Cosmetology

Program Director: LaTia Hairston

LaTia Hairston has been a North Carolina licensed cosmetologist for 24 years and a North Carolina licensed cosmetology instructor for 18 years. Hairston previously taught as the lead instructor at Randolph Community College for 10 years, Regency Beauty Institute, The Cosmetology Institute, and Carolina Beauty College. She earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Winston-Salem State University and an Associate in Applied Science in Cosmetology from Randolph Community College. She also has earned several certificates of achievement from Milady’s Master Educator Career Institute. Hairston was featured on the cover of the fall 2016 Randolph Community College magazine and she served as one of three faculty marshals at the 2019 RCC graduation ceremony. Her most recent achievement was winning the GTCC Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2021-2022 school year.

She is no stranger to the beauty industry. She has been a part of the industry for over 20 years. She began in high school at age 16 when she enrolled in the cosmetology program at the Career Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Overall, her experience gained in the beauty industry has taught her the importance of making a positive impact in the lives of her students. Hairston has instructed all aspects of cosmetology, including hair, nails, skin care, instructor training, and ACA college student success courses. Her passion for providing a fun and motivating learning atmosphere is often demonstrated within the classroom. In 2007, she competed in and won an award for creating the "best educational classroom game." Carolina Beauty College awarded her the opportunity to attend the Cosmetology Educators of America Convention in Las Vegas. From this, she brought new knowledge back to her students and colleagues.

Hairston has been an active member of the North Carolina Community College Cosmetology Instructors Association for the past 14 years. She continues to volunteer and participate in career days at several elementary, middle, and high schools in the Triad area. She has mentored several graduating students for their high school senior project in the Asheboro City Schools and Randolph County Schools. She currently mentors graduates of the GTCC cosmetology and cosmetology instructor training programs. Hairston is also the advisor for GTCC Shear Beauty Club.

Hairston's favorite 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.

All cosmetology classes are taught during the day on the Jamestown Campus. We do not currently have an evening program.

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.