Salon and Spa Management

Sabrina Flanigan, Department Chair
256.352.8197
salonandspa@wallacestate.edu
www.wallacestate.edu/cosmetology

 

Associate in Applied Science (4 Semesters)

Certificate (4 Semesters)
 

At a Glance

The Salon and Spa Management program is a comprehensive training program designed to equip beauty industry professionals with both the technical and business skills required to manage and operate successful beauty businesses. The program focuses on developing expertise in managing various aspects of a salon or spa, with an emphasis on entrepreneurial skills that enable graduates to thrive in the competitive beauty industry. 

Program Description

The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that not only prepares them for licensure as professional salon owners and operators but also equips them with the skills necessary to successfully run and manage a beauty business. The inclusion of both technical and business training ensures that graduates are well prepared to meet the multifaceted demands of the salon and spa industry. 

Program Expectations

The program provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for licensure as professional salon owners and operators and equips them with the technical and business skills necessary to successfully manage and operate a beauty business. This comprehensive training ensures graduates are well prepared to meet the multifaceted demands of the salon and spa industry. 

Career Path

The Salon and Spa Management program provides a comprehensive foundation for students who want to manage the day-to-day operations of beauty-related businesses, including salons, spas, and other wellness facilities. The program prepares students for the managerial responsibilities of running a beauty business by blending technical expertise with business acumen. 

Industry Trends and Employment Outlook: Employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for hair treatments, such as coloring, straightening, and other advanced procedures, is expected to continue during this period. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, median earnings for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists as of May 2024 were $34,420 per year, or approximately $16.95 per hour. Earnings may vary depending on location, experience, and the types of services offered. 

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

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. CORE

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 112

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. CORE.

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 111

COS 113 : Theory of Chemical Services

During this course students learn concepts of theory of chemical services related to the chemical hair texturing. Specific topics include basics of chemistry and electricity, properties of the hair and scalp, and chemical texture services. Safety considerations are emphasized throughout this course. This course is foundational for other courses providing more detailed instruction on these topics. CORE.

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 114

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. CORE.

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 113

COS 115 : Hair Coloring 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 be able to identify all classifications of hair coloring and the effects on the hair. CORE

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 116

COS 116 : Hair Coloring 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. CORE.

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 115

COS 117 : Basic Spa Techniques

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. CORE.

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 118

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. CORE

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 117

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 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.

Credits

3

COS 127 : Esthetics Theory

This course includes an advanced study of anatomy and physiology relating to skin care, cosmetic chemistry, histology of the skin, and massage and facial treatments. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss the functions of the skin, effects of chemicals on skin, different types of massage and benefits, and key elements of basic facial treatment. As needed.

Credits

3

COS 128 : Esthetics

This esthetics course is designed to provide a theory as well as a practical experience in makeup. Using different makeup techniques, makeup brushes, analyzing skin, day and night makeup and airbrush makeup. While an emphasis is placed on sanitation, infection control, and safety. At the end of this course students will be able to perform numerous makeup techniques and airbrush at a beginning level while practicing safety and sanitation with each and every makeup application.

Credits

3

COS 141 : Applied Chemistry for Cosmetology

This course focuses on chemistry relevant to professional hair and skin care products, hair and its related structures, permanent waving, chemical hair relaxing, and hair coloring.  Topics include knowledge of basic chemistry, pH scale measurements, water, shampooing and cosmetic chemistry, physical and chemical changes in hair structure.  Upon completion, the student should be able to define chemistry, types of matter, and describe chemical and cosmetic reactions as related to the hair and skin structure. 

Credits

3

COS 142 : Applied Chemistry for Cosmetology Lab

This course provides practical applications of the knowledge and skin learned in reference to chemical reactions, as well as the chemical application to the hair and skin. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of basic chemistry, pH scale, cosmetic chemistry, and physical and chemical changes in the hair and skin structure. Upon completion, the student should be able to determine the proper chemical product for each prescribed service.

Credits

3

Corequisites

COS 141

COS 143 : Specialty Hair Preparation Techniques

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. 

Credits

3

COS 144 : Hair Shaping and Design

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. 

Credits

3

COS 146 : Hair Additions

This course focuses on the practice of adding artificial hair. Topics include hair extensions, weaving, and braiding. Upon completion, the student should be able to demonstrate the techniques and procedures for attaching human and synthetic hair.

Credits

3

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. 

Credits

3

COS 150 : Manicuring

This course focuses on the theory and practice of nail care. Topic include sanitation nail structure, nail disorders and diseases, manicuring, pedicuring, nail wrapping, sculptured nails and acrylic overlays. 

Credits

3

COS 153 : Nail Art

This course focuses on advanced nail 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. 

Credits

3

COS 163 : Facial Treatments

This course includes all phases of facial treatments in the study of skin care. Topics include treatments for oily, dry, and special skin applications. Upon completion, students will be able to apply facial treatments according to skin type.

Credits

3

COS 164 : Facial Machine

This is a course designed to provide practical experience using the vapor and facial machine with hydraulic chair. Topics include the uses of electricity and safety practices, machine and apparants, use of the magnifying lamp, and light therapy. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of electrical safety and skills in the use of facial machines. 

Credits

3

COS 167 : State Board Review

Students are provided a complete review of all procedures and practical skills pertaining to the 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 gain entry level employment.

Credits

3

COS 168 : Bacteriology and Sanitation

In this skin care course, emphasis is placed on the decontamination, infection control and safety practiced in the esthetics facility. Topics covered include demonstration of sanitation, sterilization methods and bacterial prevention. Upon completion, the student will be able to properly sanitize facial implements and identify non-reusable items.

Credits

3

COS 169 : Skin Functions

This course introduces skin functions and disorders. Topics include practical application for skin disorder treatments, dermabrasion, and skin refining. Upon completion of this course, student will be able to demonstrate procedures for acne, facials and masks for deeper layers and wrinkles. 

Credits

3

COS 190 : Internship in Cosmetology

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. 

Credits

3

SAL 133 : Salon Management Technology

This course is designed to develop entry-level management skills for the beauty industry. Topics include job-seeking, leader 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.

Credits

3

SAL 201 : Entrepreneurship for Salon/Spa

This course covers the important issues and critical steps involved in starting a new business from scratch. Topics covered include developing a business plan, creating a successful marketing strategy, setting up the legal basis for business, raising start-up funds, attracting and managing human resources, managing costs, and developing a custom base.

Credits

3