Associate of Applied Science

The Helena College Cosmetology program will provide students with the education and  knowledge needed to understand and perform the core cosmetology services: manicuring and pedicuring, esthetics, shampooing and styling, chemical services, haircutting, salon management, and science. Graduates of the program will not only be well prepared for their Montana State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists license exams, but they will also have strong written, human relations, business, and communication skills.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate professional demeanor, behavior, and communication.
• Demonstrate proficiency in manicuring and pedicuring techniques, including hand, arm, leg, and ankle massage and correct application of polish, monomer liquid, and polymer powder nail enhancements.
• Demonstrate proficiency in esthetics and skin care techniques, including facials, cosmetics, massage, essential oils, application and maintenance of artificial eyelashes and extensions, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, and chemical curling of eyelashes.
• Demonstrate proficiency in shampooing and hairstyling techniques, including scalp treatments, pin curls, finger waving, thermal curling, blow dry styling, braiding, back combing, and wet setting.
• Identify and deliver proper chemical services, including waving, relaxing, hair coloring, and hair lightening.
• Demonstrate proficiency in haircutting, including the proper uses of shears, razors, clippers, and thinning shears.
• Understand salon management, including general facility sanitation and cleanliness, business methods, customer service, schedule and appointments, professional ethics, and current state board laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the science of cosmetology, including chemistry, bacteriology, sanitation, sterilization, safety, anatomy, physiology, blood spill procedure, and diseases and disorders of the hair, the scalp, the skin, and the nails.

Requirements

The curriculum is guided by the Montana State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists license requirements and is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.

Students will be accepted to the program fall and spring semesters. 

Students interested in the program will need to take the 5 General Education courses (COLS 101 First Year Seminar, M 105 Contemporary Math, WRIT 122 Introduction to Business Writing, BGEN 105 Introduction to Business, and COMX 115 Interpersonal Communications) or have substitutions forms before applying to the cosmetology program.

All five courses listed above work towards a certificate and degree in the Business and Accounting program, so students can use the completed courses towards additional degrees in their field. Most of these courses are also available to Dual Enrollment students!

The Helena College Cosmetology Program is a full-time program with classes scheduled for four consecutive semesters (15 months). The first semester or COSM 101 and COSM 102 is scheduled Monday through Friday 8:30am-3:30pm. The remaining semesters 2, 3 & 4 or COSM 111 and COSM 112, or COSM 201 and COSM 202 or COSM 211 and COSM 212 will be assigned either to Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday 8:30am-5:00 pm.

Students will complete all of their practical hours in the Helena College Salon which will be open to the public.

Students will learn in a hands-on environment while providing hair, skin, and nail services to the Helena community. New students interested in the program should apply to Helena College and select the Pre-Cosmetology option in the Personal Care Services section. Current students interested in switching degree pathways and applying to the Cosmetology program should work with their advisor to submit a Change of Program form and select Pre-Cosmetology as their new program.

This program can be completed in five semesters/20 months and includes the following courses:

Plan of Study Grid

Prerequisites		Credits
WRIT 122	Intro to Business Writing	3
BGEN 105	Introduction to Business	3
M 105	Contemporary Mathematics	3
COLS 101	First Year Seminar	3
COMX 115	Intro to Interpersonal Communc	3
	Credits	15
Semester 1
COSM 101	Cosmetology I Prin and Proc	12
COSM 102	Cosmetology I Practical Appl	6
	Credits	18
Semester 2
COSM 111	Cosmetology II Prin and Proc	6
COSM 112	Cosmetology II Practical App	6
	Credits	12
Semester 3
COSM 201	Cosmetology III Int Prin & Pro	6
COSM 202	Cosmetology III Int Pract Appl	6
	Credits	12
Semester 4
COSM 211	Cosmetology IV Adv Prin & Proc	6
COSM 212	Cosmetology IV Adv Prac Appl	6
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	69

Note: Students must earn a C or higher in order to successfully complete a course.

Equipment and Tool Ordering Procedure

All items are available through the Follett Campus Store. Tool costs vary depending on the vendor. Fromm Cosmetology tool kits, Milady Textbooks with CIMA access, and school-approved cosmetology uniform scrubs are available through the Follett Campus Store.

Tool vouchers may be available for students who are eligible and have completed all requirements for enough financial aid to cover all tuition, fees, and the cost of tools. Tool vouchers may be obtained through Student Accounts.

Cosmetology Equipment and Tool Set

$1500 (Approximately)

Students are expected to have equipment, tools, and books before class begins and wear black, closed-toe shoes.

1. Rolling Case 2 Sections
2. WAHL8331 All Star Combo
3. F8002 Fromm Hair Dryer Gloss
4. F8032 Marcel Curling Iron 1 Inch
5. F8011 1 Long Plate Flat Iron
6. TF115100 Feather Styling Razor Black
7. TF120100 Feather Razor Blds 10pk
8. D342 Deluxe Mannequin Clamp Black
9. F2033B Elite Ceramic Rnd Brush 1.25
10. F2034B Elite Ceramic Rnd Brush 1.75
11. F2035B Elite Ceramic Rnd Brush 2 IN
12. F2050B Vent Brush 
13. F2051B Paddle Brush 
14. D9749 Pro Nylon Pin Styling Brush 
15. D9140 Reinf Boar Round Brush 1.25IN
16. D6900 Brush Zip Pouch Clear Empty
17. F7017 Shampoo Cape Metallic
18. F7009 Kids Hairstyling Cape 29X41
19. D1446 Black Marble Oval Paddle
20. F3011 7.5IN Carbon Basin Comb
21. F3012 8IN Carbon Cutting Comb
22. F3013 8.5IN Carbon Cutting  Comb
23. F3014 9.25IN Carbon Rat Tail Comb
24. F3015 9IN Carbon Pintail Comb
25. DBC003 9.75IN Silicone Pintail Comb(2)
26. T420 Cleopatra 7in Comb 12PK
27. D42 8IN Flat Top Comb Black
28. D7024 9.5IN Flat TopComb Black
29. F5012 Gator Clips Black 4PK
30. D210C 3.5IN Duckbill Clips 12PK
31. D19C 1.75IN Slide in Clips 10PK
32. SharkFin Student Kit Right Hand
33. SharkFin Student Kit Left Hand
34. D15C 1.75in Single Prong Clips 10PK
35. F9471/DAA016 Ballayage Board 2PK
36. D860 6OZ Color Bowl Black(2)
37. F9409 2 1/4IN Soft Pin COLR BR 1PK
38. DMANKIT Diane Manicure Kit
39. D905 Toenail 1 Clipper
40. D90100 Kolinsky Nail Brush W/PUSH (2)
41. D90001 Gel Nail Brush Set 4-PC
42. DMM002U Lucy 17-19 100%HUMHR BRN BU (2)
43. D315U Naomi 16-18 Texture 100 HH BU
44. D311 EVA 22 - 24 100% Human HR BRN
45. DMM010BU Aiden Beard 16-18 100%HH B
46. DMM004 Hilary 17-19 Quad 100%HUMHR
47. D341 Mannequin Tripod
48. D3006 Spray Bottle 16OZ Clear
49. F9491 Applicator Bottle 10OZ (2)
50. T52106-FR  3D Lash Kit
51. DEN006 Two Sided Round Foot File
52. D902 Practice Hand
53. D8125 Nylon Teasing Brush
54. D8054 Dial Timer
55. D142 9.75 Widetooth Detangle Black Comb
56. D7155 7.25IN Lift & Styling Comb
57. D1211 TV Mirror MED BLK 7.5 X10.75
58. D308U Penelope 18-20 100%HUMANHR BU