I am extremely disappointed with my experience at Empire Beauty School and feel compelled to leave a detailed review for others considering services there. I went in for a pixie cut and provided a clear reference photo. The student stylist consulted with her instructor, Ms. Kim, who approved the style and directed the process. At that time, my hair was shoulder length. After washing my hair, Ms. Kim immediately began cutting in a rushed and uneven manner before allowing the student to continue under her supervision. At no point was I properly advised that my natural hair texture would require a relaxer in order to achieve the style I requested. That critical information should have been disclosed during the consultation--before any cutting began, not after my hair was already significantly altered. Throughout the appointment, multiple instructors were involved, including Ms. Shirley, and the process became inconsistent and poorly coordinated. My hair was molded, dried for over an hour, and further manipulated with products and clippers in the back. Despite spending over 5 hours in the chair, the final result did not resemble the style I requested in any way. What is most concerning is the lack of professional communication and oversight between instructors. Decisions were made on my hair without clear explanation, proper expectation-setting, or consideration of the outcome being delivered to the client. After the service, I was told I should return in 48 hours for a relaxer. That recommendation should have been discussed before any cutting occurred--not after my hair was already compromised. Due to my dissatisfaction, I escalated the matter and emailed the President of the school. I was informed that someone would follow up with me, however I have not yet received any response. In the days following my appointment, I continue to notice more clearly how uneven and poorly executed the cut was, particularly from the initial work performed by Ms. Kim. My hair is left in a condition that is extremely disappointing and difficult to correct. While I understand this is a training environment, clients still deserve proper consultation, informed consent before major changes are made, and consistent supervision that prevents outcomes like this. Unfortunately, that standard was not met in my experience. read more

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Thank you to Ms K & Ms Shirley for their wonderful knowledgeable efficient customer service to this new walk-in customer. I really appreciate it! All staff I observed are hard-working & busy & lovely clean ambience! I just made an appointment but they made sure they did a patch test before getting my hair color. read more

I was so happy going there after my two weeks, and I noticed the place was it clean. The bathroom and break room were not clean. There is always hair on the floor in the classroom. I feel like I was in high school with teenagers, and the music was too loud for me to even learn anything. You pay so much money, and for what it was not professional, and i love how they lie to you on some things before you sign up, then you find out after when you are already in school. The kit they give you is so much money, but they give you the cheap crap. You for real, how you want someone to learn the right why and the stuff doesn't work. Very disappointing When someone has a dream and a goal in life, make sure you dont go here, well, to this one anyway read more

I had the pleasure of having Zylina do my hair(twist). This was the first time I had twist and she rocked it. I was very satisfied with the outcome. This was also the first time that she had done my hair. She will be leaving this month and will be missed. I'm glad I had the opportunity to comment on her skills. I will get 1 more appt. with her before she leaves and I plan to follow her so that she can continue to do my hair. Thank you Zylina. Ms. Diane read more

All the teachers know their stuff and are very informative and helpful. The atmosphere is great. Unfortunately, the only downfall is I can't wear shorts no matter the weather so I'm forced to learn uncomfortably on hotter days. read more

Aerion is a great stylist and has a great personality which is needed a lot and very much so customer oriented and knowledgeable about a lot especially hair like she's been here before she will be greatly missed at Empire Beauty School Midlothian read more

We went for a tour of the Empire beauty school facility in midlothian today. We met with Yvette, she was very helpful and really great to work with! Yvette took time with us and made sure we were fully informed about the school, the curriculum and all the financial aspects as well. If you are reading this review and you're interested in a studying for a career in cosmetology make sure you go see her! Yvette is a wonderful and friendly person and a great representative for the Empire Beauty school!! Thank you Yvette!! read more

I'm really disappointed by Empire Beauty School. I called on Saturday to book an appointment for Thursday. Booking an appointment was easy and I had my time and service confirmed by the receptionist over the phone. About 15 minutes later, she called me back and let me know that I would need to come in 24 hours before my service to have a patch test done, but that I could come in at my convenience. On Wednesday, 24 hours before my appointment, I called the school to see if I could have my patch test done at the Empire location closest to where I work, even though I had booked my appointment at the Hull Street location, as this would save me about an hour travel time. I was informed by the new receptionist that they would not book an appointment for me until I had my patch test done, despite being told on Monday I was already booked for an appointment. I asked if they could let me know if there would be any appointment times available during that week and she told me she wouldn't even let me know if there were open appointment times until I had come in for my patch test. The receptionist offered no apologies for the miscommunication. I booked my appointment to make sure my hair would look nice for an event out of the country this weekend. I am not going to drive an hour out of my way to have a patch test done if they can't even guarantee that there will be an appointment open for me before my event. My event is on Saturday and now I'm left trying to scramble to find an appointment elsewhere. I understand that the patch test is necessary for safety reasons, but their policy needs to be communicated better to potential clients. I should not have been told I had a confirmed appointment if they can't book appointments until you have the test done. I would caution clients from trying to have a service done here unless you have a lot of flexibility. I am not pleased by the lack of professionalism and communication I have experienced and will not be booking here in the future. read more

I did a walk*in near 2pm on a weekday and was seen within 5 minutes. I spoke with the student about the service I needed (a trim), she asked a few questions and got her supervisor to sign off on the service before we began. The shampoo & conditioner smelled amazing! She gave me a great scalp massage, too! The cut was easy and other students admired her skills the entire time she was working with me. I recommend being precise with what you want. Acknowledge they are students. Be honest with feedback but kind as they are learning to perfect their craft. Take CASH to tip. read more

Good prices, staff was on point had a nice experience product they use to wash hair was good

I had an incredible experience today with hair stylist, Crystal. She was incredibly thorough and professional at her job. And, above all else, I sensed that she had a lot of pride for her craft. She was diligent through all stages of my treatment -- root touch-up, wash, drying, and dusting. She also did a phenomenal job of telling me the products that she used and why they would be a good for my hair. Perfect timing, as I am just in market for some replacement shampoo and conditioner. I am in love with my hair and wish it could stay like this forever. Added bonus: She was super chill with me just wanting to work on my laptop during the service which was really appreciated! Some stylists get very chatty, which is fine, but I was in a mood to get work done, and Crystal picked up on that very well! read more

i love how they teach you everything dealing with cosmetology and not just one thing and i also love the variety of things you can learn it's really good to know how to do multiple things so that you have multiple career paths to take ah step in! read more

On 6-12-18had perm done at the Midlothian branch Chesterfield county VA. Was there 6 HOURS which is uncalled for. I told the technician and teacher several times the waving lotion could not be on more than 15 minutes or it would damage my hair. While they were discussing that, the lotion was on my hair the full 20 minutes and needless to say my hair was fried. It will take a year or more for my hair to grow out. My hair is fine and thin. Also they did not seem to know how to set and style my hair. They said most people just leave as it is after perm.When I made apt and when signing in I told them I wanted a cut, perm and set After they finally set it, they did not seem to know how to style it. I left very unhappy and had to come straight home so I could style it myself. Was just a waste of time and $30.00, not to mention it being a mess until it grows out. Evidently from what I saw there. they only know how to work on black peoples hair, if that. read more

I have come to Empire for over 5 years for cuts and highlighting, and have never had a bad experience. The students are matched to customers based on their experience and readiness for the service, and instructors check back at every level of the process. I couldn't be happier with my level of care and quality. Everyone has to learn by doing, and I support the professionalism of the staff and students. read more

My first experience here wasn't great but after talking to the lead instructor and having a different student work on my daughter's hair, I'm now so happy with my experience here! Claire is an awesome student and I'm look forward to following her when she graduates. Great prices for everything from haircuts, hair colors to nails as long as you don't mind students working on you. I would definitely recommend trying this place :) read more