Hair Care

Kalamazoo Valley School of Cosmetology and Barbering FAQ

Picture of students and instructor in class
Picture of students washing clients' hair
Picture of students practicing styling hair

When will Kalamazoo Valley begin offering cosmetology and barbering classes?
The college will begin fully offering cosmetology and barbering in Fall 2024. Classes will be taught in renovated spaces on the college's Texas Township Campus, located at 6767 West. O. Ave. in Kalamazoo, by employees of the college. The nearly 10,000 square-foot lab space will include the cosmetology school's salon and spa and the barbering school's barbershop. Currently, Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency's (KRESA) Career Connect Career and Technical Education (CTE) students are completing barbering and cosmetology coursework at the college.

Who can enroll in the Kalamazoo Valley School of Cosmetology and Barbering?
Applications for enrollment in the Fall 2024 cohort are now closed. Successful applicants are being contacted by with next steps.

Applications for enrollment in the Winter 2025 cohort will be accepted beginning in November, with a start date in February. For details on program application steps, watch this page for updates.

For specific questions regarding the programs, please contact the School of Cosmetology and Barbering at or call 269-488-4090

When will Kalamazoo Valley begin offering cosmetology and barbering services to the public?
Discounted services are available to community members so students can hone skills. To make an appointment, or for more information about service prices, click here.

What programs will be offered?
Kalamazoo Valley will provide convertible to credit, employer-recognized credentials which will prepare students to take state cosmetology and barbering licensing exams with the possibility to build upon these certifications to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in salon management* or an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Technical Studies. For more information on this pathway, click here. Programs currently in development include a 600 training hour nail tech program and 750 training hour esthetician program.

*Based on approval from the state of Michigan and Higher Learning Commission.

How can I get more information or get involved?
Watch for updates on this page. Or request more information at or call 269.488.4090.