Academy of Professional Cosmetology

The SAU Tech Academy of Professional Cosmetology prepares students for licensure and careers in the beauty industry. Students learn and practice the full range of cosmetology services in a supervised salon setting that is open to the public. The program follows state board requirements and offers multiple credential options based on your career goals.

What You’ll Learn

What You’ll Learn

Students receive structured instruction and practice in the following areas:

  • Haircutting, styling, chemical texturing, and hair color
  • Manicuring, pedicuring, and nail shaping
  • Facials, makeup application, and basic skincare
  • Braiding, extensions, and specialty styling techniques
  • Infection control, salon safety, and sanitation standards
  • Customer service, retail sales, and salon business operations


All services are performed using state-approved methods and tools, and students regularly work with real clients in the school’s on campus salon.

Class Schedule

Cosmetology Classes

  • Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Online coursework available Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Cosmetology Instructor Program

Wednesday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM


Public Salon Services

The cosmetology program includes a working salon that offers services to the public. Students perform services under instructor supervision.

Salon Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Last check in for chemical services is 1:30 PM.

Additional Training Options

Esthetics Technology Certificate
Focuses on skin care, facials, waxing, makeup, and spa techniques. Includes both classroom learning and simulated salon experience.

Nail Technology Certificate
Covers natural and artificial nail care, sanitation, and preparation for the National Nail Technology Theory Exam.

Barbering 
Offers hands-on, industry-focused training that prepares students for state licensure and long-term success in the barbering profession. This program also offers the opting to become a Barbering Instructor.

  • Meet Lora Howard SAU Tech Cosmetology Director & Instructor

    gold texture

    Over 40 years ago, Lora Howard was immersed in the haircare industry at the feet of her mother, Gaybern Bell, a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Wisconsin. Through her tutelage, Lora began to have opportunities to experience the difference that a trained clinician can make in the lives of the people they serve. Lora quickly learned that "doing hair" was far more than styling. She watched as her mother addressed hair loss, navigated textured styling, and ensured chemicals and color were done effectively and safely. The passion and care that her mother exhibited ignited a fire in Lora that led her to pursue her licensure in the state of Indiana more than 20 years ago. She studied at The Academy of Cosmetology in Marion, Indiana, where she went through the Barbering and Cosmetology program. Lora is licensed as a Cosmetology Practitioner, Cosmetology Instructor, Cosmetology Manager, and Barber in Wisconsin. She also holds a license as a Cosmetology Practitioner in Indiana and a Cosmetology Instructor in Arkansas. Since completing her education, Lora has managed salons such as Showcase Hair designs, Dreams & Visions Beauty Salon, etc. She has also owned and operated salons. Lora worked in Simple Elegance Beauty Salon as a stylist for three years and owned her salon, Lora's Divine Hair Appointments, for 11 years. She then furthered her education to become a licensed instructor for Paul Mitchell. While at the Paul Mitchell School in Milwaukee, Lora was an educator/theory specialist/texture specialist. She taught in-house color and cutting classes. Lora also conducted the first barbering class. Being under the Paul Mitchell training, Lora achieved many certifications such as Level 2 color, Level 2 cutting, and Level 4 texture specialist. During her time at Paul Michell, Lora won the 2016 and 2018 Caper Competition. Lora's varied positions, certificates, and achievements have allowed her to impart the same passionate wisdom her mother had groomed in her decades before. Lora has guided classes of future professionals to work past insecurities and misconceptions to be competent caretakers of their clients' hair health. In her current role at the SAU Tech Academy of Professional Cosmetology, Lora will guide students through the complete process from education to state licensure certification. Matriculating students can expect a life-changing experience from an industry expert with a wide range of knowledge of products, processes, and people.Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • Lora Howard Education and Experience

    Experience

    Paul Mitchell The School Milwaukee - Educator/Theory Specialist/Texture Specialist/Barbering Specialist (5 yrs.)

    Simple Elegance Beauty Salon – Stylist (3 yrs.)

    Owner of Lora’s Divine Hair Appointments (11 yrs.)

    Professional Education

    Academy of Cosmetology | Marion, IN

    Barbering/Cosmetology Program

    Professional Certifications

    Paul Mitchell the School Milwaukee | Pewaukee, WI

    Level 2 Color

    Level 2 Cutting

    Level 4 Texture

    Licensure

    Wisconsin - Cosmetology Practitioner / Cosmetology Instructor / Cosmetology Manager / Barber

    Indiana - Cosmetology Practitioner

    Arkansas - Cosmetology Instructor

    Achievements

    2016 Winner of Caper Competition (Paul Mitchell The School Milwaukee)

    2018 Winner of Caper Competition (Paul Mitchell The School Milwaukee)Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • Program Goals

    1. Students will be able to pass state board examinations.

    2. Students will be able to perform skills in the areas of hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, skincare, make-up application, manicuring, and pedicuring.

    3. Students will be able to specialize in hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, skincare, make-up application, manicuring, and pedicuring.

    4. Students will be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and guests. 5. Students will be able to project professionalism.

    6. Students will be able to perform basic analytical skills to be able to advise clients on total look concepts.

    7. Students will be able to apply academic learning, technical information, and related matter to assure sound judgments, decisions, and procedures.Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • Program Outcome

    1. Demonstrate competency levels to qualify for the state license exam

    2. Communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally

    3. Engage and take responsibility as active learners and critical thinkers

    4. Demonstrate customer service skills, self-growth, and personal development

    5. Perform salon business such as front desk operations, dispensary inventory, resume building and interviewing skills, and self-marketing

    6. Perform hair care services for all types of hair including hair analysis, hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring and lightening, permanent waving, and chemical relaxing

    7. Perform natural nail services including manicuring and pedicuring 8

    . Perform basic skincare services including skin analysis, facials, makeup application, and superfluous hair removal

    9. To have the knowledge of decontamination control, public hygiene, and special sanitation procedures used for the protection of the client and future professionalDescribe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

Ways to Reach Us:

Shelley Young-Dean for Allied Health Programs/Cosmetology
Lora Howard-Faculty
Shikhara Montgomery - Faculty

Christopher Gill - Faculty

  • Call: (870) 574-4500
  • Email: ljones@sautech.edu
  • Visit: 6415 Spellman Road, Camden, AR 71701
  • Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Friday: 8:00 am-11:00 am | Closed on Friday During Summer

Contact SAU Tech Academy of Professional Cosmetology

Have questions? We’re here to help.
Whether you’re looking for more information, need help with the application process, or just want to talk to someone about your next steps, the SAU Tech team is ready to connect with you.

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