Salon 20 Run Entirely by Students Opens 11/9 in New Bedford

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School is ready to unveil its brand new salon that will be open to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Salon 20 will be the new cosmetology shop for juniors and seniors of GNBRVT, where they will put down their pencils and pick up their scissors for a hands-on learning experience.

“We previously had a salon, but we completely remodeled last year,” shared Polly-Ann Ross, the junior and senior shop instructor. She and the teaching assistant, Shauna Hermart, will instruct the students through their cosmetology program and guide them while working with clients.

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“The students are nervous and anxious, but we got them,” Ross said. “They are so excited to have friends and families come in, as well as the teachers.”

Salon 20 will offer everything from haircuts and color services to wax treatments and manicures, but clients will notice a drastic difference in price from other salons.

“We are only allowed to charge for products. We are not a profit-based salon,” Ross said.

For example, a client comes in for a trim, and they will pay $8 to cover the costs of water, equipment, etc.

It’s a win-win situation for everyone that steps foot in Salon 20. The client gets a budget-friendly service, and the student gets a hands-on experience that a traditional classroom cannot teach.

Ross is thrilled to give her students the opportunity for hands-on learning to coincide with lesson plans.

“They will learn how to work and speak with clients, and they will have experience right out of school,” she said.

Due to students being on an academic/shop rotation, Salon 20 will be open four days in a cycle. Ross recommends calling the salon or booking online to schedule an appointment.

Salon 20 looks forward to serving the community.

Salon 20

1121 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 998-3321, Ext. 320