At New Castle Career Center, the Cosmetology program aims to deliver an interactive education while engaging with the community. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience, instructors equip students with the essential skills required for a career in cosmetology. Students participate in an apprenticeship program recognized by the Indiana Cosmetology Licensing Board, preparing them for the state licensing examination and ensuring their readiness to practice as professional cosmetologists.
Under the leadership of Instructor Erica Robinson, cosmetology students start each day with theoretical education. Students learn topics such as hair color, haircuts, texture services, hair, skin, nail physiology, chemistry, and electricity. They spend the remaining time in the student salon for experiential training. Guided by instructors, they practice services on mannequins, fellow students, and community guests, as they prepare for the state board licensure exam.
A Day in the Life of a Cosmetology Program Student
Junior students attend classes in the mornings, while senior students have sessions in the afternoons. The program offers extended hours on Wednesdays, allowing students to attend evening classes.
Students must accumulate 1,500 hours of training to graduate from the Cosmetology program. This training includes classroom theory and hands-on experience in the student salon. During their training, students must complete a specified number of salon services, including 400 hairstyles, 20 finger waves, 100 chemical texture services, 25 scalp treatments, 30 facial treatments, 15 makeup applications, 250 haircuts, 75 color services, 25 manicures, 15 pedicures, 30 waxing services, and 25 salesmanship hours.
Throughout the year, the cosmetology students engage in several community events, such as the Henry County Back to School Event, the Riley Fall Festival, Ivy Tech’s Trunk-or-Treat, visits to local nursing homes, Rise Above It, and the Henry County Healthy Families Holiday Party. They also provide free haircuts to New Castle students.
“These events give our students invaluable hands-on experience while giving back to the community,” Robinson stated. “Additionally, students engage in various creative projects throughout the program, such as our Halloween Head contest, Era Project, and designing their dream salon, all of which foster creativity and professional growth.”
The New Castle Career Center Student Salon
The New Castle Career Center Student Salon operates as a full-service learning salon. Students perform all services under the supervision of licensed educators. These skills enable them to demonstrate proficiency in cosmetology and prepare for their licensure exam.
If you're interested in visiting the New Castle Career Center Student Salon for services, schedule an appointment by calling 765-593-6680 or book online through the salon’s
Facebook and Instagram pages. The salon is located at 801 Parkview Drive, New Castle, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Wednesday.