Cutting class in Douglas County
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Post-haircut photo with my stylist, Carly Kidd, 18. Photo: Robert Sanchez/Axios
Eighteen-year-old Carly Kidd grabbed a pair of scissors and eyed my seven years' worth of DIY haircuts.
What she's saying: "You've got thick hair," she told me before her first snip.
- Already angling for a tip, Carls?
Last week, I spent an afternoon inside Bellisimo Blu Salon and Academy, Douglas County School District's cosmetology program at Highlands Ranch High School.
- Students train for two years, with the chance to graduate as licensed Colorado cosmetologists.
- Teenage stylists get hands-on experience with paying customers — cutting and coloring hair and giving facials and manicures.
In the room: Bellisimo Blu looks and feels like the real thing — with a reception desk, huge mirrors and rows of salon chairs.
- Five customers were there when I arrived at noon Thursday.
Why it matters: The program gives students like Carly a chance to test-drive a career while learning from professionals and working with real customers.
She started as a Legend High School senior last school year and finishes her academy training next May.
How it works: Carly and I agreed on a plan to even up the top and trim around my temples, ears and neck.
- Her instructor stopped by and signed off.
Carly handled the cut in about 15 minutes. The instructor checked the work, offered pointers and made a few finishing touches.
What they're saying: "I wasn't a kid who liked school," Carly told me. "But with this, I feel like I've found my future."
- She plans to take certification exams next summer and already has a job lined up at an Elizabeth salon.
Bellisimo Blu students don't just learn hair, nails and skincare. They dig into chemistry, sanitation and client relations.
- They also cover the business side, including how to market themselves on social media.
The big picture: Career and technical education enrollment is growing nationwide.
More than 100 first- and second-year academy students are enrolled in Highlands Ranch. The fourth-year program is part of the district's expanding offerings.
- And it's so popular, the district opened a second academy this year at Douglas County High School.
Freshly trimmed, I headed to a room for my facial with 17-year-old Castle View High School senior Brooklyn Lamoreaux.
- Brooklyn cleaned and treated my skin for about an hour, used a high-frequency wand on my face and finished with a goji berry yogurt mask.
Follow the money: $10 haircut. $30 facial.
- I tipped Carly and Brooklyn through their mothers' Venmo accounts.
What's next: My wife wants Bellisimo Blu's $20 gel manicure.