CWC'S BRAINS & BEAUTY

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the clinic floor of Central Wyoming College’s Cosmetology program is abuzz with aspiring hair technicians and estheticians engaging with real-world clients. Instructors Pamela Capron and Tracy Wright are on hand to facilitate growth, but the students truly learn on the job.

The students working in the salon are in the advanced stages of the program. After a semester of classroom courses including “Science of Hair Removal,” “Small Business Management,” and “Infection Control,” they begin hands-on practice with mannequins and peers. Soon, the focus shifts to experiential training. “We’re right there alongside the students through every treatment and haircut,” said Wright. “They’ll leave here fully prepared to go off on their own.”

Upon graduation from the 15-month program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree, which encompasses training in barbering, esthetics, and nails. Shorter two- and three-semester certificate tracks are available to those who choose to specialize in one of the three disciplines.

“A new class of about 25 students enrolls every fall,” said Capron, who is also the program’s director. “Groups tend to become quite close by the time they reach the clinic floor.”

While helping one student apply color treatment to a client’s hair, Capron fielded a variety of questions from other working students. One inquired about the difference between two similar shades of nail polish, while another asked about eyelash curling technique. Capron answered and reassured each, still carefully folding foil around locks of hair.

After building a solid foundation of essential abilities, Caprin and Wright guide students according to their unique interests.

“It’s been exciting to see how all of our peers have grown,” said Jenna DeClue, an advanced student in her final semester of the program. “Some love doing color while others are focusing on waxing. We’ve all developed specialties.”

After graduation in December, Amya Whelan plans to open up her own salon business on the Wind River Reservation. “There aren’t any salon services out there currently, and I want to make others feel the way I did whenever I got something done,” she said.