Cosmetology

Cosmetologists are more than hairstylists—they are professionals who combine technical skill with creativity to help clients look and feel their best. Working on the cutting edge of trends in hair, nails, and skin care, cosmetologists can transform a client’s appearance in a single visit while building long-term professional relationships. This field calls for precision, creativity, and a commitment to both safety and professionalism.

Our Cosmetology program is part of the South Carolina Human Services Career Cluster. Students in this two-year program train under the guidelines and regulations of the South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (SC LLR) Cosmetology Board, preparing to qualify and complete all requirements for a South Carolina Cosmetology license.

What you’ll do:

• Practice sanitation and safety procedures
• Develop professionalism and salon management skills
• Learn sciences of cosmetology, including chemistry, bacteriology, and anatomy
• Build skills in professional hair care, nail care, and skin care
• Work on mannequins and live models through theory and practical application

Certifications you can earn:

• Tier 1: OSHA-10, Lucas-Cide
• Tier 2: Barbicide
• Tier 3: South Carolina Cosmetology License

Students earn two high school credits each semester and up to eight credits over the two-year program. Credits count as electives toward South Carolina graduation requirements, and one credit may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement.

Visit us: Are you interested in meeting Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Paxton and touring our Cosmetology labs? After-school tours for prospective students and parents are available in December, January, and February. We’d love to show you the program and answer any questions you may have.

Cosmetology 1 & 2 — (AM and PM Session at Enoree)

Year one of the Cosmetology program introduces students to the foundations of professional beauty services while building the habits of safety, precision, and customer care that define the industry. Open to rising 11th-grade students, enrollment requires a two-year commitment to complete the full program. Students attend Enoree Career Center during the morning session and begin working toward the 1,000 hours of in-lab training required over two years to qualify for the South Carolina Cosmetology License. The first year emphasizes sanitation, safety procedures, salon management basics, and the sciences of cosmetology—including chemistry, bacteriology, and anatomy—combined with practical application on mannequins and live models.

As students progress through Cosmetology 2, training expands into professional hair care techniques, nail care, and skin care services. Students practice cutting, coloring, styling, manicuring, and facial treatments while developing professionalism and client communication skills. Instruction balances classroom theory with hands-on practice, ensuring students gain both the technical knowledge and the confidence needed to work in a salon environment.

By the end of year one, students will have logged significant lab hours toward the 1,000-hour requirement and demonstrated their ability to apply classroom learning in practical settings. They leave the first year with a strong skill base, a clear understanding of safety and sanitation standards, and the confidence to take on more advanced techniques and client services in year two.
 

Cosmetology 3 & 4 — (AM and PM Session at Enoree)

Year two of the Cosmetology program builds on the skills developed in year one and challenges students to refine their craft at a professional level. Students attend Enoree Career Center during the afternoon session and continue working toward the 1,000 hours of in-lab training required over two years to qualify for the South Carolina Cosmetology License. Instruction emphasizes advanced techniques in hair design, color theory, chemical services, nail enhancements, and skin care. Students practice with mannequins and live models, gaining confidence in their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results while demonstrating safety and professionalism.

As students progress through Cosmetology 3 and 4, the focus shifts to mastery of state board-required skills and preparation for the practical and written licensing exams. Students also develop salon management knowledge, learning scheduling, client retention, and inventory practices that prepare them for work in professional salons. Professionalism, efficiency, and customer service are emphasized throughout the year to ensure students are ready for the expectations of the industry.

By the end of year two, students will have completed the 1,000-hour requirement, earned all necessary training hours, and prepared to sit for the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology Exam. Completion of the program and a high school diploma make students eligible for licensure, opening the door to careers in salons, spas, and related fields or further specialization through advanced training.

Cosmetologist

Cosmetologists perform a variety of beauty services, from hairstyling and manicures to scalp massages and hair coloring. They listen to client requests and provide the necessary services to help them achieve their beauty goals, whether they want to change the color and texture of their hair or enhance the health of their nails. These professionals work in salons and spas.

Salary - $49,400 per year on average, or $23.75 per hour

Esthetician

Estheticians are state-licensed skin care professionals to promote skin beauty and health. These professionals may provide services like eyebrow waxing, facial peels, and microdermabrasion. They work in salons and spas to provide skin care for clients with varying needs and aesthetic goals.

Salary- $53,123 per year on average, or $25.54 per hour

Makeup Artist

Makeup artists apply makeup to their clients, often for major events like weddings and photo shoots. Makeup artists typically work for salons, photography studios, acting studios, theaters, and spas. These professionals have technical knowledge of makeup and its safe application.

Salary - $70,700 per year on average, or $30.29 per hour

State Requirements

• Be 16 years of age by August 1st
• Possess a valid Social Security Card AND a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport
• Complete 1,000 (60,000 minutes) of in-lab training
• Complete all requirements for a high school diploma
• Pass both the State Board theory and the practical exam with a score of 75 percent or better

Mandatory Program Fees

• Cosmetology Starter Kit and Uniform- $650
• Kit Includes:
  • Cutting shears
  • Clippers and trimmers
  • Blow dryer
  • Mannequin heads
  • Nail kit
  • Other required supplies
• Kit and uniform fee deposit of $100 due at the time of acceptance into the program
• Kit and uniform must be paid in full by July 1st
• $275 kit replenishment fee at the buy July 1st of year two

Enoree Requirements

• Attendance is critical as a minimum of 500 lab hours must be earned each year
• Students must be prepared to attend after-school lab hours to meet lab hour requirements
• Active participation is required for lab hours to count for credit
• Lab Dress-Code must be followed at all times