Mitchell Cosmetology College

Mitchell Cosmetology College was founded in Alabaster in 1986 and has remained at that same location since its doors first opened. Its founder, Tim Mitchell, still runs the school. A licensed cosmetology instructor, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville State University and has completed vocational education certification coursework at UAB and Athens State. He has also served a term on the Alabama Board of Cosmetology, a seat filled through appointment by the Governor and confirmed by the Alabama State Senate, and has been President of the Alabama Cosmetology Association.

The core offering is a cosmetology training program of 1500 clock hours. Classes run Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with six clock hours per day and a 30-minute lunch break. The curriculum covers hair cutting, hair coloring, chemical services, hairstyling, nail care, skin care, hair removal, makeup, anatomy, chemistry, infection control and salon business. Students also learn salon ownership and operation, retailing, client retention, and consultation and interview skills. The program is designed to prepare students for the Alabama State Licensing examination.

Students work on real salon clients, with limited mannequin practice. Instructors supervise all work. An advisory committee reviews the curriculum, facilities, equipment and placement rate each year, and the school collects annual feedback from current students and graduates. Teaching methods are revised to reflect current trends in fashion, hair, nail and skin care.

The school sells its own botanical hair care line, the Tim Mitchell signature line, with products listed from $10.00 to $20.00 each. Product orders are placed by phone. Mail orders carry 8% tax and a $10.00 shipping and handling charge, with delivery within ten business days. Mastercard and Visa are accepted for product orders.

Salon services are performed by enrolled students under instructor supervision. Appointments are made by calling the school at 205-663-7126 or 205-663-7132.

Instruction is hands-on with real clients and is adjusted each year using advisory committee input and feedback from students and graduates.