Girls Learn About Their Own Beauty, Inside And Out

By Tanjua Damon

About 15 middle school girls spent some time on two Tuesdays at Ricci’s Academy learning about hair and nail care, along with some tips about attitude make-up and personal hygiene.

On the first Tuesday, January 23, the young girls discussed the effects of a positive attitude, good posture, and personality and character with Lynne Livia, an instructor at the cosmetology school on Route 25 in Newtown. The program is organized by Newtown Youth Services.

“This is gives the girls an opportunity to learn more about themselves,” Ms Livia said. “It’s amazing the way some of the kids think. They will learn about personal hygiene, make-up, hair, and attitude.”

Ms Livia spent time talking about personal care with the girls.

“This is the important part of your life, where you want to take care of yourself. You need to balance everything out,” Ms Livia said. “Kind of like a scale. No two snowflakes are the same. Your personality has to do with getting far in life. If you don’t help yourself, no one else can.”

Then on Tuesday, January 30, the middle school girls entered Ricci’s Academy with nervous faces. They were getting makeovers for their hair and nails. Some knew what they wanted, while others left their fate up to the cosmetologists.

Sixth graders Tricia Reed and Christina Bell waited patiently, both a bit nervous. But they agreed that they signed up for the two-hour-long sessions to learn a little bit more about themselves.

Tricia had twisties put in her hair and some body was added by a crimper. As Jinell Adams worked on her, Tricia looked more relaxed.

“You get to be creative,” Miss Adams said. “They are not so fussy about where the pins go. It’s fun.”

Kaitlyn Risi was having her hair put up with curls by Sabrina Cianci. She left her new look up to Miss Cianci.

“I came to have fun,” Kaitlyn said. “It sounded good.”

Tanya Rotella wanted to learn how things are done. She did not know how to do too much to her hair, but was learning more as Rebecca Chhay used the curling iron to add ringlets.

“I just like to know how they do stuff. I was interested,” Tanya said. “I always thought you were supposed to wash your hair once a day.”

Erin Daily was looking through a book before Jen Bayles started her magic. In the end Erin decided to let the expert do what would look best.

“I kind of just said do something because I didn’t know what I wanted,” Erin said. “Last week we learned about our attitude, how to manicure ourselves, and we learned about our hair. I wash mine every other day. Now I don’t push my cuticles back.”

The girls were told that they should not wash their hair every day so that natural oils can remain and they were told that it is bad to push their cuticles back. It makes your nails grow back crooked.

“I love it. It’s fun,” Miss Bayles said. “She’s doing everything right. Unless you use a lot of product on your hair, you don’t need to wash it every day. Keep it healthy and natural.”

This is he second year that Ricci’s Academy has participated in the two mini-sessions about taking care of yourself for young girls. The program is organized by Newtown Youth Services.