I went once for a mani pedi. I've been on a beauty school kick lately. I want to be a baddie on a budget (don't we all in this economy?!) It does take longer than a regular salon, but they offer a lot there. Colors were limited so be prepared to adjust. Prices were fantastic and I'd love to come again. read more

My recent experience as a client at your cosmetology school was unfortunately disappointing, primarily due to a lack of professionalism and customer service from one of your students and the front desk staff. As a former cosmetology student myself, I understand the importance of both technical skill and client interaction. During my appointment, the student assigned to me seemed to be having a difficult day. She initially called out the wrong name, mistaking me for my goddaughter who I had previously brought in for services. When this was corrected, it became clear my service was not properly listed under my name. The student then appeared confused when I stated I was there for a color service. When I suggested she double-check with the front desk, she abruptly walked away, stating, "I don't want to do her hair. I want someone else." This was unprofessional and frankly, quite shocking. What was equally concerning was the response from the front desk when I attempted to address the situation. Instead of listening to my legitimate concerns, I was met with a closed mind and told I was "being disrespectful." I was surprised and offended by this dismissal, as I was simply trying to explain the situation calmly and respectfully. As a client, and someone who understands the industry, I would never intentionally be disrespectful. It felt as though my experience was being minimized and my character questioned without a fair hearing. I believe instructors are aware of which students may have difficulties, and it's crucial for the school to foster an environment where professionalism and respectful communication are consistently upheld by both students and staff. A truly professional front desk would have de-escalated the situation and shown a willingness to understand the client's perspective, rather than immediately placing blame. The student went to the area where the other students were to gossip about it and try to gain consensus. While I appreciate the learning environment a cosmetology school provides, this incident highlights a significant gap in the application of crucial customer service and professional conduct. I hope this feedback can be used constructively to improve future client experiences. Building a Clientele (Even as a Student): Even in school, you'll be working on real people. If you provide excellent service, those clients are more likely to return, recommend you to others, and potentially become your future clients once you graduate and are fully licensed. Reputation: Your reputation starts forming the moment you begin working with clients. A good reputation for customer service will follow you throughout your career. Conversely, a reputation for being dishonest or having a poor personality can be very difficult to overcome. Being Nice and providing Grace goes a long way. I have to add that I posted sn amazing review in the past this year and Ms. Shelly was Amazing. She still is Amazing giving the magnitude of work she does and her school responsibilities. I had to memorialize my opinion for lessons learned purposes. read more

I went for a haircut on a Wednesday. Adalyn did a great job. She was getting instructions from her supervisor. I didn't realize the amount of things that are taken into account for a simple haircut. The students were all very polite and professional. read more

up coming stylist...please do not attend this school. some not all of the staff is horrible, the receptionist/instructor is very unprofessional stays on her phone some stylist dont show up,not a pleasant atmosphere. i really feel sorry for the students that graduate from your school. they will be lost .it gives off ghetto and unbother!!!.Owings mills location read more

I love coming to Empire Beauty school. My hair looks and feels awesome. I come every two weeks. My stylist name is Asia W and she is the best. Asia has the best conversations! I come for a wash and blow outs ‍ The staff is really helpful also. thank you guys ! read more

First time here. Didn't know what to Expect!!! After reading the Reviews. People remember theses are STUDENTS. ( So Stop Bashing Them)IF U want a Professional hairdo go to a Real Shop. They were students at First Too. But it's Cheaper then going to the barbershop. So I came right after the gym. So Glad I Did..... My Student Shyla was Professional , Nice , Pleasant !!!!!! Shyla communicated the whole time with me. What she was Doing & Going to Do. And Of What I could see the other students seemed ok. That I would sit in others chairs. I Will Differently Be Back..... And to Anyone out there gave it a Try First. read more

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This is my 2nd time coming here and I already hate it. First of all I had to wait 2 hours before I could get my haircut and then I asked them to if I could get a drop fade and she didn't even know what that is I swear they're not professional they can't cut hair. They talk behind your back and their staff are rude. Their staff ended up cutting my hair and didn't even fade it right. Walked out of there hairline messed up and my whole head looking shabby. I even had to go to another barber shop to redo it. I swear this is a waste of precious time and hard-earned money. read more

Antoine was very professional and friendly. I loved the way my hair looked. I have natural hair. She did a roller set. This is about the fourth time I've visited this salon. I've never been disappointed with the service I received. All of the young ladies are wonderful. They show genuine interest in pleasing their clients.The teachers are visible and monitor the students as they serve clients. It is apparent that the teachers feel responsible for the learning and development of their students. It is a very friendly and professional environment. read more

Very good service and my hair looked marvelous!! I will return! read more

Empire Beauty School - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Glen Burnie, Maryland

I went to Paul Mitchell first and price tag is 20,000 witch was less than the cost of empire price tag was almost 23,000 are you serious like that's the first thing that is making me not want to go to empire. Second I seen the difference that Paul Mitchell curriculum was way better and more advanced then the skill books they have at empire. not to mention the supplies in your hair kit you get at Paul Mitchell we're way more better of a upgrade.compare to the low budget kit you get at empire . Paul Mitchell informed me they teach more creative styles as well as you get 40 percent off products and they have events there very often . Empire I have tried to register 3 times and still I keep checking out and finding more better options .but the only thing is the location in glenburnie for empire is nice and I heard they had a good rate of passing state board but that's the only two things that I can personally say was great .I'm currently debating on choosing empire only cause of location other than that sorry id choose Paul Mitchell hands down. Empire didn't make a great impression on me and I have been to other schools for cosmetology I went to Gordon Phillips back in the day when they existed I also went to American beauty academy which isn't a good school either I also went to fort Pierce beauty academy in Florida which was a good school I just want to finish up cosmetology School in Baltimore and pick one that's decent and get my money's worth get everything that I want to learn out of the school within a great budget and Paul Mitchell it's really the best school and first choice this, is a serious big decision so anybody else that wants to go over there to empire from what I hear from all students that went there so far they'd rather went to Paul Mitchell. Empire needs a serious adjustment on their price tag and their curriculum, and get more up-to-date with their styles of haircuts. learning the basics is pretty much all you get there for that price tag. I personally think it is ridiculous and needs to be way cheaper hopefully somebody can make that price tag change in order for me to go to that school .I don't know I have a month to figure it out before I make my decision if I go to empire honestly it will only be because of the location definitely not nothing else for the first time I'm not impressed to go to cosmetology school kind of depressed but I'm stuck choosing a school just because of the location. By the way Paul Mitchell when I went to the school for the tour they were very welcoming to me, it looked exciting.first empresion is everything .not to mention the lady who tired to enroll me at empire wasn't that inviting and alive and friendly like I felt like she just wanted my money. I'm very nervous on this decision.i wish Paul Mitchell had more better locations. Baltimore Maryland I'm need you to step your game up sence I lived in Florida I see a way better difference in everything including 8000$ cheaper for cosmetology school and had more selection of schools to choose from . But then again Maryland isn't the sunshine state so it's to be expected not to be up to date and fansy about anything.out dated isn't the word I'm so no pleased here. Choose wisely is all I can say do your research . By the way Paul Mitchell uses skill cards which is very awesome to learn from. They also use milady books .empire uses Clinique book both schools you get a tablet to use included in your kit. Also Paul Mitchell kit you get a personal color swatch book witch is the best thing to have. Empire you don't get that either. read more

I came here for a basic shampoo and blow out. I know these all graduating students so this wouldn't be any hard thing for them. The student I had was very friendly and sweet. By looking at her I figure she wouldn't be able to handle my hair. I'm 100% natural. I very thick and course hair which I love. I just needed some one to wash my hair so I could get some braids in. She offered a thermal wrap to be done. A thermal wrap is kinda like a softer relaxer. I was correct she didn't know to handle my hair. Lol She would have never offered. I declined and just asked her to deep condition it. She performed the services on my hair. Then asked if I wanted to flat iron it. She was concerned with me walking out looking crazy. I told her no cuz I'm getting it braided in two days. Plus it's my natural state of hair I'll own it! Lol I noticed that they performed nail services there. I inquired about them and told me she was good at it. I looked around for a pedi chair none. I asked her if she was sure. She said they got a bowl and she would paint them perfect. Long story short my legs got cramps and the polish was a disaster. Never again!!! I blame the bad nail experience on empire for not providing their students with a pedicure chair. I don't understand that they do everything on a sorta discount but should take away from the students having proper tools that they would have at real businesses. Naw unfortunately I won't be back. read more

Need my hair braided on the fly and none of my braid places had an opening... I tried my luck and asked if anyone at the school could do Jumbo Knotless Braids. Not an easy task especially on my already longish thick hair. They had a student Keona (sp) that was amazing!!! She washed and conditioned like a champ and did the braids very well! I had to write a review because I know they don't get the love that typically salons do! Thank you Keona and team! My hair came out beautifully :). read more

Nice folks. My hair was past my shoulders and the girl cut it above my neck.... kinda irritated by that but it will grow back. I'll have to keep a closer eye on their work but the flatiron was great. I just won't ask them to ever trim my ends. Did a great job with my son's dreads... fresh and tight read more

As a client, this place is nice for what it is. If you want a cheap haircut (a trim at best), it's great! I'd rather not pay over $15 for a very slight trim (that really I'm sure I could do myself), so I've been here a few times for that. The staff and students are very polite, and I've gotten seen right away each time. I'm not sure I'd come here for a coloring job or anything more than a trim, these are students so you can't expect an expert job, but otherwise this is a safe bet. I brought my daughters for their princess-treatment (updo/nails), and they loved it! They looked adorable afterwards as well, and the students were great with them. read more

I like coming here the girl who always does my hair knows what she is doing. The only problem I have is they not use to people who have dreads so they don't have the proper product to do dreads. I started bringing my own jar of hair product that is for dreads, other than they very nice place to get your hair done at. read more

This is an updated review 2020 I have been going to this Beauty school for several years and prior to today every time was pleasant. I made an appointment for today 12/21/20 at 1030 am. I arrived at 10.32 am and was told that I would have to reschedule because my appointment was at 1015am. I advised the staff that was incorrect because I always schedule for 1030 am and today was not any different. So I stated that maybe the receptionist wrote it down incorrectly however my appointment time is always the same. I was told on a previous occasion by an Empire staff that the students go on break and return at 1030 am so that's why I always make the appointment for that time. I was advised to reschedule and I decided that I would never return to this beauty school. The receptionist did not even try to look to see if a mistake had been made. Poor customer service As I walked away one of the teachers asked if I would like to reschedule my appointment and I declined. read more

I've gone here for years, before it was Empire, it was The Fila Academy. Larry & Cindy operated a first class school. I truly miss them & their professionalism. I ceased going a few months back because of Stacy. She treated me with disrespect & butchered my hair with a cut I told her I didn't want. I recently returned on the spur of the moment & much to my surprise, a new person was there & Stacy was gone! Mr. Vincent was new & there was a Ms. Asia. Both were extremely customer-oriented, professional & just plain nice! I got the color I wanted with no other unwanted other services. Thank you Mr. Vincent & Ms. Asia. You truly seem to care about your customers. I left the school feeling good about myself & my hair, which is really what the customers want. I will definitely be returning as long as these two people are working there. read more

It's affordable but the lady who did my hair needs more training; she moves slow and unsure. She has a month of on the job training to do to graduate and still unsure of what to do. My hair is not that difficult to figure out; it's fine and just needs more volume. People who wants to enter into this profession, needs to have passion not just a motive of just an income generating job. To be a successful beautician, you must have the interest and love of doing the beauty business. read more

I made and Appointment to get my hair done and drove from Annapolis we were told they were not doing hair because they did not have hot water. They all looked at me as if I should have known that and then said we didn't have your number to tell you. They never apologized and never offered to reschedule. We were standing there and they turned there backs and continued doing whatever they were doing as if I were not longer standing there. I really thought it was rude and poor customer service. read more

IT'S MY RIGHT... to complain when I receive exceptionally poor customer service as I did on December 28, 2016. EMPIRE BEAUTY SCHOOL gets one star because first, it took too long checking in because no trained receptionist was on duty. Second, even though I had a 2:30pm appointment made two weeks in advance, my stylist was apparently double-booked and kept disappearing, I found out later, to work on another client. Third, I ended up taking my cape off and leaving with clips still in my hair after the Manager-On-Duty yelled, scolded, and threatened me when I complained that my stylist had not communicated she was off to work on another client when I didn't see her for nearly 15 minutes. NOT ONLY WAS I insulted in front of students, but I was also shocked that the Manager-Of-The-Day walked angrily away from me, after I suggested she have another student curl my hair so I could leave in a timely manner. Not a very pleasant experience for a client who came to EMPIRE to feel better not worse for the New Year! I ended up going home & doing my own hair. AS A LONG-TIME client & huge fan of Empire Beauty School, I have never experienced such unprofessional customer service. Let's hope the Director & others can use my experience as a real teachable moment. While the service I received did not reflect the EMPIRE BEAUTY SCHOOL way of EXCELLENCE, I can only conclude that the 3:30 graduation ceremony for a student & the upcoming holiday played a distracting role in the rendering of unusually poor customer service on 12/28/2016. FRANKLY SPEAKING... I deserved better as a client & a human being! read more

This school just couldn't be any worse. They have got to be the most disorganized group of people. Sometimes the students don't even have a teacher at all. Rude is also a great word to describe the staff they do have. read more

I have been twice. Once for a hair cut and the second time for a manicure pedicure. The first experience was great. The second was even better. The students rate a 5 star. The front desk check in and payment experience draws their service down. There is only one professional at the front desk. The rest, instructors included, gave bad pricing information and attempted to intervene both times I was there. My advice is for everyone to stay in their own lane it will put the customer to a better place. read more

Went to get a service and it was awful. Why did I look the same as when I came in minus $50 of course. I knew I should have just paid the couple dollars more and had a professional do it. I came back a month later as I was told to get a redo and get what I actually wanted and the one lady told me that it was not going to come out due to chemicals from hair dye in my hair. I actually spoke to a hair stylist about this and they were confused as to why she would say that. So I ended up getting a hair color to make up for the whole mishap. The color came out good but I definitely would never pay $90 for it. That's the whole idea of a school is to give the people that are still in school a chance to practice. It's not to pay as much as salon's! read more

Let me start off by saying this. This school is a NOT worth the 20 thousand dollars. They staff located in Glen Burnie Maryland is HORRIBLE and I mean HORRIBLE. The teachers talk behind the students back. When I went to go to my orientation in 2013 they were so nice to me in the beginning but soon as they received my signature on that dotted line boyyy did things go to HELL after that. The director that was in charge was a bitch she did not help financially or spritually. Everybody talked about one another. The receptionist at the time Stephanie was the biggest bitch ever and very racist, she would only schedule people based on "skin color'. It was so much bullying going on it felt like I was back in grade school. I was kicked out because I used Freedom of Speech and now I am in debt 7 thousand dollars and being sued by this company for no reason at ALL because I did not receive the education I needed to get my lincese. This company is just after your money they do not care if you are sick or having a difficult time with life. Now that its 4 years later this company is still on my credit record which I am refusing to pay. I do have a lawyer on this case regarding my first amendment being violated. I think this business should be investigated for FRAUD! The services that this school offers DOES NOT help with passing the state board at ALL. The Glen Burnie Location ALSO NEVER HAD ANY PRODUCT TO WORK ON CLIENTS WITH ! Several teachers told us to bring in our own which I could not afford. Something is really fishy with this education what this company has to offer. Hope to see you in court soon. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL TO NOBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I tried to give this Beauty School numerous chances, thinking that each time prior I just had a bad experience. However, after being there 3 times now I realize this school just has poor management. The front desk staff are rude and unprofessional (the last time I visited both of the front desk staff arrived more than 30 minutes after opening). The poor professionalism of the front desk staff and other administrators really set a horrible example for the students. When they make mistakes (which is very often) they are not apologetic, and that says an awful lot about their customer service. This is a school, so it is to be expected that the students need training. So do not go here expecting perfection. The students are trying and honestly they are the best asset to this school. They can probably teach the administration a thing or two about running a business. 3 strikes and you're out. I would not recommend this place to anyone. The cheap prices do not balance out the poor service. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. Today was my sisters first time visiting this awful salon. VERY displeased with the service and treatment she received. Not all, but most students looked very unpresentable. Wouldn't you want someone's hair to look nice, clean and presentable if you are trusting them with your hair?? The student my sister received was not educated on how to cut different "kinds" of hair. When this student asked for help the instructor said "I ain't cutting no white girls hair". She was also VERY persistent on making sure my sister had a "scalp check", indirectly calling her dirty. I cannot speak for all the students/instructors but this particular instructor was very racist and rude. After she made this comment, standing only 5 feet away from my sister, she proceeded to be extremely loud and vocal with her fellow associates, making her even more uncomfortable. This woman should be fired immediately. This salon is not business worthy. Don't waste your time or money on this place. read more

I love coming to this school, but recently I have noticed that the cleanliness has gone DOWN HILL. It doesn't look like their maintenance does anything at all. Also, I have seen roaches! Big roaches crawling across the floor. & I know from experience working anywhere especially in a building next door to a restaurant or in this case a bowling alley, that there are going to be bugs. BUT, lately it has gotten out of control. It seems as if there is no pest control coming out to do maintenance. I wouldn't be surprised if there were other pest infestations at this point. (Mice, ants, etc.) This is a severe problem, that NEEDS to be addressed. It is a LAW to keep the business sanitized and safe. This is something that I do NOT blame the staff for. They are all very friendly and I see them running around cleaning all the time while I am there. But they can't be expected to be the janitorial crew. This is an upper management issue, and it makes it look as though upper management doesn't care about the safety and sanitation of their business! PLEASE GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF!! I can't be the only customer who has noticed this, and the more people that notice the less business you will receive. Plus someone could call the health department! This is no joke nor something to play around with!!!!! I love coming here and want to keep coming but I will not come unless this issue is resolved!! read more

The girl that does my nails is awesome. She always does a great job and I love chatting with her. I get the UV gel on my nails and it costs SO much less than going to a regular salon. Today however I was going to get designs on my nails and when she went looking for the acrylic paints one of the instructors came over with them and told her that she needs to let clients know that it's $5 PER NAIL!! She said at salons it's normally $5 for 2 nails, one on each hand. Now, I don't usually get art done on my nails, but the $5 for 2 nails didn't surprise me. What did surprise me was the $5 PER NAIL charge. Seriously!? If you want all 10 nails done that's an extra $50!!!!!! She went and asked someone else (higher up I'm assuming) and she said it's always been that way. She even told the girl that she didn't know what she was talking about because she didn't work in a nail salon. Ummm, YES she does and they charge $5 FOR 2 NAILS. She even told a couple of the other students and they were shocked as well. So, just as a heads up, unless you're willing to pay for it, don't get designs on your nails when you go to this school. Honestly, everything else was wonderful. I'm not usually one to write a review, but this needs to be out there so maybe hopefully they might change. I was really looking forward to getting designs put on today. We had talked about it last time I was there. read more