Walking into the salon, seeing countless mirrors with stylists at each booth doing something different for their clients. From the smell of nail polish and the light sound of scissors snipping off the ends of hair, practice makes purpose. From sophomore to senior year, students began practicing and learning the curriculum to get their cosmetology license, and some have reached their goal.
Needing to get a certain amount of experience and practice is one of the biggest factor of getting a license, where one student reached the requirements first.
“I think it’s an honor to have been the first licensed cosmetologist of the 2025 school year,” senior Cristal Perez-Lopez said. “I have to thank my teacher, Mrs. Hernadez, for everything. I would not have been able to achieve such a goal without the dedication and support throughout the process. She ensured I gave it my all, and I know my peers would agree she doesn’t get enough credit for what she does.”
With it taking three years of constant work to get a cosmetology license, their was some tough challenges to overcome.
“I would say the hardest part was studying all the theories and preparing for the state licensing exam,” senior Jazmin Castaneda said.
Additionally, some other students believe another part of the process was the most challenging.
“The most difficult part of getting my license was balancing school and cosmetology,” Perez-Lopez said. “I had to study for two different tests to get this license. The test involved studying every day for at least an hour and memorizing over fifty steps, not including what he had done in class during the three periods.”
Many students are planning on achiever something greater with their licnese, in hopes to have a career after graduation.
“I would love to open my own salon and be self-employed, and expand my clientele,” Giselle Ramirez said.
Some students have a dream similar to this as well, but in a different industry.
“I plan to grow my business slowly and start up my own salon that offers waxing and coloring services and get certified in laser services,” Castaneda said.
With cosmetology a large commitment, some advice is provided for the current juniors aimming for their license in their future.
“I would definitely say study,” Ramirez said. “Take it seriously and you’ll be fine and enjoy it. Mrs. Hernandez is a sweetheart when you do what she asks.”
