The new cosmetology class scheduled for the 2027 school year  brings new opportunities to SLOHS students. Graphic courtesy of Ruby Blackburn.

  San Luis Obispo High School will launch a new cosmetology class next year, one that will not only teach students beauty techniques but also the art and history behind cosmetology.

  Expressions decided to interview Leone Avery, the Fashion and Interior Design teacher, who will also teach the cosmetology class.

Expressions: What will the cosmetology class entail?

Cosmetology teacher Leone Avery: This class will not be a CTE class but instead an art credit class. This means it will include techniques that are technical to the profession, focusing on the art aspect of it. For example, if we’re doing a fake nail set, we will be doing it artistically and from the principles of design, as well as learning the techniques to attach them. Another example is if we’re learning how to do blowouts and updos, we’ll learn the art history of updos. There has to be an art element to meet state guidelines.

Expressions: What opportunities do you hope this class will bring to SLOHS students?

Avery: My dream would be to get internships for people if they’re thinking about getting their cosmetology license and partnering with businesses. There have been schools that don’t have cosmetology facilities at the high school, so instead, they do their 2000 hours of hands-on training off campus. My ultimate dream would be getting that enacted in the SLOHS cosmetology class because I don’t think they’re going to build a facility for us, since it’s at least one million dollars to launch a new cosmetology program. They’re not interested in funding this class as a CTE program, in which I would get a lot more money, but they don’t want to approve any more CTE programs.

Expressions: What inspired you to start this class?

Avery: Principal Dickinson asked me to start. He told me there were a lot of students interested about two years ago. I wasn’t ready to do it because I had just started teaching Fashion and Interior Design for the first time, so I needed to catch my breath and learn those things. But now I feel like I’m good at teaching those classes, so I was ready to take on a new challenge. I also love learning new things; I don’t like doing the same thing, so I thought this class would be a good thing for me.

Expressions: How was this process with the administration to get this class at SLOHS?

Avery: They’re really supportive. I had six sections of students sign up for this class next year. And it’s going to be half of what I teach in a year, that’s how much they’re in support of this class. However, having enough room, space, and money to do this program is what I’m a little worried about. But I’m super excited, it’ll be super fun!

  Students should strongly consider signing up for this new cosmetology class next year, especially if they want to pursue a career in cosmetology. This class will teach students hands-on experience in the beauty world!