Learning vital career skills doesn’t mean you have to wait for college – at least that’s what two Salem, Oregon high schools are doing. Students of Sabin-Schellenberg Technical Center of the North Clackamas School District and Robert Ferrell High School at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility are learning cosmetology skills before they graduate from high school.

These technical schools also offer high school students other career training options in addition to cosmetology. The cosmetology curriculum is the latest installment that offers new career options to students.

These beauty and cosmetology classes cover many of the same topics they will encounter in a full beauty school course. Students are exposed to:

• Sanitation practices
• Hair techniques
• Microbiology
• Anatomy
• Business skills

Upon completion, these high school students should have the knowledge and skill set to take their state cosmetology licensing examinations. There are some technical schools nationwide that are taking the same route as these Oregon high schools. If interested, check with your local cosmetology board to see if any high schools in your area offer cosmetology training programs at the high school level.

As most of us already know, it costs to look good. You’re probably already familiar with the financial costs of looking great – they add up quickly – but what about the price your health may have to pay? Your eyebrows look great – but at what cost?

Hope you’re ready for reason number 872,019 not to double-dip wax applicator sticks in wax.

When it comes to eyebrows, the right shape and appearance can make a real difference in a clean and polished appearance. And grooming eyebrows is an important part of many cosmetology school programs. But in some salons around the country, unsanitary practices are putting customers at risk for various diseases. Among them, eye herpes. Um, gross.

So, how does this happen? According to health and cosmetology experts like Sherry Lewelling, re-dipping waxing sticks into the hot wax container can spread germs and diseases to other customers. For instance, if the waxing customer who comes before you has a cold sore on his or her lip, and that waxing stick is double-dipped into the hot wax, the herpes virus that causes cold sores could be transmitted to you.

Cosmetologists emphasize that every time a stick is dipped into wax and used on a client’s skin, that stick should be thrown away. Experts also recommend that consumers only see waxing professionals who have been licensed in cosmetology or esthetics by the state. When good sanitation practices become a habit, customers will leave your salon both happy and healthy.

When it comes to that nasty case of eye herpes, most cases can be treated. However, there is no cure for the herpes virus and some severe cases in the eyes may even lead to blindness. So whether you work in a salon or are a waxing customer, be on the lookout for trained professionals who meet state standards for cleanliness and sanitation!