As someone who spent a decade working at a salon, Joshua Guzman’s new role at High Point School at Bergen County now has him working closely with students.

It’s more than just brushes and blushes for the licensed cosmetologist. Guzman said cosmetologists are masters in the fields of beauty, health, and wellness. This is his key message for the High Point students.

Newly hired, Guzman is helping with the “Introductory to Cosmetology” elective, with four or five students, ages 14-17, enrolled in each session. Most students are female, he said, but the program has two boys taking part.

“The students are gaining practical knowledge and hands-on experience,” said Guzman, who joined the High Point team as the staff cosmetologist during the school’s summer session. “But, just as importantly, they are gaining self-confidence and self-esteem. I like to set the tone that everybody respects everybody and we can have fun while still learning. That’s definitely my objective.”

The High Point School of Bergen County serves students grades 6-12 from numerous school districts. Since its founding in 1988, the school educates students with emotional, learning and behavioral challenges through a specialized curriculum not offered in traditional public schools.

Guzman said the students already took electives such as cooking and art and were eager for something new. Cosmetology was something the students had been requesting, as they begin to consider their options after graduation.

Each cosmetology class builds to the next. Guzman began the year talking about the standards of professionalism and sanitation. That includes customer expectations and how best to behave as a professional cosmetologist.

Guzman then introduced the proper tools of the trade – combs, brushes, blow dryers and curling irons. Just this week, the lessons moved to basic wet and dry styling with roller sets and pin curls. Most of the time, work is done on a mannequin, but students have been eager to try out their newly-acquired skills on themselves and each other.

“The objective is to get them to be able to complete a finished style,” Guzman said. “I let them be a little creative to see where we’re at.”

Only a few weeks into the school year and Amiyah, 15, has learned to curl hair and is now focused on makeup. Meanwhile, Sabri, 14, likes that he learned to apply makeup, to do roller sets and is taking the first steps on the road to becoming a professional cosmetologist.   

As the school year progresses, Guzman wants to focus on hair and make-up and add nail and skin care lessons into the coursework.  “Nails would be a big thing for them and then at some point, I would like to implement skincare. That also is very important,” he said.

This hands-on program offer a balance of students interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology and those exploring the beauty within themselves.  

“They are special education students, so it’s a bit of a learning curve for all of us,” Guzman said. “It has to be hands-on rather than using a book in order to keep them engaged and busy. It’s an elective so I do try to make it fun and engaging while still focusing on proper sanitation and safety measures. I want to ensure that they enjoy cosmetology and succeed at it.”

Should a student pursue a career in cosmetology after he or she finishes high school, Guzman is offering the fundamentals needed to attend a beauty school.

“There are school regulations and certain things that we can’t do, like use chemicals or scissors,” he noted. “But I still try to make it fun and teach the fundamentals that they would need to know if they want to pursue this career.”

Guzman spent most of his 10-year career working in a salon, the last seven specializing in color and hair extensions. 

“It is a new learning experience for me and for all of us,” he said. “The first couple of weeks were a little tricky because it was so different. I went from the salon floor to working with students in my role as a licensed cosmetologist. But once I got to know the students better and felt more comfortable, I found the experience very rewarding.” 

Guzman is allowing the students to set the pace and tone. Acknowledging the teens may have behavioral issues, he works hard to keep their attention.

“I like to keep it all positive and very friendly,” he said. “At the beginning of the course, I made sure I told everyone that we were going to cover a little bit of everything. It’s not just hair. It’s not just makeup. It’s a bit of everything and we all have to participate. And everyone does enjoy participating.”

Guzman sometimes offers s “Open Shop Days.” Those sessions, once or twice a week, allow students the opportunity to try a new cosmetology technique.

“I feel like I’ve opened a door and they engage and if they want to do something specific, I give them the chance to try it, like how to put on eyelashes or do a specific makeup look or hairstyle,” he said. “Everyone really loves cosmetology!”

Photos courtesy of High Point School.