Sewanhaka cosmetology classes visit industry partners

The Island Now
Photo courtesy of Sewanhaka Central High School District

First-year cosmetology students from Sewanhaka Central High School District and their teachers, Mrs. Contarino, Ms. Jennings and Mrs. Strumpf, were invited to the American Culture manufacturing site and The Look Spa Salon in Huntington Station on May 23. Both businesses are owned by Louis and Doreen Guarneri.

The first part of the day was spent with Mr. Guarneri at the manufacturing and distributing center, where their brand-name products are researched, produced and tested. This business was started in 2001 as a company for hairdressers and clients who celebrate the American heritage, so was appropriately named American Culture. Louis wanted to introduce a brand that familiarized people with hair care that spanned all generations and ethnicities.

The students were in awe as they visited the lab, where products are developed and mixed in large vats and bottles are screened for color as they waited to be filled in the production area. Mr. Guarneri reviewed with the students OSHA rules and regulations as learned in class, in addition to how the products are distributed. He proudly shared the names of some of the famous actors and actresses that use their products.

The students then arrived at The Look Spa Salon for a tour with Mrs. Guarneri. She spoke to the students about the needs of a salon, which include a professional tone and an open floor plan for the flow of clients. Beautifully displayed in the retail area were the American Culture products, such as Simply Smooth, available for sale and used at every salon station.

Mrs. Guarneri is a master hairdresser who thrives on sharing her expertise with other stylists and students, who will be the next generation in the industry. She encouraged the students to watch her do a razor haircut on a client and ask as many questions as they wanted. She also showed them a product she was using that was in the production stage and explained the next step would be a discussion with the chemist because she did not like the sticky consistency of the new product.

The junior class was enlightened and motivated by this day and vowed to raise the level of their lab and classwork to pass their New York State exams for their cosmetology license. The students look forward to becoming part of this professional industry.

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