Cosmetology
Explore
Turn your creativity into a career by learning the latest hair, skin, and nail techniques while practicing professional services in a hands-on salon environment.
(9 credits)
Transform your passion for beauty into a professional career. In our state-licensed Cosmetology program, students train in hair design, skincare, and nail technology while working in a real on-site salon. You’ll gain hands-on experience with actual clients and sit for the Maryland State Board Exam. With a strong foundation in both theory and practice, students leave career-read and equipped to work in salons, spas, or eventually, even launch their own business.
Major Topics
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Business Procedures
- Chemical Texture Services
- Client Communication & Customer Relations
- Facial & Scalp Treatments
- Hair Coloring
- Hair Cutting
- Hair Lightening
- Manicures & Pedicures
- Principles of Design
- Shampooing & Hair Care
- Salon Safety & Sanitation
Cosmetology Student Spotlight
Past Student: "Enrolling in the Cosmetology program at Carroll County Career & Technology Center was one of the best decisions I've made. From day one, I found myself working in a fully functional on‑site salon and gaining real, hands-on experience that made the transition to the professional world seamless. The program equipped me to confidently sit for the Maryland State Board Exam and launch my career as a licensed cosmetologist."
Past Student: "What sets this program apart are the instructors, who bring years of real-world experience in the cosmetology industry. I gained expertise in hair design, skincare, and nail technology, all while learning directly from professionals who truly know the field."
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Is this your future?
- Are You Ready?
- Do you see yourself in this career (vidoes)
- More Videos to help you decide
- Where this program can take you
Are You Ready?
Students who enjoy this program are able to.....
NOTE: As the class progresses from sem 1 to sem 3 of this 3 semester program, the ability to work independently in the stressful, salon environment is essential
Physical & Technical Skills
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Stand & Work for Extended Periods – Maintain energy and focus throughout long salon sessions.
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Demonstrate Fine Motor Skills & Manual Dexterity – Handle tools and materials with precision.
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Exhibit Strong Hand-Eye Coordination – Perform detailed tasks accurately.
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Notice & Work with Details – Spot small details while keeping up with time constraints.
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Follow Multi-Step Directions – Apply techniques exactly as instructed, step by step.
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Apply Creativity & Critical Thinking – Adapt styles and solve problems for clients.
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Maintain Physical Stamina – Manage the physical demands of working in a fast-paced salon environment.
Professional & Interpersonal Skills
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Communicate & Collaborate Effectively – Work with classmates, instructors, and clients professionally.
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Stay Alert & Aware – Monitor your environment to ensure safety and quality of service.
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Work Well Under Pressure – Remain calm and efficient in a busy, stressful salon environment.
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Demonstrate Dependability & Strong Work Ethic – Show up prepared, motivated, and accountable.
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Exhibit Professional Behavior – Demonstrate respect, pride, and responsibility at all times.
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Proficient Reading, Writing & Math Skills – Read instructions, manage schedules, and handle salon transactions accurately.
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Work Quickly & Accurately Under Time Constraints – Deliver high-quality results efficiently.
Do you see yourself in this career (vidoes)
Click on each of the icons to learn more about ONE of the careers in this field:
Hairdressers, hairstylist and cosmetologist
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Other Related Occupations:
- My Beauty Story (Loreal ©)
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other
- Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
- Electrolysis/Electrology and Electrolysis Technician
- Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)
More Videos to help you decide
Where this program can take you
CCCTC is just the beginning of your journey
ENTRY LEVEL
With CCCTC start a career right after high school
- Barber
- Bridal Make-Up Specialist
- Cosmetologist
- Hairstylist.
- Nail technician
- Wedding and Event Stylist
- Makeup artist
- Esthetician
TECHNICAL LEVEL
CCCTC and a 2-year associates degree or trade school degree
- Artificial Tanner
- Beauty Care Blogger
- Beauty Care Magazine Writer
- Broadway or Performance Stylist
- Intelligence Community: Changing/Altering Identities
- Mortuary Beautician
- Movie Makeup Artist (Special Effects (aging and Sci-Fi))
- Photo Stylist
- Salon or spa manager
- Skin Care Consultant
- Small Business Owner
- Tattoo Artist
- Wig Retailer
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
CCCTC and a four-year degree that you will be well-prepared to complete
- Beauty Product Model/Brand Ambassador
- Beauty Care Magazine Editor
- Beauty School Owner
- Cosmetic Retailer
- Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon
- Dermatologist
- Producer of hair products
- Image Consultant/Stylist
- Cosmetic Research Scientist
(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)
How CCCTC Gets You There
How this program prepares me
EARN VALUABLE CERTIFICATIONS
OUR program allows you to sit for the Maryland State Board written exam and practical
The cosmetology program provides the opportunity to earn state certifications. If you want to be set apart from other students in this field, industry certification give you that edge.
CAREER ADVANTAGE:
Start your career NOW
Work with industry grade technology that our local business partners use every day, and become Maryland State Board certified before you graduate high school. This shows employers you have the skills the industry is looking for in a cosmetologist. This year and a half long program gives students the 1500 hours of experience needed to sit for the state boards!
COLLEGE ADVANTAGE:
Get a jump start on college
Use college level texts to earn college credit while having the training, skills, and experience that most high school graduates do not get until they are well into their college major. This program puts you in touch with a fully equipped salon, so students can experience their chosen career field before they go to college.
Connection I will make
Professional Organizations certify our programs Certification by state and local agencies assures parents and students that the skills we teach are relevant and important in today's job market. A program's certifications must be renewed usually every three years through an onsite evaluation of the program.
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNSEL By Federal and state regulations each program has a group of local business and educational institutions that periodically meets to discuss the programs curriculum and resources to make sure current trends in technology and skills are being taught so that students are prepared for the ever changing career requirements for that industry.
Equipment
- rofessional styling stations with mirrors
- Salon chairs and shampoo stations
- Hair dryers and hood dryers
- Curling irons, flat irons, and styling tools
- Hair clippers and trimmers
- Mannequin heads for hair design and practice
- Color mixing tools and hair color supplies
- Facial and skincare equipment
- Manicure and pedicure stations
- Professional sanitation and sterilization equipment
- Nail drills and manicure tools
- Waxing equipment
- Makeup application supplies
- Salon carts and professional storage systems
- Hair steamers
Brief Description
Through this three-semester program, students earn the 1500 hours needed to sit for the Maryland State Board, Cosmetology exam. Our experienced cosmetology instructors provide the theory and practical experience, along with a fully equipped salon, to prepare students to take the practical and written examinations. Our program touts close to a 100% pass rate! Senior students work with clients anywhere from one to four hours and are able to perform all the services one would find at a real salon. This is as close to a real experience that students can get before they are licensed!
Major Topics
- Anatomy
- Business Procedures
- Chemical texture services
- Customer relations
- Facial & scalp treatments
- Hair coloring
- Hair cutting
- Hair lightening
- Manicuring
- Principles of design
- Shampooing
Plan and Apply
Apply in 10th grade
Schedule
(9 Credits)
Fall Start: Mods 2-4: Junior Year & Senior Year, Sem 1
OR
Spring Start: Mods 2-4: Junior Year, Sem 2 & Senior Year
FROM THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES- To see the most recent information go to the current Carroll County Program of Studies