Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills

Ability sufficient for classroom, lab and work in industry situations.

Read and apply information from lectures, textbooks, and audio/visual materials. Follow and practice rules and regulations of the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Evaluate client/guest reactions/responses and make sound conclusions. Develop and implement a service and maintenance plan. Analyze product

Interpersonal Skills

Behave appropriately in both self-directed and shared learning environments. Possess personal qualities of integrity, concern for others, compassion, interpersonal skills and motivation.

Work cooperatively with partners and groups. Follow through with responsibilities. Work diligently and devote necessary time to complete tasks. Persist on difficult tasks. Exercise good judgment. Remain calm while under pressure in a stressful environment. Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions. Respect and care for clients whose appearance, condition, beliefs and values may conflict with your own.

Communication Skills

Abilities sufficient to interact with others in oral and written form.

Express information coherently and sensitively to
clients/guests in both oral and written form. Demonstrate listening skills. Write, utilizing legible and concise documentation style, which is readable, in the English language and in a timely manner. Maintain clear, concise client records.

Speak clearly and distinctly and orally communicate to people 6’to 10’ away. Obtain information from oral and written sources.

Follow verbal and written instructions. Perceive non-verbal communications. Interact with individuals from a variety of social, cultural and intellectual backgrounds including
clients, peers and other salon/spa professionals.

Coping Skill

Possess coping skills sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Adapt rapidly to changing environment and/or stress. Solve personal and interpersonal problems. Minimize stress and conflict. Balance internal needs and external demands.

Motor/Mobility Skills

Physical abilities sufficient to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and efficient cosmetic art skills.

Operate machinery and equipment safely and efficiently. Safely and appropriately use equipment, tools and implements. Operate small tools associated with intricate, detailed, cosmetic arts services; including, but not limited to, the use of tweezers, hot wax applications, etc. Demonstrate full manual dexterity of the upper extremities including hands, arms and shoulders. Position and maneuver while servicing spa clients/guests, including bending and stretching. Stand and/or walk up to 10 hours per day, with or without breaks. Perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time. Reach above shoulder height. Perform skills at varying heights. Perform chemical treatments from start to finish within prescribed time constraints for safety purposes. Lift, handle and transport materials and equipment which can weigh up to 50 pounds. Hand/eye coordination.

Auditory Skills

Auditory abilities sufficient to work effectively and safely.

Hear the instructor's voice in a noisy salon lab environment. Hear timers and equipment alarms.

Visual Skills

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in classroom, lab and industry situations.

Read product and ingredient labels. Read safety labels and warnings such as specific Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Read client/guests intake forms and records. Observe hair, skin and nail texture. Examine hair, skin and nails prior to contact for evidence of disorders. Detect slight differences in color or form. Apply products, make-up, treatments, or hair removal techniques to clients’ face and body. Observe and replicate instructor-demonstrated procedures and treatments.

Tactile Skills

Tactile ability sufficient for analysis/assessment of physical attributes of salon/spa services.

Feel hair, skin and nail texture.

Environmental/Physical Strength and
Stamina

Possess the ability to tolerate environmental stressors and to function safely in a salon environment.

Perform skills frequently indoors and occasionally outdoors. Demonstrate skills for prolonged periods amidst sharp tools, electrical equipment, noise, chemicals and toxins, dust, moisture and heat. Tolerate odors and fumes associated with salon/spa services, including products, chemical services, disinfectants and artificial nail applications. Work in areas that are in close proximity to others. Use steps, stairs and ramps as needed. Work/stand on slippery and/or uneven surfaces. Handle disinfectants for proper infection control of salon/spa equipment, tools, materials and facilities. Lab work performed at inconsistent hours. Maintain attention to detail by keeping workstation clear and using infection control procedures throughout client/guest services.

Emotional/Behavioral

Possess emotional stability sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions.

Adapt rapidly to changing environment and/or stress. Calmly receive feedback. Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach. Work independently with minimal supervision.