RENOVATIONS COMPLETE — Destiny Gaffney, a cosmetology student at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, practices root touch-ups on a mannequin in the newly remodeled salon at the Bloomingdale site. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — The cosmetology lab at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School has a whole new look after undergoing renovations this summer.

The salon received a makeover as part of an estimated $294,500 project and features new paint and flooring as well as stations and design modifications, and now patrons can be styled in more modern surroundings. Buckeye Field Maintenance Inc. of Bloomingdale spearheaded the work, which is the lab’s first update since 2000.

Instructor Brianne Schoolcraft said her 14 seniors have already begun working with the public and everyone was eager to utilize the site.

“We had a complete remodel with new storage, stations, mirrors, nail tables, driers and a new dispensary and the facial room was also updated,” said Schoolcraft. “It’s nice to come in everyday and see the new space and everyone else is excited in the school.”

The salon includes 20 stations with two more for Schoolcraft and Diane Dalesio, who instructs 19 juniors in the program, to give their tutorials. Schoolcraft said it was open for business on Monday and Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and patrons have been utilizing the services. Students provide haircuts, shampoo and styling, updos, root touch-ups, highlights, balayage, perms, facials, lip and eyebrow waxing and makeup application, manicures and nail art to paraffin hand dips, while prices range from $5 to $30 and up. Schoolcraft is also looking to add more services in the future.

“We just had our first client day and are taking up to five or six appointments at a time,” she commented.

Seniors Zoe Truax and Milania Haynes are equally thrilled to have a new place to learn and work.

“It looks so professional,” said Truax, who attends Toronto High School. “You’re welcoming clients into something that looks like a real salon and is a lot more cohesive.”

“I like it,” added Haynes, who also attends Toronto. “It looks classy.”

For information or to make an appointment, contact the cosmetology program at (740) 264-5545, extension 400.