I had a facial with Zahra and she's very knowledgeable, patient and kind. I don't usually trust new people with my skin but you are in very good hands with her read more

Amazing service from truly talented students! The atmosphere is calming and relaxing, and my face looks incredible after my ultrasonic facial. I've received private services at other establishments, but DSI continues to stand out -- I've been coming here for over 10 years, and the students always cease to impress me. Give them a try -- you won't be disappointed! read more

As a student of the basic aesthetician program I could not be happier. The program here provided a comprehensive education and the best teachers. The faculty and staff care about their student's success and making sure they understand the materials they are learning. The school provides hands on opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in the classroom. I am so thankful for the opportunity to study with such great faculty. I also had the opportunity to study eyelash extensions while I was here. The class was great, the teacher was amazing and I now have another skill to use at work, allowing me to bring in more clients in my personal business. read more

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So far so good. I got a Groupon for laser hair removal at Dermal Science, and I was happy with my first appointment. At a lot of places, you'll have to wait weeks for an appointment once they sell a Groupon, but I was able to get a same-day appointment here on a Saturday, and the location is convenient for me. Their hours are good; they're open on Saturdays and have evening slots on weekdays. Naturally, I had to spend a few minutes filling out paperwork for my first appointment, but there was no additional wait after that. The office is small but clean, and all the staff I encountered were very friendly, helpful, and professional, and they were pretty flexible about giving me the same coupon rate for additional services. All in all, my first laser hair removal experience was relatively quick and painless. I was in and out of the office in 45 minutes, including the consultation and treatment. For now, I highly recommend this place, but I'll update once I'm farther along in my treatments and start to see results. read more

I am almost finished my Master Esthetics program at DSI ( I also went here for basic too ). DSI gives you a lot of hands on experience with taking clients to prep you for the field! I am very happy that I invested my time here, so that I can do something I love. Ms. Dawn is an amazing Master Esthetic instructor, she teaches theory very well, and always refers to her own work experiences that she has had during her career ( almost 20 years). We are also able to practice hands on in the clinic, and she really makes sure we understand what we are doing, and WHY we are doing it. She really cares about her students! Ms. Renee is amazing and will really prep you for state board, she is the real deal! She has great work experiences to share and is very knowledgeable in the Esthetics field. Shiva is the owner of DSI, and she is very easy to work with, as long as you are a compliant student ( which is very easy to do; show up to school, show up to school on time, be polite/respectful in class). She cares about the students, and wants them to do well in the field. Gwen and David are wonderful and helpful! read more

Wanting to go to school to start getting certified to do something you want??? Wondering how much classes are?? Wanting to call regarding more general question??? Well don't, save your time. The man that answered the phone was super rude didn't even take the time to answer my questions, all he kept saying is there's no enrollment right now which i let him know is fine i just wanted general information. It's sad knowing you can be kicked after being excited to start something new just for this asshole to answer the phone. They need to hire someone who will takes calls and at least try to pretend it's their job to do it. read more

Great facial--can't beat the price! Although my facial was supposed to be 40 minutes, my facialist took her time, and my appointment ended up being an hour. I really felt as if she did not rush our appointment, gave useful advice, and didn't push useless products. Tip- Take advantage of the specials/deals they offer too. read more

Just recently graduated , I really feel like I got a great education and couldn't have asked for better teachers. I left there well prepared to start in my field . Also being by the metro helps alot. Would definitely recommend going to school here. read more

I purchased a year long certificate for services to have laser hair removal in Nov 2011. Seemed like a great buy and the staff insisted the service would be available regularly. I've had one facial by a student which was great thus the star rating. My issue has been with the difficulty of scheduling services and the disorganized front office staff. Unfortunately I called to be added to the waiting list for laser. I was told on 3 occasions when I called and came in person to sign up that I would be contacted 2 weeks before the next session. I called last week just to check in because I was on the waiting list and found out the first laser session in 4 months had passed, they had forgotten to call and I will "just have to wait until April or sometime around there." Unsatisfactory. This no longer seems like a great buy and I'm frustrated that I still haven't gotten the one service I wanted because the students seem to be very professional, well-trained and accomodating. I called again to ask about the next class's waiting list and was told a waiting list would be started sometime and not to worry about calling again. Obviously, I'm skeptical. If Reston is convenient and you just want a facial or waxing, feel free. I wouldn't recommend for laser as those services are offered very infrequently (only when enough people register for the class and only offered in one weekend-long session). read more

I really love my experience in the school. All my teachers were very respectful and professional, I learned a lot and Sheva and Peter they was always willing to help us. Highly recommended!!! read more

The place is chaotic, and the customer service a bit aloof, ranging from apathetic staff who will not acknowledge your presence, to sharp and abrasive. This is not the kind of interaction I want when I want I am in need of spa services But you do get what you pay for, they are slightly less than boutique spas because they consider themselves a school but honestly, their prices aren't that far off. The facial I received was pretty amazing, and they answered my long list of questions and probably gave me the best advice on skincare and how to use products, without pressuring me to buy from them. I'll definitely be back for facials. The other services I wasn't happy with. They SAY they did the complete area, but I know they didn't. It is pretty evident when you get home and look in the mirror. The comparison between the treated areas versus the non treated area. There are slight discomforts being that this place is a school, but I'm looking past it because of the Yipit deal I got. (Unlimited services for a year). I will definitely be coming back to take advantages of their facials and exploring other services. At the same time, I will make sure to be a very keen observer and vocal customer when it comes to the services I am getting. read more

The staff and ease of making appointments are great. Each aesthetician takes the time to explain the procedure and ensures you are comfortable. I had a great experience with Sara who was very knowledgeable on the various procedures available and took time and care to ensure I would be getting the proper treatment. read more

Worst experience of my life. I've been here for years and have enjoyed the opportunity for students to grow and learn on all different types of skin and bodies. I don't have perfect skin and felt judged the entire time and the teacher was so rude about the minimal or lack of products I use and explained just how bad my skin was. The tone and rudeness demeanor immediately put me to shame and while I was grabbing tissues the entire time no one cared if I was okay. Came thinking they would help me achieve the skin I want yet left feeling so hopeless, ashamed, and self cautious. Totally shaken up about my experience and hope people think twice... Cried the entire time and hope that their teaching style shifts because if someone is crying and hyperventilating action should be taken IMMEDIATELY. read more

Hello! I have read a few reviews and would like to take this opportunity to offer my perspective. 1 1/2 yrs. ago I moved a great distance (from a different state) specifically to sit under the masterful instruction of Shiva Vahid and her amazing staff of experienced masters. And I have not been disappointed! I have been thrilled to learn from these world-class teachers (literally). The instructors genuinely love their students and generously (and sometimes painfully..lol!) pour out their vast years of wisdom and knowlege. I couldn't be more proud and frequently refer my clients to DSI student services. I remind them that this is a school, and they must remember it is not a high-end medispa where they can make demands or have unreasonable expectations. I tell my clients to be gracious and the purpose of bringing in outside clients is for the students to get lots of practice. I also explain that if they want a chemical peel, but the students are only learning microdermabrasion, then they may have to respectfully wait until the students are properly prepared to administer this advanced treatment. In exchange for my clients' patience and understanding, they will be rewarded with an otherwise expensive skincare treatment at ridiculously cheap prices. I also assure my clients not to be apprehensive about having students perform these treatments, as the very protective instructors will always hover nearby, making sure the treatment is done with perfection. The master students and their instructors quickly form a very tightknit group and Shiva and Peter bend over backwards to make sure we all are happy and succeed! We LOVE Shiva and are so grateful for all she does for us. And she doesn't forget about us after we graduate...not until each one of us is properly placed in an appropriate position. I wholeheartedly recommend DSI school for its excellance in training world-class Master Aestheticians, but encourage the community to partake of their student services as well! Thank you! read more

I'm so happy I discovered this place. For those of us who can't afford the spa treatments we deserve this is a great option. I came here for a back facial. It was sort of like getting a group massage with a bunch of strangers. The room is filled with tables without partitions. Each client works with a student, but there are several teachers overseeing things. My technician checked in regularly with the instructor and did a wonderful job. It didn't take long to get used to the lack of privacy. After all, everyone else was enjoying their treatment - not paying attention to me. She did a few extractions, but everything else was very relaxing. I was also given a product suggestion and with the discount they were running it was a reasonable price. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Wasnt impressed with the service and the lady who performed my facial didnt notify me of each product she applied. Whereas the other student notified her client of everything. read more

This review does not directly pertain to the quality of the microdermabrasion facial I received last week. Instead, it's more of a reflection of the sheer horror I experienced from my interaction with the establishment and particularly (although I am not certain the person I spoke with on the phone was indeed) the owner. I called in mid-late May to schedule an appointment for my facial and was told by a gentleman I could practically choose whichever date since I was looking to book almost a month ahead. We had me down for mid-late June. A couple of weeks later I received a call from a lady (possibly the receptionist) saying I had to rebook my appointment because there had "been a mistake." At first not sure what'd happened, I was concerned I had relayed certain wrong information when I scheduled and they had to rebook me. As the conversation went on however, I realized it was them who had made a mistake and likely double booked me and another person in the same slot. I had not thought of the possibility initially because normally I would expect an apology from the place since they'd screwed up. Nonetheless, their utterly unapologetic and statement-of-fact fashion of communicating to me that I had to rebook because "we have to reschedule it; there was a mistake" totally threw me off. This time around, apparently I had very few choices left and I picked a July 20th afternoon slot. About 30 hours prior to my appointment I called to ask if I could possibly move my slot earlier in the day or to another date. I was bluntly told by the same rudely impatient person with whom I had rebooked my appointment (probably the owner) that it was absolutely impossible to change it because my coupon had "already expired" and they were giving me "another chance" since we had to rebook. Seriously? I had to move my appointment in the first place because they had screwed me over. I did not need "another chance" to get the service I was supposed to have gotten a month ago. The only reason my coupon expired was because they had made a mistake, and I had called to book two months before the expiration date to make sure I'd utilize it. The person was extremely condescending and patronizing on the phone, keeping saying "well we can't accept last-minute changes like this; your coupon's expired and we're giving you another chance." In the fine print on the voucher it clearly stated 24-hour notice in terms of cancelation or rescheduling, and that's why I called more than 24 hours ahead of time to ask if I could reschedule. The disgustingly nasty attitude of the owner had utterly shocked me as this is probably one of the worst, if not the worst, customer service experiences I have ever had to withstand. To start off, I never received an apology after they made a mistake and only notified me weeks later. Moreover, she rudely cut me off when I was still calmly stating the fact that I had had to rebook because they'd made a mistake by interjecting "oh yeah and that's why we're giving you another chance." Excuse me? No thank you, but I don't need "another chance" when you should apologize to me for making a dumb scheduling error and give me more flexibility in picking for a second time a slot that would work for my busy schedule. A relatively much minor issue: I had purchased a 60-minute facial, and I was in the studio for less than 50 minutes (meaning the actual treatment was even less than that since getting ready took some time), although my esthetician was pleasant. Bottom line: the simple fact that I never even got an apology from the institution after they'd double booked me should say a lot. My sincere advice: don't go here (beyond the cringe-worthy horrendous customer service, why drive all the way there -- especially if you don't live in Reston and have to pay tolls to get there -- when there are plenty of spas that offer similar services). Unless of course you enjoy being treated with a condescending attitude that makes you wonder if these people even see you as a customer without whom the foundation of their business would sink. read more

Zero stars. Do not waste your time or especially your money. One week ago, I visited Dermal Science International for IPL treatment on my face and I have seen no changes whatsoever. I've had IPL treatment before (at a different salon) and within a few days the spots became darker and flaked off. I called to explain I've seen no results (and to explain my expectations as compared to my prior experience elsewhere) and the person I spoke with told me that since I was attended to by a student I shouldn't expect results as they do not use the same level of intensity as professionals. I explained this was not disclosed to me in advance and she rudely stated that I should have known that and expected nothing more. I understand it was only $55 but come on. Why charge anything at all then? Seriously. To not explain the expectations and to be so rude when I called, is simply unbelievable and an example of the poorest customer service I've ever had. I will never return; not even to see a professional. I cannot implore you more, fine Yelpers, to save your money and don't fall for their scam. read more

I would recommend the laser training to anyone who is looking for good thorough laser training with no background such as myself:) The instructor was VERY knowledgeable and she had all the answers for us. The facility is beautiful and the directors are very professionals. Getting there is easy. There is plenty of parking. Shiva offered me to go back fro further hands on practice. Something I never thought she would offer. She is a great contact and a wealth of resources if you want to know more about the laser business. If you don't want to learn laser, go have a treatment. You are in safe hands for sure:) read more

I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a solid education in esthetics and lasers. The school has phenomenal instructors who are well educated with years of experience. They are encouraging and supportive while also making sure their students are focused and completing their work. I felt like every subject was clearly explained and all questions answered. The equipment and machines are new and state of the art. Students able to gain plenty of hands on experience to help prepare for our futures in the industry. I am proud to be a graduate of DSI and feel like I came to the school as a blossoming, hesitant Esthetician and left an educated, confident Master Esthetician ready to begin a fabulous career! read more

I am a current esthetics student at the school and just completed the Laser Hair and Skin Treatment certification. It was absolutely wonderful!! Very engaging and included lots of hands on. I am very confident in applying this training out in the field. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in becoming certified to perform laser esthetic treatments.This school is definitely the best choice in the DC Metro area for top notch esthetics training across the board! read more

I've been coming here for 3 months now. I switch between facials and chemical peels. If your looking for a skin treatment you'll be satisfied. If your looking for luxury or spa experience you will not like this place. It's a school. Budget friendly! Each client has a student with instructors present observing. Your eyes are closed you'll hardly notice theirs another client laying 2 feet away. read more

As you can see from my past reviews, I have wanted to be a Master Esthetician for a long, long time. I researched, read up on & interviewed multiple schools before deciding on DSI. After coming here as a client for several years, I found the teachers & the students they trained to be superiorly educated, & the owner Shiva passionate & caring. It was the combination I had been searching for and I knew it. I signed up for the Basic Esthetics program and loved it so much that I came back for my Masters. Additionally, I came here for my laser & dermaplaning certification courses. This might not be the cheapest school you can find out here, but the teachers here are incredible, caring, exceptionally knowledgeable, & completely worth their weight in gold! If I had to choose again tomorrow, I'd come here, hands down, every time. read more

Highly Recommend DSI for esthetic education. Professionally run, great instructors, supportive and extremely helpful. Great learning atmosphere and experience. Sharon read more

I love this place!!! I always get great deals here on skincare services. When you are on their email list you get even better deals.

Great school with great teachers and students! I'm learning lots of valuable things and meeting amazing people. I can't wait to get a job in the future and be apart of this wonderful industry :) read more

When I first purchased my groupon for laser, I thought I had gotten the best deal. Only to realize, I totally regret ever wasting my money on it. I had scheduled my first laser session for full leg about a year ago, when I showed up for my appt the lady told me that I could not have the full leg treatment because it was against their policy. (only to find out later that she was trying to leave early, and rushed my service) Interestingly, for my next appt they did not mind giving me the full leg service. First of all, their laser is the most painful, and absolutely gives no results but scars. I had heard it from many others who had purchased the goupon deal. Most recently, I had missed my scheduled appt and I get a call from the owner to let me know that they had cancelled my session, and that they would no longer accept my groupon. Out of 6 sessions that I purchased, they only gave me 3 1/2 because I missed my appt. When I called the owner to explain myself, not only was she rude, but started yelling on the phone, and would not let me get a word in. This is by far the most unprofessional, unfriendly place I have ever been to. They use used towels to clean your legs, and aren't trained to use the laser well enough, as I always end up getting scars and spotting. They have always rushed my services. I wish I would have never spent my money there, and will def report the to the BBB. If you want my advice, NEVER, NEVER, get the laser treatment there. read more

I am a recent graduate of DSI and have spent the past 10 months training in both the Basic and Master Esthetic programs. I am new to this industry and I feel so lucky to have had this school available to me. The instructors I had are extremely knowledgeable and they enjoy sharing their abundance of information with their students. Anyone looking for a no nonsense, professional education, you are looking at the right place. Guaranteed you will leave your program educated and ready for your state boards and for the "real world. The students here are #1 priority... read more

I had a great facial by a student who was finishing in a few weeks. Very professional and a great facial. The room is clean and pleasant.

Impossible to get an appointment. I just bought a signature facial from specialicious and the ONLY available appointments for foreseeable future are at 10 and 11 Monday-Thursday. No afternoon, evening or weekend. And no promise that there will be Do not buy read more

I just finished my basic program as a student at DSI. I toured several schools in the area and was impressed by the facilities and workspace. The teachers are each unique and highly qualified in what they do. They make learning there fun and the program just flies by. Here I am just a day after graduation and I feel like I could take my board exams tomorrow and pass with flying colors! Rarely have I felt so prepared for a big test just a day after finishing school. I highly recommend DSI as a wonderful choice if you are thinking of becoming an esthetician! read more

My review does not pertain to the quality of service, but rather the disorganization and lack of professionalism of the front desk (similar to the review given By Melissa). I purchased one of those deals for a series of facial treatments. When I called to make the appointment, the person who answered the phone (I later found out it was the owner) was VERY rude. She told me the students were "completely booked until January". Well, the whole purpose of a business to do these kind of deals is to bring in business and with an attitude like that she's just pushing business away. I scheduled my first appointment for 1:00 PM, or so I thought. I arrived at my appointment 15 minutes earlier just for the receptionist to tell me that my appointment was at 1:30. I thought it was quite weird considering I had written it down in my calendar and two other people came in and said they too had a 1:00 appointment. The only response the receptionist could give was, "well, that's weird. I wonder what's going on today". Shouldn't you offer some sort of apology considering 3 customers walked in at the same time with what they thought was the right appointment time? Nevertheless, I asked the receptionist if I could make my next appointment since it had taken me so long to get my first one. She agreed and said we would do it once I finished my paper work. Once I was done with the consultation form, I brought the it back up to the front desk at which point the owner was at the desk. She asked me "Have you been helped?" "yes" I responded, "I'm just waiting to setup up my next appointment". Her next comment absolutely shocked me. No business owner should ever treat their clients the way she did, especially when the business consists of training students. The owner Shiva said to me "You're going to have to call! there is way to much stuff going on up here for people to make appointments. You're just going to have to call!" first of all, there was NO ONE at the front desk. Second of all, Talk about RUDE!!!!! I was shocked. I immediately asked her for her title thinking she was just a staff member and she proudly emphasized her title as the owner. No wait, it gets better. The receptionist didn't say ONE word! She just bowed her head and looked away. No apology nothing. My point is that this business has a TRAIN RECK of a front desk. They lack consistency, professionalism, and more importantly customer service. If it wasn't for me purchasing a series of treatments I'd never go back. However, now that I am forced to deal with this so-called "business" I can only pray for the best. read more

It was a long decision making process for determining which Esthetics School would be right for me, my final decision was DSI. I explored three schools in NOVA and felt the most comfortable when I entered DSI for the first time. I was greeted immediately with a warm and welcoming smile. My wait time to meet with Shiva, the owner, was no more than just enough time for me to take in the ambiance and get comfortable. When meeting with Shiva to discuss her school's program and financing, I could see that the costs for most Esthetics programs were roughly the same so there was no real advantage to consider one over the other based on only costs. But what ended up being the deciding factor and difference for me was how Shiva spent time getting to know me understanding really what I was looking for in my future and why skin care is my passion. It was refreshing to not feel pressured and just get the facts about the program. The meeting and exploring options for DSI's programs turned out to be comfortable and easy to understand. When I left my meeting, I knew I would be back and this was the place for me. I forgot to mention that when I was there I got to see two classes in progress and listen in on one. The classes were small and intimate, and the teachers seemed engaged. It was exactly what I had envisioned. I ended up enrolling and completed the course in under 6 months. I then took my state boards and passed with flying colors. The education materials and instructions from the teachers were very accurate for what we needed to successfully pass state boards. I ended up forming great relationships with my classmates as well as my instructor, Hi Ms. Lourdes. I still stay in touch today with my classmates. It's great to see how we have all found our path in this arena of Esthetic skincare. I knew prior to enrolling in the Esthetician program with DSI that I wanted to take my passion in skincare and open my own business. So I completed all the training from DSI and with my entrepreneurial drive I ended up opening my very own skincare center. My company is called Laser Smooth Solutions, located in Oakton. If anyone who is reading this has any doubts about DSI's ability as a training institution and want a referral please contact me. I am always welcoming anyone graduating from DSI to contact me at Laser Smooth Solutions for future opportunities in our field read more

I had a facial at DSI last week and it was phenomenal! Diane was extremely professional and very knowledgeable. I can't wait for my next appointment in a couple of weeks! read more

My experience with this school has been amazing so far. I started looking at the school to become aesthetician. But when I learned that they offered eyelash extension class, I couldn't wait to sign up. The teacher is very hands on and very knowledgeable about the product that are used and other production that can be purchased. Ms. Amy also would help hands on if needed. I am so happy that I found this school and all that it has to offer. read more

I too found the customer service to be aloof. I went there to make a serious inquire about services and I felt like they really didn't need my business. I have a little bit of psoriasis and I know that look I get from places when they just don't want to have anything to do with you. Sorry but I'll try someplace else. read more

I went to Dermal for laser hair removal, using a Groupon, and found the place to be outstanding. It did not feel like a pushy spa grabbing as much money as they could. Their knowledge, expertize, and bed-side manner is most comforting. I just read some of the reviews on Yelp and must tell you that I never had a scheduling issue. They are very punctual with their appointments too. Fast, excellent service! I couldn't ask for more. read more

I have been to this location many times in the past ten months. Place is nice and instructors are experienced professionals. Owners are very understanding and trying their best o accommodate clients. I bought a package for microdermabrasion but didn't realize I needed something else to treat my acne deep down. The owner was kind enough to upgrade my package to a more expensive PCA peel package for no extra charge at all. Easy to make appts there and really enjoy my treatments. Looking forward to purchasing a laser hair removal package next;) read more

They are great. It is a school so you don't get the serene spa experience. However, you get a great service and a great price.

Again, you are beig dishonest. I never said I had a coupon. I had come in on a promotion or so I thought. A client, who comes into my salon told me to come and check it out. She had told me about the more advanced students and I asked about pricing and she gave me a price list. I then made an appointment. No one was dishonest except the owner. She was mad that I wHer as given an appointment so soon. Her comment to me was "I wouldn't have given you an appointment so soon, we have lots of customers, we only give one appointment a month". That is when I said I didnt know that. Again, 5 stars for the student and the teacher, 0 for the owner. read more