I recently went to Empire Beauty School for hair highlights and unfortunately had a disappointing experience. I don't know much about hair coloring or highlights, so I explained the look I wanted and even showed a Pinterest picture for reference. My appointment was at 9:30 AM, but the consultation and color mixing alone took about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The first highlight wasn't even applied until almost the second hour of my appointment. When the highlights were finally done, they turned out extremely light -- almost blonde -- which was shocking because that's not what I asked for. The instructor had to step in and help correct and even out the color. This is also not my first unpleasant experience with one particular Latina instructor with dark hair. Both times I've been there, she has been very rude and rough while handling my hair. Her long nails scratched my forehead multiple times, and she pulled and grabbed my hair very aggressively. When I politely asked her to be more gentle, her response was, "I'm just trying to make it fast." To be fair, the final results didn't turn out bad after they corrected the color, but I didn't leave until 4 PM for a 9:30 appointment. I've previously been to Tricoci University, and they were much friendlier, more professional, and much quicker with their services. I wanted to give Empire another chance, but the instructor's attitude and behavior made the entire experience stressful and uncomfortable. Sadly, I won't be going back. read more

First time getting a haircut at Empire Beauty School. When I initially checked in, I was a bit disappointed that they had no record of my appointment. The first time I had made an appointment, when I showed up, salon services were not even open! Today they said there was no appointment for me. I showed them my phone with the call on it. They didn't think it was the right number. When I hit redial, their phone rang. So that was the difficult part. The good news is Nareni did have time to cut my hair. She was kind, thoughtful, and did a great job. So in the end, everything did work out. She was so good that I already booked my next appointment. I am seeing a response to a negative review that says instructors keep a close eye on students. Not true in my case. There was no instructor to monitor my cut. I'm not sure where they were, but I didn't see anybody. I am grateful that I did end up getting a good cut with a very pleasant student. read more

"Deya is a phenomenal hairstylist! 5 stars! She is incredibly creative and always has fantastic ideas. I love that she is so conscious about hair care and takes her time to ensure the result is perfect. Highly recommend!" read more

I had my hair done by Brianna Dow this past week and it was an amazing experience. She was so professional and my hair is beautiful. Had a great time there and I will be returning. read more

It's a great opportunity to study and training for Empire Beauty School. The teachers are so professional and very kind, at the moment to teach. read more

It seems to be a hit or miss here. I went once before and got a very good color and blow out but this time was pretty pathetic. The teachers need to be closely supervising some of these students and make sure they are ready to be servicing clients before they put them on the floor. The student (Claudia) seemed afraid to touch my hair. She must have barely put any dye on my roots because some areas weren't dyed and the instructor had to put so much dye on when she checked my hair but still missed places. The teacher then went to lunch so wasn't there to see the rest of the service. Claudia was barely touching my head when she rinsed me and I didn't realize until I got home that she didn't rinse out most of the color (it was all crunchy ) so I had to take a shower and rinse it out. She also didn't towel dry my hair at all after she attempted to rinse my hair and didn't comb it to detangle before she started blow-drying it and it was taking forever because she was using cold air ( I did ask her to please turn up the heat) so I finally just said to leave it and had to ask her to comb out my hair. I think they also need to work on conversation skills with some students. Everything I would say the student would say " oh that's sweet". It was weird. I'm a little worried with some of these students if they are senior students and but still afraid to touch a client's hair and don't know how to rinse out color, towel dry or to detangle and comb someone's hair before they start blow drying it. That seems to be common sense even if you aren't a hair professional. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and pay a lot to get my hair done professionally because you don't know who you will get here and if they will be a good or bad. read more

Empire is a great beauty school! I have been to the Arlington Heights location a few times before it closed down but this one is nice too. My appointment tonight was at 6 and the girl didn't show up who was supposed to do my partial highlights but the staff was nice and another girl did it (shout-out to Sandra for doing a beautiful job!) And Everytime I have gotten highlights done, they last a long time so max would be twice a year. Definitely keep a few hours aside because it is a school so it will take longer than normal places but it is totally worth it and cannot go wrong with the price either! Hope this location does not close down either! It's close to Hawthorn Mall so it is convenient. read more

Empire Beauty School - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

I am still a client at the Empire Beauty School in Vernon Hills, Illinois. My last last Cosmetology student graduated, so I have started with a new hairdresser. She was recommended by my last hairdresser and is relatively new seeing clients. Her name is Kaliyah, and she asked me a number of questions before she called an Instructor over. Kaliyah listened to the Instructor's suggestions regarding what products she should use for my hair. i was getting a haircut, shampoo and Blodry. Kaliyah called over the Instructer, Miss Valerie during the haircut to make sure that she was doing everything correctly. Miss Valerie sowed Kaliyah how she did my side bangs. Kaliyah was eager to try out Miss Valerie's suggestions. When my hair was finished, I thought that Kaliyah did a great job. I know it took her longer for my hair services, but I know that she was new too the floor, and I know that she will take more time now, but after she is on the floor she will become faster. I enjoy starting with a new student and watching them improve as the weeks go by. Yay to Empire. Michele C read more

Great service by Samanthaa Ramirez! Her teachers Ms Valerie & Ms. Bella were professional, informative and helpful to their student Samanthaa and walked her through my hair process. Environment was clean and welcoming. I will be back! read more

Best Haircut I have ever gotten! Thank you Monica! They have kind staff and supportive teachers. And great hair salon prices! read more

Empire Beauty School - She did great facial framing and got my part exactly where I wanted it! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

Negatives: My hair has very harsh lines instead of a balayage. The bottom layer of my hair had some short pieces to start- but now more than half of my hair underneath has short chunks in it. As the bleach was in my hair for my balayage, my stylist glided through pieces with a towel and a comb, inches of hair came off. She said she was not pulling it -- however I do not believe so much hair would have ripped off had it been not combed nor ran through with a towel while bleach was still in it.. Educator was present on many occasions -but I feel as though she should have instructed the balayage more. Balayage boards were used and two stylists worked at a time- using different techniques, which also were apparent when my hair was straight. Positives: stylists were incredibly nice as was their educator. Very personable people and my service ended up being free due to power malfunction. I couldn't complain because well it ended up free and I know my stylists worked so hard, and were so nice.. but I went to the car and was devastated by my mismatched hair that was nothing like a balayage. Going to another salon tomorrow to see what can be done read more

Empire Beauty School - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Vernon Hills, Illinois

my experience here was phenomenal! Cayla did a facial for me and it felt absolutely amazing. They were very gentle and took the time to make sure I was comfortable and I was enjoying myself. All of the other staff are very kind and helpful and want their students to succeed! Can't say enough good things!! read more

The staff in this school are amazing and soooooo very helpful! We have so much fun and they are always keeping things interesting and able to let you be you and creative! Ms. Marlene is amazing when you start out! Definitely join this school! It's worth every penny! read more

I decided to go to empire to have my hair colored and trimmed and I was not disappointed ! I didn't want to pay upwards of $70 to get my hair colored by a salon, and I don't think I ever will again. I went on a Wednesday evening, my appointment was at 6 pm with Sonya. She was incredible. She did a partial foil with high lights and low lights and bowl color on my hair- it as exactly what I wanted. She was super sweet and knowledgeable. The only drawback was that it did take a bit. My appointment was at 6 pm and I did to leave the salon until 9:30ish. Which isn't a big deal for me, because I had nothing else to do that night. That being said, make sure you set aside enough time for the appointment. The teachers were really sweet and helpful with the students, and made me feel comfortable. I was never worried that the student was going to ruin my hair. Overall I'm so excited with my hair color and can't wait to come back and see Sonya! Thank you! read more

Made my hair super dry and the person who runs this school needs to be fired Teacher was super unprofessional and not helpful at all

Vernon hills location is the worst! I've been here for baylage and she completely screwed up my hair. When I pointed it out she said that is baylage. Top section was black, middle was light and bottom of the hair was black. The blonde instructor said oh but I like it I had to come back the next day for them to fix it, luckily the manager didn't charge me. You can imagine the damage it did to my hair. Everytime I've been here , they take forever because there is no urgency, they have no respect for someones time. They charge extra if your hair is thick, which is fine but honestly of you use Groupon you'll pay the same at a decent salon and be treated well. I'm only ever going to come here for a haircut. This type of behavior will not last a second in the real world. The teachers should be teaching them about communication skills and time management! The students are loud mouth and using foul language around customers. read more

I first encountered Empire at the Chicago Ultimate Womens Expo. At the booth Diana put some lovely wand curls in my hair. They lasted about 3 days even after sleeping roughly on my hair and not covering it. I visited the location in Vernon Hills and got a roller set by a student. It came out beautifully. The only thing was the product she used dried hard and flaked in my hair after a couple of days. I will go back, but will bring my own products the next time. read more

This is the most disappointing experience I've ever had. The staff had an attitude on the phone and in person. I spoke to the executive director & she was completely ridiculous and had no sense of hospitality. I made an appointment 3 times in the SAME day to get lashes and they failed to provide any service each time. Do not waste your time in trying to get anything done at this place. This place is a joke, do not spend your money. read more

I tried Empire because I don't want to pay $40-50 for a haircut and I also don't want to go to one of those "drive-thru" places like hair cuttery or some such, because they never seem interested in actually cutting my hair the way I ask them to. The people here were very friendly, and the teachers were knowledgeable. I went in wanting just a trim/clean up to my medium length bob, and I was very pleased with the results. In addition to a nice, clean looking haircut, she put a product on my hair before blow drying (argan oil, i think) which has left it incredibly soft and smooth. The only drawback is that it takes a long time. I was warned to be prepared to wait, but I didn't expect my haircut to take 2+ hours. However, it is a school, and it only takes so long because they are getting advice from teachers and making sure they do a good job. I also went on a Friday afternoon, so another time of the week may be less busy. Personally, I'd rather pay $9 (shampoo, cut, blow dry), and spend an extra hour than pay $15 (at hair cuttery, etc.) and be displeased with my cut. Also, it's nice to know that you're helping someone get experience that will hopefully help them get a job. In this economy, I'm all for that! read more

Walked in a mess and out a rock star. Very professional and clean environment, Dan was amazing at high lights and low lights, prices second to none. Will be back in eight weeks. Leave enough time - treatments are not quick. read more

for the one in Hanover Park if you don't mind having your hair lopsided its ok. Went there before and it was ok but this last time nope. Tried to get someone to fix it but since it was a saturday could not. They told me I had to come in during the day during the week, So sorry said the girl I left messages with an instructor and they called a week later. What about the people that work during the day, Went to pivot point and they fixed it for free read more

Had my hair permed there last Nov. after the year before fantastic sams (not so fantastic) ripped me off. She was afraid because my hair looks damaged.(I get this every time I get a perm and have had 14 or more perms) Sams perm fell out in 2 wks, made her do it again fell out. Empire did it BEAUTIFULLY! It looks as good as it did the day I got it. Will not need another perm for a year or two more. Going back there soon to get my hair colored. CAn't beat the price. Clean, bright nice people. read more

Amazing service, the students give their best. How can you wrong with this? Go ahead and experience yourself. Five stars.