L’Oréal helped to create the first-ever college degree in beauty and wellness. The program first launched last year. 

ROLFS Global CEO Francis Tesmer developed the LEAD program, in collaboration with L’Oréal USA Professional Products Division—plus Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. 

Tesmer says in the video below, “It is time for the $500 billion-dollar professional beauty industry to take its education to the next level, creating 21st century beauty professionals ready to lead and reinvent the beauty experience for all.”

She explains, “There is no other industry with the power to beautify, uplift, and transform every woman and man around the globe and we need it today, more than ever before.” 

Antonio Martinez, president, L’Oreal USA PPD division, also appears in the video below, He says, “It is critical to embrace a higher education pathway for salon professionals.”

Tesmer enlisted L’Oréal USA PPD to provide additional opportunities for Lead students. L’Oréal USA PPD’s vast salon, artist, educator and vendor networks have committed to industry-oriented curriculum support and education content. The company will leverage experts for guest lectures, mentorship, apprenticeship and other career advancement opportunities.

Lead is cost-effective, flexible, and accelerated. Although a cosmetology license is not required, Lead caters to licensed beauticians by awarding up to 30 credit hours toward an associate degree at no cost, allowing the AAS to be earned in as little as two semesters. After earning an AAS, students have access to a continued pathway at ASU where they can earn a BAS, typically accomplished in four semesters.