By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer 

COLUMBIANA–The Shelby County College and Career Center Cosmetology Program has undergone multiple changes in recent years to further develop 10-12 grade students for the work force and now another change is in store.

In the coming months the program will be opening a full-service salon room as well as offering a barbering class next semester.

Kimberly Cunningham, instructor for the cosmetology program, discussed why the construction of a full-service salon is important for the students moving forward.

“We are still working out of our regular side right now and the building of the new full-service salon is a work in progress,” said Cunningham. “We teach a lot of what the industry is looking for and we cover every aspect of cosmetology. Students have a chance to leave here and receive their license.”

The cosmetology program is a three-year program and currently has around 80 students enrolled.

Desiree Jemison, who is in her second year as an instructor for the cosmetology program, discussed how the cosmetology program is not just for students interested in hair and make-up.

“We also teach special effects, color, chemistry and things like that,” said Jemison. “The students can go on to work with aesthetics, make-up or doing work at productions companies.

The cosmetology program recently went to the Shelby County Fair where various tech programs had booths set up showing off work. SCCCC cosmetology program won the first place award for the students hair and make-up work on mannequins.

A final date for the opening of the full-service salon room has not been set but the renovations will begin soon.