Young cosmetologist preparing to cut young customer's hair

Overview

About the career

Graduates are employed as cosmetologists, skin care specialists, stylists, salon managers/owners, nail technicians, education specialists, manufacturer’s representatives, makeup artists, and retail specialists.  While many graduates accept positions in beauty salons or barber shops, others work in department stores, drug and cosmetic stores, and educational facilities.  They will have a profession that is easily transportable and needed by most of the population.. 


What you'll learn

choose to work in a specific area of the cosmetology field, or advance their training to become a cosmetology instructor.  Students in the cosmetology program will receive a combination of classroom and laboratory work, with opportunities to practice their skills on mannequins and actual customers in the campus salon/studio.  Students will learn hair shaping, hair coloring, chemical texturizing, design, and artistic principles.  Additional subjects include: artificial nails, bacteriology, decontamination, infection control, manicures, and pedicures.

NMU Programs

Esthetics certificate - 1/2 year

Provides skills in the study of the skin as it pertains to the head, face, and neck.

Manicure certificate - 1/2 year

Specialize in the study and care of hands and feet.

Cosmetology instructor - 1/2 year

Receive training about the Michigan laws governing the cosmetology profession, teaching techniques, record keeping, and administration of a school of cosmetology.

Cosmetology certificate - 2 years

Prepares graduates for employment as professional cosmetologists, performing work as a cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician, and natural hair culturist

 

Degree Details
hands braiding hair on a practice mannequin

Job Spotlight - Hairdresser, Cosmetologist

Projected job growth to 2029

+19% 

Multiple people in light filled, hair salon with black furnishings

Learn in a beautiful, state-of-the-art studio

NMU recently opened up a beautiful new training lab and salon in The Northern Center. 

Learn more about the new space and what the Cosmetology Department is up to via TV6.

Contact Information

Denise Hudson, dehudson@nmu.edu, (906) 227-2386, nmu.edu/tos


The NMU Cosmetology Salon is open to the general public for hair styling, manicures, facials, perms, coloring, waxing and nails. Call 227-2383 to schedule your appointment Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.