• Express creativity employing the latest beauty industry trends, techniques and name-brand products

• Create unique looks for events like photo shoots and fashion shows while working alongside professional cosmetologists

• Operate a modern salon and spa, providing a wide range of artistic hair, nail and skincare services for the public

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Looking good never goes out of style and that’s great news for anyone intent on pursuing a career in the beauty industry. In our Cosmetology program, motivated students who invest the requisite time can earn a license from the Pennsylvania board of cosmetology for a fraction of what they’d pay to attend beauty school after graduation. As students learn the ins and outs of this ever-evolving industry, they’ll master the following skills:

• Shampooing, haircutting and styling hair, as well as installing hair extensions
• Coloring, highlighting, perming, relaxing and otherwise chemically treating hair
• Cleaning, shaping and polishing fingernails and toenails while performing manicures and pedicures
• Performing facials, applying makeup and removing unwanted hair with tweezers and wax

Using industry-standard equipment, tools and products, students develop their skills by working on mannequin heads, practice fingers and their peers. Later, under the supervision of licensed instructors, students gain real-world experience by serving clients in LCTI’s salon. Upperclassmen are encouraged to take it a step further by seeking co-op positions at local salons.

Students also learn about tracking client information, promoting services and products, hiring personnel and everything else it takes to manage a salon. Anatomy, bacteriology, physiology and hands-on training in sanitation and sterilization are important elements of the program, too.

Industry Credentials

Cosmetology students can earn the following certifications and credentials in high school:

• Cosmetologist via Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology
• Pennsylvania Skills Certificate via NOCTI®

College Credits

The following schools have articulation agreements with LCTI that allow Cosmetology students to earn college credit for work they complete in high school:

• Lehigh Carbon Community College

Career Pathways

with industry credentials:

• Hairstylist
• Makeup artist
• Nail technician

with credentials and experience:

• Platform artist
• Salon/Spa manager
• Salon/Spa manager

with college degree:

• Cosmetic sales executive
• Cosmetology instructor