About
Hays Academy

A Cutting Edge Beauty School in Kansas

Hays Academy of Hair Design opened its doors on April 1st, 1981. In January of 2003, Summer Melvin and Danielle Markley (sisters) purchased the beauty school with the vision of offering the students with an up to date, cutting edge education. The goal was an education that will enable students to thrive in the beauty industry. Furthermore, they had a strong desire to offer the community professional salon services at a very affordable price.

Exciting Changes

During 2009, Hays Academy (#HAHD) made some exciting decisions to back their forward thinking business beliefs. In 2009, Hays Academy became a Wella Signature School, which at the time made them only 1 of 14 schools in the United States!

Enter Wella Cut Craft

Enter Wella Cut Craft. After being a Sassoon Connection Member School since 2010, Hays Academy was ready for a change. In 2018, Hays Academy became the first school in the world to offer the Wella Cut Craft cutting curriculum. This renowned cutting system has been proven a huge success for existing stylists. This curriculum will be a tremendous addition to the already very impressive partnerships. Because of these amazing additions, Hays Academy is able to produce some of the most hirable and market ready graduates in the country!

Opportunity to Expand

In February of 2012, Hays Academy was blessed to have the opportunity to expand to Salina, Kansas! After remodeling nearly 7500 square feet, the school opened to 7 transfer students eager to finish the dream they started. With the same curriculum, an amazing group of staff members, and a newly remodeled facility, Hays Academy couldn’t be any more excited than to be a part of the Salina community. We strive to serve the Central and Western parts of Kansas as we work diligently to transform the cosmetology industry one student at a time!

Prestigious Partners

Because of our prestigious partners, Hays Academy primarily uses Wella Beauty products. This includes the premier lines of Sebastian (winner of several international styling awards), Nioxin, Wella Professional, and world renowned Wella color. By partnering with Wella, our students have the opportunity to work with some of the top products used in the industry today, as well as the chance to learn from some of the top artists in the nation.

Plus, we now work with Beauty as a Business, an online social media marketing curriculum to help students have a better understanding how to use Instagram and other platforms to market themselves and build their own book of business after completing one of our programs!

Testimonials

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.

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.
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!
– Salina Campus
Kylie M.

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.
– Hays Campus
Tori D.
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.
– Hays Campus
Kari N.

“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!”
-Salina Campus
Paige P.