Please join the Laney Cosmetology Department for a ribbon cutting ceremony and refreshments!

Friday, October 13, 2023
9:30 am

900 Fallon St. B-100
(entrance on 10th St)

After nearly 3 years, Laney College Cosmetology Department is opening its doors again to the public for salon services.

"The pandemic really took its toll on every aspect of the beauty industry" states Curley Wikkeling Miller, adjunct professor and industry professional for over 40 years.

Faculty and students had to relearn everything that was normal, from transitioning to teaching online and zoom, to perfecting techniques on mannequin heads and hands, nothing at all like the human hair, skin and nail experience that is a major component of the training.

Additionally, the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology's criteria changed in January 2022. The focus of the licensing exam is no longer practical but shifted to a written exam including theoretical and practical questions.

Laney College’s Cosmetology Department was established in the early 1950’s as part of Oakland Trade and Technology, later changing its name to Laney College after the late founder Joseph C. Laney.

The Cosmetology program has been a fixture of the Laney campus and the larger Oakland community since then. Not only has it offered an opportunity for students to learn a trade and a pathway to a rewarding career in the beauty industry as a hairstylist, nail technician or esthetician, it has also offered low-cost beauty services to the community.

“Many of our clients are senior citizens who can't afford services in a traditional salon and have been anticipating the return of these services”, states department chairperson Thomas-Windham, who has been teaching in the department for 16 years. “After graduating three classes of students during the pandemic, we are now able to return to serving our clients and giving real life salon experiences to our students”, Thomas continues.

The current students couldn’t be more excited and preparation is underway to reopen the salon with a fresh new look and name, “The Town Salon @ Laney College”.

We look forward to serving our community again!