Cosmetology

Program Director: LaTia Hairston

LaTia A. Hairston has served as Program Director of Cosmetology at Guilford Technical Community College since 2019. She oversees the college’s cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, and cosmetology instructor training programs.Hairston is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Administration at East Carolina University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Adult Education. She earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with distinction from Winston-Salem State University and an Associate in Applied Science in Cosmetology from Randolph Community College. She also holds a Cosmetology Diploma from Carolina Beauty College in Winston-Salem and a Cosmetology Instructor Certificate from Carolina Beauty College in Charlotte.

Hairston supports the professional growth of her faculty through mentoring and collaboration, helping instructors strengthen their teaching in the classroom and on the clinic floor. She also led the planning and opening of the department’s new 10,000-square-foot facility in Historic Machinery Hall, where students gain hands-on experience serving clients under faculty supervision.

Hairston began studying cosmetology at age 16 at the Career Center in Winston-Salem. She has been a licensed cosmetologist in North Carolina since 2000 and has taught cosmetology continuously since earning her instructor license in 2005. Before joining GTCC, she spent 10 years as lead cosmetology instructor at Randolph Community College and taught at Regency Beauty Institute, The Cosmetology Institute, and Carolina Beauty College. GTCC recognized Hairston’s work as an educator with its Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2021–2022 academic year.

Hairston uses demonstrations, hands-on practice, and feedback to help students build confidence and develop the skills to serve clients. She also coaches students on professionalism and guides them in developing résumés and portfolios so they can build lasting careers in the beauty industry. She continues to mentor GTCC graduates and participate in school career days across the Triad.

Hairston's favorite professional quote is, "The mediocre teacher tells; the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, the great teacher inspires," by William Arthur Ward.

Instructor: Kathy Grant

Kathy Grant is a licensed cosmetologist and cosmetology instructor with over 39 years in the cosmetology industry. She obtained her cosmetology degree at Leon's Beauty School in 1981. She has worked in almost every aspect of the cosmetology industry. As a national artist she has taught all over the United States in many beauty schools, salons, hair shows and events. She has worked alongside some of the top stylists in the industry as well. She is well versed in all aspects of cosmetology with a specialty in hair color as a certified master colorist. She has owned and operated three salons since 1987. Currently, her position as an instructor at GTCC allows her to share her passion for this ever-changing industry with the students of GTCC. It is her desire to bring real-world experience to set her students up to be salon ready upon graduation.

Instructor: Vanessa James

Vanessa James has been a North Carolina cosmetology instructor for 23 years and a licensed cosmetologist for 30 years. She is originally from upstate New York and has lived in North Carolina for 17 years. She has taken cosmetology continuing education classes from Dudley Cosmetology University, Milady Institute, Redken, Matrix and Nu Expressions, just to name a few.

She has owned and operated her own salon (Ms. Vanessa's) while living in New York and worked for JC Penney Styling Salon, Supercuts, and Smart Styles while in North Carolina. James has taught cosmetology at Dudley Beauty College in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia, and taught in the North Carolina Community College System since 2009. She is also a member of the North Carolina Community College Cosmetology Instructor's Association.

She received an associate degree (A.G.E) in General Education, from James Sprunt Community College, attended North Carolina Wesleyan College and studied Organizational Leadership, and Career Technology Education at Georgia State University.

James says, "I have taught all aspects of cosmetology in my 23 years of teaching, while helping students progress to the next level. I enjoy bringing hands on training and experience to a diverse student population."

Yes, but certain requirements may apply. Please visit our Financial Aid web page or call the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822, option 3.

Tuition rates are established by the N.C. General Assembly and are subject to change. Cosmetology students will need to buy a cosmetology uniform, along with appropriate footwear. Click here for the cost breakdown of the first semester and a list of additional items needed for this program.

Classes are held Monday through Friday. Students are required to clock in by 8 a.m. and are released at 2:30 p.m.

We currently offer two evening programs, Cosmetology Diploma Evening and Esthetics Technology Certificate; all cosmetology classes are taught on the Jamestown Campus.

The requirements vary depending on the certification you are obtaining. If you wish to obtain a certificate, you must complete (1,200) hours along with a required number of services regulated by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts Examiners. If you wish to obtain a diploma, you must complete (1,500) hours along with a required number of services regulated by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Arts Examiners. After the completion of both, the student would take the apprenticeship exam or the cosmetology exam to be issued a license.