Students can now transform their interest in natural hair care into professional skills through a new Natural Hair Braiding course offered as part of the school’s established cosmetology and barbering program.
The inaugural course has attracted 36 students across two class blocks. Instructor Yataye Keaton believes the program appeals to students because it connects creativity and self-expression with culture, career preparation, and entrepreneurship.
“Many students are already interested in hair or have practiced informally with friends and family,” Keaton said. “This program gives them the opportunity to develop those interests through structured, professional instruction.”
A licensed Master Hair Care Professional, Barber Instructor, and longtime youth educator, Keaton was drawn to the opportunity to combine her industry experience with her passion for teaching and mentorship.
“I saw this program as a meaningful way to help students turn creativity into practical, marketable skills,” she said.
Students begin by learning professional consultation, hair and scalp analysis, shampooing, conditioning, detangling, sectioning, parting, product selection, and hair preparation. They then progress to three-strand braiding, individual braids, cornrows, two-strand twists, extensions, protective styles, and introductory loc foundations.
“The emphasis is not only on completing a style, but also on creating clean, consistent, professional work while protecting the integrity of the client’s hair and scalp,” Keaton explained.
Students build their abilities through demonstrations, guided practice, mannequin work, and practical assessments. By working with both straight-hair and textured-hair mannequins, they learn to adjust techniques for different hair characteristics. They also use professional tools, styling products, extension hair, sanitation supplies, and equipment commonly found in salons and braiding environments.
Healthy hair and client safety are incorporated throughout the course. Students learn infection-control procedures, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, safe product use, professional draping, client protection, and how to recognize conditions that may require postponing a service.
Eligible students may pursue the South Carolina Hair Braider Registration, a state-recognized industry credential. Students may also earn credentials related to sanitation, workplace safety, and employability, including BARBICIDE and OSHA. These qualifications can strengthen their résumés and help prepare them for employment, further education, or entrepreneurship.
Graduates may explore careers as natural hair braiders, salon or barbershop assistants, locticians, content creators, product representatives, or business owners, depending on licensing and registration requirements. The course also develops transferable skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, patience, creativity, and accountability.
Keaton has already seen students begin to view themselves differently.
“That shift from ‘I like doing hair’ to ‘I can build a career from this skill’ is exactly the kind of confidence and professional growth this program is designed to inspire,” she said.
Her message to prospective students is simple: “You may enter with an interest, but you can leave with skills, confidence, purpose, and a vision for your future.”
