Cosmetology

Overview

The US Beauty and Cosmetology industry is booming and full of energy, bringing together creative styling with smart science for hair, skin, and nail care. Right now, there are nearly 700,000 licensed professionals across the country—like hairstylists, nail techs, and makeup artists—who all get certified/licensed through state boards and beauty schools. Thanks to social media and the big trend toward self-care, the business is thriving everywhere, from small independent booths to massive salon chains. It is a fantastic path for anyone wanting to start a business, and since the field is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade, it is a great time for new stylists to jump in.

The Cosmetology program at CTHS offers students unique, tuition-free opportunities across all four years, extending well beyond foundational beauty concepts. As Licensed Cosmetology Instructors, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students can thrive. Through a comprehensive curriculum covering hair, skin, and nail care, we thoroughly prepare our students to excel in the diverse and rewarding career paths this industry has to offer.

Our MISSION is to empower students to successfully transition to the global community through unique educational experiences!

MEET OUR LICENSED INSTRUCTORS

Monserrat Ramirez

9th & 10th Grade Instructor

Principles of Cosmetology

Introduction to Cosmetology

Monserrat Ramirez is an accomplished Cosmetology Instructor with more than two decades of experience in beauty education and workforce development. She has dedicated her career to preparing students for success in the beauty industry while advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Throughout her career, Monserrat has served in numerous leadership roles, including Salon Manager, SkillsUSA Advisor, District Officer Trainer, District 8 Coordinator, Campus Advisor, CTE Department Head, and PISD DOI Trainer. Her commitment to professional excellence has also led her to serve as President-Elect, President, and Past President of the Cosmetology Instructors of Public Schools organization.

Recognized as a respected industry professional beyond the classroom, Monserrat has contributed her expertise as Hair and Makeup Lead for the Alantude Fashion Show Beauty Team and as Beauty Team Director for Houston Fashion Week, overseeing beauty professionals and student artists in high-profile fashion events.

At CTHS, she actively promotes student engagement and leadership through extracurricular involvement, serving as sponsor for both the Community Service Club and Face Painting Club.

As an educator, mentor, and industry advocate, Ms. Ramirez remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of beauty professionals through excellence in education, leadership development, technical mastery, and community service.

Jamillah Vallare-Gibson

11th Grade Cosmetology Instructor

Cosmetology I

Mrs. Vallare-Gibson is a licensed Cosmetology Operator and Master Cosmetology Instructor with more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and cosmetology education. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health and Beauty Management from National American University, an Alternative Teaching Certification in Trade and Industrial Education from the University of North Texas, and a Milady Master Educator Certification.

As a dedicated educator and industry mentor, Mrs. Vallare-Gibson is passionate about providing hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for professional licensure, continued education, and successful careers in the beauty industry. She is committed to helping students build confidence, professionalism, technical expertise, and the skills needed to thrive in their future careers.

"Education is the foundation of success, and every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue their dreams."

— Mrs. Vallare-Gibson

Amy Tunay

12th Grade Cosmetology Instructor

Cosmetology II

Mrs. Amy is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Instructor, and SkillsUSA advisor with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and education. She has been trained by leading industry brands in advanced methodologies and cutting-edge technologies; she specializes in creating hands-on learning experiences. Mrs. Amy is dedicated to mentoring students for professional licensure, advanced education, and career success, consistently leading her senior classes to an impressive 80%+ licensing exam pass rate and state-level competition success. A proud Pasadena ISD community member, she was also honored at the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation’s Shining Stars gala alongside the district's top scholars and inspiring educators.

STATE LICENSING

The Cosmetology program is under the supervision of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Students enrolled in the program are expected to abide by the rules & laws by this department and those rules set forth by the Cosmetology program. Throughout this four-year pathway, students earn 1,000 credit hours by completing all Cosmetology courses with a minimum grade of 75% each 6 weeks. Upon reaching 900 hours, Seniors become eligible to sit for the state board's written examination. Per TDLR a valid government ID is required in order to take the state licensing exams. They must score a 70 or higher in order to become eiligible for the practical. After passing their written exam and completing the 1,000 hours, students take the practical exam and must score a minimum of 70 to apply for their Texas Cosmetology Operator License, authorizing them to practice professionally within the state. To maintain licensure, Operators must fulfill Continuing Education requirements every two years.

As Instructors, it is our responsibility to prepare the students for these tests during each year of the program. Starting in 9th grade, students begin to acquire knowledge, skills and credit hours to prepare them for the state exams.

CERTIFICATIONS

Barbicide Certificate

BARBICIDE® Certification

The original! Since 2012, the BARBICIDE® Certification has certified thousands of beauty industry professionals in infection control consistent with the current highest industry standards.

This certification expires one year after issue date.

COVID-19 Certification

This program is designed to present the most current information that is pertinent to the Professional Beauty Industry. This information changes daily, but the guidelines for the Professional Beauty Industry are likely to remain consistent in the short term. All rules and guidance of individual states must be followed.

FIELD TRIPS

Visible Changes

Seniors are invited to attend an exclusive hiring event featuring on-site interviews and immediate employment opportunities with prominent retailers, including Visible Changes at the Galleria. This initiative builds on our proven track record of success, with many of our current students and alumni successfully employed across multiple locations in the Houston area.

CHI Factory

Juniors tour the CHI factory to gain firsthand knowledge of professional beauty product manufacturing, packaging, branding, warehousing, and distribution. This experience connects classroom cosmetology concepts to real-world industry operations and career opportunities. Students will see how professional products move from production to the salon and consumer.

Hey Beautiful

Sophomores visit various nail supply stores in the Houston area to learn the grades of quality for products and equipment used in the nail sector of our industry. Hey Beautiful is our partner and provides professional products for the student kits.

MUA Project

Freshmen learn about various trends under the esthetics umbrella. Visiting businesses such as The Makup Artist Project which allows students to be well-versed in professional products used for trending services.

COMPETITIONS