The Academies of Chapel Hill (ACH) Cosmetology students are now offering salon services to the public at discounted rates, located at Chapel Hill High School in Tyler. These Salon Nights and Salon Saturdays allow community members to access cosmetology services while providing students with essential practical experience beyond the classroom.
Salon Nights are scheduled for the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, operating from 4 to 7 p.m. Salon Saturdays are held on the third Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon. All services are performed by students under the direct supervision and guidance of cosmetology instructors. The Academies of Chapel Hill is located at 3172 State Hwy. 64 E. in Tyler. Appointments for services can be made by emailing [email protected].
The program is specifically designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world application, allowing students to apply techniques learned in class to actual clients. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing vital communication, customer service, and time management skills—all prerequisites for a successful career in a professional salon. Virginia Johnson, an ACH Cosmetology teacher, highlighted the program’s value, noting that these events provide students with an opportunity to practice both their technical and people skills. She further explained that students are learning to communicate effectively, build relationships, and gain confidence, which could lead to valuable career connections after graduation.
Laura Helm, director of the Academies of Chapel Hill ISD, reiterated the overarching goal of the program, stating that these events represent "authentic learning that connects the classroom to a future career." She emphasized that students are actively building professional skills, serving their community, and preparing to enter the workforce with significant experience already accrued. The program recently hosted a successful Salon Night, demonstrating its immediate impact on both student development and community engagement.
Community members who utilize these services should anticipate that appointments may require more time than in a traditional salon setting, as each service is an integral part of the students’ educational journey. Instructors remain present throughout every service to offer continuous guidance and ensure students receive the necessary support. Patrons are kindly asked to exercise patience during their visit. Ms. Johnson underscored this request, reminding clients that some students may be serving their first customers. She stressed that every visit contributes to a student's learning, improvement, and progress toward becoming a skilled professional. This ongoing initiative effectively supports the development of future cosmetologists in the East Texas area, equipping them with invaluable practical experience while simultaneously providing a beneficial community service.
