COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – The natural hair care industry is growing, and Southeastern Community College is aiming to ensure students are prepared by starting a new program in mid-March.

The cosmetology school at Southeastern Community College will start its first-ever natural hair care program. Lauren Thurman will be the natural hair care instructor and says she is excited to bring something new to the county for students.

“I believe that is going to offer them, you know, job opportunities. They’re going to learn techniques, you know, how to braid, they’re going to learn business aspects. I believe they’ll be able to further their education. It’ll bring many job opportunities. And I also think that it’s needed because we’ve never had this here in Columbus County. So it’s definitely needed,” said Thurman.

Students will go through a 300-hour long course. In class, students will learn how to style and manage curly and texturized hair with no chemicals or color.

“It’s important to know that you can just be natural without using perm and all of that. As I have had several clients start over natural and they will just do the big chop and it’s amazing to see you know them go from chemical to no chemical,” said Thurman.

The natural haircare product market size is expected to grow to $12.18 billion by 2026. Cosmetology schools across the country have been adding the service to the curriculum for students.

“I think they need to understand the concepts of how to manage their hair and be able to do different styles you know, and they could spice it up a little you know, by learning more within the natural haircare and we’re going to have fun like braiding,” said Thurman.

She says students will learn how to braid, twist, lock, and wrap natural hair. She says it’s important to give people the option to have natural hairstyles without the use of chemicals.

A link for more information about the program can be found on the school’s website.

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