Gloria Henry - Elgin Taylor

In the opinion of many Jamaicans, cosmetology is simply about fixing one's nails, hair and putting on make-up. However, according to Gloria Henry, teacher of cosmetology at José Marti Technical High School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, this is not the complete picture.

"Cosmetology deals with beauty-from the hair to the toe. It is science-based for example, the students learn how to mix colours and relaxers. It is not just doing hair as the public thinks," she stated.

She went on further to explain that from a theoretical standpoint the students have to learn professional ethics, hygiene, anatomy and physiology. They also have to recognise the different diseases of the nails, hair and skin, and to be able to advise clients accordingly.

She stressed that related subjects like mathematics, English language and science are taught within her class, and that the students need to be literate to function effectively.

In addition, her students are exposed to other subjects in the general school curriculum. She teaches forty-five grades 10 and 11 students, all female. She revealed that she had been approached by male students who said they considered joining the class but refrained from doing so out of the fear of being labelled "sissies".

Her students sit the Level 1 and Level 2 examinations administered by the Heart Trust/NTA. She said that the results have been good over the years. As part of her teaching strategy, her students attend seminars and hair shows. This also serves as a good motivational tool, with many of them expressing surprise at the prestigious nature of the profession. Also, as part of their preparation the students take part in a 3-week job-experience exercise. She also pointed out that there are good employment opportunities in this field.

Henry was born in Montego Bay, St James. She had thoughts of becoming an airline hostess, but shelved it when her father informed her that such professions were often temporary.

She was encouraged by one of her sisters-in-law to enter the field of cosmetology. She got her first job at the Casa Montego Bay Hotel. Next, she worked at Westgate Beauty Salon in Montego Bay for three years. When she initially moved to Kingston in 1979, she worked with the Belrose Hair Clinic. Since 1981 she has operated her own establishment, Professional Hair Clinic and Beauty Centre at Ocean Boulevard in Kingston.

In September 2004 on the advice of the Ministry of Education she took over as instructor at the Cosmetology Centre at José Marti Technical High School. She was trained by the Vocational Training Development Institute, and holds a diploma in beauty services. She also served as a member of the National Hairdressing and Cosmetology Association, the body which seeks to uphold the standards of the profession.

She hopes that with the strength of the Lord she will continue to give of her best until retirement.