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Cosmetology school aims to train students
Jonathan Susdescu, 22, of Glenview, Adrianna Ardelean, 19, of Lincolnwood, work on their mannequins Nov. 2 at the Niles School of Cosmetology. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
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To see more photos of the Niles School of Cosmetology, visit www.niles.suntimes.com
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Updated: January 7, 2013 1:43AM
NILES — It’s a win-win situation.
Customers can walk into the Niles School of Cosmetology and get a $5 hair cut, while students at the school gain more real-life experience.
Since 1975, Niles School of Cosmetology has trained its students in all areas of cosmetology, including haircuts, hair coloring and hi-lites, manicures, pedicures and facials.
“We teach everything,” said Filippo Livolsi, owner and manager of the school.
Livolsi is originally from Italy and attended cosmetology school in Cicero. In 1975, he opened the Niles School of Cosmetology near its current location at 8057 N. Milwaukee Ave. and in 1978 he opened a salon at the Golf Mill Shopping Center, which closed after 10 years.
Livolsi said he currently has about 50 students and 15 students from Niles North High School and Niles West High School.
Students must complete 1500 hours of training given by their licensed instructors. He said that it takes a full time student about 9 to 11 months to finish the program and part time students between 16 to 18 months.
The basic training portion of the program involves tools and their use, sanitation, hygiene, shampoo, understanding chemicals and use, skin diseases and conditions, esthetics and more. Other parts of the program include hair styling and hair dressing, client relations, worker’s compensation, business ethics, etc.
“They practice on real customers and on mannequins,” shared Livolsi.
Customers can receive a hair cut for $5 at the cosmetology school, explained Livolsi, who said community members enjoy the bargain haircuts, while the students get to practice on real customers.
The Niles School of Cosmetology is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national agency for the post-secondary schools of cosmetology arts and sciences.
The school also offers a secondary course of instruction for becoming a cosmetology teacher.
Livolsi said some students that qualify take advantage of the financial aid they offer students. The school offers both day and evening classes to meet the various needs of the busy students. Livolsi said another important part of what they do is help students find jobs after they have completed the program.
Although the business has become more competitive with new salons opening up in the area, his love for their location in Niles hasn’t changed.
“The location is one of the best locations,” said Livolsi, who said he has never had one problem being in his location in Niles.
