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. Through a combination of classroom and lab work and with opportunities to practice their skills on mannequins and actual customers in the campus salon/studio, students are prepared for their licensing exam with the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology Laws and Rules through hands-on, innovative work.

PROGRAMS
Cosmetology
Certificate
The one-year (64 credits) certificate 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
Certificate
This one-year (16 credits) 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
Certificate
This one semester (16 credits) 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
Natural Hair Cultivation
Certificate
This one-semester (16 credits) program teaches students 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 Instructor
Certificate
Students enrolled in the directed study (18 credits) 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
Esthetics - One Year Certificate

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.
SALON MENU
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.
Am I able to apply financial aid to this program?
Yes! Financial Aid is available to Cosmetology students. Applicable information for these students may be found at this link.
What do I need to bring with me on my first day?
That's a great question. Students are responsible to purchase a lab kit from the Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Students will be notified of other items, such as uniforms and textbooks, prior to the start of the semester.
Upcoming Events
Check back to see our promotions, specials, and events.
Program Links
- Information about the Admissions Process
- For kit pricing, check the Barnes & Noble Bookstore
Contact Information
Cosmetology Faculty and Staff
Denise Hudson | Instructor, Program Coordinator
Phone: 906-227-2386
Email: dehudson@nmu.edu
Michelle Whitaker | Instructor
Email: mihendri@nmu.edu
Kelsey Jordan | Instructor
Email: kroy@nmu.edu
The NMU Cosmetology Program and Student Salon
Both the Cosmetology Program and Student Salon are located at:
Northern Center at Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave.
Room 1205
Phone: 906-227-2383