Since we’re focusing on education in this month’s issue, we thought it fitting to spotlight schools that are providing their nail students with topnotch education. Offering business classes, advanced education, and resources such as job placement after graduation are some of the ways they’re helping turn out nail techs better suited for the real world of nails.
Around the country, enrollment in nails-only programs at traditional cosmetology schools is down. Meanwhile, students are flocking to skin-care programs. But despite the challenges these changes pose for schools, employment opportunities for nail graduates remains strong.
Is the problem the schools themselves? Is the problem that students are not motivated? Is it that once in a salon, new nail techs cannot earn a living quickly enough to stay motivated?
School owner teaches her students to add the "spa" touches to their skills.
The number of students enrolling in manicuring and nail technology courses has declined.
Says one reader: "As a state school coordinator for OPI, I keep in contact with privately owned beauty schools, community colleges, and high schools that have cosmetology programs."
A few years back, we asked the question, “What’s wrong with our schools?” in an article that exposed the industry’s complaints about how we train our professionals. Eight years later; we decided to see what, if anything, had changed.
What is the proper role of cosmetology schools and are they fulfilling that role?
A recent government study recommended that Title IV funding be cut for cosmetology and other proprietary schools because there was a “surplus of trained workers” in those fields.
