Sabrina Flanigan, Department Chair
256.352.8197
sabrina.flanigan@wallacestate.edu
salonandspa@wallacestate.edu
www.wallacestate.edu/cosmetology
Associate in Applied Science (4 Semesters)
The Barbering program at Wallace State Community College offers a comprehensive sequence of courses aimed at preparing students for successful careers in the barbering industry. The curriculum is structured to help students develop the academic knowledge, practical skills, and professional aptitude necessary to thrive in the field. It aligns with the licensing requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Barbering, ensuring that graduates meet state standards.
Barbers indeed play a specialized role in the grooming and styling of men and boys, focusing on haircuts, beard trims, shaves, and other grooming services. They use a variety of tools, such as clippers, scissors, razors, and straight razors, and apply various techniques to meet their clients' needs. Barbers also stay updated on current trends and offer personalized advice about hair care, products, and styling.
Upon completion, graduates earn a Barbering diploma, which qualifies them to pursue various career paths, including becoming a licensed barber, managing a salon or shop, or even owning a salon/shop. This program not only provides students with the technical skills needed for barbering but also offers opportunities for them to advance in the profession with managerial or entrepreneurial roles.
The WSCC Salon and Spa Management Barbering program provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the dynamic and professional world of barbering. This program focuses not only on technical barbering skills but also on cultivating the professionalism, attitude, and demeanor necessary for success in the beauty and wellness industry.
Through hands-on practice, students gain experience in all phases of salon services, such as haircuts, shaves, beard grooming, and styling, while using creativity and design techniques to provide clients with a personalized and tailored experience. The curriculum is competency-based, ensuring that students master essential skills through practical application and adherence to industry standards.
By incorporating occupational analysis and national standards, the program ensures that students are well-prepared for the real-world demands of the industry. This includes understanding the importance of customer service, maintaining professionalism, and delivering high-quality services consistently.
This program can be a great stepping stone for those wanting to pursue careers in barbering, salon management, or even business ownership in the beauty and wellness sector.
Graduates of the Barbering program at Wallace State Community College have a variety of career options available to them. Depending on the track they choose within the program, they could work as a licensed barber, a platform artist, or even open their own barbershop. As they gain experience working in a shop or salon, many barbers have the potential to build a loyal client base, eventually allowing them to become business owners.
In addition to working directly with clients, there are other career paths available, such as teaching in vocational education programs, where graduates can share their knowledge and skills with future barbers. Graduates may also pursue sales roles, becoming sales representatives for beauty products or barbering tools.
Regarding compensation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in May 2023, the median hourly wage for barbers was $16.87 and per year $35,080. This data highlights that barbering is a well-compensated field with opportunities for financial growth as individuals gain experience and build their clientele.
This course provides an orientation to professional barber styling. Topics include learning skills, history of barbering, professional image, microbiology, safety, infection control, implements and tools, razor shaving properties and disorders of hair and scalp, and the treatment of hair.
As required by program.
This course provides the theory of bacteriology and sanitation. Topics include the types of bacteria and sanitation procedures, and razor shaving. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify types of bacteria and methods of sanitation.
As required by program.
This course provides practical application of barber-styling fundamentals. Emphasis is placed on safety, infection control, the use and care of implements, treatment of hair, and razor shaving. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate proper infection control, hair care, and use of implements.
As required by program.
This course introduces the student to the basic science of barber-styling. Topics include anatomy/physiology, disorders and treatments of the skin, scalp, and hair, and theory of facial and scalp massage. Upon completion, the student should be familiar with the anatomical structures, as well as disorders and treatments of the skin, scalp, and hair.
As required by program.
This course provides practical application of barber fundamentals learned in earlier courses. Emphasis is placed on safety, facial massage, treatment of hair and scalp proper use and care of implements, shampooing and haircutting, and razor shaving. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform fundamental barbering techniques with limited supervision.
As required by program.
This course provides practical experience in basic scissor and clipper haircutting. Upon completion, the student will be able to cut and style a client's hair, demonstrating correct scissor and clipper cutting and styling techniques.
This course provides students with opportunities to apply the use of chemicals to alter the appearance of hair. Emphasis is placed on the use of chemicals to relax, wave, and soft curl the hair. Upon completion, students will be competent in the use of chemicals to produce desired structure changes to the hair.
As required by program.
This course provides the student with a basic knowledge of hair color alteration. Topics include temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent changes. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify and explain the procedures for each classification of hair color alteration.
As required by program.
This course provides the student an opportunity for practical application of all classifications of chemical hair coloring and processing products in a supervised environment. Emphasis is placed on experience in all classifications of hair coloring and processing procedures.
As required by program.
Students are provided a complete review of all written and practical procedures in barbering and state board requirements. Upon completion students should be able to demonstrate the practical skills necessary to meet the requirements of state board certification and employment.
As required by program.
This course focuses on the theory and practice of hair designing. Topics include creating styles using basic and advanced techniques of back combing, up sweeps and braiding. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate the techniques and procedures for hair designing.
As required by college
In this course, students learn the art and techniques of hair shaping. Topics include hair sectioning, correct use of hair shaping implements, and elevations used to create design lines. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate the techniques and procedures for creating hair designs.
As required by college
This course is designed to provide exposure to cosmetology practices in non-employment situations. Emphasis is on dependability, attitude, professional judgment, and practical cosmetology skills. Upon completion, the student should have gained skills necessary for entry level employment.
As required by college
