Ever wonder why there are mannequins’ displayed in the Technical Building?

They are not Halloween decorations. These mannequin heads are projects done by the students enrolled in the cosmetology program.

The cosmetology department has been a part of campus since EC was first built.

Patricia Gerbert, one of the directors, said that she remembers when EC did not only have an entire building just for cosmetology, but also had its own salon.

Gerbert said it was a place where the graduating students could get that feeling of working in a salon before beginning their careers.

The salon is no longer a part of the building, but the cosmetology students continue to offer services for the public at a very low price.

Learning through practicing

“The more practice they have on the public, the better they are when they work in a salon,” Gerbert said.

Services are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cosmetology classrooms. No appointment is necessary.

“We would like everyone to come in and have a complimentary manicure and see how you like us,” Gerbert said.

The program serves a wide range of customers and offers discounts for EC students and senior citizens.

“We have senior citizen customers who have been coming here for thirty years,” Gerbert said.

The cosmetology students are required to have a minimum of 500 hours of training before they are able to work with the public.

Because 1,600 hours are required before obtaining a cosmetology license, the last 1,100 are spent working with the public.

Jessica Koons, 24, has been enrolled in the cosmetology program for a little over a year.

Reaction to different hair types

Koons said she feels the hands-on training experience is just what she needs to prepare her for her career.

“It’s hands-on experience with different hair textures; I’ve been able to understand how to react to someone’s type of hair,” Koons said. “A good example is that I learned how to cut thick hair.”

It is important for the students to have a variety of people who are willing to have the service performed on them by the students.

“With the number of people coming in, I’ve been able to understand all the different kinds of hair out there,” Koons said.

Koons chose cosmetology because she enjoys helping other people with their appearance.

“I know it makes them feel good when they look good; it gives them more confidence,” Koons said.

Janet Gallegos, 23, has been involved in the program since February. Her dream is to work behind the scenes in a movie studio.

“My forte is hair-coloring, make-up and eyebrow arching,” Gallegos said.

Before the students are able to work with the public, the course offers detailed classes in different areas of cosmetology.

“The education behind haircutting really helps a lot,” Gallegos said.

The hair-coloring techniques, different haircutting techniques and pretty much just being sanitary about everything.”

Everything from a basic haircut, manicure or pedicure and even a facial, is offered to the public.

The haircuts can range from $4 to $6, or $10 including the shampoo and blow dry.

The prices are determined by the cost of the products used.

“The money we make goes to the general fund of the school,” Gerbert said. “We don’t make any money for the department; we’re here so the students can get the practice.”

The department has had a high-success rate among its graduating students with the help of the department’s instructors.

Frank Jacobi, one of the cosmetology instructors, said the teachers try very hard to place students in salons in the area since many of the instructors have connections with salons nearby.

Fomer EC student runs a salon

“We have a lot of students who already have their licenses and are working in the area now,” Jacobi said.

Gerbert said the salon that got the South Bay award for salon-of-the-year last year, Salon Eclipse, is run by a former EC student.

“Actually, he probably has about five or six cosmetology students from our school working there now,” Gerbert said.

Another advantage the students have is the fact that the instructors have been working there for a long time and provide experience.

The department’s goal is to someday in the near future have an esthetician program.

The program participates in activities such as Career Day, City of Hope events and other community services.

Services are free to students with special needs.

For more information on the cosmetology department and price list for services call (310) 660-3602.

“We hope to expand our program when the money is available in the near future,” Jacobi said.