Carloto, Lisa
Department Head, Hairdressing and Cosmetology
(203) 579-6333 x6549
Mongillo, Deborah
Instructor, Hairdressing and Cosmetology
(203) 579-6333 x6531

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System’s Hairdressing and Cosmetology course breakdown by grade. Each student is required to complete four years of a Career Technical Education program.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits 3 Credits
Exploratory and Introduction to Hairdressing & Cosmetology Hairdressing & Cosmetology II Hairdressing & Cosmetology III

Hairdressing & Cosmetology III

Students deciding to enter the field of Hairdressing & Cosmetology will be introduced to the basics of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene, as well as equipment identification and use. Students are introduced to professional image, sterilization and sanitation methods, draping, product knowledge, hair design and styling, nail structure, skin care and permanent waving.

Prerequisite: Hairdressing & Cosmetology I
In Grade 10, students are introduced to: professional image, sterilization and sanitation, draping techniques, shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, haircutting, hair designing, permanent waving, hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perm, artificial hair techniques, nails, skin care, hair removal, electric current and light therapy techniques, styling enhancers and salon business and management. Attention is focused on learning the basics, especially with haircutting, mock applications of hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perm. Grade 10 students participate in school customer work only. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices.

In Grade 11, topics introduced in Grade 10 are covered in greater detail. Students will start to provide hairdressing and cosmetology services to outside customers within the school salon. The primary focus is on the development of the student’s hands-on skills. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

In Grade 12, students continue to refine their skills in all areas. Students spend more time working with customers in the school salon and completing theory and clinical hour requirements for licensures (200 theory hours and 1,300 clinical hours). In addition, instruction focuses on preparation for the licensure examination. Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation and personal hygiene and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, interview, to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work-based Learning (WBL).

Students can choose to further their education at numerous colleges and universities across the country in order to obtain a two- or four-year degree. Upon graduation from this program, students will be prepared and qualified to work in salons or spas as a State of Connecticut licensed cosmetologist. State licensure exams are offered prior to graduation. Other types of employment include retail cosmetology sales in a variety of settings.

The Hairdressing and Cosmetology program has been involved in project activities, giving back to the community in various settings.

Some of the communities we have worked with include:

  • Barnum Elementary School of Bridgeport- Annual drama production assisting with hair and makeup design.
  • Senior Citizens – Servicing our senior citizens with haircuts and manicures at the local senior centers
  • Building Broken Warriors Foundation- Helping to uplift the homeless community and broken population with complementary haircuts during their annual Warrior Holiday Feast
  • The International Institute of Connecticut, Survivor Services Program- This program works with refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, and other foreign-born survivors to empower survivors to heal and regain independence. Our students taught the women various beauty skills such as, braiding, product knowledge and nail services.

Our students are required to earn industry related certifications during their four years of Hairdressing and Cosmetology and are certified in the following areas upon graduation.

  • Hairdressing License – State of Connecticut
  • Barbacide/Covid-19
  • Milady Infection Control
  • Eyes on Cancer/Skinny on Skin
  • Real Career Employability Skills Program
  • Color Specific certifications
  • RISE Certification
  • Industry related certifications of choice