Cosmetology Salon
By Christina Lieffring
Denise Brennan has been a regular client at the JCCC School of Cosmetology Salon receiving hair and nail services and developing friendships with the students for ten years.
“This is one of the best kept secrets in Johnson County,” she said. “Anyone who comes here for service would know after one or two visits that it’s just such a lively, fun, caring environment.”
The salon offers an array of skin, nail and hair services well below average salon prices: hair services run from $3 to $20, facials from $20 to $30 and manicures from $6 to $15. JCCC students and employees receive an additional 20% off with ID.
Brennan’s loyalty is common among regular clients to the salon according to Administrative Assistant Stephanie Belford.
“A lot of our clients come to our graduations, they keep in touch with the students who have graduated,” said Belford. “We have people who drive an hour to get their hair cut because they’ve been coming to us for years.”
Students enrolled in the Cosmetology, Esthetics or Nail Technology programs who have completed their first semester of classes provide these services under the supervision of their licensed instructors. These instructors assess, oversee and sign off on the students’ work to ensure quality.
Victoria Smith, graduating Cosmetology student, said the experience was “tough, but worth it. Lots of hours, lots of late nights but [it’s] extremely fulfilling.”
Esthetics student, Katie Bundy said she loved “making people feel beautiful,” and the salon’s spa-like atmosphere.
“It’s a really peaceful and relaxing job,” she said. “I like working one-on-one with people and making them feel better about themselves.”
The students agreed they had learned a tremendous amount through their experience at the clinic. Cosmetology student, Harris Ginther had to overcome being shy with her first clients and now feels more comfortable making small talk. She also admitted working with clients forced her to stop being a perfectionist.
“As the hair dresser you notice a lot more the imperfections… one little wrong hair and you notice it. But you just kinda have to get used to that,” she said, “Nothing is perfect and it probably will look amazing anyway.”
Smith enjoyed seeing her and her fellow students improve their skills.
“We watched ourselves grow so much,” she said. “In the beginning it took us, I believe, an hour for rollers and now I’m at eight minutes.”
For Belford, watching the students improve is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program and salon.
“It’s really neat to watch students come out of their shell and gain confidence throughout the program,” she said. “We look at our students as artists with the ability to create and put their artistic talents to good use.”
The JCCC School of Cosmetology Salon is located at 9780 W. 87th St in Overland Park. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 469-8500 ext 2390.
Contact Christina Lieffring, staff reporter, at clieffri@jccc.edu.