North Point High School students in the cosmetology Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, under the direction of two instructors who are licensed cosmetologists, study to earn a Maryland State Board of Cosmetologist license. The license is one held by professional stylists and others in the cosmetology field allowing them to work in the industry.

In Maryland, a person must log 1,500 hours of training and pass a written exam to obtain the license. North Point cosmetology students who are juniors and seniors gain that training in the school’s salon. Open to the public, students are taking appointments for salon services — hair, nail and skin care, along with texture and hair coloring services.

“It is important that students get to work hands-on because it gives them real world experience and prepares them for the workforce. Working with diverse clients helps the students to feel confident and prepared in the industry on a professional level,” Erin Glover, cosmetology teacher, said. “It also familiarizes them with a variety of different people and personality types."

The salon is open by appointment only. Appointments are open 12:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the last appointment booked at 3:30 p.m. Cash and credit payments will be taken at the time of service. For a listing of services and prices, click here.

Customers can book an appointment online here. Those who are not North Point students or staff must follow Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) visiting procedures and show photo identification before entering the building. Once inside, customers will sign in at the main office and be escorted to the cosmetology salon. Only clients who are receiving salon services are permitted in the school. Salon services will be done under the supervision of the program instructors who will also pair the customer with a student who is best suited for the requested service. The North Point salon has been open for clients for about eight years with school staff, students and their families as customers, Glover said. 

To be a licensed cosmetologist in Maryland a person must be at least 17 years old and have completed the ninth grade or received a GED. They must also submit proof that they have undergone 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetology school or have spent 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).