Cosmetology Program
The Kirtland Salon, located on the Grayling campus, is open to the public Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 989-275-5000, Ext. 274 to schedule an appointment.
Cosmetologists help people feel more beautiful
There’s always a Before and After story in Cosmetology.
BEFORE:
She or he walks in the door, feeling a little less than their best self, sits down in your chair, tells you about a wish, a vision, a hope.
AFTER:
You turn them around to look in the mirror and – there it is! A new look, a new version of themselves, something fresh and new to smile about.
It makes you both feel good!
You discover that cosmetology is much more than the services you provide.
Your work helps people take exquisite care of themselves, whether you’re doing hair and nails, applying makeup or doing facials. As a cosmetologist, you’re the one with the magic at your fingertips.
One of the most important things you do is help people feel better about their appearance, and thus about themselves.
You’ll often be the only person they’ve seen all day who’s encouraged them to relax and enjoy themselves.
You’ll be the ‘listening ear’ for someone who’s been stressed out all week and finally gets to relax when they sit down in YOUR chair! What a privilege to create this feeling of luxury and pleasure for your clients!
If helping others to look their best and de-stress, if making a living while doing something you love appeals to you, keep reading…
You can choose your career. Why choose Cosmetology?
Recent students have told us some of THEIR reasons! Here’s what they had to say:
YOU’LL LOVE THE FLEXIBILITY of this profession
Once you have your license, you’ll have many choices on where and how to work, how long to work, what hours to work.
- You can start off working full-time or part-time.
- There’s a lot of flexibility about when you work in general.
- If you booth rent or have your own business then you can plan vacation times around your schedule and your kids’ school activities.
IT’S ALWAYS INTERESTING!
You never get bored! You’re doing something different every single day of the week.
SO MANY CHOICES!
Your career could go in many directions:
- Hairstylist
- Nail Technician
- Esthetician
- Traveling Stylist
- Beauty Therapist on a cruise ship
You can choose your environment:
- rent a booth in a salon
- work for a spa or department store salon
- open your own salon, alone or with a partner
IT’S A PEOPLE BUSINESS
You’ll have chances every day to connect with people and contribute to their self-confidence and happiness. Some of your clients will become your friends for life.
YOU’LL HAVE MOBILITY
You can get your license and work in any city or town in Michigan.
[Even better, in the very near future the licensure process will expand! Already in the process of approval by the state boards of several states – including Michigan – a new licensure exam is being written that will allow new would-be cosmetologists to become licensed in multiple states so they’ll no longer need to get re-licensed if they decide to move. Stay tuned! ]
TAKE IT ON THE ROAD
The State of Michigan is now allowing Mobile salons! Yes, a salon on wheels! You can drive your mobile salon to areas where clients need your services without them having to drive to you. This opens up many more options for a salon owner. Running a mobile salon business may be suitable for individuals who have an entrepreneurial spirit or want to break free from employers.
THE LEARNING PROCESS
The learning process for becoming a cosmetologist is multi-faceted and fascinating. Students of Cosmetology learn the muscles of the head, face, arms, and legs. You’ll be introduced to elements of chemistry, physiology, anatomy and even electricity. If you’re a degree student, you’ll also learn about marketing, customer relations, business operations, and much more.
Career Opportunities
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $29,740
Employment growth (2021-31): 16%
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $29,400
Employment growth (2021-31): 22%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Is this a program where YOU can achieve your goals?
If you agree with most of these ideas, the answer may be YES …
- I’m a ‘people person,’ caring and empathetic.
- I love to help people look their best and feel self-confident about their appearance.
- I’m someone who can set a goal and stay motivated to achieve it.
- I enjoy being on top of the trends in hair and make-up.
- It’s important to me to be in a positive, supportive setting whether I’m working or getting my education.
- I want a career with some flexibility so I can set my own schedule.
- I want a career where I can do well financially while doing what I love.
We create a caring, welcoming environment
We work hard to make you feel at home. We make sure that, when you walk through our door, you feel very welcome and comfortable. We understand that when you feel that way, it will be even easier for you to learn and enjoy the process!
Our faculty care about your success and understand hands-on learning. One thing Kirtland is known for is having caring faculty who not only know their subject areas, but also care deeply about the wellbeing and progress of their students. If you’ve ever attended a school where your educational needs as a hands-on learner weren’t well met, you’re in for a delightful surprise here at Kirtland.
Your fellow students will care about you and your work. Students at Kirtland tend to build friendships and encourage each other, to help each other out. That’s the culture we build, and we do it intentionally.
Our facility is state-of-the-art and centrally located
The beautiful Grayling campus is located on I-75 near the intersection of two major Michigan highways, making it accessible to many parts of the state. The facilities are a visual inspiration.
The cosmetology salon is designed and equipped just like a high-end professional salon-spa establishment. We have 18 booths to accommodate our students plus additional classroom space. Later in your training, you’ll have a chance to see clients from the public in this stylish salon.
Our faculty are beauty industry professionals
Our faculty either work in a salon, own their own salon or rent a booth and see clients regularly. They have years and years of experience to bring to the classroom. Each faculty member teaches for us in the area where they are most outstanding and at the point in our students’ progress where they can be most effective.
We’ll let you ‘pick our brains!’ At Kirtland, your faculty are your best resources! If there’s something you don’t understand or need to review, you can approach your instructors and they’ll be happy to help. We respect students who are determined to learn, so you never have to second-guess yourself about asking for help. Go ahead…pick our brains!
We set a professional standard, and it shows
Above everything else we set a professional standard. We work with professional products. We have a professional uniform code. We expect professional, ethical behavior from everyone, both towards clients and towards each other.
Our insistence on professionalism shows up in our pass rate when students apply for their state licenses. Our Cosmetology State Licensing Exam pass rate is almost perfect, way beyond average compared to other Michigan schools.
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional levels of commitment to our students’ success. They know you’re making important life decisions! They’ll do everything in their power to get you the right information and answer your questions.
At Kirtland, you’ll learn from the larger world
We have an industry advisory board.
Usually twice a year we get feedback from outside industry professionals to be sure we’re teaching on the right path. In this way, we’re able to stay current in regards to meeting the expectations of potential employers. This helps provide a bridge between school and work for students – and it helps salon owners, too.
We partner with Redken.
We use Redken’s entire product line. As a result we’re able to schedule Redken educators who come in and talk to our students, speaking from their perspective as an industry leader; they also conduct webinars and provide marketing tools for us. All of this benefits our students through exposure to an internationally-recognized company that’s always on top of cutting edge trends.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! If you’ve made your decision, declare Cosmetology or Esthetician as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Complete your program courses.
Step 4
Graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Cosmetology, a Cosmetology Certificate of Completion or an Esthetician Certificate of Completion.
Step 5
Pass the Michigan State Theory and Practice Exams.
Step 6
Apply for your Michigan State License.*
FINAL STEP
Victory! Go to work – or continue your schooling.
*Our Cosmetology State Licensing Exam pass rate is almost perfect, way beyond average compared to other Michigan schools.