Rowan-Cabarrus Community College trustees, staff, faculty and community members were treated to a tour of the new cosmetology facility in downtown Kannapolis.

The new West Avenue Center, located at 120 West Avenue in downtown Kannapolis, houses the college’s cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic programs, as well as other classes such as nurse aide and resume and interview support services for those looking for work.

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

The college’s cosmetology program is one of the largest and most successful in the state. The college needed a larger space in response to its growth and success.

“This beautiful facility would not have been possible without the unique public-private partnerships between the city of Kannapolis, Cabarrus County and Castle & Cooke,” said Spalding. “We are excited about the new space and look forward to continued partnerships with these and other community groups.”

The new location, which was previously a Belk and a towel store, provides 28,000 square feet for the newly opened facility, which has already started seeing clients for cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic services.

“We teach everything there is to teach about beauty,” said Wanda Pressley-Altman, chair of the program, including instruction on all things hair, skin and nails.. “We also teach introduction to small business management and sociology to round out the degree.”

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

“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.

A haircut, shampoo and blow dry will set you back $12, while a manicure is $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 perform the professional and contemporary services taught throughout their training while earning hours to their state board licensing!” said Pressley-Altman. “We offer top notch services at attractive pricing and are very excited to bring you these options from our new facility.”

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.

For first-time visitors, walk-in appointments are the best option. After your initial visits, individual students will work with clients to book appointments. Currently, the cosmetology center is open for clients Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again Tuesday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A 10 percent discount on services is provided to senior citizens, as well as Rowan-Cabarrus Community College students and employees.

For additional information about cosmetology, manicuring and esthetic services, call 704-792-9788. A full list of the current services offered, along with pricing information, can be found at www.rccc.edu/cos.