Fremont High School prides itself on preparing students for their futures. With a plethora of classes focused on career-readiness, students have the opportunity to explore paths that extend far beyond traditional four-year college degrees. However, one rapidly growing industry is still missing from the offered courses list: cosmetology.

Adding a basic cosmetology class would not only expand opportunities for students who have shown interest in the beauty industry, but it would also support our school’s mission of career preparation.

A previous FHS student, who is graduating from Capitol Beauty School this upcoming April, Sarah Taylor, shared her opinions on the topic.

“If the school offered a cosmetology course, I hope it would include some education about textured hairstyling and taking care of specific types of hair,” Taylor said, “It would be really good to get familiarized with the tools and products you use and know what they do/how they work early, as well as state sanitation laws. Those were things that I definitely did not expect to have to know myself and I noticed that other people also didn’t know and struggled with learning.”

A cosmetology class could help students discover what they want to do and prepare them tremendously for it.

Across the United States, vocational trade careers are experiencing a major resurgence. According to projections from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for cosmetologists is expected to grow roughly 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than many occupations. The industry already employs over 600,000 people in the U.S. alone. With the expansion of salons, spas and skincare businesses overall, the demand for trained professionals increases.

By offering a dedicated cosmetology course, our school can help prepare students to enter a booming industry that focuses on blending creativity, entrepreneurship and technical skills. Not all students wish to pursue a four-year college degree, and that is okay. Trade programs allow students to explore hands-on jobs and enter the workforce much faster. Cosmetology schools often allow students to begin working out in the field within 12-18 months of training, making it one of the fastest pathways to becoming a licensed professional.

Our school already recognizes the need for career readiness through classes like Intro to Auto/Small Engines, Welding Academy and many more. Adding cosmetology would expand that list into another trade in very high demand.

There are more benefits to taking a beauty class than just a potential career; it can be good to know how to care for yourself and others properly.

“I hope that maybe taking a cosmetology class could help people realize how nice it feels to take care of yourself, or how nice it can be to take care of others,” Taylor said, “And I see children in the salon with textured–or even just curly hair–who have to get matting removed or their hair cut short, way too often. My hope here is that these issues will stop with basic cosmetology education. Maybe one day, you might have a kid with curly hair. God forbid you have no idea how to take care of it and end up in that situation. I think people need to know how to take care of hair in general, especially curly, textured hair!”

Cosmetology courses benefit more than future hairstylists. Students also gain skills valuable in life and any career field, from business to healthcare.

A major benefit to cosmetology education is creativity. The beauty industry combines technical skills with free artistic expression, trusting professionals to help people feel confident and comfortable in their appearance. Careers in the industry also offer flexibility and a variety of opportunities, including freelance work, salon ownership and specialized services.

For students who thrive in hands-on, creative environments, a cosmetology class could provide an outlet that traditional academic classes do not.

“Doing hair is a really great creative outlet for me and I think that cosmetology is something that is really creative in general; artistically inclined people should really look into it more,” Taylor said, “I think people forget that you can have a career that you enjoy and that fills your cup. Cosmetology is a good option for someone who is wanting to do something fun and creative!”

Our school has already made strong strides to prepare students for life after graduation. However, we are still lacking in beauty industry courses.

Career education should reflect the diverse interests and futures of the student body. Adding a cosmetology class would expand opportunities for the countless students interested in pursuing creative careers, hands-on trades or entrepreneurial paths.