The beauty industry is already struggling with professionalism and consistency, and if there's any place where standards should be elevated, it is a beauty college and one with a recognizable name. I frequent beauty schools not for discounted services, but because I value education, innovation, and seeing the next generation of professionals develop. However, my experience at Empire Beauty School at Northlake on Henderson Mill Rd. in Atlanta raises serious concerns about leadership, training culture, and professional standards. In a nutshell, it's a total mess over there! From the front desk to several instructors, there is a noticeable lack of accountability, communication, and customer service. The only professional and solution-oriented educator I encountered was Jasmine, who immediately addressed an issue and took corrective action when no one else would. She was the only positive point in this experience. My concerns largely stem from, and are centered with the transgender instructor at this location (the only one there, and therefore clearly identifiable to management). To be clear, my issue is not their identity, but their conduct which was unprofessional and far below the standards expected in a training institution. The behavior of this particular instructor is deeply concerning and in my opinion, warrants IMMEDIATE corrective action. I booked my first appointment for makeup a month in advance. Upon arrival, this same instructor said "I should have called again" to confirm staffing, which is a requirement that was never communicated to me. And instead of being accommodated, I was turned away, despite the error being on the school. No effort to problem-solve was made. When I returned for the rescheduled appointment, there were last minute changes to products and timing. Despite arriving late, but within the window they required, it became clear that time was limited. I conceded to just getting my lashes done, but CeCe was willing to work quickly. She had clear concerns with the products, but she worked around it. Later that evening, she texted me asking for a tip to which I provided. We exchanged text communications regarding product use and I booked another session to give her more time to use the schools products for additional practice. However, I then received an unexpected call from that same teacher telling me my appointment would not be honored, citing an issue that was never communicated by the student nor noticed during our previous interactions. It felt disorganized, inconsistent, and quite frankly, unprofessional. While CeCe initially appeared professional, the inconsistency between what she communicated to me versus what her instructor claimed is concerning. It comes across as vacillating and potentially a bait-and-switch situation. I wholeheartedly believe Empire should consider modifying student selection and training processes. Revenue is important but immaturity is expensive. I wouldn't roll the dice on liability. Additionally, there were hygiene lapses by the instructor during a lash application demonstration. In a licensed traing institution, proper sanitation is non-negotiable. Hygiene should never be an afterthought. This instructor's hands were dirty and I could smell them! The school urgently needs stronger leadership. The director sets the tone for training, talent development and service standards. Right now, the environment lacks structure, consistency, and professionalism. With appropriate oversight and truly professional educators, this school could operate at the level the industry requires. As it stands, it does not. read more

Ridiculous wait times. Only take the number of people that your stylist can accommodate and have everyone else come back. This was just a strange experience read more

Wendy who was awesome, that I wanted a flat style, no curls. The instructor CoCo who was also Amazing! They delivered exactly what I wanted. They were professional. read more

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Loved the reception staff! They were friendly, professional and courteous! My stylish Raven, is the best! She greeted me and was professional and knowledgeable about my hair,she nailed the style I wanted! The Educator, was very helpful to the students, love that service! I would definitely recommend this location! Thanks Raven! read more

My elderly Mom of 89 came to get a mani/pedi . She was serviced by the technician named Nye her care and skill set made my mom feel really cared for . I recommend this young lady, she is well on her way read more

I went in for a braid up and two strand twist style, no hair added. Nisira was my stylist, sweet young lady, just not knowledgeable about braiding and styling. To her credit, she enlisted the help of instructor, who after several tries did get the braiding right. I was informed at that point that Empire doesn't do two strand twist free formed, not to the scalp, two strand twist are individual and not to the scalp. all that to say, I left with my hair in a rubber band. Great concept, impressive looking facility, if the students are performing services, they should at least know how. read more

I decided to try out a mani and pedi here and ended up waiting over an hr after my appointment time. Then when I was called back I discovered they didn't have any proper supplies for a mani or pedi. I didn't really trip though because the girl that serviced me was kind and made a way to improvise. I won't be back though. read more

Henderson mill road location. - The evening staff runs this particular location as if it were in an alley, somewhere that you definitely don't want to be during the night. It is run like a gang and the night educator is the leader of it. As I sat there for three hours with an appointment I observed the front desk girl and night educator treating customers as if they were literally trash. Lying to many that came in and gaslighting others. They even had to be physically restrained from attacking someone a customer, wow! The worker said the customer thought she was superior and the worker tried to physically jump on her..I never witnessed the chaos and alley behavior in a professional establishment. This place should be shut down at night for the protection of the community. Enter at your own risk. This was my second time hoping it would be different but it was even worse 25+ year community member read more

Prices are great! Just be prepared to wait awhile and have patience they are students working on their craft. Make an appointment if possible to secure your appointment time. read more

Don't make an appointment. They will not honor it then claim it's not in their system. I made an appointment with a specific student two months in advance and confirmed it after one month. On the day of my appointment, I arrived at my scheduled day and evening time. The instructor, Mrs. Trailor (sp), proceeds to tell me most of the students didn't show up. It was May 5th so I presume they were celebrating. As I checked-in, she begins to tell me my name is not in their system. I commented "yes I made an appointment two months ago and you instructed the student on how to enter the appointment in your system". I remember her standing beside the student giving her guidance until she told another student to assist. I sat for about 1 1/2 hours before the student walks up and says I'll take you shortly. I was like ok great. Shortly after, she tells me she can't do it because another customer is getting an eyebrow service. She then offers to come to her house. No, I came to the salon. Then, she says I can come to your home. No, again, I came to the salon. I didn't sign up for home service. She later tells me to come back another day. No, I made an appointment for today, drove about an hour in hectic traffic with high gas prices just to be treated unprofessionally and disregarded as a customer. These students are not learning customer service and professionalism and that's very unfortunate. read more

TynishanBrown was my Hair student stylist she got me right love the staff and the service. Got to check them out!

If you want a silk press for 20 that is even better than the 80 to 100 you pay at regular beauticians call empire and book with a young lady name Abria.Her press reminds me of the press and curl I received as a child.Have patience because the beauticians are students and learning their craft. read more

Leila does an amazing job with press outs. She is so sweet and very professional. I wouldn't want anyone else to do my hair here but her. She takes her time and gives you exactly what you ask for. read more

Empire Beauty School is very good. The students are excellent. I like the fact that I can now make appointments.

Don't come here, the place has changed, new management, new instructors are not Doing a good job. so many mistakes from making you wait 2 hours to assigning 2 clients to one stylist. read more

I'm sooo mad I was here since 10 til 1:00. After she blow dry half my hair we had to go back and wash it because it was not clean all the way. She blow dry my hair for 1 hour and 20 mins, my hair mind you barely reaches my shoulders. Her technique was terrible consistently brushing and blow drying the same spot making my scalp irritated and dry. She left a burn mark on my forehead and everytime her manager was helping her she would tell her I told her to do that I guess so she won't get in trouble. My thing is I know they not professional just yet but if you don't know what you're doing ask for help. If you can't do something then turn someone away. Being a hairstylist isn't about just know how to do hair it's about being able to work and consult with many different types of hair. read more

Today I had the best an I do mean BEST experience at this establishment . It started off with a great greeting from Mr.Presley along with the work of Ms.Eva. She styled me to the gods especially after an horrific event. I can't wait to see them in two weeks read more

I came to the school to get highlights around my face. I had called and made an appointment with the girl that did my hair and specifically said I just want highlights around my face to bring out my eyes and skin. Another lady came by before she began and stated I needed to do a base color one level lighter than my natural color and then go back in with the highlights around the face. The colors were good but I ended up with highlights in the top of my head. They said they could go back in and recolor it then but I told them I was affraid to add more chemicals that day, so they told me to come back in 2 weeks and they would fix it. They charged me $38. In 2 weeks I called back and left a message for the contact I was given to talk to upon return. They told me they were at lunch but would call back. I did not get a call so I came by today and was told I needed to pay another $28 to fix the problem. I asked to speak with someone in charge bc I felt the total price was a lot for just getting highlights on the front of my face. I've been sitting here waiting for over 30 min. I decided to write a review on the Kennesaw Empire school. I still have not spoken to the person in charge so here's my review a whopping 1 star..... read more

I have been to plenty of beauty schools and this is by far the worst place I have ever been to. I will not be setting foot here again. I went there for a simple wash and flat iron. They wanted me to pay upfront. When I said I didn't want to they got an attitude with me. When I finally sat at the chair, the student looked at my hair and walked away to get her professor, which was okay, my hair is naturally thick and it takes a lot of time. When the instructor came and saw my hair she got an attitude. She looked at my hair and said that my hair was too nappy and that if they combed through it then I would lose a lot of my hair. When I protested and told her that I took care of my hair she said "well it looks like you don't" I didn't even let her finish her statement. I walked out. I went right across to Hair Limited where Tonya was able to not only fit me in right then and there. But she was able to get through my hair without losing a single strand of hair. read more

The students in the night class are so talented and eager to learn! The evening salon services will begin in March and we are so excited!!!

I think Empire does a great job I have had some of the best hairdressers there and hated to see them leave. Sometimes you get a student that's just starting and is not so good. But, remember it is a SCHOOL and they are using you to learn. If you are lucky enough to get the students right before they graduate they are awesome, better than I have ran into in regular salons. So Empire is doing a good job training their students it just depends on what stage you get them. I have been going there for about 8 years and I have very long thick hair and when I walk out 99.8% of the time, I look fabulous. Plus when you compare the prices the Salon prices are outrageous. read more

I'm from out of town and this place was recommended to me by one of my friends that I was working with. I arrived at approximately 1130, there was only three people getting their haircut and there were two receptionists. I was asked to fill out a chemical waiver statement which I happily did and then approximately five ladies came in behind me (none with appointments, I was standing next to them when they were asked.) One , two, three people were taken in front of me, still three students doing nothing. No one would even look me in the face. After waiting an hour I had to leave. I always get my hair cut at beauty schools because my family members have graduated from them. I'd rather pay 10$ for a hair cut and give the student a better tip. I just had to say how sad this whole event made me. read more

Mannn listen! The worst experience at a hair school ever and it wasn't the students fault it's the instructors. I went 10.07 to my SCHEDULED appt for 7pm. Meaning I called and they told me that time was available for a COLOR service. I went in two days prior to do a patch test. That's a 30min drive mind you (other location shut down) I get there ON TIME instructor talks to me about the color her name is MS.WOACH or WELCH. She talks my ear off for 30m about the process..ok cool I get that. Tried to convince me of a different color. No thank you. Has the student prepare the chemicals. All this takes 30m. THEN this same lady come in my face saying "I have bad news" and proceeds to tell me I MISSED THE CUT OFF FOR COLOR because it's passed 730. Are you effin kidding me?! MAAM your ramblings and explanations of my hair to the student and your consult pushed my appointment back. The audacity. She tells me I can "come back next week" or get a blow out. I done drove 30m so I take the blow out. Then she says "I need to collect a payment" WHAT?!! No discount or anything for MY inconvenience that SHE caused. When she left I was told they didn't want the student to do my hair bc they wanted to leave on time. I am so pissed I'll never return and I'm calling corporate. I work in corporate myself. I am not a mean tempered woman but this insolence is intolerable! I literally downloaded THIS APP just to document this horrendous experience. read more

Omg we have went thru teachers like wtf. I would normal not post but due to the sadness that we had a great educator to visit us for a few weeks. Now has to go back to his school in Kennesaw. I'm heartbroken and my classmates. They finally gets a teacher who is organized and on real time than the educators thats there. I can't believe they didn't demand to keep him. Now we are in a hard Module Nails which we needed him as bad as they want their financial fees or to have student enrollment. Well, if I knew what I have been witnessed to with all the Changes of educators. I may have choice not to come here. Mr. Hitson will be missed at North Lake. The 3rd teacher we have had now we on the 4th teacher geesh read more

I've had a good experience both times I've visited this location. I try to keep in mind that it is a beauty school and they are students. I've only gotten a wash, deep conditioner, and a blow out and the results have been good each time. There was a slight difference in results between the first and second time but that's probably because they were done by two different students and not everyone knows how to do natural hair. But overall I was pleased. The students and the employees were nice for the most part and I didn't have any issues. From what I've read, the wait can be pretty long. So I've only been there on Friday mornings and I was seen within 30 minutes. read more

I've been to three different Empire locations in Georgia. I've had my hair done at this particular location three times, and this recent visit sealed the deal. I won't be returning. I knew that coming on the particular day (the Friday before a holiday) would mean I may have a long wait. I wasn't expecting to be there for over 4 hours. So something told me that I might have made a mistake when I was asked "what kind of perm do you use normally?" I can rattle off my weekly regiment with no problem, but I only get relaxers in the student salon maybe 2 times a year. Unfortunately, I don't know what they use, I wish I did. The student stylist went and got the instructor to complete the consultation, cool. She asked about how often I straighten my hair, and if I was sure I wanted a relaxer that day. I flat iron my hair maybe two times a week and despite how it appeared, I had quite a bit of new growth, so my answer was yes. As my hair was based, I noticed the student stylist pull out a timer before she started applying the relaxer. I was confused, but didn't think anything of it. Red flag #1: While the relaxer is applied, the student informed the instructor that her client had called her and asked if she could come in, and to let her know when she gets there. Maybe the policies vary at different locations, but I've never been double booked like that. I get that I'm a walk in, but I was under the impression that you have to finish one client, before moving on to the next, at least while at Empire. Red Flag #2: once the relaxer is on, my stylist moves me to another chair, places the timer on the counter, and states that my hair has to process. If the instructor didn't think I needed a relaxer that day because of my straight hair, I didn't think the touch up needed to process after the 10 minute application. About 2 minutes after I sat in the other chair, I informed the instructor that it was burning, but my student stylist had moved on to another client. Red Flag #3: The relaxer is out of my hair, conditioner has been applied, I sat under the dryer, and the conditioner is washed out of my hair. The student stylist and I discussed a product that I use from design essentials. I put it on my scalp because it gets dry, before I use any heat, and it works wonders. She says that she will definitely use it once my hair is washed/conditioned. As I walk from the bowl, the stylist tells me to wait in the seat next to her while she tries to finish her appointment/call-in. She then asks another student can she blow dry my hair. I know that it was a busy day, but the stylist rolls her eyes and sucks her teeth before motioning for me to come to her chair. Nothing was applied to my hair before blow drying, no heat protectant, no design essentials oil, nothing. Once she finishes, the second student stylist stands behind the chair and we both have a scowl on our faces. I get back to my original stylist, and she puts the design essentials oil on my hair after she flat irons it.The instructor says "lightly", but by that time it's too late. I walked out with a bump under and an oily face 4 hours later. I tried to give this location a chance, but I just cant any longer. Good luck to the students, but this is not the way you conduct business. read more

The service was trash. The head teacher assumed my friend and I didn't speak English simply just by looking at us. Very discriminating and condescending attitude. Extremely unorganized for example my appt was at 9 and they didn't get started until 10:30. I would not recommend coming here unless you enjoy being disrespected repeatedly. And also if you have absolutely nothing better to do, you can come waste an entire day here because that's how long it takes for them to do a simple blowout. read more

I'm very glad and happy with the service I received. Those student are amazing and the staff too. Remember people is a school of beauty not a professional hair salon. Read all those comments here is hilarious... do you know is a beauty school ??????..... hellooo they are student don't think you will get a licensed professional cosmetologist. They learning how doing hair. Of course you will be there many hours, of course you hair don't be done the way you like but for $14 they make miracles in those nasty nappy hair. Before talking bs think about it . Be mindful you don't know all the struggles the student have to be there and complete their career. You never know if that student doing your hair eat or have place for live. Before judge and post unfair comments think how was your hair when you was there.... many people go there with 3 weeks or months without shampoo their hair and those amazing student make it happen. Don't be nasty and cheap help them to be better and be grateful because they try to get something in their life. Thank you empire for my hair look stunning read more

This is probably the worst place to get a hair cut. I've been here 3 times and I should've learned after the first 2 times to stop going but I learned my lesson on my third visit. I got there late morning on a Saturday. I was told an hour wait but that hour turned into 2 hours. (Should have walked out but I didn't) it was finally my turn and the student stylist was very nice and took her time to strive for that perfect hair cut but it was no where near perfect. The end result was a very crooked hair cut. She concealed her mistake with hot iron. I found out after I showered that evening how uneven my haircut was. It was Saturday evening and we were traveling the next morning so I had no choice but to ask my mom to even out the cut which she did a fantastic job. I know these are students and they need to practice but I would expect that when they start cutting real hair that they already have enough hours of practice. I've been to 2 other student stylist at different schools but this one is the worst. read more