Markeith is an incredible instructor, and I had the honor of being a demo for his students. The facial was so incredibly relaxing, and I felt like I was getting such special treatment! I left feeling like a new woman! The chemical peel, extractions, and mask all felt so wonderful. Thank you so much, Markeith. I definitely will be back for more srevives at Empire. I also want to acknowledge Diana who was also in the room and very sweet. The staff at the front desk and also just passing through the lobby area were very welcoming and inviting. read more

I'm not sure about the education program, but I am writing about a canceled haircut appointment. I had scheduled days in advance for a haircut, since I'm not fussy and was looking for a good deal on a women's trim. But on the day of, I arrived and they informed me that they had canceled all of their appointments because the receptionist was out for the day. The receptionist was supposed to notify all guests about their appointment cancellation, but I didn't receive any notice. I was a bit annoyed that I had trekked over in the rain just to be told to come back another day. Service is not good. read more

My experience at Empire Beauty has been extremely troubling. The environment is dangerous, with many students involved in drug use and etc. The real issues stem from management, particularly one staff member who is unfit for her role and needs to seek therapy. Her discriminatory behavior creates a hostile atmosphere that feels more like a zoo than a school. If you care about your well-being, I cannot recommend this place! Check the bathr read more

Review: I am extremely disappointed with the current state of education at this Empire Beauty School location. Our class has been without a consistent instructor for an extended period, which has completely jeopardized our learning process. Instead of receiving the hands-on professional instruction we are paying for, we are essentially forced to teach ourselves out of textbooks. To make matters worse, we are being pushed to take tests on a very aggressive two-week schedule without any actual teaching or guidance to ensure we understand the material. When my classmates and I have tried to bring these concerns to the manager and the Director, we were met with dismissive, condescending attitudes and a total lack of effective communication. It is incredibly frustrating to feel like our professional futures and state licensure preparation are being treated with such a lack of care. Prospective students should be aware that the current leadership at this campus is not prioritizing the quality of education or student support. read more

I attended the North East Empire Beauty School. I had a great experience gaining so much knowledge and hands on experiences. Miss Hydee and Miss Christine are exceptional mentors. They went above and beyond passing their own skill to ensure we will do well in.the real world of Esthetician field. read more

I attended this school for less than a month. This was the worst decision I've made when it comes to furthering my career in the beauty industry. I will never recommend or step a toe in this place again. They lied about the registration fee. They lied about pricing for the materials, I research everything so yea call it a scam .They only care about money, they do not care about the students, you pay all this money to be on YOUTUBE, and it's ghetto to the FULLEST EXTENT. And if you make any comments or complaints they give you this bs response on how they are sorry about this and that or give you the run around to the same person. You can't speak with anyone above the director at this location. I can go further but I'm choosing not to. Point blank period .Do not go to this school! It's not worth it. FIND ANOTHER ! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE I WISH I COULD GIVE NO STARS read more

The school is not competent when it comes to dealing and treating African-American hair. Their only method of styling hair is to solely expose it to a flat iron, wanting to straighten everything they can get their hands on. If you honestly value the overall integrity of your hair, do not go here. In addition, some of the students are not good at taking constructive criticism. As opposed to seeing it as an opportunity to grow and to do better, some of them would see it as an attack against their character. Furthermore, I found the overall experience to be rather disturbing to see an educator at the institute to not be educated on handling African-American hair properly without spewing the false narrative of "Needing to heat train you're hair". read more

I sleep walk and cut my own hair came to Empire crying because my daughter is get married on Sunday the stylist Alyssa saved the day thank you so much and thank youLarissa for calling the universe i really needed it you did an amazing job here are before and after pics read more

Empire Beauty School - Before they fixed it top left corner - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - New York, New York

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The curly perm broke my hair off and I don't think they are aware of their products. I am so disappointed.

My daughter sat in class yesterday and listened to her classmates AND the teacher talk about how much they hate white people. The teacher acknowledged she is not supposed to talk about politics, religion, or race, but it was okay if it did not leave the room. At one point, a classmate asked if she was recording the conversation. The discussion continued and my daughter left crying. She spoke to the director and is afraid to go back there. She is transferring to a more friendly school. She is taking my husband there to get her belongings because she is afraid to go back there alone. Please be cautious before enrolling your child at an Empire Beauty School. read more

First week. Going great , staff is helpful and friendly. Highly recommend for anyone interested in starting their beauty career. read more

My sister went to this school and they dropped her because she failed 1 she passed every other test but failed 1 and when she asked to retake that test she was denied and kicked out fuck this school and fuck those people read more

I went there to get a root cover up where my dark brown hair had grown out 1.5 inches, which is tricky with bleach. Sierra and Ms Singleton were so amazing and did such a wonderful job on my hair. They were kind, inviting, knowledgeable and really cared. I left looking like I went to a salon read more

Empire Beauty School - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - New York, New York

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I had a hair appointment at "Empire" that I needed to reschedule so the secretary booked me for a Sat. morn. I woke up early that day and rushed over in the rain. Got to my appointment at 9 "on time". I waited about 45 minutes and asked several times when I would be seen. Finally the instructor said the student hairdresser may or may not come and this was a school and I should deal with it. I said it's also a business because they charge for services and they should hold someone accountable. Can they call the student or the teachers? They said absolutely not. Or Perhaps I should have been told when I booked that this may happen- oh sorry Miss. They pretty much said too bad get over it, come back another day. Ugh I have been here a few times and always thought they were unorganized but this was a total waste of my time. I would go anywhere but never here again read more

The students here are beyond nasty and nobody does anything about it the staff doesn't help with anything they don't know what to say or do when you are lost or confused. I highly don't recommend ! IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH BEING TREATED LIKE SHIT THEN FINE GO AHEAD BUT NOT TF I read more

Faye and her assistant Katherin did a great brow tint for me. Nice, relaxing atmosphere and friendly, capable employees at Empire.

This place is absolutely garbage. The staff is unorganized. Take your state exam elsewhere, they placed me in a room last ( I was on time to my exam and waited around ) they placed me last in a room where others were already set up. It's absolutely unfair. Do you self a favor and avoid this shit hole. read more

I brought my daughter and her friend to take a tour and sit down with someone to secure information on their program in Union, NJ. Michelle Burgess was late to the appointment, rude, short and gave the impression she had no interest in doing her job or expressing human kindness. We were given a few sheets of paper and rushed through. We have met with other schools which we met with for 30-60 minutes and they actually had interest in meeting with us. This was so disheartening to me and the girls since we were excited about the school. For school's sake I hope it is only Union location that is like this and not the Empire Beauty School. I do NOT recommend this school at all. read more

I have been attending since January 2020, the staff is amazingly welcoming, Felicia was my advisor when I requested information online. Felicia was very informative and walked me around the school. The school has two floors in a six story building, the second floor is the main floor and salon, and the fifth floor is for additional classroom spaces. Custodial staff is very diligent and keep all areas safe and clean, the bathrooms are always clean and stocked with paper, napkins, soap and air hand dryers always work. The instructors are great! Any of them are all willing to Help and friendly. We survived quarantine with zoom classes which were fun, over crowded but I felt it helped all us students attending get to know one another better and we are more unified when we returned to the Manhattan school building in September 2020. It's been a trying year for everyone! I feel is students and staff members have really come together and made the best of our invested time and money. Success is what you make of it. Come ready to work and hold yourself accountable and enjoy the fruit of your hard work and dedication. I am enjoying my time here as a student. The school even offers a media platform where students are able to create a portfolio and display their work which will definitely help one with exposing their talents. Job opportunities are at our finger tips as long as you network and make sure you get to know everyone, the staff is really a group of talented, intelligent, informative and encouraging individuals. Don't limit yourself out of fear. It is a really nice campus, 34th street right next to the Empire State Building, very safe. Also the supplies included in the tuition packages are full of great quality items and appliances. "Diane" is a staple brand at all Beauty Supply stores. I am pleased with all my equipment; combs, brushes, blow dryer, flat iron, Marcel curling iron, clipper/trimmer pack, the shears pack, the mannequin heads are all great quality. The make up and acrylic starter kits are the only items I was disappointed in. However, the school is constantly changing the brands in the kits so eventually maybe they can find a better make up vendor for the kits. The text books are amazing, I suggest buying the book instead of the digital iPad because you have to return the iPad at the end of the program and I think the text book information is priceless and if you ever need to look back on something in the future once you're out on your own, you have it forever. I am grateful to all the school and program has provided me this far and I have nothing but faith in my success and future endeavors read more

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They made me feel comfortable and thankful for allowing me to practice their techniques. Please don't go in with a hairdo that requires years of experience. Allow them to practice their basic shills. They won't dissapoint. Thank Latisha. read more

(EMPIRE BEAUTY SCHOOL SCHOOL UNION NEW JERSEY)I was interested in furthering my career by getting my cosmetology license so I scheduled a tour with MICHELLE BURGESS. Upon arrival, the neighborhood seemed fairly ok , but the actual building looked very small and needed maintenance. There were cops infront of the building which made it very hard to enter the parking lot. Once arrived no one greeted me, no one said hello or good morning, I was instructed to sign my name for service or tour. The furniture was very old and The sofa was dirty. The floors needed to be mopped ans very unsanitary. A lady came out of her office who name was Michelle and looked agitated that I was even there for the tour appointment. She wasn't welcoming at all, and I had second thoughts for wanting to attend the school. As soon as I stepped in her office , she was rude and made disrespectful comments towards me and my mother. I was 15 minutes late due to trying to enter the building. She said "usually she would reschedule but whatever now I have to rush your tour because you were late." She also said "why you didn't call or nothing " while she clapped her hands. I felt so insulted especially after I apologized while I tried too introduce myself. But at that very moment I decided to leave it was distasteful, her breathe stink really bad and her appearance wasn't what I thought a hair school should represent. I clearly wasted my time by visiting there. Please hire new staffing , with class clearly Michelle hates her job . read more

Having worked for Empire Education Group, I don't have the heart to give this place a bad review. While the place may look a bit 'disheveled', especially during the day when it is busier, I find that this location of Empire is the most professional out of all of the NYC locations. The students here seem more serious and determined about their choice to be there, and are therefore more willing do go the extra mile for their "customers". I've had my hair done here several times and I met a nice and interesting individual each time. I do have "ethnic" hair and each stylist that I've had has been up to the challenge. If you do find a stylist that you fancy, make sure you ask for her name and number or email address. This helps to correspond future appointments. The school does have daytime and evening hours. They offer a wide variety of (very) affordable services; from manis and pedis to hair color and braiding. They also offer a lot of promotions (ex. free waxing on Mondays, half off color application in May, etc). As the other Yelpers have stated, it helps to be AS SPECIFIC as possible. These stylists have limited, if any, experience in real salons. Help them out by being descriptive or providing visuals for your desired look...But most of all, be patient! Remember that these are students. If you are not up to the experience, then don't waste your money or their time and efforts. read more

EBS is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Professional teachers who educate, train, and motivate pupils to achieve their full potential in the workplace. Team members support and encourage one other's innovation. read more

Antoine was very professional and friendly. I love my hair. This place is wonderful. The teacher monitor the students as they do your hair. Every time I come I am pleased with the hair service I receive. I highly recommend this beauty school. read more

I was here once and loved how they did my hair would love to book an appointment for me and my husband to get our hair braided.

Was given an appointment on 12/29/2022 at around 2:00, wasn't called until 2:40 and was dispatch without the hair style or no other treatment the manager kept on saying it was time for lunch which is rude because they could of put another stylist while the other is on lunch. Worst service ever. read more

My daughter and I made plans to go to Empire because she wanted to get a haircut for less. But that was not the case. They called her in first and then me. The girl was washing her hair so I thought cool. Well I got my haircut and shaved a little too short for my taste and my daughter was off to the side under a dryer! She was told by the lady that was in charge and looked like a clown, that she had psoriasis when in fact she didn't, she just had a bad case of dandruff! Well the clown lady approached me and wanted to know if I was the mother. They also made her feel dirty and gave her strange looks! Then while I am having my hair done, my daughter is being made fun of because of the cut she wanted. Go to a professional hair salon don't waste your money on this vulgar low class poor excuse of a school! Never again. read more

I am simply amazed. I have been to many professional salons and havent been this pleased with my cut. The students are friendly and the instructor is awesome. My friend received a mani pedi special with hair cut and was so happy. I would highly recommend this school and will be back often thanks Empire in Portland Maine read more

Hey it's your fellow Team No Competition Kat here just wanted to say that although it's sure has been such a loooong ride here at Empire due to a prolonged stay because of the pandemic, I can honestly say that the best memories I'll take is the ones created with the one and only Ms. K. Since day one she's always held her class down no matter what. I'm talking any questions never went unanswered, we made Kahoot! parties, super informative, always made things possible and never turned her back to us. Always willing to help and made our education as fun as possible. I would also like to say thank you to all of my other educators like Mr.V , Mr. Roach, Ms Queen, Ms. sandy, & Ms. Lin they made it possible for us after covid to stay encouraged and to finish out night school from August 2019 to June 2021. that in its self meant a lot to me. Thank you so much Empire! read more

The school in Midlothian, Va could be customer friendly, or offer better customer service to clients who come there for services. Also, they could offer better customer service over the phone. They canceled my appt without notifying me. Alot of the students and teachers have nasty attitudes. read more

Today on September 17, 2019 I took my daughter to have her hair done at the Empire Beauty Schools at Brooklyn, NY facility where I've been bringing her over the last four years. The manager this evening sitting at the front desk didn't even greet my daughter and I. (NO customer service skills whatsoever). I first ask the manager for specific services: wash, conditioner, blow out and flat iron and she responds to me "well, the Iron Work will cost any where from $10 & Up based on the length of her hair". I replied "I don't get it, because the Empire Beauty Schools service menu states the price at $10 NOT $10 and up." Then the manager asks for my daughter's name which I wrote down on the note pad she gave me. I'm thinking she entered my daughter's name in the computer after I handed the note pad back to her and she'll then enter the services I asked for. Well, NO! The manager then proceeds to tell me that she can't give me the printed price for services because she has to wait for the network service agency to send back on her computer what the price will be which will take a little while. I simply said I was just here last week for nail services during the day and was given a printed price in order for me to pay for everything I asked for, and the receptionist still said that she had to wait. So I asked her if I could speak with the director of the business and she got up and went to his office. 10 minutes later she came back at the front desk and I said, "so is the price for the Iron Work only $10?" She said, "yes, it's $10 for Iron Work and $10 for Shampoo (which automatically comes with conditioner). Finally, the director Earl Thomas comes out and introduces himself to me and tries to "spin" the manager's misleading consumer price gauging. I then begin to explain exactly what she told me and he said, "yes, it's $10 each for these specific services." The problem is the manager LITERALLY tried to pocket EXTRA MONEY or CHARGE ME EXTRA FOR THE OWNER OF THE SCHOOL!! It makes me wonder if they're over charging customers for things that are not written on the service menu. Probably! This is what happens when you don't read!! I don't think I'll be bringing my daughter back here unless the evening manager is RETRAINED!!! As for the facility, the music was the loudest I've ever heard it. Not a friendly atmosphere. I travel to Florida a lot on family vacations throughout the year as well as previous years and take my daughter to the Empire Beauty Schools at Lauderhill, Fl each time and I have NEVER had a problem. The managers and students are very nice and friendly. The music isn't loud and the facility is well kept unlike the one in Brooklyn, NY. Whoever owns this particular school really needs to be HANDS ON with who they choose to represent this Empire Beauty School. Sincerely, Not a happy customer anymore!!! read more

Manhattan site is "outta sight". Superb "precision cuts" are carefully monitored by exceptional instructors working in lock-step with conscientious, cordial, and very careful student stylists/beauticians. Particularly, the team of devoted student Ch. with attentive, informative, knowledgeable Miss Sinclair, are a truly "dynamic duo". RUN, don't walk to Empire Beauty School' 34th street branch, for all your cuts, coloring & cosmetics desires. Serious class who work cooperatively -- not competitively -- to give great cuts. Incredibly reasonable too. read more

I've been here a few times and I just have to give a thumbs down for an awful experience. I will never trust anyone here with scissors near my hair again. I asked for someone who could give me a trim because I am growing my hair and needed a fresh trim for my University School Picture. I did not get a trim, but instead 4.5 inches cut off. Yes, 4.5 inches. I've been before for hair coloring, blow out's and other services but not a cut. I figured they wouldn't cut off much; I didn't have many split ends. I was absolutely horrified; I kept asking what was taking so long and she insisted once she was done with my hair, it will grow so long. I told her to shape my bangs with a layered look with more on one side and she messed that up too! I think the scissors she used were old because the cut was very blunt. After she straightened it, the hair looked too choppy, as if a five year old just cut it. When she was done, I knew it was short... I felt her pull the hair as she blow dried. I kept trying to lift my head to look in the mirror but she kept saying, don't worry, it will look nice. The final reveal, I was nearly in tears. I was LITERALLY speechless. Her exact words: Doesn't it look nice? Can I take a picture of it? you look so much older." Um. I'm a mid 20something... I DO NOT want to look older... I did not want this haircut and I will not pose for a photograph.... My hair was BSL (Below shoulder length), the after had my hair not even HITTING my shoulders... I'm sorry but NEVER again. It took so long to get it to the length it was and I was 2 months from goal length and this lady put me back to square one.... Getting extensions as we speak.... You'll take a risk at this place, you might get someone really good or someone that does what she feels like... no more chances for me... read more

I have been a student and a client here. I don't quite understand the negative reviews because we always keep the school clean and tidy and the clients are always repeat clients. You can get a haircut for about $5 by students who are more than likely already working in a salon but just need the hours to take the state board test. I know that even I after I graduate I will be visiting because you can get uv shellac nail polish done for ten bucks when in regular nail salons its about $50. Front desk is always welcoming and the students are eager to please. read more

Torn between 2 and 3 stars... It was $5 for a haircut but the place was filthy and that grossed me out. I'm talking dye from a past customer smeared on my chair and hair clumps on counters filthy. If you do go, don't wear white. I knew my friend who was in school there but I would not go back unless I knew the person cutting my hair. If the place was cleaner and the clamor of hundreds of students in a huge open pit of chairs and broken dreams not so unbelievably loud (though it was a Friday afternoon, but still) I'd have been tempted back, but I can't get past the level of funk. It just totally overwhelmed the basically free cut. Now, my friend comes over and cuts my hair in my living room, after which I sweep up the floor and tuck the chair back under the table. (See, was that so hard?) read more

Great experience. There's no frills that a salon would have, but it's fun to be in a school surrounded by students styling mannequins and tucked into classrooms practicing techniques and listening to lectures! Yes, it is slower. My haircut was about 1.5 hours, but who cares. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and the time flew with all the bustling and buzzing of students going about their work. My student held a consult with me and her instructor. The instructor was checking in regularly -- adjusting her angle, double checking her blending etc etc. They use higher end products, too. I brought a picture of the style I wanted and that is exactly what I got! My friend with me got a trim and was pleased as well. She also got a gel manicure ($10!) and it looked as good as any of the $25 versions I've seen -- plus they use the nicer brand (Shellac, not OPI). Pros: great price, friendly atmosphere, results I want. Cons: slower, crowded atmosphere. I'll be back soon read more

I came here numerous times when I was broke, and the place was usually super packed and(pardon my language) quite ratchet. There's been one time when I can recall I got a good haircut, and the girl was cutting hair at home on the side. She was lovely! Other girls in there, not so much. A lot of times it seemed like they did not know what they were doing, and I went home with pink streaks in my hair once, too. Beware, and go at your own risk! read more

DON'T GO HERE ! I went here for a color and the lady told me I can't go lighter since I already had a color in my hair which I had for already 9 months ... but she said she can high-light it... and I had to wait 1 hour to even be seen, and it was super crowded, unprofessional and full of loud people . I definitely walked out . read more

I wanted a baby trim for my hair and got exactly what I wanted for ~$5. They are walk-in only for cuts and have limited hours so make sure you call ahead. Also, the girl who did my hair was very sweet and took her time and was very careful to give me exactly what I wanted, but it did take a while- about 45 minutes. So make sure you give yourself time! My only semi- negative thoughts about this place are that it was kind of hard for me to find, and it's like a touch "ratchet" inside, but I'd definitely recommend it for basic maintenance. A good five dollar haircut that includes a wash and blow dry in Manhattan?! That's awesome. read more

I was in this school last year. I graduated and passed my state board on the first try, thanks to myself, Mrs.Stewart, and Mrs.Sandy. They were the best, I was only with them during my last 3 months. Before then I had Mrs Cornelious and Mr.E .. the worst experience of my life they are so rude, and impatient . But Mr.E was the worst.. idk why they haven't fired him. He was all about drama and arguing and wouldn't teach a thing ( if he ever reached it was wrong, if you tried to correct him he would go crazy) he was controlling and weird.. he literally wouldn't let me talk to my peers during my lunch break even. Also he would let other students go to different classes during student exchange days and leave my alone with him in the room.. I felt so weird around him. He would act weird and act like he was my dad or something Omg... I was miserable so I told Mrs.Parks to change my class and she told me I would have to wait for the semester to be over.. like wtf I'm paying my money for this weirdo man to teach me nothing,,??? The students were also mean too, there would be fights in the middle of class, people arguing about baby daddies and stuff..: like you are 30 grow up. It felt worse than high school fr.I was so miserable and sad, I started to not like cosmetology anymore until Mrs Stewart became my teacher she truly is the best, I am so thankful for her!!! On the other hand so many people complained about Mr.E and they did nothing about him which shows they don't care about their students education. Ohh also this school is disgusting and dirty, big roaches, poor quality materials and you do not get what you pay for omggg. Please do not go, you can pay me to go to this school and I would never again I should have went to college with the money, at least now I know to be careful about things I pay for . read more