Cosmetology students trained in human trafficking awareness

For many people, trust is essential.

“Even like a haircut or hair color, it can really change and build confidence,” said cosmetology student Brianna Toro.

But once Toro starts working in a salon, she'll also save lives. She is one of about 50 students from the Capital Region BOCES cosmetology program to receive their Human Trafficking Awareness Certification, which means they can spot the signs of a victim of human trafficking and knowing what to do.

Each of the 29 programs offered by BOCES provides students with professional certifications like this.

“It’s true that these kinds of things happen in the world we live in. Although it's sad, we can't 100% prevent this from happening. But we can certainly do our best to stop it when it starts, or before it starts,” Toro said.

She explained that having this certification is beneficial because it's common for people to open up to stylists, who they know and often trust.

“Some times that’s all they’re allowed to do is go get their hair cut, get their nails done. So if they can talk to anyone about it, those will be the people they can go to every two or three weeks,” Toro said.

In 2021, more than 1,600 reports were received by the New York State National Human Trafficking Hotline. It can happen anywhere, to anyone.

“A lot of people don’t realize it, but cosmetologists are the first line of defense. We are really close to our customers. We build a real relationship of trust. And a lot of times, they confide in us, and we want to make sure our students are aware of what could happen,” said senior cosmetology instructor Alexis Hicks.

Students can also take domestic violence awareness and infection control trainings, all intended to better prepare students like Toro for the world outside of high school.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888.