With the acquisition of Empire’s newest cosmetology school in North Carolina, (Pineville school in Charlotte to be exact), came two reasons to celebrate: the opening of a new school and the incorporation of eco-conscious features. Other schools are expected will follow suit with environmentally thought-out designs. All we have to say is “Go Green Beauty!”

The North Carolina’s Campus Eco-friendly Features

• Exterior LED lighting fixtures to the 100% recyclable floors
• Energy saving devices in the student salon area such as water reduction shampoo sinks
• Green paint products
• Energy star rated heating
• Ventilation and air conditioning units
• Additional energy reducing hand washing faucets
• Motion sensing light controls
• Eco-friendly professional product lines like Regis Designline PURE Results

What’s Next: Domestic Abuse Training in Cosmetology School

Now that we are doing better for the environment, how about bettering ourselves! Two other newly acquired Empire schools, , New York and , Ohio will adapt a philanthropic program dedicated to fighting against domestic abuse known as Empire Gives Back.

What Empire’s Domestic Violence Training Will Involve:

• Training and education in identifying the signs of domestic abuse in their salon client
• Participation in fundraising efforts to aid their hands-on and real-world salon training
• Aid local women and children’s shelters across the country.

Empire Says…

“We are committed to bringing our charitable spirit, our dedication to supporting our local communities and our active engagement in anti-domestic violence causes.” – Franklin K. Schoeneman, chairman and CEO of Empire Education Group

It became official July 1. North Carolin hair law now requires anyone who braids hair to have their cosmetology license. Why the sudden regulation? Health concerns! Many customers complained to North Carolina legislation about insanitary conditions and head wounds received at their salons.

“People often got lacerations on the scalp because the braiding was too tight for their hair,” said Rep. Earline Parmon, D-Forsyth. Now, state law enforced by the State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners requires all hair braiders to obtain a cosmetology license in North Carolina. The process involves passing a  state cosmetology exam, which usually has two parts: a written portion and a practical portion.

Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! Many hair braiders are from West Africa and primarily speak French, knowing little English. Passing the cosmetology exam suddenly becomes a huge obstacle. Many salon owners are worried that they will be forced to close shop and lose their jobs due to being unable to meet these new requirements. Parmon tries to reassure saying, “I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that these people have a fair chance.”

It’s going to be an interesting road up ahead.

For information on this topic:

How to obtain a cosmetology license for hair braiding:

Cosmetology Schools in North Carolina