Betty Pullins of Plain City is all smiles as Cierra Mulholland, a senior cosmetology student from West Jefferson, sets her hair in curlers at the Tolles Career and Technical Center salon. The salon is open to the public and offers a full array of hair and spa services at affordable prices.
(Posted April 7, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Once a week, Plain City resident Betty Pullins visits the salon at Tolles Career and Technical Center for a shampoo and set.
“This is my third or fourth year coming here, and I’ve had as much fun as the girls,” she said.
Pullins is one of the regular customers at the salon, which is manned by high school students in Tolles’ cosmetology program and overseen by instructor Cathie Bernowski. The salon is one of many services at the school offered at affordable prices to customers from the public
“It’s good for the customers and us both,” said Payton Cox, a senior cosmetology student from West Jefferson. “They get service at a decent price by people who know what they’re doing, and we get more experience and a chance to build up our clientele for the future.”
The set-up allows students to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. According to Bernowski, who has served as an instructor at Tolles for 28 years, such experience is invaluable.
“They have to have the experience of having someone else in that chair other than a relative. They have to be scared and venture into the unknown,” she said.
By working with real customers, Bernowski said, students not only hone their practical skills but also learn how to communicate with clients and listen to their needs.
The Tolles salon serves customers of all ages, from small children in for their first haircut to senior citizens. Bernowski said she wishes more people would take advantage of the salon’s services.
“I would love to see a Greyhound bus full of people show up. These kids need that exposure,” she said.
Bernowski assures anyone unsure about having their hair cut or nails done by a student that they are in good hands.
“I know how good (the students) are and what kind of work they can do,” she said, adding that she is on hand at all times to provide guidance.
The Tolles cosmetology salon offers a full array of services, from hair cuts, shampoos, styles, colors and permanents, to manicures, pedicures and facials. Prices range from $6 for a basic hair cut to just under $30 for heat-activated perms and three-color weaves. Facials start at $11, manicures at $7 and pedicures at $12. A full set of sculpture nails or tips with overlay is $25.
All of the money charged for services goes back into the program for equipment, supplies and other expenses.
The Tolles salon is open three days a week for various services, from late September through mid-April. For an appointment or details about the salon’s services, prices and hours, call (614) 873-4666, ext. 1103.
Tolles Career and Technical Center is located at 7877 U.S. Route 42 S., Plain City.
Tolles services
Tolles Career and Technical Center offers the following services during the school year to customers from the public. Through these services, Tolles students get experience in their craft or skill, as well as in customer service. For full details on all services, contact Tolles for a customer service brochure, (614) 873-4666.
- Auto Collision Repair—Car washes and interior clean-up ($10), car detailing ($35), truck/SUV/van detailing ($40), frame repair/alignment ($75), one to three panel repair or replacement and refinishing ($35 each or $25 each for four or more). Customer supplies all parts and pays for all materials. Instructor: Miles Kieffer. Call 873-4666, ext. 1213.
- Auto Tech—Oil change ($5), tire rotation and balance ($12 for most vehicles), tire mounting and balance ($4 per tire), brake inspection ($5), front or rear brake service ($10), two- or four-wheel alignment ($10), coolant flush ($20), scan diagnostics ($10), A/C diagnostic and recharge ($20), service charge ($10 per hour). All jobs include a 10-point inspection. Customer mays for all parts, which aren’t included in the above listed prices. Instructor: Brian Parks. Call 873-4666, ext. 1211.
- Carpentry—Materials plus 20 percent. Instructor: Jerry Newman. Call 873-4666, ext. 1214.
- Cosmetology—Haircuts ($6 and up), permanents ($28-$30), shampoo and set ($6), hair color (up to $29), facials (starting at $11), manicures (starting at $9.50), pedicures with polish and massage ($12), full set of sculpture nails or tips ($25), nail fix ($3.50), nail art ($3.25). Other services offered. Instructor: Cathie Bernowski. Call for an appointment, 873-4666, ext. 1103.
- Early Childhood Education—$10 registration fee. $50 per month with December free. Infant/toddler, $30 for three-week period. Instructor: Kelly Marquis. Call 873-4666, ext. 1102.
- Power, Sports & Diesel Technologies—Labor, $10 per hour flat rate plus parts. A $1 supplies fee is added to most work orders for lubricants and solvents used during repairs. Instructor: Gregg Hansel. Call 873-4666, ext. 1212.
- Small Animal Care—Call 873-4666, ext. 1217, for latest pricing. Instructor: Linda Shuler.
- Sports, Turf & Landscape Management—Seasonal plant sales. Instructor: Mike Liston. Call 873-4666, ext. 1100.
- Welding—Materials plus 30 percent. Instructor: Bill Pencil. Call 873-4666, ext. 1210.
