The students are great. Excellent customer service. Affordable, and easy to schedule appointments. I recommend their services.

Excellent facials. Excellent prices. Very professional. Very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend them.

My friends and I love our monthly facials at the student clinic. The staff is always welcoming. The building is clean and you can't beat the price. read more

I enrolled at the Catherine Hinds Institute in Woburn with so much hope. I was passionate, excited, and ready to start my journey in esthetics. Now, just months later, I'm exhausted, discouraged, and counting down the days until I never have to step foot in this building again. This school has taken what should have been a beautiful, empowering experience and turned it into something that feels more like punishment than education. The environment here is toxic -- emotionally, mentally, and professionally. Rules and policies change on a whim. It's not about professionalism; it's about control. They canceled after-school makeup hours with no alternatives, until the last 4 weeks of school so anyone with a job, family, or a life was suddenly at risk of not graduating. Instead, we've been forced to stay from 9:30 AM to 10:15 PM -- nearly 13 hours -- just to scramble to make up hours. We're mentally fried, physically drained, and treated like we're LUCKY to even be here. The staff? Hot and cold, unpredictable, and outright mean. You can be sent home for the pettiest reasons: stuck in traffic? Locked out. Uniform a slightly different shade of black? Go home. Ask a basic question? You'll be told, "You should know that," like you're an idiot. I've watched students be suspended for standing up for themselves or for things as simple as telling another student to get off their treatment bed. The inconsistency is UNREAL. One of the most disturbing things I've witnessed is the woman who basically runs the school screaming and cursing at students in the hallway -- in front of the clinic -- with paying clients sitting right there. Completely unhinged behavior that no one holds her accountable for. And somehow, this is normal here. Worse still, teachers gossip about their own students to other students. I've personally overheard instructors tearing down classmates behind their backs -- mocking them, rolling their eyes, sharing personal struggles and calling it "funny." It's humiliating and incredibly unprofessional. My own teacher? Over 60, visibly overwhelmed, and barely able to manage the room. She has almost no industry experience and has taught me next to nothing. I've learned more from social media than I have in the classroom. If it weren't for classmates supporting each other, we wouldn't make it through. Let's talk about sanitation, because this part is shocking: I've watched teachers drop sponges or tools on the floor and then use them on clients without even thinking twice. Sanitation protocols are brushed off, supplies are shared with zero hygiene standards, and it's honestly disgusting. This is basic esthetics safety -- and they don't care. Supplies are constantly missing, machines are ancient and broken down, and we're told to "make it work." We were promised skincare kits we paid for, then told we wouldn't get them -- with no refunds -- because of fine print that says "subject to change." You're paying thousands for them to do the bare minimum. There is no warmth here. No mentorship. No encouragement. Just power trips, gaslighting, and fear-based rules. I've seen students cry in their cars, break down mid-facial, and even start questioning if they want to work in esthetics at all. This school has crushed the confidence of some of the most talented, passionate students I've ever met. If you're thinking of going here: don't. Go out of state. Go literally anywhere else. The Catherine Hinds name may once have meant something -- but the way it's run today is a disgrace. Catherine Hinds, if you're reading this: you should be ashamed. xoxo read more

i've been coming to Catherine Hines with my sister and mom for multiple years. I will say I feel like the professionalism has gone downhill. My most recent experience was OK but I've had better experiences in the past so that stinks. I've noticed that people in the background are louder than usual, like they don't make an effort to be quieter while people are getting facials and trying to relax. It's hard to relax during the facial with people cackling and laughing. Where is the professionalism there? I also felt like the teacher could've been more professional as well during my skin analysis asking me if I pick my skin was rude because I literally don't and even if I did, I feel like there's a kinder way to ask and support in that situation.... I guess for the price you get what you get I do think the girls do a good job let's go get the pizza but overall like I've said the professionalism has just gone downhill. I really wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Th e Best Education in Esthetics. Catherine Hinds love the Esthetic Industry so much. The school was her life when she was alive and the daughter loves the industry too. read more

My friends and family used to be frequent customers here. However, a series of disturbing interactions we witnessed by one of the estheticians currently in training at the school, made us reconsider. This person has been seen by customers smoking and drinking around Catherine Hinds property. And they made disturbing, threatening remarks to myself and my friends while we were customers here. Every effort was made to notify this business via their customer service phone number and email, however they could not be bothered to even get back with a response. Because of that, none of us will ever be returning and we can no longer recommend this establishment. read more

Good facial but it's just so loud it's hard to relax. I'm not sure if it was where my bed was positioned but in the other room i heard loud laughing and conversation from assuming the other students. It was so hard to get relaxed. read more

Really nice and peaceful! I had an amazing aesthetician (Olivia). I think it was the most relaxed I've been in a long time!

I am solely basing this review off of my experiences as a patron at the student clinic and WOW! I've been here a handful of times for the same 2 services (hydra facial and microdermabrasion basically because the price offered here is less than HALF of anywhere else). The facility is very clean and although it can get chaotic, they're well organized. I also LOVE the students, of course I've had some shy ones but they are all so complimentary, knowledgeable and eager to share that knowledge with you; it's so naturally symbiotic, I love it and recommend it to all my friends. read more

I graduated in 1994 . I am very grateful for the education I received. I highly recommend this school . I'm still in the field with as much passion as I had in 1994 . Education is a powerful tool . The public clinic exerience was outstanding. read more

I'm a former student of The Catherine Hinds School of Esthetics. I attended in the early 80"s when the school was in four corners in Newton Massachusetts. I loved going to school as we had hands on class time of which I learned so much on how to take care of my skin , preform facials , waxing and learned about the color wheel when it came to applying makeup. They are now and have been for years in Woburn Massachusetts. I can't thank this school enough for all of my learning experiences . read more

I went to Catherine Hinds today for a massage. Christie performed the massage and she was so good that I fell asleep. I booked another appointment for next Thursday as well. I'd rather pamper myself than waste money on Dunkin Donuts coffee. Actually, it's cheaper to get a massage than spend 8 dollars a day on coffee. Thank you so much. read more

Again- they are students so you do lose something by having a classroom atmosphere. That being said- good inexpensive services. Ive had a facial there -girl was super nice but slow and my face ended up feeling burned but it was def from the item her teacher told her to put on my face (some ampoule)because it was great until then. But NOT her fault as she followed direction and it would have been super without it. was still ok with the total experience. Also had some treatment at the spa- great steam room and then a massage like thingy- great - girl super sweet . Only downside was again that I was the last one in there and the student who had been next to her jumped up on the adjacent table to have her toenails painted and chat about her boyfriend troubles. Kinda loudly. If that hadnt happened I would have been happier but you cant control loudmouths...lol will I go back? yes yes yes. read more

Im strictly basing this on my phone call to get info on the student clinic. The women who answered the phone "Linda" was less than happy to answer my questions and seemed rushed and annoyed to be doing her job, she directed me to the website several times after I told her I couldnt find the info I was looking for. Her tone and quick one word answers were less than cheerful so I asked her if I was bothering her and got a snyde giggle. Some ppl just shoukdbt be greeting clients or working with the public, Linda might need to find another job she enjoys where talking to humans are not involved. read more

Amazing School, the best school! Went here almost 20 years ago and continue to go back for classes. Always so professional with so much knowledge and care for their students! Ann Hind is always kind, when you get to see her! Will always love, go back and recommend this school to anyone! read more

I went there few times for facial with my sister and it was good for the price we paid. It wasnt super relaxing since you are in the room with so many people getting facial and you can hear students walking around and talking to instructor but it was good for price we paid read more

I go here at least once a month for some kind of facial treatment. The students do a great job, and the prices can't be beat. I'm a big fan of the deep pore cleansing facial (i need extractions, like, daily!) and the Hydro-Facial (even my boyfriend noticed my glowing, soft skin afterwards!). If you're not expecting a salon experience, but an affordable solution to advanced skin care, this is your place. read more

You can't beat the price. Who cares that it is students working on you they are fully supervised and its not about the technique its about getting the good products onto your skin that Catherine Hinds offers. They're products and equipment are top of the line. Bottom line: Your a fool not to take advantage. If you can get an appointment - very busy and for good reason. If your a pro like me and in the industry check out the Catherine Hinds store! Great deals for all your business needs too. www.customestheticsltd.com read more

Nice place; students are trained very well; you don't have to be skeptical, as they have there teacher there to review their notes/ selection of skin care choices. I had facial waxing done as well as an American Facial. It was great and I am happy with the service I received. Thank you to one of the directors, Francesca DeRosa for recommending that I try this place out! read more

Extremely impressed. I had a fantastic hydra facial. Tech was pleasant and informative. She did ask her teacher a couple questions....which is to be expected since it is a school. Students seemed eager to help each other. If you do not mind no privacy, this is a great place to get inexpensive facials. I will def be back. Products are great but pricey. read more

I have been going to Catherine Hinds for a few years and I have consistently had a good experience. The facials are affordable and the staff/students are always professional. I have gone to other spas, and have found the quality to be inconsistent. The receptionist are always very nice, overall great experience here! read more

I have to say that I used to love this place. Had been going for years for soothing sessions and facials. At one time I used their skincare products. I recently treated myself to a hydra facial end of March. I was excited CH offered this service since it is quite pricey at other spas so theirs being $85 sounded great. I was very excited for this apt and have to say I was not impressed and pretty bummed! My esthetician was a young girl and very nice. She seemed very unorganized while prepping for the facial. Normally I would have been annoyed but I let it go and we were chit chatting about things. She washed my face then waited for her instructor to come over. Once the instructor came over it was a very quick convo about my skin concerns then she walked away. When time came to begin my esthetician was unclear on how to turn the machine on. Maybe 10min went by trying to figure it out with help from others, then we began. After 20 min of her suctioning over my face the facial was over. I thought it seemed very quick especially for $85. Again the esthetician was sweet but I feel like she rushed me through this and could care less about my concerns or me being comfortable and enjoying this facial. I had no issues with this being a student and being unsure of things, again been to CH many many times. It was the feeling of just bullshitting her way through the facial. I absolutely know when someone wants to be helpful and accommodating and when they do not! At the desk when I was finished and came out to pay the woman at the desk asked how the facial was. I said it was ok, I felt like it was super quick and I'm a little disappointed. She went on about it's a quick process etc. I then inquired about booking a massage. She proceeds to tell me that classes need to restart and if students want this coarse then classes will fill. I've been going to CH more than 10 yrs back and never heard this. All in all I told myself I'm good w/CH. I no longer live locally I live in Boston so tbh I'd rather just pay more for a better quality of service. After the apt did some errands then hours later showered. Looking in my mirror I saw visible black heads on my nose that the esthetician missed during my hydra facial. This was my MAIN concern for having this done so I was really upset, which is what led to this review. Never had I been unsatisfied w/services at CH in the past but their quality of service has definitely declined. I unfortunately wont be scheduling any future apts here. read more

So happy I chose Catherine Hinds as my esthetician school! I LOVE this school. I did the 1200 hour program, and feel more than ready to start my career in esthetics. The teachers are knowledgeable and professional, but also make you feel like friends for a better teacher-student relationship. They know how to introduce new studies and treatments by including real life situations to relate to which make you feel comfortable and confident while performing the services you learn. I recommend this school for anyone looking to start a career in esthetics, as well as anyone looking for quality spa services for half the price! read more

Catherine Hinds only cares about students who pay out of pocket. Students who have financial aid aren't cared about.

No offence but to the people who gave bad reviews because they thought it was too loud and not relaxing...just a reminder this is a school with students trying to learn so of course you are going to get what you pay for and a not so relaxing visit...if you go to any place like this with students it is going to be like this. So quit complaining and pay a few extra bucks and go somewhere else if you cant handle it. I personally have been here before a while ago and I loved it. read more

As numerous Yelpers have commented this is a teaching environment and I found all the people I came into contact professional and helpful. The prices are as good as you will find anywhere and the quality of work was outstanding! Thanks girls! read more

I've been going here for years. It's a really gem. The extra attention and time spent by the students combined with the very affordable variety of services makes me keep coming back. To the comments about the student clinic atmosphere---I've enjoyed some very nice not to-be-named high end spas and have found that they can occasionally vary on the quality of service provided by the practioner but with the clinic the students are very motivated to provide good service and instructors are ready to assist. read more

I have gone there for many years they are always very professional and conduct unbeatable work! As soon as you walk in you will know what I am talking about the ambiance is so calming! I am writing a review to give Nancy and Linda a special thank you for putting up with me today. You two are the best and made my holiday season!! read more

The student clinic is a gem! I have been a client for years and would recommend that anyone check it out. During wedding season, I love to get my spray tans (the product line they use is organic and doesn't stink!) there and the students do as good of a job as any salon. While you're there, pick up a spray bottle of rosewater-- feels so good, especially in the winter or while traveling when your skin needs a little pick me up. My fav! read more

This is literally the best deal in town. I've been here at least 3 times for facials and the students always do any incredible job - they have been in school for at least 3 months so they always know what their doing. Last night I had a 90 minute super relaxing facial with glycolic. This would (and has at other spas) cost me over $100, last night it was $35! Some people might be bothered by the fact that this is a student clinic but I just close my eyes and tune everyone out. Don't forget to check out their products on the way out. read more

I would say CH is a 'hit or miss'. I have had facial special last month and the student was perfectly professional and lovely, but I can't say facial was that good. I had asked for white head extraction and she told me that it is included in the treatment but she was horrible at the extraction and almost extracted nothing. The only plus part was that I was relaxed since the treatment took an hour. I also had a foot reflexology - total waste of my time. Recently, I had their 'summer slim down special for $75' - it was interesting experience -- Salt scrub with oil left my skin silky smooth. Do I look any thinner? Nope. I never had a treatment like this before, so I don't have a way of comparing, but I felt like the lymphatic drainage massage needs to be deeper/vigorous. The treatment ended with a relaxation massage and that was good. There were two students working -- one about to move on to the next higher program and the other one a beginner. The beginner wasn't good at all. The more experienced one was much better. I have had better massge therapist/estheticians at Elizabeth Grady school of Esthetics in Medford. Bottom line - it's a hit or miss. You need to decide if the money and time you are spending worth the worst case scenario. In the day and age of 'Groupons' there are a lot of cheaper options available all the time now. read more

Best Deal in town!!!I had the most amazing relaxing time at the Catherine Hinds institute.It started with a salt scrub ridding me of the winter flake Then steam glorious steam in a clean fresh large steam room.Next a detoxify with an herbal wrap,massage and mini facial.For 120.00$!!!! The school is so professional and welcoming,the girls in their white uniforms were knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure we were treated well and cared for.Amazing deal and I felt great when I left.Wish I could go every week! Alexandra from Brookline read more

I love Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics! I have been going there over 10 years. I have always received the best services. The students are knowledgeable and professional. The products are awesome. I always leave with my skin aglow!. The receptionists are great (Lori is especially pleasant) and typically able to accommodate my last minute requests for service! read more

Got the best education here! The Harvard of esthetic schools! Fabulous school for any aspiring esthetician.

This is a wonderful find for people who want to take great care of themselves and age "gracefully" - while staying budget-conscious. The students do extremely good work, and advanced treatments (peels, micro-current facials and other advanced treatments) are done by highly qualified students about to graduate, and under the close supervision of instructors who are licensed estheticians and health professionals. I'm a loyal customer and have always found the atmosphere pleasant, the students and instructors professional and the results unbeatable. From time to time, esp. when traveling, I'll book at a spa and I still find that the CHI team delivers equal or better service at a fraction of the cost. read more

I went for a visit to the advanced clinic and was so surprised at how excellent my hydrafacial was. Of course you are not going to get your spa atmosphere here as it's still a school and the purpose of a treatment is for education but I was so happy with my esthetician and the results of the treatment! Would absolutely recommend to someone looking for the service and open to the clinics atmosphere. I'll be back! read more

I have been to the Catherine Hinds Institute twice for facials and have had the most wonderful experience both times. I can't wait to go again!! The students are welcoming and eager to please. The prices are affordable - I can go as often as I want to. It's a school, of course there will be some chatter among the students and teachers. If you are willing to pay high prices, go to high end spas. I am recommending the Catherine Hinds Institute to all my friends. I love it there!!!!! read more

I'm still on the fence here. I've only had two facials so far. I have another appointment coming up. I love that their technology is so advanced and that they sell PCA skin care products but I wish the students there could help explain things better. read more

Very professional services here. The students are well prepared to work with clients. I am fortunate to live close by. I have never been disappointed with the services. I haven't even used many of the services they offer. Waxing and facials are the norm for me. read more