Here's the honest map of cosmetology school, three named phases, 1,500
hours, and your state boards at the end. No mystery, no fine print.
Nail technology runs the same idea at sprint length: 350 hours in about
three months, see that program.
Months 1–3 · 0 → ~350 hours
1 Foundations
Mannequin heads, theory, and muscle memory. Nobody expects you to know anything on day one, that's the whole point of day one.
Month 1
Kit day: your Pivot Point books and tools land in your hands. Sanitation and nails come first, and for the first two and a half weeks, cosmetology and nail technology students learn them together.
Month 2
First real cuts on mannequins. Theory classes run alongside floor practice, Tuesday through Friday, plus one required Saturday a month. It's a full-time rhythm, fast.
Month 3
Color theory begins, and the Wella Cut Craft curriculum.
Months 4–9 · ~350 → 1,100 hours
2 Floor
Real clients, supervised every step. This is where school starts feeling like the career you love.
Months 4–6
Your first paying clients on the salon floor. All services are performed by supervised students. Skin care, facials, and nail services join the rotation.
Months 7–8
The MONEY by Qnity financial-literacy modules, pricing, saving, booth rent math. Building the business brain behind the chair.
Month 9
You're closing in on finishing school, time to start scheduling your state boards.
Months 10–12 · ~1,100 → 1,500 hours
3 Finish
Portfolio, boards, and the last climb. By now the question isn't whether you can do this, it's which salon gets you.
Months 10–11
Portfolio building for social and for salon interviews, plus career services: resume help, salon networking, job fairs.
◆ ~1,420 hours · schedule your practical exam (taken after you graduate)
Month 12
1,500 hours complete, skill book signed off, 75% GPA across theory, practical, and attendance, graduation requirements met. You graduate ready to sit for your state boards.
Month one is waiting
Pick your start.
November 2026February 2027May 2027August 2027November 2027
Programs start four times a year: February, May, August, November, the
school's published calendar. Both campuses, both programs.
Want the month-one details?
We'll text you what week one looks like, the next start dates, and a tour invite, real answers from real people.
Ok, check your texts. 💌
Randi will text you real answers, cost, start dates, and a tour invite. No spam, no pressure.
Randi Gerstner Admissions Director, she's the one texting you.
Kellie BrownAdmissions Director/Salon Coordinator, she's the one texting you.Kellie will text you real answers, cost, start dates, and a tour invite. No spam, no pressure.
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Paige P. · Salina campus
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Evangel Goossen · Salina campus
“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.”
Kayla C. · Hays campus
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Brenda M. · Hays campus
“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
“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
“Not only are you taught each service procedure in multiple ways but the teachers got your back. They don’t let you fail!”
Crystal D. · Salina campus
“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
“Coming to Hays Academy my eyes were truly opened to what this industry truly is, and the way instructors should be.”
Sabrina O. · Salina campus
“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
“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
“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
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