Cosmetology

Are you looking for an exciting new career in cosmetology? Look no further than Montgomery Beauty School. Students receive comprehensive training in hair braiding, haircuts, hair styling, skin care and customer service, with classroom instruction and real-world training from experienced instructors. Full-time students can complete their training within nine (9) months. The program holds 1500 hours of instruction.

Course objective. To develop in our students the highest possible degree of professional, social and technical competence. Through our structured curriculum, the school supplies the principles and practices of cosmetology from basic techniques to more advanced, continually focusing on skills that will make the student more marketable upon graduation.

Program description. Cosmetology is the cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails. The art of Cosmetology is the actual performance of the many beauty cultural practices. To derive the utmost benefit from Cosmetology, practical performance, demonstration and practice are employed in conjunction with the study of theory.

Program purpose. For the student to acquire a broad knowledge of both the science and art of Cosmetology and be able to use the knowledge as a foundation to be successful in the profession of Cosmetology; to develop physical dexterity and manipulative skills and loyalty and enthusiasm for the profession; to acquire ethical standards; and to prepare students for the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists examination and entry level employment. Criminal convictions may affect a student's ability to be licensed, certified or registered.

Program objectives. Upon completion of the Cosmetology Program, the student will be able to:

• Analyze hair and scalp problems and administer corrective treatments.
• Have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, hair structure and chemistry.
• Administer cold/acid waving techniques and chemical and physical techniques of hair straightening.
• Care for and style wigs; administer a professional shampoo and hair coloring.
• Create hair styles through the use of roller placement, thermal waving/curling, finger waves, pin curls and blow curling/waving.
• Administer a facial with make-up and remove superfluous hair.
• Administer a professional manicure, pedicure, and nail extensions.
• Operate/open a salon and employ the principles and practices of salon management.
• Employ basic first aid measures, rules of sanitation and sterilization, and safety precautions.
• Practice and employ the rules, regulations, and laws of the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists.
• Administer a professional hair shaping, practice good salesmanship, and seek and obtain employment.

Licensing examination. To be eligible for examination to receive a Cosmetology license, the applicant shall be at least 17 years old, have a ninth (9th) grade education, and have completed 1500 hours of fundamental training according to the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists mandatory minimum standard curriculum. Criminal convictions may affect a student's ability to be licensed.

Montgomery Beauty School has been training students in Montgomery County for over forty (40) years.

Facilities. The school is located in Silver Spring, Maryland. The school maintains a student to instructor ratio of 25 to 1. The facility features modern beauty and barber equipment, separate theory rooms, and a modern laboratory where the advanced students receive practical training and experience. In addition to the use of dry erase boards, audio and/or visual equipment, additional reading materials are available for all students. There are also dispensary and supply areas containing equipment and products.

Milady curriculum. Montgomery Beauty School uses Milady curriculum, textbooks and workbooks, which enable the school to supply the students and instructors with extensive educational materials. Students are also trained and prepared in Mock State Board licensing applications and evaluations.

A personal interview and visit to the school are required of all prospective students. An applicant may enroll in an approved program after the successful completion of the following criteria: meet all admission requirements, sign an enrollment agreement with the school, and obtain a class start date. All requirements must be met prior to beginning class.

Students who possess a cosmetology license and request credit for 750 cosmetology hours must present a copy of their license and request this credit prior to enrollment. Transfer students accepted into the school will be charged an Enrollment Fee (which may not exceed 10% or $150.00, whichever is less, of the total tuition of the program). Transferred hours are treated as both completed and attempted hours in the determination of the student's pace of completion, and tuition for the part of the program the student advanced will be adjusted for the advancement allowed. Students who withdraw prior to completion of the program and wish to re-enroll will return in the same Satisfactory Academic Progress status as at the time of withdrawal.

Length of program (contracted time). Cosmetology (1500 hours): full time 40 hours per week, 37.5 weeks; full time 30 hours per week, 50 weeks; full time 25 hours per week, 60 weeks; part time day or evening 20 hours per week, 75 weeks. Full-time students can complete their training within nine (9) months.

Start dates. New classes start every month. Students may enroll during business hours at the Montgomery Beauty School. Day classes begin the first Monday of each month; night classes begin the first Tuesday evening of each month. Training days missed due to inclement weather may be made up at the end of the program.

Day attendance schedules (Cosmetology and Professional Barbering). 40 hours: 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. 30 hours: 8:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. 25 hours: 8:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. 20 hours: 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. Monday through Friday or 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Evening attendance schedules (Cosmetology and Professional Barbering). 30 hours: 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (students may begin one day of attendance at 1:30 P.M.) and 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Saturday. 25 hours: 2:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (students may begin one day of attendance at 3:30 P.M.) and 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Saturday. 20 hours: 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Saturday.

Attendance. All absences must be made up. Students must maintain a cumulative attendance average of 83.3%, and the program must be completed within 1.20 times the length of the contracted program. Attendance is recorded with a biometric fingerprint time clock.

Cost of attendance. Cosmetology Program - 1500 hours of instruction: Tuition Fee $23,850.00; Enrollment Fee $150.00; Kit/Books/Uniform $1,995.00; Total Cost $25,995.00.

Title IV disbursements. Title IV financial aid is disbursed in increments of four payments (if applicable). All disbursements are based on the ACTUAL hours a student has completed in the program, at 1, 450, 900 and 1200 actual hours.

Financial aid. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering all Federal Financial Aid Programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans and PLUS Loans (parental loans for undergraduate students). All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility for financial assistance (Montgomery Beauty School federal school code 016627). All forms and any additional information may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Applicants that do not possess a high school diploma are not eligible for Title IV funding (financial aid).

Use of aid. Financial Aid funds must be used only for educational purposes. No funds will be given to a student for living costs until the student's obligations to the School for tuition, fees, and books have been paid. If the program is extended beyond the original enrollment agreement ending date, an assessment of cost for the remaining hours is determined and charged to the student's account.

Methods of payment. Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Money Order. If a student chooses to pay their tuition in increments, a monthly in-school payment plan may be set up, contingent upon approval by the School Director.

Additional expenses. The fees for tuition, student kit, books, and uniform represent the total funds to be paid by the student; not included is the cost of supplies and/or equipment for personal use. Each student is supplied with a student kit, books, and uniform on the first day of class, and must purchase professional shoes, a notebook, pen and pencils by the first day of school. In lieu of the kit, books, and uniform fee, students may purchase their own kit, books, and uniform on the open market.

Refund policy. All fees paid are refunded if the student is not accepted or withdraws within 7 business days after signing an enrollment agreement. After instruction begins, the Maryland Higher Education Commission minimum tuition refund is 90% (less than 10% of the program taught), 80% (10% to under 20%), 60% (20% to under 30%), 40% (30% to under 40%), 20% (40% up to 50%), and no refund after more than 50%.

Once the student has completed the program and passed the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists examination for licensure, he/she will be qualified to obtain employment as a Cosmetologist in a salon, a demonstrator for a cosmetic firm, operator in a department store salon, as well as other opportunities.

Cosmetology is a lifetime or part-time career for those who qualify. In the salon, Cosmetologists perform many services, including manicuring, hairstyling, daytime and evening make-up, temporary and permanent waving, temporary and permanent hair straightening, hair lightening and hair coloring, care and styling of wigs and various facial and scalp treatments. Many Cosmetologists will specialize in one, or any number of these services. The Cosmetology Program is identified by the SOC code of 39-5012.

Job opportunities. Salon or Day Spa Owner, Hair Designer, Image Consultant, Hair Color Specialist, Director of Education, Salon/Spa Manager, Salon Sales Consultant, Platform Artist/Educator, Beauty Care Product Distributor, Manufacturer's Sales Rep, Cosmetology Instructor.

Job placement. The school offers job placement services to help graduates secure employment in the field for which they graduated. Upon successful completion of their program, the school will use its best efforts to successfully place the student. However, the student must be aware that the school does not guarantee employment. Nor does it act as an employment agent. Career advising is provided to the student regarding interview, employment opportunities and marketable skills.

The Ultimate Educational Experience. Montgomery Beauty School provides a solid foundation of disciplines to support your career growth. In addition to a full curriculum of classroom instruction, Montgomery Beauty School also provides the ultimate educational experience—hands-on training in the classroom salon/clinic. The on-site, active salon/clinic is a real salon environment where students who have achieved a set number of classroom hours can work on paying clients under teacher supervision.

Getting here. Public transportation is readily available to and from the school, and free parking is adjacent to the School. The facilities have designated parking spaces and ramps, and restrooms are ADA compliant.