Natural hair & manicuring specialists earn certifications

Nine students completed the first natural hair specialist class at Beaufort County Community College. In addition, ten students completed the manicuring certification program. The college offers both programs as single-semester certification classes through the Division of Continuing Education, though students in the cosmetology program can choose to take it as an additional course. The fees for both classes are covered by the college through the Beaufort Promise.

Jowanna Davis, Jamika Fisher, Angela Gales, Jadasjah Garris, Crystal Holloway, Angel Midgette, Saun-Tia Reddick-Wilson, Valarie Wesson, and Raven Wiggins earned their Natural Hair Certificates. Tia Dorsey, Brooklyn Easley, Nadia Gil-Medina, Zoe Henawi, Haley Linton, Diamond Moore, Dessirae Patrick, Virjeania Price, Dina Redmond, and Tierra Taylor earned their Manicuring Certificates.

“Never stop learning,” said Elethia Williams, instructor for the natural hair specialist class. “If you stop learning, you stop growing. Always choose to invest in yourself because you’re worth it. Always be culturable and teachable, and always be ready to learn.”

Jadasjah Garris holds an Associate in Applied Science in Cosmetology, but chose to add the Natural Hair Specialist Certification to her education. Jamika Fisher and Angel Midgette hold Manicuring Certificates.

This manicuring class covers techniques of nail technology, hand and arm surface manipulation, and recognition of nail diseases and disorders. Topics include OSHA/safety, sanitation, bacteriology, product knowledge, salesmanship, manicures, artificial applications, pedicures, and surface manipulation. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently perform nail care, including manicures, pedicures, surface manipulations, decorating and artificial applications in a salon setting.

Graduates the class can take the North Carolina Cosmetology State Board Licensing Exam to be licensed and qualify for employment in beauty and nail salons, as a platform artist, and in related businesses.

The natural hair care specialist class covers how to care for natural hair without the use of chemicals such as perms/relaxers and hair color. The style techniques include braiding, twisting, wrapping, extending and locking natural hair. The coursework also includes teaching the proper health, safety, and sanitation procedures to avoid spreading infections. The students apply their skills to clients who visit the clinic.

After successfully completing the course, the students will be able to sit for the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts exam to become a licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist.