Everyday for the past year, I’ve gone to BOCES for the cosmetology program. I was interested in going into the cosmetology field as a career, so when Mrs Muller, the guidance counselor at BOCES, came to the school and gave a presentation about the different programs, I knew I would be interested.The program is challenging, but I am always learning something new.
Starting at 7:30 AM, I arrive at Chittenango High School and get on the bus. Once I arrive at the OCM BOCES campus, I walk straight to my classroom where I put on my smock and sit in my seat. Everyday my teacher puts up a question of the day, then we go into our theory work. Around 9:30 AM, the class starts lab, which consists of working on the mannequins. Currently we’re working on our chemical texture service unit. Chemical texture services are hair services that cause a chemical change within the hair’s natural wave and curl pattern. They include:
- permanent waving: adding wave or curl to the hair
- relaxing: removing curl or waves; leaving the hair smooth and straight
- curl re-forming: loosening overly curly hair; changing tightly curly or coiled hair into loose curls or waves.
During lab, we practice wrapping perms, as well as practicing the state board technique. I’ve made so many great friends through my cosmetology program, including my best friend Kaydance. When I first came to BOCES, I was very nervous about being by myself and not being able to make any friends but, cosmetology has brought so many new opportunities to me. Most of my day is spent working on packets/notes, talking to my friends, and doing lab work.
Over the two years of cosmetology there are many units that we go over. Junior year we learned sectioning, roller sets, pin curls, marcel curls, finger waves, hair cutting, and basic manicures & pedicures. The units aren’t the only important thing though; you also need to complete 1,000 hours of lab and theory work. At the end of the year, if I have enough hours, I will be able to take my state board exam. To obtain your cosmetology license, you need to take the state board exam. I have to pass both the written and practical examinations administered by the New York State Department of State. The written exam is a timed, multiple-choice test, and the practical exam demonstrates specific cosmetology techniques which are also timed for each technique.
