Welcome to PBSHD
Portsmouth Beauty School of Hair Design Inc. was established in 1961 for the primary objective of training men and women for a respectable, responsible, and rewarding career in cosmetology. We are pledged to the development and practice of the highest educational, ethical, and professional standards.

Cosmetology Program
Cosmetology is the art and science of adornment through care and treatment of the hair, nails and skin. The cosmetology course includes such subjects as;

• shampooing
• scalp treatments
• haircutting
• permanent waving
• manicuring and pedicuring
• chemistry of the hair
• hair relaxing
• hair styling
• hair coloring
• hair removal
• facials
• makeup

Actual practice in manipulative skills is stressed. Related subjects include the study of personal hygiene, public health, anatomy of the head, face, neck, hands and feet, bacteriology, psychology, salon ethics, personality development and salesmanship.

The students work on manikins and each other in practice periods until they have acquired sufficient skill to give treatments to the public in the school clinic under the supervision of an instructor. The services offered to the public in the clinic afford the students an opportunity to practice and develop cosmetology and interpersonal skills under the guidance and supervision of an instructor. Clinic customers are charged a fee for cosmetology services provided by the students. Income from clinic services pay part of the school operating expenses and in effect help to reduce student tuition costs. Students receive no payment for work they do as part of the clinic training experience.

Why PBSHD?
Mission Statement
PBSHD is dedicated to the development of its students both as individuals and as members of the community through the attainment of vocational and professional goals. PBSHD is a career-oriented institution and for over 43 years has established the tradition of providing quality learning opportunities to everyone who has the desire to enter the first step of a post-secondary education. In this tradition, PBSHD is obligated to impart to its students the knowledge, skills, and preparation necessary to meet the ever changing demands of our complex society and the cosmetology industry.

• You could be enjoying a well paying career in just 10-1/2 months. By attending school Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM you can finish the required hours in just 215 course days. We know you have busy schedules and need your weekends for family, work, relaxation, or all of those things and more - so we are closed Saturday and Sunday and 10 national holidays.
  
  
• Licensed cosmetologists earn as much as $30,000 to $50,000 a year. That is an excellent return on your educational dollar invested. Earning potential is directly related to the salon you work in and its location, the client base you serve, your individual abilities and skill level, and your desire to advance in your profession.
  
  
• At PBSHD class size is limited to approximately 12 students each enrollment - this means more individual attention if you need it - and more opportunities to work with clients for real hands on experience - the best preparation for employment you can receive.
  
  
• We are a small school - approximately 30 to 40 students a year - this allows instructors to provide more individual attention if you need it.
  

Our Facilities
PBSHD has been located in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire since 1961 moving to 138 Congress Street in 1979 upon the purchase and complete renovation of the building. The increased space allowed us to increase our enrollment by forty percent in the first year. In the spring of 2003 another construction and complete renovation project was started on the second floor in preparation for the move to our all new facilities on December 16, 2003.

The school has sixteen foot ceilings and an expansive 5,600 square feet of space with elevator access to accommodate all of our present and future space requirements. The new facilities are compliant with all 2004 fire and safety code requirements and is handicap accessible. There are two administrative offices, reception area, classroom area to accommodate as many as 40 students, a student lounge area with lockers to secure personal items, and a 25 station student clinic area that also has a facial station, pedicure stations, and manicure stations, and a full dispensary service area. PBSHD is a non-smoking facility.