketing strategies, as well as receiving financial literacy training. Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the academies and to discuss personal, educational, and occupational plans with academy personnel prior to enrolling or signing enrollment agreements. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.