Cosmetology Program Opens New Classroom Salon

Students are learning to be a cut above the rest, thanks to an expansion to the Sherman High School cosmetology program.

Growth in student interest, increasing regional demand, and a need for space sparked summer renovations at Sherman Middle School. Sherman ISD maintenance crews installed an industry-standard salon equipped with styling chairs, professional hair dryers and sinks and updated a classroom in the former CTE hall.

Students had previously enrolled at Grayson College for dual-credit cosmetology courses. Additional state funding generated through course enrollment will cover renovation and staffing costs as the program expands. 

“By hosting our own cosmetology courses, Sherman ISD can better meet the rising interest among students and train them for a career predicted to have strong growth,” said Elizabeth Clayton, Coordinator of Career, Military and Workforce Development. “Not only that, students can obtain their industry license before graduation and can leverage it as they enter the field.”

Since August, both rooms have been abuzz with the program’s newest junior class. The current senior class, which started at Grayson, will finish the program there. 

“The juniors have been learning about professional etiquette and how to best communicate with clientele to make sure they get what they want,” said Christy Jeffcoat, one of two newly hired cosmetology teachers who brings more than 30 years of career experience. “Right now, they’re practicing with hair mannequins, but they’ll move onto people when they’re about 120 hours into their license.”

To be a fully licensed cosmetologist, students must complete 1,000 hours in the school salon and pass written and practical exams administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. With a license, students can perform hair services, eyelash extensions, manicures and more at a professional salon or independently.

“It’s a tough field, and you have to keep up-to-date on trends,” Jeffcoat said. “But everybody wants a haircut, so the sky’s the limit.”

As the on-site program begins in Sherman ISD, the instructors hope to encourage more male participation in the program. Students can also use the skills and training they receive for their cosmetology license to apply toward a barber license, which has separate requirements.

“This is a historic trade,” said Devin Tomlinson, the other cosmetology instructor who brings 10 years of experience as a barber. “It’s the fastest way to have a high, stable income, and for an industry dominated by women, men do really well.”

For her part, junior Kara Henderson is looking forward to learning more about nails.

“I know the very basics of nails, but I really want to go in-depth about it,” she said. “I’m still processing the fact I’ll be fully licensed when I graduate, but I’m really excited because I can jump straight in.”