HERKIMER — Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES cosmetology student Abigail Crimmins-Abbe recently gave Ilion resident Jennifer Sanderson a haircut during class as cosmetology instructor Holly Rotundo Fischer looked on and provided guidance.

The cosmetology program runs a clinic that allows students to gain experience providing salon and spa services to members of the local community throughout the school year. Crimmins-Abbe, a senior of Little Falls City School District, said the clinic is very helpful.

“It gets us ready to take other clients when we graduate and get our jobs,” she said. “It gives us the experience we really need.”

The clinic, named Salon Illusions, is open to community members by appointment only from 8:45-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Herkimer BOCES William E. Busacker Complex at 352 Gros Blvd.

Customers from school and the local community are invited to receive services including cuts, coloring, perms, manicures, pedicures, waxing and more from cosmetology program seniors and adult students under the supervision of Rotundo Fischer and teaching assistant Sarah Jacquays-Alberts. The low prices of the services are used to offset the costs of putting on the clinic. 

“The clinic takes students’ experience from working with mannequins up to the next level and provides the practice they need to work in a salon,” Rotundo Fischer said. “They can improve not only their cosmetology skills but also how to interact with customers.”

Cosmetology student Grace Koppany, a senior at Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District, said the clinic is “awesome.”

“I love it,” Koppany said. “I just love working with clients and doing hair.”

The Herkimer BOCES cosmetology program also accepts adult students from the community, and they get to participate in the clinic as well.

Bri McGuire, an adult student from Mohawk, said taking the cosmetology program and participating in the clinic has been more helpful for her than her college degrees. McGuire said she has always been interested in cosmetology, but took a different career path.

Now, as a mother with three sons, she wanted to switch to a career where she could control her own hours.

“This will allow me to do that,” she said.

To make an appointment or for more information, call 315-867-2043.