Tyler ISD cosmetology students to get hands-on experience with opening of salon

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Cosmetology students at Tyler ISD are getting hands-on experience with the grand opening of their salon at the Career and Technology Center.

On Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m, the public can get a haircut or facial for $10.

The cosmetology department has 39 stations for students to learn and practice hair styling and haircuts. Damian Tinoco is a junior in the cosmetology program. He said he’s always had a passion for makeup but has learned a lot more.

“We don’t just learn about makeup here. We learn about other things like facials, cutting hair, barbering, styling the hair, doing acrylic nails and things like that,” Tinoco said.

Today, students were cutting hair with teachers nearby to guide them if needed. Leslie Pryor is one of the cosmetology teachers and said while they’re learning, they’re also getting credit toward their license.

“Once they leave here, that’s what they’ll be doing. They’ll be working in the public on real people, so that’s what we hope that they take away from it, that they’ll be real comfortable with that, and they won’t be so nervous. And, they’ll learn customer service skills because that’s what it’s about,” Pryor said.

On Saturday, people can come in, by appointment, and get haircuts or facials for $10. Natalie Hernandez is a junior cosmetology student who said her two sisters are cosmetologists, which is what got her hooked.

“Once I graduate, I’ll have my license to do cosmetology, and I can do that while I’m going to college, and it’s a great experience,” Hernandez said. “I could work with my sisters in their cosmetology business and get going while I’m still in college and not worry too much about money, or it’s also my backup career if things don’t work out in my other career.”

There are more than 200 students in the program. The Cosmetology Salon is located at the Career & Technology Center (CTC), and people can schedule an appointment by calling (903)-262-1910. Right now, they only accept cash payments.

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