More Than You Ever Imagined in a Beauty School.

Cosmetology and Nail Technology in Hays and Salina, Kansas. Award-winning, and family-run since 1981.

Next class starts

November 10

November 2026 · Hays and Salina

Welcome to the Family

  • The Hays campus at 1214 East 27th Street, the Hays Academy monogram and name above the entrance
  • A nail technology student painting a client's nails at the table
  • A student shampooing a client at the bowl
  • The Hays salon floor, a colour service under way
  • A student working at the MAKE-UP BAR, finishing a classmate's eye makeup
  • The Salina campus sign at 115 South 5th Street
  • A student curling a client's hair at the styling station, the mirror behind them reflecting her and a second laughing guest

Real outcomes

Pick your chair, two programs

A Hays Academy student sections a client's hair with shears and a comb at the salon mirror.

Cosmetology

Cosmetology Program

1,500 hours ~11 months

All in
$18,900
Of that, tools
$2,800
Next start
November 2026
See the program
A nail technician paints a fine gold monogram onto an almond-shaped nail.

Nail Technology

Nail Tech Program

350 hours 3 months

All in
$4,595
Of that, tools
$900
Next start
November 2026
See the program

From tour to license

Your six-step path
to success.

No mystery, no hidden stages. This is the entire distance between a tour and a license.

  1. Tour See the school in action, meet the family.
  2. Enroll Class size limited to the first 25.
  3. Orientation Learn all about Hays Academy and your program.
  4. Basics, Salon Floor and More Experience the industry one step at a time.
  5. State boards 100% of our grads passed.
  6. Licensed Behind the chair, earning.

What students say

Testimonials

My time at hays academy has been the best time of my life. I have grown so much not only as a cosmetologist but as a person as well. We are able to share our faith which has helped me to grow and accept myself. My peers have been a great support system because we have such a positive culture here at hays academy. My instructors have let me challenge myself in so many ways, but they were always there when I needed help. This school has absolutely completely prepared me for my state tests and also prepared me for life as a stylist in a salon.

Hannah E.

Salina Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

Hays academy (Salina campus) changed my life. I’ve never had so much support ever and they did just that! Not only are you taught each service procedure in multiple ways but the teachers got your back. They don’t let you fail! Hays academy is truly more than a school. With an open heart and open mind they become your extended family. Hays academy has a piece of my heart and I’m so blessed to have experienced the journey to my desired career I’ve saved up for and waited for 10 plus years. Thank u hays academy!

Crystal D.

Salina Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

After graduating high school I was looking for an amazing school where I could start my career. I toured at Hays Academy and it was the perfect fit for me. After starting they soon became family and I created amazing relationships with fellow students. Hays Academy provided a great learning environment to create a foundation in skills that I will carry with me to the salon. In the past year my life has changed for the best and it is because of my experience at Hays Academy.

Tori D.

Hays Campus haysacademy.com · consumer information

Hays Academy of Hair Design provided me the tools, experience, and opportunity to go out and succeed. Whenever I was feeling down they always went out of their way to pick me back up. They made me realize you can go anywhere in life as long as you work hard and want it. They definitely care about their students and it is so plain to see that. They made me feel like one of their own, I can definitely see why they say “Welcome to the family”.

Lexie R.

Both campuses haysacademy.com · consumer information

I came to this school with a little bit of background in the industry, having gone to another hair school in another state, I was pretty confident. Coming to Hays Academy my eyes were truly opened to what this industry truly is, and the way instructors should be. I have learned so much here, and I have overcome so many things thanks to the amazing staff here. I am confident that I will succeed in this industry due to the amazing staff here!

Sabrina O.

Salina Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

My time at Hays Academy of Hair Design has been such a life-changing experience. I have grown not only in my technical skills but also in my confidence and professionalism. The instructors challenged me, supported me, and helped shape me into the stylist I am today. The hands-on training and real client experience truly prepared me for the salon environment. I am so thankful for the friendships, knowledge, and opportunities I gained here.

Kayla C.

Hays Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

I will absolutely miss my time as a student here and always have a special place in my heart for this school, staff, and the other students! I have made so many accomplishments in my short time here and made some lifelong friends along the way! I am very appreciative of the staff for always pushing me to do my best, and would ALWAYS recommend this school to anyone wanting to learn the best education they can receive for Cosmetology!

Kylie M.

Salina Campus haysacademy.com · consumer information

Hays Academy of Hair Design is a great school. The owners and instructors truly seem to care about our success in school and afterwards. They do so much more than just preparing you for your state board exams. They help you build habits and character that will last a lifetime and help you in your career and life in general.

Bailey J.

Both campuses haysacademy.com · consumer information

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Hays Academy Of Hair design as a student. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to invest in yourself, chase a passion, and start something new. This journey has given me confidence, purpose, and excitement for what’s ahead, and I’m proud to finally be doing what I LOVE!

Brenda M.

Hays Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

When I came to Hays Academy of Hair Design, I was nervous. But I quickly felt like part of the family. Hays Academy of Hair Design was like my second home. I loved getting up and going to school! I will always be grateful for the new path I’ve been given.

Kari N.

Hays Campus haysacademy.com · consumer information

I appreciate all the hard work the instructors and students put in. I would like to thank the instructors for prepping me for the salon world and the state boards. I would also like to thank them for pushing me and making sure I had everything I needed.

Carmen C.

Salina Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

I’ve enjoyed my time here and the staff is super helpful, caring, and loving. They lift you up and guide you in the right direction. Thanks to all of you, I’ve enjoyed my time here and would do it again if I had to.

Zach D.

Salina Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

I came in to school ready to kick butt. When my health hit I felt like giving up. They staff and students gave me the strength and motivation to keep on going and I finished strong with them all by my side!!

Kenna P.

Hays Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

One of the best schools to prepare you for the salon. Both in technical skill and personal mindset. Such a loving and welcoming staff that really make it exciting to go to school everyday!

Cali R.

Hays Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

My time at the school was a rollercoaster. The staff was always understanding. They were there to listen and willing to work with me. I will forever cherish my time at Hays Hair Academy.

Katie W.

Hays Campus Hays Academy graduate survey

I loved my experience here. The teachers were great and always there when I needed something. I’m super excited to get out on my own and know that I always have people I can look up to!

Paige P.

Salina Campus haysacademy.com · consumer information

Hays Academy is a well-rounded and friendly community… it changed my life for the better and I'll never regret it.

Erica Schultz

Hays Campus haysacademy.com · cosmetology program (trimmed for length)

As a part of the Hays Academy of Hair Design family I would recommend the school to anyone.

Evangel Goossen

Salina Campus haysacademy.com (trimmed for length)

Hays Academy of Hair Design is a GREAT place to go to school!

Sydney Fellhoelter

Hays Campus haysacademy.com (trimmed for length)

Who stands behind this school

Our Partners

Two different kinds of backing, and they answer two different questions: who says this school is real, and what you'll actually have in your hands.

The credentials behind the diploma.

A cosmetology license is issued by the state, not by a school. These are the bodies that make ours count.

  • National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences

    NACCAS

    Our national accreditor, the reason federal financial aid is available to those who qualify.

  • Kansas Board of Cosmetology

    Kansas Board of Cosmetology

    Licenses the school and writes the state board exam you'll sit.

  • American Association of Cosmetology Schools

    AACS

    Member school.

Professional lines, from day one.

You learn on the products working salons actually stock, and your kit is the real thing, not a student substitute. Hays Academy is a Wella Signature School and a Dermalogica Partner School, and every enrollment includes Qnity's MONEY financial-literacy curriculum.

  • Wella

  • Wella Cut Craft

  • Dermalogica

  • Qnity

  • Pivot Point

  • Sam Villa

  • Tammy Taylor

Start Your Beauty Journey Here

Are You Ready for Beauty School?

Our goal is to produce the most hire-able, financially responsible graduates in the country! We hope that is your goal too!

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