Interview About Our Curriculum

In this interview with Jessica Howe, our Director of Social Media, we discuss some common questions asked by prospective students about the La’ James curriculum.

INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us about some of the classes that students have to take?  What will the students learn in each one of those classes?

JESSICA HOWE: At La James International College, our curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in their chosen field of study, along with practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in the beauty industry:

Foundations of Hair, Skin, and Nails: Students learn about the growth, structure, and composition of hair, skin, and nails. They gain an understanding of basic anatomy and physiology related to these areas, as well as principles of hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices.

For Massage, Anatomy & Physiology: For students enrolled in massage therapy, their focus is on the physiological and anatomical aspects of the human body. They learn about muscles, bones, joints, and other structures, as well as how to perform various massage techniques safely and effectively.

Salon and Business Management: We cover the essential aspects of salon and business management, including customer service, retail sales, inventory management, scheduling, marketing, and financial planning. Students develop skills in communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for roles in salon ownership or management. Alongside their licensure training, students can pursue a Health and Beauty Management (HBM) Degree, specifically tailored toward salon ownership.

Current Trends: Given that the beauty industry is heavily influenced by fashion and trends, students regularly learn about the latest styles, techniques, and innovations in hair, makeup, skincare, nail art, and even massage modalities.

Overall, our classes provide a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, preparing students for diverse career opportunities in the dynamic and ever-evolving beauty industry.

INT: What tend to be the students’ favorite classes?  If you can comment on why the students love any particular classes, that would be helpful to know, as well.

JH: In the ever-evolving beauty industry, students often gravitate toward classes that allow them to explore the latest trends and hone their practical skills. Currently, we are seeing an interest in:

Hair Color & Styling: With trends constantly changing in hair color and styling, students are eager to learn the latest techniques and experiment with different colors, cuts, and styles. We provide our students with hands-on experiences, allowing them to unleash their artistic talents and transform their clients’ looks.

Makeup and Lashes: A focus on makeup application and eyelash extensions are popular among students who are passionate about enhancing natural beauty and creating stunning transformations. Students enjoy learning various makeup techniques, from natural everyday looks to glamorous evening makeup, as well as mastering the art of applying eyelash extensions for a dramatic effect.

Skincare: As the demand for skin care services continues to rise, students are increasingly interested in learning about skin health, treatments, and products. We offer practical knowledge and hands-on experience in performing facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skincare treatments, allowing students to help clients achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Massage Techniques: Classes focusing on massage therapy techniques are favorites among students interested in promoting relaxation, wellness, and pain relief for their clients. Learning various massage modalities, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage, allows students to develop their therapeutic skills and provide customized treatments tailored to clients’ needs.

Students will always be drawn to classes that offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to create impactful transformations for their clients. Whether it’s mastering the latest hair color trends, perfecting makeup application techniques, nurturing skin health, or mastering massage therapy, students are eager to acquire practical skills that enable them to deliver exceptional service and achieve stunning results.

INT: How does La James International College incorporate hands-on experience into its curriculum?

JH: Hands-on experience is at the core of our curriculum across all programs. The beauty industry thrives on practical skills and real-world application, which is why we prioritize hands-on learning opportunities for our students.

Practical Training in Salon and Spa Environments: We always say the best classroom is when students are on the salon and spa floors, where they can apply their skills and techniques to real clients. This hands-on experience allows them to gain confidence, develop their proficiency, and learn how to effectively communicate and interact with clients in a professional setting.

Supervised Practice: Our students provide services to clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. This hands-on experience not only allows students to apply their skills in a real-world setting but also helps them develop professionalism, customer service skills, and time management abilities. Instructors provide hands-on demonstrations, oversee students’ practical work, provide feedback, and offer personalized guidance to help students refine their techniques and address any challenges they may encounter.

INT: How has the curriculum evolved in recent years, and are there new programs or courses that have been introduced?

JH: The curriculum at La James International College has evolved to adapt to changes in legislation, emerging trends in the beauty industry, and the evolving needs of our students.

Legislative Adjustments: We follow legislation, and our curriculum evolves accordingly. For example, recent changes have included the blending of barbering and cosmetology into one license.

New Trends and Services: As trends in the beauty industry emerge, we update our curriculum to include new services and techniques that are in demand. For instance, eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years, so we have added courses on lash extensions to our curriculum to meet the growing demand for this service.

Our curriculum evolves in response to changes in legislation, industry trends, and student demand. By staying proactive and responsive to the evolving changes in the industry, we ensure that our students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in their future careers.