Future stylists get to work as WHS salon opens for business

Waltham High School had a very successful soft launch of its new salon last Friday, so its hair studio is now open for business. 

Demand for appointments is already strong: The cosmetology department received more than 40 emails requesting services in just a few hours from a single social media post about the launch. “We have 19 students in the class, and they were fully booked. It was a fantastic opening,” said Yolanda Crowell, Waltham High cosmetology teacher.

The salon is run as part of the high school’s career and technical education program and allows students to work in a real salon environment. The idea is to give students hands-on, real-world experience so it feels like they’re working in an actual beauty business.

“Working in the salon is part of our three-year-long cosmetology course. At the end of it, students accrue 1,000 hours of experience, which makes them eligible to take the Massachusetts cosmetology exam. So they can be licensed and then go right into the field,” said WHS cosmetology teacher Jackie Powers.

The space itself is highly specialized. In addition to styling chairs and mirrors, it includes wash stations, drying areas, manicure tables and esthetics equipment for skincare training. 

The program also includes classroom instruction to learn anatomy, chemistry of hair products and safety regulations so students can balance hands-on work with academic knowledge.

Right now the salon is open once a week during school hours. Services are limited (no chemical treatments yet) until students log enough hours, but over time it will expand into a full-service, student-run salon. The services the salon provides now include haircuts, express keratin treatments, gel manicures, eyebrow waxing, and wash and blow dry.

The WHS cosmetology lab is part of the school’s overall push to combine academics with career training so students can graduate with not just a diploma, but with real-life skills leading to a career, too.

The automotive technology shop is already open for business for Waltham residents and school district employees. Students learn how to diagnose, repair and maintain automobiles while offering minor repairs such as brake work, oil changes and cosmetic fixes to the public.

A new, student-run public restaurant is next up, with plans to serve lunch to the community. Located within the culinary arts department, it features a professional-grade kitchen with viewing windows, allowing students to gain hands-on service and cooking experience.

To request a salon appointment at WHS, residents can email salon@walthampublicschools.org or call 781-614-3925. All services will be performed by WHS cosmetology students under instructor supervision.