ASHLAND — The cosmetology salon at Ashland Community and Technical College is open for the fall semester and once again offering services to the community.

The cosmetology program covers a variety of skills, from safety and sanitation, histology of the hair, skin, nails; muscles and nerves of the face and neck; elementary chemistry with emphasis on sterilization and antiseptics; diseases of the skin, hair and glands; and massaging and manipulating of the muscles of the upper body; and salon management.

Students who reach 250 hours in the classroom are moved to the salon floor and are eligible to work on clients.

“By working on clients, the students are able to work on their social skills by doing consultations, finding out what that person wants and being able to relay back to the client,” said Mourine Smith, program coordinator. “Each and every client that walks through our door is different, from hair texture, color and to what they have done in the past. Our students are able to formulate a chemical service by doing a thorough consultation with the client from what they have now to their desired finished look. Working with different textured hair helps them to understand how to cut, hold and place hair.”

Not only do cosmetology students get hands-on experience working with clients, the clients themselves are getting full salon services at a fraction of the price of any other salon.

ACTC’s cosmetology salon offers shampoo and styling at only $5. Haircuts are $5 and hair colors are $16. Other chemical services are also offered.

Facial waxing is available for $5 per area; spa facials are $15.

Pedicures are $20, while manicures are only $5. Gel manicures are $10 and acrylic nails are $10.

ACTC students and employees who show a college ID also receive free haircuts and shampoo styles.

A full list of services and prices can be found at ashland.kctcs.edu/community/cosmo.aspx

“Anyone who has not been to our salon we welcome with open arms,” Smith said. “We have a reception area to the left as you walk in and a student that is ready to check all of our clients in. This process is simple, the client will simply explain what service they want and then sign the bottom of their ticket to certify that they understand that a student will be performing the service with the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist instructor.”

Smith said while all services are done exclusively by students, instructors are always close by to answer questions or show a student a particular technique.

“As instructors, we are here to assist in any way without actually doing the service,” she said. “At times we may need to show a student how to hold the hair at a certain angle to achieved a desired layer or simply show them how to pin a bobby pin to hold a style into place. Students know that we are always close by if they need any assistance, but we try to give them some space so they can have the client\cosmetologist relationship.”

The ACTC salon accepts walk-ins and takes appointments by calling 606-326-0565. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Those receiving chemical services must arrive at the salon by 10 a.m. The salon is located on the College Drive Campus at the corner of Oakview Road and Ramey Street.