For many people, confidence is key. 

“Even just like a haircut, or their hair color, it can really change and boost someone's self-confidence," said Brianna Toro, cosmetology student.

But once Toro starts working at a salon, she’ll also be saving lives. She's one of about 50 students in the Capital Region BOCES Cosmetology program to receive their human trafficking awareness certification, meaning they can the spot signs of a human trafficking victim and know what to do.

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

“It is the truth that this stuff does happen in the world that we live in. Although it is sad, we can't 100% prevent it from happening. But we can definitely do our best to stop it when it starts, or before it starts," Toro said.

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

“Certain times, this is all that they're allowed to do, is go out and get their haircut, get their nails done. So if they can tell somebody, it's going to be the people that they can go to every two to three weeks," Toro said.

In 2021, over 1,600 signals were received by the National Human Trafficking Hotline from New York state. It can happen anywhere, to anyone.

“A lot of people don't realize, but cosmetologists are some of the first line of defense. We get really close with our clients. We build a really trusting relationship. And oftentimes, they are going to confide in us, and we want to make sure that our students are aware what could possibly come up," said Alexis Hicks, senior cosmetology instructor.

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

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