Pavia Hair Academy Student Handbook

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At Pavia Hair Academy, creativity, technical expertise, and real-world experience converge to train the next generation of beauty professionals. Our academy is a small, hands-on environment located inside a fully operational salon, designed to give students individualized attention and experience that prepares them to enter the beauty industry confident and career-ready.

This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to our programs, policies, procedures, and resources. It is designed to help you navigate your journey from enrollment to graduation successfully.

 Pavia Hair Academy exists to equip aspiring stylists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the beauty industry. By combining hands-on salon experience, individualized mentorship, and a proven training program, we prepare students to become highly skilled professionals who can step directly into their careers.

•  Creativity: Encouraging innovation, experimentation, and personal expression.
• Excellence: Commitment to superior education and practical experience.
• Community: Fostering relationships, networking, and collaboration within the industry.
• Integrity: Promoting ethical practices, professionalism, and respect.

 Our academy is intentionally designed to mimic the professional salon environment:

• Student Salon: Work with real clients under direct supervision to gain hands-on experience in cutting, coloring, styling, blonding, and extensions.
• Classrooms: Interactive classrooms equipped with technology for theoretical lessons, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Pavia Salon: Students can shadow, assist, and complete required hours while learning in a real salon environment. Gain invaluable experience from mentors, observe professional workflows, and develop the skills needed to thrive in a salon setting.

Hair Stylist Program

Our 1000-hour Cosmetology program combines theory, hands-on practice, assisting, and real client work to prepare students for professional success.

Course Highlights:

• Haircutting: Classic, modern, layered, and precision techniques.
• Coloring: Permanent, semi-permanent, highlights, balayage, lowlights, color correction, and advanced blonding.
• Extensions: Sew-in, tape-in, and application/removal techniques.
• Styling: Blowouts, updos, editorial/fashion looks, everyday styles.
• Client Consultations: Build trust, loyalty, and professional client relationships.
• Salon & Business Skills: Scheduling, client management, retailing, branding, and business strategy.
• Nail, Skin, and Makeup Basics: Introductory skills to expand salon services.
• Sanitation & Safety: Proper cleaning, sterilization, and chemical safety protocols.

Graduation Requirements:

• Completion of 1000 program hours
• Passing state practical and written exams
• Portfolio submission
• Meeting attendance and professionalism standards

Grading Scale:

• 96–100 = Pass
• 85–95 = Pass
• 70–84 = Fail / Retake
• Below 70 = Fail

Transfer Credits:

Pavia Hair Academy does not accept transfer credits from other schools. Transferability to other institutions is not guaranteed unless a written agreement exists.

Continuing Education:

Graduates have the opportunity to attend workshops post-graduation to refine skills, learn new techniques, and stay updated on industry trends.

Application Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Introductory interview with the Lead Educator
• Completed application form (online or in-person)

Enrollment Steps:

1. Submit application with required documents (transcripts, ID).
2. Pay $100 non-refundable application fee.
3. Attend admissions interview.
4. Receive acceptance confirmation and complete enrollment to secure your seat.

Re-admittance Policy:

Students dismissed for academic or attendance reasons may reapply with proof of improvement and approval from the director.

Postponement of Start Date:

Requests to postpone must be submitted in writing and agreed upon by the school. Refunds will be issued according to the tuition refund policy.

 Mentorship & Career Services:

Students receive one-on-one guidance from instructors and the Lead Educator. Career Services assist with job placement, resume building, and portfolio development.

Student Well-Being:

Support is available for academic, personal, or emotional challenges. Study skills, time management, and stress management resources are provided.

Student Grievances:

Students should first address concerns with the Director in writing. A meeting will be scheduled to discuss and resolve the issue amicably.

Code of Conduct & Professionalism:

Students must demonstrate respect, integrity, and professionalism at all times. Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or weapons is prohibited. Violations may result in dismissal.

Attendance Policy:

• Minimum attendance: 90% of scheduled classes.
• Excused Absences: Illness, family emergencies, or pre-approved reasons. Documentation may be required.
• Unexcused Absences: Excessive unexcused absences may result in probation or impact certification eligibility.
• Late Arrivals/Early Departures: More than 3 instances will be addressed and may affect attendance record.
• Make-Up Classes: Allowed for excused absences based on availability.

Withdrawal Policy:

• Written notice required.  
• Outstanding Balances: If you withdraw before completing a program, any outstanding balances must be paid according to the financial agreement. Students with unpaid balances may not receive official transcripts or certification.
• Refunds processed per tuition refund schedule.
• Re-enrollment: If you withdraw and later decide to re-enroll in a program, you will need to contact the Admissions office. Re-enrollment is subject to availability and approval. Students who have withdrawn and wish to return may also be required to submit updated documentation or fulfill additional requirements based on the time that has passed since their original enrollment. 

School Closures:

• Winter Break: 2 weeks
• Spring Break: 1 week
• Summer Break: 1 week
• Classes are not held on the following holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & the Friday following, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Dress Code & Grooming Standards:

• While Pavia Hair Academy does not require a specific uniform, all students are expected to maintain a professional appearance that reflects the standards of the beauty industry. Clothing should be neat, clean, and appropriate for a salon environment.”
• Hair styled neatly
• Closed-toe shoes mandatory

Health & Safety:

• Safety is priority at Pavia Hair Academy. All students are required to follow health and safety protocols both in the classroom and the salon environment:
• Sanitation & Sterilization: Students will be trained in proper sanitation techniques, including the cleaning and disinfecting of tools and surfaces.
• Chemical Safety: Students will learn to handle chemical products, including hair color, perms, and other salon treatments, safely and in accordance with industry guidelines.

 Graduating from Pavia Hair Academy is a major milestone and a critical step toward becoming a licensed beauty professional. Upon completion of the program, you will be fully prepared to take the required licensing exams, which vary by state and program (e.g., hairstylist).

• Licensing Requirements: 1000 hours of training
• Exam Preparation: Students will receive comprehensive exam preparation materials, including practice tests and mock exams, to ensure confidence and readiness for the licensing process.

Certifications:

Graduates will be prepared to take state licensing exams and will earn:

• Cosmetology Certification
• Barbicide Certification
• Sanitation Certification
• Extensions Certification
• Eyelash Extension Certification

Job Placement Assistance:

Career Services assists with job searches, portfolio creation, resume development, and connecting graduates with local salons.

Admissions Office:

• Phone: 434-439-2743
• Email: paviahairacademylynchburg@gmail.com
• Website: www.paviahairacademy.com
• Address: 2264 Lakeside Dr. Lynchburg, va 24501

Lead Educator / Director:

• Veronica Pavia, Director & Lead Educator
• Phone: 434-439-2743