Cosmetology

Pursuing a career in cosmetology offers individuals the opportunity to unleash their creativity, passion for beauty, and talent for enhancing people's confidence by providing professional hair, makeup, and skincare services.

What It's All About

In the cosmetology program, you will learn the art, science, and business of the beauty industry. Students who complete the program can 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 as prescribed by the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules.

In their first semester, students will purchase books, and a cosmetology kit consisting of items such as manikins, shears, clippers, combs, and rollers. This is a one-time cost for the program. For current kit pricing, contact the NMU Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

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Esthetics student applies lashes to mannekin

“Recently I have been making TikTok videos about what my Cosmetology class is like, sharing with the viewers what I do during the day. People are excited to learn about this program in general but they are extremely excited to learn that it is offered at the university level where they too could enjoy college life - living in dorms, meeting great friends, and attending sporting events.”

Lucy Seitz

Programs

Cosmetologist

Two Year Certificate

The Cosmetology program prepares students for careers as cosmetologists, manicurists, estheticians, and natural hair culturists. This four semester program begins with foundational instruction on working with the public. Subsequent semesters increase knowledge with training on practical theories, applications, and advanced techniques. In the final fourth semester, students complete a review of all theory in preparation for the Michigan State Board Examination and receive additional instruction on owning and operating a business.

Program Outline

Esthetics

One Semester Certificate

The Esthetics program is the study of the skin as it pertains to the head, face and neck, and is for those interested in pursing a career focused entirely on skin care. Students will gain skills through guided practice by knowledgeable faculty, training on topics including sanitation, safety, general anatomy and physiology, disorders and diseases of the skin, artistic principles, skin care techniques, and temporary hair removal. After completing the esthetics certificate, students will be eligible to take the Michigan State Board Examination.

Program Outline

Manicure

One Semester Certificate

The Manicure program is a comprehensive training that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the art of nail care and design. Through hands-on learning, students will master techniques in nail shaping, cuticle care, hand and arm massage, and the application of nail polish and nail enhancements. Additionally, the program covers topics such as sanitation, safety protocols, customer service, and business fundamentals, providing students with a well-rounded education to pursue a successful career as a professional manicurist.

Program Outline

Cosmetology Instructor

One Semester Certificate

Students enrolled in the Cosmetology Instructor program receive training about the Michigan laws governing the cosmetology profession, teaching techniques, record keeping, and administration of a school of cosmetology. They will work closely with the instructors, students, and visiting customers, and gain additional skills allowing graduates to teach cosmetology and have an increased understanding of the science of cosmetology.

Program Outline

Natural Hair Cultivation

One Semester Certificate

Students in the Natural Hair Culturist program learn to care for natural hair using techniques that put tension on hair strands such as twisting, wrapping, weaving, extending, locking, plaiting, or braiding by hand or creating a hair system through wig construction. In order to do this, students develop an understanding of human anatomy, physiology and nutrition as it pertains to the scalp and hair, common disorders, and a variety of hair types.

Program Outline

cosmetology student curling a customers hair

Northern Michigan University’s Cosmetology students gain essential experience within a full salon setting, Salon 1899. After completing the necessary theory and practical applications (350 hours working with mannequins), cosmetology students increase their skills by working with customers. Salon 1899 operates in a new space in the Northern Center on Northern Michigan University's campus.

Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community are invited to schedule an appointment to take advantage of a number of services. Please phone the salon at 906-227-2383 for a list of our current services.

Salon 1899 follows the academic calendar year with appointments available Mondays through Thursdays between 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Call (906) 227-2383 for appointments and see below for list of hair, nail, and skin services.

Hair Care Services

Cut $12
Cut and Blow Dry $15
Clipper Cut $10
Children's Cut (12 and younger) $6
Shampoo, Blow Dry, or Roller Set $15
Scalp or Deep Conditioning Treatment $10
Special Occasion Updo $25
Iron Work with any hair service $10
Haircolor $38*
Full Foil $40*
Partial Foil $35*
Glazing, Toning, Refresher, or Filler with hair service $20*
Balayage, Ombré, or Specialty Color $50*
Perm (cut and blowdry included) $50*
Specialty Perm (cut and blowdry included) $60
Retouch Relaxer $45*
Virgin Relaxer (cut and blowdry included) $60*
Specialty Braids & Twists $75+
Simple Braids $12
Extension Removal $45
Curl Reformation (cut and blowdry included) $60*
Premium Hair Extensions Consultation
- Design Essentials Anti-Breakage Treatment $20
- Design Essentials Silk Press $35
- Fashion Color Hair Extensions (3 strands included) $20
- Sew-in or Glue-in Extensions $85
- Guest must purchase hair at time of consultation
- Shampoo, Braid Set, Haircut, and Full Extensions Included

*additional bowls of color and solution $15

Manicuring Services

Nail Menu

Water Manicure $12
Hot Oil Manicure $14
Spa Manicure $15
Paraffin Wax Treatment $10
French Manicure $14
Nail Art $12
Gel Polish Add-On $6

Pedicure Menu

Pedicure $17
Spa Pedicure $22
Paraffin Wax Treatment $14

Artificial Nail Menu

Gel Over Natural $25
Gel & Tips $30
Gel Fill-ins $22
Acrylic over Natural $35
Acrylic & Tips $40
Acrylic Fill-ins $22
Fiberglass over Natural $20
Fiberglass & Tips $26
Fiberglass Fill-ins $15
Nail Repair $15
Artificial Nail Removal $25

Esthetics and Skin Care Services

Make-Up Application $20
Eyelash Application (strips only) $15
Eyelash Application (individual) $35
Lash Lift & Tint $15
Lash Lift, Tint, and Brow Lamination $25
Brow Lamination $15
Express Chair Facial $15
Basic Facial $20
Spa Facial $23
Waxing (eyebrow, lip, or chin) $15
Full Face Wax $25
Waxing or Sugaring (half leg) $25
Waxing or Sugaring (full leg) $40-60

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm interested! What is the application process like?

That's so exciting! When you apply to NMU, list Cosmetology as your area of interest. As the Cosmetology program is highly competitive, interested students have some additional steps to complete for admittance to the program.

Prospective students have a some additional questions and are asked to upload a short video. Selected students will be interviewed for the fall semester, and those not selected will be added to a wait list.

You can find more information about the admissions process for Cosmetology students here.