CEHJ Academy

CEHJ Academy is a beauty school in Hartford that trains students for careers in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology and eyelash technology. The school is owned by Mrs. Paulette R. Payne-Hill, who has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. The school describes itself as Hartford's leading beauty school.

The owner's stated aim is a learning environment that gives students modern training for beauty careers. The academy describes its culture as supportive, with an emphasis on practical learning, professional development and mentorship. Classes are small, which the school says allows one-on-one attention, and students can move through their program at their own pace.

Each program has its own set of hours. Cosmetology is 1,500 hours and covers haircutting, coloring, styling, chemical treatments, skincare, makeup artistry and salon operations. Barbering is 1,000 hours and covers men's cutting, tapering and fading, straight razor shaving, scalp treatments, beard grooming, men's color and chemical services, and barbershop management. Esthetics requires a minimum of 600 hours. Nail tech is 100 hours and eyelash tech is 50 hours; the eyelash program is advertised as completed in four weeks.

Students practice in the academy's fully equipped salon and barbershop area. Cosmetology and nail tech students work in the student clinic, as do barbering and esthetics students. Eyelash students practice on live models.

Day, night and weekend classes are offered on an open enrollment basis. Prospective students can tour the academy in person, and parents and guests are welcome to visit. Before applying, students meet with the school to choose a program, and consultation appointments with Mrs. Payne Hill are booked online and last 30 minutes. Enrollment is completed in person with a deposit. The school does not offer financial aid, student loans or Pell Grants.

The academy focuses on practical, hands-on learning, with students working in its clinic and on live models, alongside professional development and mentorship.

The academy describes a supportive culture in a fully equipped salon and barbershop setting.