I went for the first time to get a European facial at the school. The facials take a little longer here but so worth it! It was a great experience and I will be going back! read more

My experience with AI was brief but memorable. I went in for a laser tattoo removal and have had about 13 treatments already. I figured maybe one more zap just to see if anything was lingering around in there. What was impressive to me was the fact they told me I didn't need another treatment and said any additional treatments may cause an undesired outcome. As they could have simply taken the money and done the treatment but instead explained to me why they made the recommendation they did, really instill trust in their business practices. They had amazing customer service and I will absolutely return for different treatments. read more

Wonderful experience at a fantastic price. Will definitely be back for more facials. The Aesthetics Institute is a gem.

Don't waste your money on the masters program. I had a very negative experience overall. You will NOT get your moneys worth. I went in with an open mind and eager to learn but experience was very negative. Favoritism was definitely an issue in my cohort of students. Some students were prioritized more than others and it SHOWS. Certain students aren't prioritized regardless how much effort they put into wanting to learn more, go above & beyond, and grow. If you fall in that category of not being a favorite (like I was) you will find yourself having to go out of your way for help. At times, asking for help seemed like such an inconvenience. Of course not all, but certain instructors were lazy, inappropriate, judgmental, cold, rude, unhelpful, the list literally goes on. Also not an acne positive school! They really bring down the industry of esthetics here and it was honestly disappointing when I look back. read more

I've been a client & an unhappy parent of a student. As a former client, I feel money is much better spent else where as they're students, the service isn't usually very thorough & you end up needing a lot more appointments because of it. Such as--they aren't too experienced with laser & settings & as another review mentioned start extremely low/tend to stay there several appointments when you could go somewhere more experienced & get it done quicker, less pain, more thorough, & less expense. They also had no head wraps one laser appointment (said needed to order new ones) & burnt a huge patch of my front hairline that won't grow back I had a big bald spot on side of hairline for many months. As far as a parent of a student who attends, the glitz & looks of the program really interested my child so I agreed. However, it's extremely expensive for the lack of thoroughness. Program policies I absolutely do NOT agree with like all students must leave building every lunch/no exceptions & my child is a minor who doesn't drive & it's in a rough area (the things we see on our drive to & from there each day are anxiety filled w/the amount of homelessness & questionable behavior of those all over the streets) & she's forced to go outside for an hour/they lock the doors/can't use restroom & rain or shine--as a minor, with no car, no safe place to be except they advise to "go to a surrounding business" my MINOR isn't ALLOWED on the sketchy streets nearby! I don't even walk on Portland creepy streets no way! I pay $2400 the 1st of every month to worry each day if she's ok/warm/etc. NEVER have I been in an employment or school setting where there was no break/common area while the staff are in there warm & safe w/doors locked. The curriculum isn't worth spending almost double than other "institutes" either. The copy & paste tests they use are online. The tests don't match the covered readings. Several of the required materials are still coming in mail--where's the thoroughness, proper planning, preparedness? & the second phase is going up an extra $1000 next year LOL good riddens! read more

I attended school here for the masters aesthetics program and the advanced aesthetics program. The teachers are great- they're all very knowledgeable and make sure you get a lot of hands-on practice/experience- because of this, you feel extremely prepared when going into the real world. I'd recommend anyone wanting to enter the aesthetic industry to attend this school. read more

Great services, I've experienced wonderful facials, IPL, laser work with each service given with expert thoughtful client care, excellent results and attentive attention to detail. I'm so glad I've found them! Thank you for my best looking skin. read more

I've struggled with acne for 15 years. Growing up, I visited a dermatologist regularly and tried every cream and pill possible. None of it worked. Eventually, I went on birth control and my skin cleared up "ish." I made the decision to go off the pill and about 6 months ago my skin exploded into acne worse than when I was a teenager. It was really upsetting and stressful. My friend attends the Aesthetic Institute as a student and she recommended that I make an appointment. I can't believe after over a decade of acne, I never thought to get a facial! I've been getting weekly European facials at the Aesthetic Institute for 3 months now, in addition to improving my diet and taking some herbal supplements, and my skin looks fantastic! Better than ever. The students there helped me switch up my products and customize my skin care regime to match my combination, acne prone skin. Now that my skin is under control and I have my regime dialed in, I've started to taper the regularity that I go in. Eventually I hope to cut it back to every 4-6 weeks. My experience with the students at the Aesthetic Institute has been overall very position. They are students and don't have a lot of experience so there are definitely awkward moments and fumbling , etc. but everyone has always been professional and kind. The instructors always come in before the treatment starts to confirm what the student thinks they should do and provide any insight. They are also there to oversee extractions. The instructors are amazing and always make me feel like I can trust the students to provide the correct treatments. With the serious acne I *had* it was important for me to receive regular facials and there is absolutely no way I could have afforded going to a regular spa weekly. Other aestheticians that I found online charged over $150 for one facial, way more than the $35 of the Aesthetics Institute. AI is an amazing resource to improve your skin on a budget and help students get the experience they need for their future careers. read more

Absolutely 100% unprofessional and also removes reviews so customers don't think twice about spending thousands more dollars for their program. Anyone who wants details about this feel free to message me as so many women have already have based on my last review. read more

Great value for your money! I received a Hot Oil Manicure for $15 and it was great. My only concern is that the description of the service was a little inaccurate (it listed a salt scrub that never happened and the "warm oil hand soak with essential oils" was really warm think lotion) but it was still very enjoyable and I felt I was more than getting my money's worth. Friendly service, just make sure to plan some extra time for the service, just in case, as my 1 hr manicure took about 1 1/2 hours from the time I walked in and out the door. read more

I had a great experience. Wonderful facial in a very relaxing atmosphere. My skin was glowing and felt terrific. I will be adding this to my monthly regimen. read more

Rude! I had a 1 pm appointment and, since it was my first time here, I arrived 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time so there was time to do the usual paperwork before my appointment. I found the doors locked, so I stood outside in the rain until the person inside me in a little after 1 pm. Apparently they lock up for lunch and then reopen after the lunch time. If that is their policy, they should NOT make appointments for 1 pm. After doing my paperwork, the student started my treatment at about 1:20. I had a leg wax and pedicure scheduled. I was somewhat surprised to find that my student doing my leg wax was a man, who made me a bit uncomfortable. He also left me with sticky wax on my legs. The pedicure was fine, but he seemed incapable of getting my nails as short as I asked (I went home and trimmed them). Although they have nice comfortable looking pedi chairs that looked like they had massage, I sat on a hard bench with my feet in a bowl. I won't be back read more

I had been wanting to try Aesthetics Inst. for a while and bought a Groupon for 4 facials when I saw it offered. I was very excited to finally try them! My first visit and student was ok. She did a good job but never felt that she really wanted to be there, it was just something she had to do for the program. I also never saw an instructor. After the facial when I came out of the room, I never saw anyone and had a hard time finding my own way out. The second time I went, the student was great. I felt connected and was excited...until the instructor came in. She made me feel like shit about myself! She talked down to me telling me my face look burned, it only felt burnt after my face was cleansed with their product, then scolded me because I use coconut oil on my skin, perfectly fine according to my naturopathic physician. Never put anything on your face you wouldn't put in your mouth, right? I do suffer from body image issues and low self esteem and the way the instructor spoke to me exhasterbated all of these! I left in tears! The student tried to console me, she will go far ONLY if she doesn't listen to her instructor. I have told as many people as I can NEVER to come here! I will not use my last two facials. I will keep going to Aveda Inst. I feel cared for there and the student never leaves me until I walk out of the door. They know customer service and instill it into their students. read more

I had a big, red, inflamed and painful zit on my cheek. I asked my own esthetician if she could do a little extraction as I was going to be on TV the following week and wanted to get rid of the bugger asap. She recommended that I go to the Aesthetics Institute and get some galvonic treatment. I stopped in but it was after 4pm on Saturday and though they had already closed the owner offered to treat me anyway. She took me into the esthetics room, treated my zit with extractions and galvonic and sent me home with some medication to use over the next few days. She also educated me on blemish treatment including some natural remedies and the use of ice. It worked! By the time I had to appear on TV the redness and swelling had decreased enough that make-up concealed it perfectly. I commend the owner for her kindness, professionalism and knowledge. I highly recommend the Aesthetics Institute. read more

I have been getting electrolysis treatment on my upper lip for years. It wasn't until I found the Aesthetics institute that this treatment has become so much more than a painful and dreadful experience. Monique and her mother run the business and know everything and anything there is to know about hair, you'll really feel comforted to know you are in the hands of real professionals. The place is also a school so you can get great deals once in a while when the students need to practice! I love this place so much and am moving away from Portland soon; I fear I won't be able to settle for anything less than the Aesthetics Institute elsewhere. read more

I have been receiving many different services here for over 15 years. I come in on an as-needed basis. Keep in mind these are students and you will be getting cared for by some newbies and some with more experience. Mrs. Mendoza is open to critiquing by the customers in order to help the students learn their trade. The instructors are very knowledgeable about facials, skin care, nails,electrolysis, and laser techniques. I've used them all and can say I've been impressed!! Obviously, I have....I keep coming back! The student prices are a lot less of course than a professional, but that's part of the attraction. Someone mentioned they were uncomfortable having a male student. There is a real need for men in this industry. If you're uneasy, you can ask for a female student to work on you. read more

I have been going her for almost 2 years getting electrolosis on my chin and face. I LOVE it. Monique is great and the students are well edicuated, I have gotten facials and nail services as well and I would much rather go here than a salon, the treatment is great and very professional. I have never left here thinking it was a bad service I ALWAYS leave happy and refreshed! read more

I've only had one appointment there recently, but so far so good. I didn't know what to expect since it is a small school on SE Powell, but the environment was very aesthetically pleasing and relaxing. The woman who did my facial was very knowledgeable of my skin type and some of my challenges. For $30, for I walked out with a facial I've easily paid 3x the cost at other places. I already have an appointment to go back next month. read more

Samantha Miller is amazing!! My first facial and I will now be coming at least once a week!

I've been coming to Aesthetics Institute for over 10 years and it's been a pleasure each time. Mrs. Mendoza is the owner and she knows everything there is as far as facials, electrology and nails. I used to use the big recliner she had in the back room and would be as comfortable as a bug in a rug while I'd have a facial and pedicure simultaneously. Now that the salon is remodeled (front door on the side of the building instead of directly on Powell, the recliner is gone. They've recently had a flood and I've been waiting for them to re-open. But the main delight I find here is the professionalism of the students. They are unfailingly polite and most of them are very well trained before they meet the public. There is a constant flow of students graduating and others coming in so it's doubtful you'll have the same student twice, but I've enjoyed every one of them. They treat me like the professionals they'll become. If I contrast the service that I get here to, say, Beau Monde downtown, it's like college graduates vs. kindergartners. And for the woman who was offended by the teacher's (probably Mrs. Mendoza) discussion of their facial skin, I'm sure she would be very sorry that she hurt your feelings. Keep this hidden gem healthy, and treat yourself to a great treatment without having to feel guilty about spending a fortune. read more

I briefly spoke on the phone with these genuinely helpful ladies! I would love to give a great review but have not had the chance to make it to their place of business nor do I have the funds as I am in the middle of moving at this point. I hope to change my review stars in the near future! read more

I have been a client at the AE and I have been a student as well. I would highly recommend this school because they truly care about their students, clients comfort and safety. Not many places demonstrate those things. While I was a student I learned about the following... anatomy, nutrition, chemistry, electricity, sanitation, histology, hair removal, product ingredients, business, ethics, essential oils, non surgical face lifts, non surgical buttock and ready lifts, photo light therapy, microdermabrasion's and so much more. The medical portion of program is the most in depth program available in the greater Pacific North West. Monique and Mrs M care about every student, and truly want to see them succeed. I have never felt so enlightened before. Monique and Mrs M are wonderful women who are wise beyond their years, and have an incredible passion for sharing their wisdom with others. To be honest, I never thought I would be so confident and successful in my life, and I feel like I owe Mrs M and Monique a big thank you because they helped me find my true passion in life. That is never an easy thing to figure out, no matter what you think your dream career is. It takes true compassion and a caring soul to really encourage others to find happiness and success in life. If you want to get a great education, with caring professors with a wealth of knowledge for skin care, electrolysis, or nail care... I would highly recommend checking out the Aesthetics institute, you won't regret it. Being a client at the AE is magical. I love all my facials, I have always loved my body treatments as well. I would recommend a European facial, microdermabrasion, leg waxing, lumi lift's ( seriously best deal in town) or enzyme facials. There are so many other options, but those are my personal faves :). read more

enrolling into aesthetics institute was the best decision i've made for myself as an adult. the teachers are so welcoming and helpful. they really bent over backwards helping me with anything i needed. and i was not an easy student lol. i chose aesthetics institute between aveda and spectrum because i loved the fact that they are family owned and i hoped i could build strong and personal relationships with my teachers and other students and i was right. i was also scared of going to an all girls school, worrying about the drama or not fitting into a clique. i unfortunately wasn't put in a class with the nicest girls and was having trouble building up the courage to attend everyday, but monique (owner of school) put a stop to the "bullying", if you will, i was experiencing and made me feel so welcome to continue my schooling. so, if you're looking for a school in which you will receive close, professional, hands on, learning from some of the best esthetician's and a calm, laid back and welcoming learning environment, aesthetics institute is the best school for you :) i don't regret my decision one bit and am proud to say i graduated from here and i'm leaving feeling extremely confident with my skills and knowledge as an esthetician. oh i can't forget to mention, Laura one of my favorite teachers i think i've ever had. it was a pleasure being able to learn from her, as well as mrs. m and monique. read more

Starting my education at the Aesthetics Institute was the smartest decision I made to become a Master Esthetician. The instructors guided me on the path of success through their extensive hands on real life traing to become a professional in the career of Aesthetics. Compared to the other schools offered the Aesthetics Institute goes above and beyond teaching you various techniques and protocols when addressing skin care needs pertaining to each individual need. They offer many different avenues of certification through their stuctured course helping each student to become a knowledgeable professional which helps us stand out in the scope of practice we are seeking. I highly encourage anyone seeking a career path in the world of Aesthetics to start there journey at the Aesthetics Institute, I wouldn't be the professional I am today with out their dedicated passion for teaching students to become extraordinary professional Estheticians. read more

The Aesthetic Institute of Portland is -by far- the most knowledgeable educational facility in the Northwest. If not, the nation! In my very long quest for a school that taught the most advanced treatments, the AI by far surpassed all other educational facilities. They take such excellent care of their students in making sure that they have all the tools needed to become a well-rounded, advanced and successful aesthetician/electrologist/nail tech. They not only gave me a masters education, but an industry booming laser training, Medical Aesthetic Certification and electrology education. I graduated ready to go anywhere and do it all! If you want an edge up in this business, this is the place to go! read more

Super industry savvy owner and her students are sure to educate and pamper you with all the latest in skin care. Trust me, this lady knows her stuff, and it's good to know she is the one teaching Portlands up and coming. I know schools can be scary to have services done, but I urge you to do yourself a favor and make an appointment today! read more

Wow! I had a really great "Classic European Facial"! Really can't beat for the value and I was very, very pleasantly surprised by the products, techniques, and environment. Will definitely return. read more

I've only had electrolysis done by students and the quality has varied from nervous Nelly and not very good to professional, efficient, and amazing. The facilities are fine and everyone is courteous. If you get a good student it's phenomenal but if you get a bad one, I'm not sure it's worth it. Each student is only here for a few months so it also makes it hard to see someone you like a lot depart. Over the course of a year I've had approximately 5 different students work on me. read more

very disappointed in service I received. It was a classic bait and switch,I scheduled a facial for myself and a friend,ended up getting only one euro and a sales pitch for my friend for other services,that she did not want.I talked to the owner and her response was it was not of her concern because she did not schedule the appointment.She past the buck off on one of her employees.I felt it was in poor taste how she handle the situation and when asked for a refund she refused. :( I would not recommend this place to anyone if you do go beware and ask up front what your getting.. read more

This review is about the school not the services. The people that run the school are wonderful and caring. They allow students to bring their children to school with them which is a wonder thing. Unless you are trying to study or take a test or work on a client. With children running around and being allowed to distract their mothers and the fellow students from learning it becomes a problem. The classes are sold telling you that they have day care. However they left out the part that the children are left to play around while PAYING students try their best to learn. Again I think it's wonderful that children are allowed to come with the parents I just think that to be fair to everyone that pays for a class that the children be kept out of the learning environment so all who have paid can learn without the interruptions from the children. There is also the problem of the children being sick and getting the students sick and then the students ends up missing days of school because they got sick from the sick kids that should not be in the classroom. Come on Ladies be fair. The kids are beautiful and we know you love being around them, but not all of your students have babies and it's very unfair to charge people the amount you charge for school and expect them to endure other peoples children while trying to learn. Keep the kids in a day care type area or don't let them come. Separate the kids away from the students. Maybe building a new area for day care is in order. The mothers of the children could be charged a day care fee to pay for the creation of a day care area. read more

This is a review based on the school as a student. I went to AI almost 5 years ago and can say without a doubt, I made the right decision. I toured several school. Some super fancy and some sketch ones and after a few months, I decided on AI. The main reason was my first interview with Monique. She's not only a teacher (and daughter of other teacher) but she actually still takes clients and keeps up with all the newest technology. Very professional and very smart. And her mom, mrs M is brilliant. These people are jacks of all trades. Another reason I decided to go with AI is that they actually have the tools and machines you practice with. You don't just see them to learn a unit and then they leave- they own them and you can practice anytime. I started with my basics esthetics and quickly added medical and laser training and came back for tattoo removal and more laser training. I saw another poster talk about how she felt the teachers chatted and were unorganized. I could not disagree more. They always knew exactly where we were in our course work and made a point to keep lectures focused. I've been doing esthetics exclusively ever since graduation landing a job two weeks after my state testing. I firmly believe it has to do with AI. read more

After having a break out crisis, I decided to go in for a facial. The girl that did my facial was super nice and calming, she gave me a face, shoulder, and hand massage, and gave me little pointers on things to do to help my skin. I actually thought the whole thing was much more relaxing than I was expecting. The instructor came in and overlooked everything, so I felt good about everything they were putting on my face. They even gave me a week's worth of samples when I left. I think the student went over her time limit by about 10 minutes or something, which I didn't care about...but someone else might, so I'll throw that in there. Great price, great students. I can't wait until I get to go back again. read more

I am a graduated student at the aesthetics institute. I had previously went to a different school and didn't get my full education. This school is very good at teaching you everything you need to know to pass the state boards and more. I highly recommend this school to anyone who is interested in nails, esthetics, or electrology. The staff is great! read more

I was a student at the school, and I have to say that compared to most of the other cosmetology schools in the area, they are great. That isn't saying much though. The owners, mother and daughter, are smart and know their stuff, and are great people. But the inordinate amount of time they spend chatting and gossiping amongst themselves and with the students is ridiculous. Sometimes it felt like summer camp, not that it was especially easy, but they could be really unprofessional. They clearly had their favorite pet students and would spend all afternoon gossiping about really inappropriate things. They need to have better boundaries. Nice people, as I said, but geez, not good at staying on top of paperwork or clearly telling students what their assignments are. There was a lot of misinformation going around, and it got really frustrating. Trying to get some individual attention while performing a service was like pulling teeth. They acted like the videos or textbook was the real teacher. How bout some more hands-on help, without feeling like you are bothering them? This sentiment was echoed by many former students as well. I wish them luck and recommend them, as the other schools are even worse. Just know what you are getting into. read more