Helena, Montana – On Thursday, April 18, Helena College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Salon. Alex Sedlock, a cosmetology student at the college, described feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, which all combined into a powerful emotion. The event was well-attended, with over 100 guests there to celebrate the opening of The Salon at Helena College.
“Overwhelmed. I’m just so happy and excited to feel the community support for this program and for Helena College,” Sandy Bauman, the Dean and CEO of Helena College said.
The salon, a renovated area within the college, will serve as a practical training ground for cosmetology students.
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“Just a lot of people in disbelief I would say. This space is not a new build to Helena College. It’s a remodel of where are Fire and Emergency Services program used to be and so the folks that have been around for a while and remember this as a big garage to store fire equipment have been pretty surprised by the transformation,” said Bauman.
The cosmetology program began in January and is highly selective, admitting only 15 students after a competitive application process. It spans 15 months and four semesters, during which students work towards an Associate of Applied Science degree. They also have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Entrepreneurship, with the option to complete the certificate if they wish.
At the opening, guests could explore the new space, speak with students and staff, and enjoy refreshments and snacks. The students at the salon will offer a variety of beauty services, including hair, skin, and nail care.
“The salon will be a full-service salon. We’ll have hair services. Cut, color, perm all of the things. We’ll also have waxing services and facials. We’ll have manicure and pedicure,” Bauman said.
Community members also had the opportunity to visit the front desk and book their first appointment at the salon, although the services won’t begin until May 14.
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“I’m really excited to do hair coloring and haircuts and nails. All types of nails,” said Sedlock.
Tony Wilson, a Cosmetology Instructor at Helena College, expressed his eagerness to witness the creativity that the students will bring to their work.
About The Salon at the Helena College:
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Salon at Helena College, where beauty meets education. Located on the Donaldson Campus of Helena College, our salon is a cutting-edge facility designed to provide top-notch services while offering hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
The Salon at Helena College is not just another salon; we are a teaching salon. All services are performed by our talented students under the careful guidance of experienced instructors. This unique approach allows our students to gain real-world experience while providing our clients with exceptional services at affordable prices.
Our cosmetology program is the first of its kind in the state, with the inaugural cohort starting in the fall of 2023. We are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive education that combines theory with practical experience, ensuring they are fully prepared to excel in their careers upon graduation.
From haircuts and coloring to manicures and facials, the Salon at Helena College offers a wide range of services to meet your beauty needs. Our students are trained in the latest techniques and trends, so you can always expect the best when you visit us.
Address: 1115 N Roberts St., Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 447-6983, [email protected]