KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic services are now available at a newly renovated center in downtown Kannapolis located at 120 West Ave.

“We are so thrilled to open the new West Avenue Center! The center is now ready for clients,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

A haircut, shampoo and blow dry will only set you back $12, while a manicure is only $6 (a gel polish manicure is $15).

“Want to add some highlights to your hair for the summer? In need of a mani/pedi at a great price? Our student stylists can help with the professional and contemporary services taught throughout their training while earning hours to their state board licensing!” said Wanda Pressley-Altman, chair of the program, including instruction on all things hair, skin and nails. “We offer top-notch services at attractive pricing and are very excited to bring you these options from our new facility.”

A full list of the current services offered, along with pricing information can be found at www.rccc.edu/cos.

A 10 percent discount on services is provided to senior citizens, as well as Rowan-Cabarrus Community College students and employees.

For first-time visitors, walk-in appointments are the best option. After your initial visit, individual students will work with clients to book appointments. Currently, the cosmetology center is open for clients Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Tuesday-Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The college’s cosmetology program is one of the largest and most successful in the state, and the college began looking for a larger space in response to its growth and success. In addition to the cosmetology classes located at the new center, other courses such as nurse aide and resume and interview support services are also offered.

“We have one goal in mind, and that’s to make our community better. The secret of reinvigorating downtown is having more people downtown,” said Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant. “We’re excited about this. We are working hard on economic development.”

The new location, which was previously a Belk and a towel store, provides 28,000 square feet for the new facility.

“I fully support Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and I believe that the relocation of the cosmetology program will afford training opportunities that will stimulate the economy in Cabarrus County,” said Stephen Morris, Cabarrus County commissioner and trustee on the Rowan-Cabarrus board. “It’s a win-win-win for everyone.”

The Rowan-Cabarrus cosmetology program offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

“We teach everything there is to teach about beauty,” said Pressley-Altman. “We also teach introduction to small business management and sociology to round out the degree.”

During the summer months, services are a bit more limited to hair and more basic manicures and pedicures, but beginning in October, clients will have access to high-end facials and microdermabrasion treatments. European facials begin at $15; a facial at a salon can top $100.

“Our cosmetology program is not only widely successful, but it’s a wonderful example of our strong partnership with local high schools,” said Spalding. “The Career & College Promise program allows approximately 70 high school students to simultaneously enroll in high school and college so that they can receive both high school and college credit for courses taken as part of the program.”

This tuition-free program for high school juniors and seniors gives them the opportunity to get a “jump start” on a two-year or four-year degree while still in high school.

In addition to cosmetology, Rowan-Cabarrus offers options for students to get a head start in careers like fire protection, criminal justice, machining, web technologies, welding and more.

“Many students in the cosmetology program are high school juniors and seniors taking advantage of the Career & College Promise program,” said Spalding.

Further, many of the college transfer classes are weighted just like honors classes, making them a great alternative to Advanced Placement courses.

For additional information about cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic services, call 704-792-9788.