I come here for facials since I have a friend in the academy. As a licensed esthetician, I know what should be expected. With that said, I have honestly had some top notch facials from my student friend here. They have hydra facials available as well as oxygen facials. Both of these can uplift your skin dramatically!! The only down side is because it is a school, you are getting our service done in a shared space. It's not bad though, considering that these facials are worth $200 at any other salon. I highly recommend trying out a facial here if you are looking to save a few bucks! read more

I went in today for a trim, shampoo and round brush. Nadia Glasa did an amazing job on my hair! I was nervous at first because I really didn't want a lot of my hair cut, just the dead ends. Nadia ask me questions about my hair. She made me feel at ease and constantly inquired if I needed anything. She did exactly what I asked, only cutting off the dead ends which wasn't as much as I thought. She has a gentle touch and my blow dry relaxed me to the point of sleep :) I liked all of the products she used (I'm sorry I don't remember the name of the products). I thought that this was going to be an all day appointment but I was in and out in under two hours and my hair feels like silk!!! I am very happy with my service and will definitely be back again. read more

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This is the school I got my cosmetology education from. I love this place, the instructors are amazing, the owner is constantly looking for new programs to add, glad I came here for school :) VA APPROVED!!!! read more

This place is great! The prices are seriously super low for the quality of services you'll receive. I've been seeing Jaime, she's wonderful. I have very difficult to deal with hair and she knows just how to work with it! The first time I went, we did the keratin smoothing treatment. It's a little pricey ($150+ depending on how much hair you have, which I have A LOT of...) but is totally worth it! They said it lasts about 90 days and I'm about a month in and am still loving my results. My most recent appointment went PERFECTLY. I brought a photo of what I wanted in. Bam! Done! I had dark brown hair and Jamie lightened everything and gave me a red/blonde ombré. $55!!! You cannot beat that anywhere. If anyone is a little nervous about this place being a cosmetology school and having students work on you, please at least try them out. All of these girls obviously have a passion for what they do and they are closely monitored and mentored by the great teachers and staff there. I literally have no complaints about this place. Thumbs up! read more

Friendly staff and students. Great prices and service. I have facials done by Cynthia, she's awesome:) I'm diffently coming back for other services. read more

This Review Is For Roxanne McQueen !! As her case study for acne, i feel like she's doing an excellent job. My face is clearing up, something that i thought would be impossible to do. Her knowledge N brilliance will definetely take her places in her prosperous future :) read more

Went for a cut and all over color on 10/25 w/ Jesseka D and her instructor Chimne--very professional, clean and friendly place. Chimne was a great instructor, very hands-on w/ her students but provided them w/ enough space to interact and work w/ the clients. This place uses excellent product and great service, their student is off to a good start. Thanks for a great bob cut and color! read more

Had an amazing experience today with Annelle Olmos at Bellus. Cut an Color. Love my new look. Had so much fun too!

This was my first time coming here...I happened to be in San Diego and really needed a trim with layers. Everywhere was booked so I was so glad I was able to get an appointment here! My stylist was named Tommy and she was so nice! She did a great job with my hair, being that it is so long! Of course it took about 2.5 hours but i expected that as it was a beauty school and I have such long hair! The layers turned out amazing! Only $10 for wash cut and blow dry! read more

This ONE STAR is for a recent experience. Normally I'd give them a 4 star. I have been a regular for almost 2 years. The students for the most part are GREAT. Some do a fabulous job others so so but you can't beat the price especially if you get a series. Yes, expect it to take TIME as they are learning. For myself I have lots of hair and for a tint touch up it takes 3.5-4 hours. An hour for application 45 minutes for processing, wash 15-20 mins and blow dry an hour. When I first came I LOVED one of the instructors, Jeffrey. After a year, he disappeared. Boo hoo! The other instructors are OK. If students mess up, they allow you to come back and they'll fix it for FREE which can be a hassle time wise but luckily it doesn't happen too often. Now TODAY what happened was I had booked an appt in ADVANCE a month ago. I was called and told they had "an event" so they were using all students, NO ONE WAS AVAILABLE TO DO MY HAIR. I asked what options did I have, Answer " to come in the evening" and or NEXT week, as this Sat they were all booked up too. Really??, that was NOT an option as I already had a commitment Friday night. I was FREE Sat. but they were booked. My work schedule is unique as I work 10:30am-8:00pm so that gives me NO opportunity to make another appt during the week. if, I could, I would wait a couple more days but not a whole week. I am limited to Friday afternoon and or Saturdays only. Plus they didn't call their other locations to see if they had any availability, just said an in-genuine "Sorry"..(yeah right).. .that does not cut it. HOW can I find a salon who isn't booked up on a Saturday??. I'M SCREWED. I don't believe this is Professional. They have PAYING CLIENTS WITH APPTS they need to HONOR, event or no event. Plus, they didn't even say anything about making it up to me, for MY trouble. I had already made a mistake in booking my appt in 4 weeks not 3, as usual, and I accepted MY mistake. I bit the bullet and used "the crayon" all week to cover up grey but I could not do it another week. I work with people and service them in a professional setting. I had no other choice but to color my hair myself, the part I could see in the mirror. I am rethinking if I should find another place as I see I am, as a regular client, expendable!!! Update: 11/10/16 They did call and apologize for the snafu and are giving me a free tint touch up. read more

I made appointment at El Cajon location for European Facial today based on the websites information and their offered special on European Facial 25% off for the month January. The website posted $27 and same through out for other locations. The receptionist charged $45 with 25% off. I told the receptionists (& manager?) that they should honor the the internet price due to their misinformed/advertised people, they refused to credit me back. I got upset and called Poway location to check on prices, they told me it's only $27 for facial. read more

Sarah Rook is AMAZING!! I'm a full time mom, wife, and sailor who rarely gets "me" time. Sarah gave me the most amazing and relaxing facial...and even plucked my whiskers haha. I'll never let another set of hands touch my face. Thanks for pampering me and making me feel like a queen read more

Today I had a facial from Kayla. I haven't had a facial in almost 10 years so there were a lot of blackhead extractions that needed to be taken care of. Kayla did an amazing job removing my blackheads. The massage after the facial was impeccable. Kayla was very professional and I hope to schedule with her in the future to continue getting facials. read more

I grew up with a mom who did hair, so I'm used to having fabulous hair for FREE. So when I moved to California not only do I have my high hair standards but I have an extremely low budget for, well, everything so I decided to give Bellus Academy in El Cajon a whirl. I was VERY pleased with my experience. My all over color (and keep in mind they had to use multiple colors to get the look I wanted) was going to cost $40...but since I was a first timer they gave me a discount and my total was $17.50!!! Amazing! But don't forget to tip--these ladies work for free. Chelsea was my stylist and she was very friendly and I could tell is was really important to her that she got my hair color right and that it would be something I liked. She conditioned my hair so well it was soft for days. Good deal, good service, and fabulous hair? Sounds like a winner to me! :) read more

Amy did a touch up and her customer service is excellent. I like my haircut with conditioner treatment is great! I will return for all services. Receptionist and teacher are very nice. read more

Love getting my hair and eye lashes done by the talented Jenavy Espitia. She walked me through every step of of both processes. read more

Bellus Academy - Eyelash Extensions - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

I love love love Jenavy! She's very professional, knowledgeable, and personable. I have been to her for eyelashe extensions, makeup, cut, color, and to style my hair and I always get compliments. She is so talented at such a young age. She even cut my sons hair who is super picky and trusts NOBODY. Jenavy was able to calm him and put him at ease and talked him through the cut so he felt comfortable and trusting. He ended up loving his cut and has been going to her now 3 more times. The cost is unreal for the work she does. Salons charge 4 to 4 times what they charge at Bellus. Thank you Jenavy and Bellus. I will always recommend Jenavy!!! read more

Had an amazing time getting my hair done here! Kristanelle made me feel fresh and brand new. I have curly hair so it's difficult to get the perfect cut. She ensured I looked amazing, I even got compliments at stops I made on my way home. read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bellus Academy! I just came here for the first time two weeks ago after my friend told me about it because I told her how my hair came out differently then the way I wanted it somewhere else. Today is the second time coming here and my amazing hair dresser is Jayden! Jayden and Zoey clearly explained what Jayden will do to fix my hair to be the way I want it to be and Jayden did exactly that! I got a balayage ombré!!!! The price was UNBEATABLE and first time customers at Bellus Salon get 50% for their first session!!!! They really care about how you want you're hair and do it just the way you like! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BELLUS ACADEMY SALON FOR THE NEXT TIME YOU WANT YOUR HAIR STYLED OR COLORED!!!! Thank you guys so much!!!! I really appreciate the help!!!! ‍ read more

I graduated the end of this past January(2019) as an esthetics student (Esti 102) paired with Makeup Artistry. What makes this campus; are the dedicated instructors! And this is where it counted the most for me. From start to finish I was in school for 6 months, and if I could I would do it all over again. No matter what people are going to have things to complain about. I witnessed this mostly from people who did not take it seriouse enough. State Board testing was a breeze because we were well prepared. Bellus is the road to get you Into your new career. read more

Love love love this place! I had an amazing experience with Maryam. She was friendly, energetic, and most of all really understood what I really wanted to so with my hair. I was really hesitant getting a hair cut but she did an amazing job on the hair cut as well THANK YOU! read more

Love stopping by for a relaxing facial! The fact that it is super affordable is a major plus!

I took my daughter and her friends for her 16th birthday for some girl time. The students did their hair and make up. They did such a great job! They were professional, fun, and really made my daughters special day all the more meaningful. I would recommend this salon/school to anyone that would listen to me shout it from the rooftops! Thanks ladies! read more

Bellus Academy - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

I have had Bryanna Fejeran do my hair twice now and she is amazing! Super knowledgeable, professional and sweet. I always have the best experience at Bellus and highly recommend this location and stylist. read more

Katie Reyes, one of the students at Bellus Academy, is a natural!!! My face hasn't felt this good in a long time. Her facial massage will leave you feeling relaxed and her thorough assessment of your skin will give you the tools you need to make better skin care choices. Hands down she is one of the best and I can't wait for my next facial! read more

I have had several services with other certified hair professionals but I have to say that all the services I have received from the students have been amazing and as well as the professionals. They've dyed and cut my hair and it's been awesome every time they all have been with different students. The teachers walk around checking how the students are performing and the students are performing great. I would highly recommend this Academy in El Cajon for hair services. read more

I initially started looking into bellus when I was in High school, I liked the idea of going to a school with high state board passings and such good reviews. I couldn't take the program right after but I recently decided to request information. I first got a text message from Wendy saying I could book a free tour and she answer any questions I had at the time. Then I got scheduled with Carrie and got an email from her, she showed me the school I told her I was interested in the Esthetician program and she gave me all the information I needed and I schedule an appointment with the financial aid girl, I forgot her name but she was very nice and throughout with everything Financial aid involves and with answering questions I had, I enrolled with no doubt that day. Now I'm 3 weeks in my program and I can't be happier everyday I go to school I reassure myself I made the right choice. Miss Dora, is the afternoon esthetic teacher. She is lovely! She has so much experience to give so much information to give and so through with her lessons. She knows what she is talking about she will make sure you learn exactly what you need and 3 weeks down my program I already did so many facials and had my first waxing lesson. So hands on but I'm also prepping for state board! Hands down the best school, you won't regret it read more

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I went to Bellus academy a little over a week ago and got highlights. The girl who did my highlights had only done highlights twice. Well as you could guess they didn't come out to well. My hair was uneven in color; the left side was more blonde than the other. The ends were dark when the top of my head was a bright blonde. I had many people asking me if they had forgotten to bleach the bottom of my hair. In addition, I had a brassy blonde color where as I wanted an Ash blonde. Which sucks but in the end hair is just hair, and I was sure the problem could be fixed. So The day after I called to make an appointment to fix the mistake. I was told, their policy is to come in at max of 7 days after the event; however, I have school and work Monday- Friday, so they made an exception for me to come in on Saturday. (Free of charge of course). So I went in Saturday morning and of course they greet me right away, as per usual, and reassure me they'd fix it free of charge. That is always reassuring because sometimes you go somewhere and not all employees are aware of what's going on. I waited probably only 3 minutes or so, even though I was 10 minutes early, which is fast. My hair stylist was a sweet girl named Liz. She greeted me with a bright smile and a firm handshake, which is greatly appreciated because most people in my generation forget how important this is as a first impression. When I first sat down she addressed my issues and reassured me that she'd fixed the problem. She said, "You're not leaving until your hair looks perfect. I'm getting you ready for a hot date! If you don't have one already, you'll have one now." Which made me laugh and feel like a friend was doing my hair. She seemed confident in herself and her skills, which was a big difference from the girl I had before. She knew what she was doing and it made me relax about the situation. I felt so comfortable that I began to gossip about my life issues, which I'd never thought I'd be one of those clients who'd just tell their hair dresser everything, but I guess I am now. I've gone to Bellus academy for quiet sometime, and I always receive good care. Some of the hairstylists are more charismatic than others and I believe Liz was one of the best I've had. She listen to my issues both with my hair and personal life. It felt more as if I was hanging with one of the girls rather than some person just cutting my hair. The teachers are always nice, helpful, and professional. Todd was the teacher who assisted Liz with my hair, and he was nice and professional. Sometimes I notice that the teachers hover over the students, which makes me nervous at times; however, Todd did not. He came over only when it was relevant and further assisted with my hair, which was less nerve wracking. Sometimes I've spent up to 5 hours at Bellus, which is fine, I'd rather them take their time and do it right. This time I was only there for 3 hours. That to me is the least time I've ever spent there. In that time they added low lights and toned my hair to what I wanted originally. All in all I had a wonderful experience, and I am glad that they made an exception to fit me in. My schedule is so busy that I can never even get my doctors to fit me in, so I found it astonishing that they were able to be so flexible. I have to thank everyone there, especially LIZ. I now have a hair stylist I can actually trust with my hair :) read more

Bellus Academy - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Just had the BEST facial and massage from Monique today! Very relaxing and left my face feeling glowing and amazing. She used a bunch of products on my face, it was so so worth it! Learned a lot stuff about my skin that I didn't know. She also recommended a few products that would work great for my skin type. Overall an amazing experience and I'll definitely be going back soon! read more

I had my hair colored by Nicole C. and she did an amazing job. The process was smooth and the color is on point. Go see her, you wont regret it! read more

The instruction and supervision at Bellus Academy is incredibly poor, such that my boyfriend with no experience could have done a better job -- and the company will blame you if they injure you. In the past, I had nothing but good things to say about Bellus Academy. My friends would disparage the school, suggesting that it was dangerous to trust your hair to students. I've been going to Bellus Academy for years and I always had good experiences. I made sure to recommend it to friends and family often. I won't do that anymore. I went here to get my hair bleached and dyed, which I've done many times at professional salons, and at home. At my last visit, the student stylist continuously applied an excessive amount of bleach directly to my scalp for HOURS, resulting in severe chemical burns -- which I've never had before, even when my boyfriend with no experience had bleached my hair for me. I was there for an 11:00 appointment and ended up leaving at 5 or 6 with a bad bleach job. My scalp is now scabbed, oozing, and I fear my hair may begin falling out. I was repeatedly accused of being too sensitive to the chemicals, despite having done this dozens of times before. Supervision by a competent teacher would have prevented this, but there was no such supervision, nor did the student seek any -- even when I told my stylist that this was not a normal reaction. That being said, the first instructor "Red" was perfectly fine. She unfortunately had to leave early-on in the process and was replaced by someone much less attentive and courteous. By the time my hair was ready for toner, I was crying in pain and my scalp was burning so badly that they were unable to continue with toner. It's only THEN that the students sought out an instructor and the company director for help. With my head in the sink, washing out the processing chemicals, I asked the students if I would have to pay for the toner treatment. The nearby instructor asked the students if they had needed more bowls (of product for the bleach), suggesting that the cost for the bowls was probably as much as the toner and to leave the charge as it was. I was frustrated that an instructor would have that as a priority. The company offered a "scalp treatment" which expires at the end of the year as compensation -- but refused to offer any alternative compensation or refund when informed them I would be leaving soon to study abroad until the next year. The students are being trained in hairdressing, but should also be trained in customer service. Natalie Ortega was rude to me for most of the process, progressively more so as she struggled through the bleaching. Her tone and shortness when I spoke to her was surprising, and she herself admitted to her friend that she was angry lately. Towards the end of the day, Natalie frequently reminded her friend and me that she didn't have time to stay for the rest of the appointment since "she's taking so long". The impatience was coupled with annoyance, saying that my hair wasn't finished because "she couldn't take it" and "her scalp is too sensitive" in regards to the toning process. I reminded her that I've never had a problem before this. Blaming the client for their scalp being too sensitive is NEVER the way to go. Her lack of accountability in the way she spoke about the incident was shameful. She also casually mentioned that chemical burning is common with the bleaching process, which it is not. Contacting the director of the company directly was more of the same, where I was blamed for having a reaction to the chemicals rather than addressing the supervision or instruction of students, who did not have proper bleaching knowledge or customer service etiquette, and I was offered no alternative compensation or refund for a half-finished job that resulted in injury. read more

i got a facial from alexis! and it was so relaxing i loved it ! i will always come to her :))

The best shampoo I have ever had. My favorite place to get my hair done!Thanks Hailey!

I went in for a perm, but my hair was so damaged, they were concerned that there may be breakage. So they did it test strip and although it looked good, I opted to do a deep condition. Veronica was wonderful and blew my hair out and the condition took so nicely that I am coming back for Veronica to do the perm! See you in a week or two, Veronica! (Originally posted in May, did go back for a great perm. Veronica has since graduated. I'll still go back there for services.) read more

I love Jennavy, she's professional and extremely knowledgeable at such a young age...I would give her a 10 if I could for giving me the natural curls I was looking for when she did my spiral perm... read more

Great customer service. My stylist paid attention to what I wanted and delivered with a great deep conditioner and was informative regarding the specials and services. Great first experience! read more

I went here yesterday for the first time. Stephanie did a great job touching up my roots. She made sure they were covered up, which is difficult since my gray is very resistant and I have a lot of hair. Stephanie brought me coffee and was easygoing, pleasant, gentle, and meticulous with my hair. You can tell she loves what she does. I really enjoyed her energy. read more

I rec'd a Euopean Facial from Jessica J and it was amazing. I felt so refreshed. Jessica was very professional and gentle. I will be going back to see Jessica for more! read more

Well yesterday my friend and I went here she has a friend that's going to school here it was my first time here the ladies were all very nice I came in for eyelash extensions ,the process was going ok long but ok at one point my right eye was really burning like if something got in My eye let's just say I ended up having to go to the eye doctor the next day because my eye was red and it was scratching every time I blinked turned out I had a corneal abrasion so lesson learned won't ever be doing that again but then again that's what you get when you go to get something free don't recommend Getting it done unless you're going to a A license professional... read more

WARNING!! Since covid do not go here!! I'm sure they were an amazing school before, but now we literally have NO teacher. We sit in class by ourselves on campus WITHOUT a teacher because they are low on staff and all the teachers they've hired have supposedly quit because "bad management" and for whatever reason they can't hire new teachers. (Not to mention the one teacher they hired was fired for literally throwing markers at us/bringing a fake gun to school to shoot at us when she thought we weren't paying attention and being incredibly mentally unstable) THIS IS NOT worth paying 16k. At least we had a teacher for the first half but the Poway campus has had NO teacher this whole time. They just read the textbook they're given and teach themselves. At least were getting "hours" which we'll need to go to state board and get our license but honestly after I graduate I'm probably going to need to take a course somewhere else because I haven't learned anything and will not be prepared to work. I'll have an esthetician license that is practically useless (IF I even pass the test) All the girls here are pissed, this is not what we signed up for and I strongly recommend you learn from our mistakes and don't go here. They appear super professional and great online but it's a completely different experience once you are here. It's unbelievable how unprofessional and disorganized this mess is. They continue to blame covid but it's going to come to a point where they can't anymore. Especially with the tuition we're paying, they should be able to hire some teachers to teach us. Not to mention if you need to contact the financial aid lady Diana, good luck. She's responsive until you actually sign up for the program then will take weeks to respond IF she even decides to respond. I'm not sure how the other programs are but I recommend steering clear of the esthetician program on both the El Cajon and Poway campus. read more