Hair program at Oak Creek helps incarcerated girls build self-confidence, find future employment
The Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility in Albany is running a state-approved natural hair care certification program. This initiative allows incarcerated young women to gain professional skills while earning a license they can use immediately upon release. By focusing on specific hair care techniques, the program provides a path toward independent employment in the cosmetology industry.
Beyond technical training, the salon serves as a community space within the facility. Participants describe the room as a place where they can escape the daily routine of incarceration. Teacher Brandy Nelson notes that training in creative fields encourages personal growth and individuality in an environment often structured around strict conformity.
Professional stylist Chrystal Thompson visits the facility bi-weekly to mentor students and perform services for the residents. For many participants, the salon is the only environment where they feel comfortable being themselves. Graduates like Aelina now aim to open their own businesses to serve their communities after they complete their sentences.
The program holds extra significance given that nearly half of the residents at Oak Creek are people of color. With the implementation of the CROWN Act in Oregon, these students are learning skills that address historical discrimination against Black hair. For residents like Jayda, the salon offers a fresh start and a clear vision for the future, including plans to provide discounted services for those experiencing homelessness.
By providing both a vocational credential and a supportive social environment, the staff at Oak Creek aims to ensure that residents leave with more than just a release date. They walk out with a trade and a sense of ownership over their career paths. The success of this program demonstrates how targeted vocational training helps young people transition back into society with practical tools and increased confidence.