In a move that signals the growing industry push to improve mental and physical well-being among beauty professionals, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture has become the first major cosmetology school system to integrate holistic wellness components into its beauty, barbering, and esthiology programs.
The school system is partnering with The Vitality Project, created by stylist education brand Hair Love University. Designed to slot into cosmetology training programs, The Vitality Project contains self-care content and resources aimed at helping students and staff thrive in multiple areas of wellness: emotional, mental, occupational, social, physical, and spiritual.
Tricoci CEO Nate Swanson says the cosmetology school system is setting a new industry standard by recognizing that long-term success as a beauty/ barbering professional is dependent on mental and physical health, plus the ability to communicate and connect with others.
“The Vitality Project reminds the Tricoci community that they are human-first beauty professionals,” Swanson says. "By integrating holistic wellness into our curriculum, we’re ensuring that our students and staff are prepared for a career of service, beauty, and human connection."
Key features of The Vitality Project include a plug-and play-curriculum of comprehensive wellness tools, topics, and a resource library. It comes with educator training and leadership development for university instructors, so they can smoothly integrate the content into their classes.
The Vitality Project says the end result is a supportive, inclusive environment that fosters creativity, reduces burnout, and boosts student and staff engagement.
Tricoci currently operates beauty and barbering training programs in 15 campuses across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.