Look good, feel good this summer

Cosmetology students offer services for community

When it comes to planning his future, one Miller High School student is a cut above his peers.

Dual credit student Rico Cano works on Theresa Bourassa on June 27 at West Campus. Cano said he hopes to one day open his own salon.

Rico Cano, a dual credit cosmetology student, said he will graduate from Del Mar College before finishing high school and hopes to one day work for himself.

“I want to go to barber school, get my barber license and then open up my own salon,” Cano said while highlighting a client’s hair.

Cano is one of 18 students in instructor Lissa Gonzalez’s summer class. Students in the class perform haircuts and coloring options. Students as well as community members can schedule appointments, with prices far below what other salons would charge.

“They run the lab like a salon,” Gonzalez said of the students.

That hands-on practice is invaluable to Araceli Lopez, who said she hopes to eventually manage a salon.

“Once I have 10 years of experience at a salon, I want to go back here to Del Mar and become a teacher like my teacher,” Lopez said.

Lopez was one of several students to praise Gonzalez.

Dual credit student Katherine Dykes works on a mannequin during class.

“She cares a lot about her students and she wants to make sure that we are ready for a job,” said student Katherine Dykes. “She focuses on social skills a lot.”

While students often practice on mannequin heads, one benefit of working with actual clients is students never know what to expect.

Danielle Garza remembered one of her stranger requests.

“His hair is dark brown and on the very top of his head he wanted fluorescent red, just on the very top, and his hair curls. He liked it,” Garza said with a laugh.

Garza, who plans to attend makeup school in Los Angeles, hopes to work in special effects in the movie industry.

“I want my name in credits,” Garza said.

Students in the summer class perform full highlights for $40 and fashion colors for $50 and up, including shampoo and style.

While the class is focuses primarily on hair this summer, clients can also book manicures, pedicures, facials and other services at other times. Theresa Bourassa recently got highlights from Cano. Bourassa, who said she liked the results, added that the price was also attractive.

The class will also offer free back-to-school haircuts for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade Aug. 6-10.

The program accepts clients through appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 361-698-1782 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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