Marquette, Mich. (WLUC) – Northern Michigan University’s School of Cosmetology has introduced an exciting new program aimed at equipping students with the skills to provide cosmetology services for all hair types. This semester, the Natural Hair Cultivation Program was launched under the guidance of NMU Cosmetology Instructor Charmaine Goodlow, who is also the owner of Charmaine’s Beauty Bar in Iron Mountain.
The program focuses on the care and styling of textured hair, providing students with the expertise to manipulate hair in a natural way. This includes techniques such as locking, twisting, braiding, and the application of hair extensions. Additionally, students delve into the art of wig making during the course.
Charmaine Goodlow expressed her motivation for introducing this program, saying, “It is cultured hair, so it’s usually textured hair, and we care and manipulate the hair in a natural way. So that’s with locking, that’s twisting, that’s braiding, that’s hair extensions. We learn wig making in this course.”
Furthermore, Goodlow emphasized the importance of fostering diversity in the field of cosmetology, especially in regions where there is a demand for professionals who can cater to textured hair. She believes that by teaching students how to work with textured hair, they will gain confidence in serving clients with diverse hair types once they enter the workforce.
Michelle Whitaker, one of the instructors, highlighted the community’s strong desire for such a program and the enthusiasm from both the campus and students. She noted that the inclusion of natural hair care has been a longstanding need within the state’s cosmetology licensing landscape.
Ozzy Newcomb, one of the students in the natural hair cultivation program, shared their personal experience and perspective, saying, “Growing up here, there were not a lot of people I could go to when it came to doing my hair. Normally, my mom would have to do my hair, but it definitely was very unfortunate just because she didn’t always have the time or the energy to sit down and do my hair. I think it will definitely expand that for people who, I think, grew up like me and don’t have the resources to do and get their hair done.”
The Natural Hair Cultivation Program at NMU represents an important step forward in providing inclusive and comprehensive cosmetology education that addresses the diverse needs of clients and prepares students for success in the field.
