Lakeland's new full-time Hairstyling students welcomes their first clients and puts their new skills to the test in our public salon.

Lakeland College’s hairstyling students will put their new skills to the test at the end of the month as they welcome their first clients.

The first class of Lakeland’s new full-time, 10-month hairstyling certificate program will begin accepting clients in October at the new hairstyling lab/salon on the Lloydminster campus.

“The public salon is a great opportunity for our hairstyling students to practice what they've been learning in class. They’ll be able to perfect their hairstyling skills, as well as gain valuable work experience in a functioning salon,” says Angie Rowsell, instructor, School of Health and Wellness.

Since the beginning of September, the students have been learning hair and scalp anatomy and physiology, draping, shampooing, treatments, haircutting, hairstyling and client services.

“I’m really enjoying the program so far. It’s a lot of information but the hands-on labs are amazing. I’m excited to apply the skills I’m learning on real clients. The new salon space is great too – there’s a lot of space to grow and be independent,” says Holly Baptiste.

Baptiste is one of 20 students participating in the student-managed learning experience of operating the public salon.

The salon features 24 stations including one barber chair, six ergonomically-friendly, adjustable sinks, reception area with retail station, and an adjacent colour room for mixing professional products.

Beginning on Oct. 31, the students will be offering ladies haircuts, scalp massages/treatments, styles and up dos. Eventually, more services will be added as the students learn new technical skills. The public salon will run through to the end of the program in June 2018.

The salon is open Tuesday and Thursday (noon - 8 pm), Wednesday (1:30 - 4:30 pm), and Friday (8:30 am - 4:30 pm).

The salon is located on the second floor of the Lloydminster campus.

Photo: Angie Rowsell, instructor, School of Health and Wellness, guides a student through a hairstyling lab at the Lloydminster campus.