I would never recommend this supply store. My daughter went in on Saturday 3/30/24 in search of recommendations on toners or something to help brighten the highlights in her hair. The two workers, not one but two, who don't know crap about hair couldn't recommend a toner with a blue base, or blue base shampoo to help get a little orange NOT a lot out of her hair. Had the audacity to tell her to go to this professional salon down the street for a consultation because they said it was to bad. I'm not sure if they get some kind of kick back for sending customers over to that salon or not but it was weird and distasteful. Brought my daughter to tears. We went over to Sallys supply store where actual people care to help the customers and bought/spent our money there. The manager AND the employees explained everything to us, and her hair came out PERFECT. Your store sucks!!!! read more

The employee working at the register last saturday is very informatinal. She greeted us when we walked in, asked if we needed help, and also made sure to inform us on sales and specials. She was also able to answer any questions we had. And we were able to sign up for an account with our beauty license with ease. We were able to find the products we needed. Although we only went here because our other store closed earlier. I can say that they have a good selection of inventory but I feel like the prices here are a lot more expensive than other wholesale stores. read more

I have been going to this shop for many years. This is an East County gem. Today I went in and Reece was there. He is so helpful and friendly. He has helped me in the past but today I had questions. I just love how nice and helpful he is. It is so nice to be treated above and beyond. I have always had really wonderful service but not many questions. But when I do its nice to know Reece is there. I went in to do a quick grab and go, but when I saw Reece was working I got a little skip in my step and thought I would ask him what he thought about what I did to my hair. He was again, so helpful. Thank you Empire for having him. read more

Came in to grab some hair stuff and nail polish and Reese was so so amazing. He gave us the best recommendations for products and was so so friendly. We will definitely be back read more

The girl at the counter has never failed me (she is the one with curly hair) and has always provide me with the best service. She is so helpful and has so much knowledge and has always guided me in the right direction. I've gone in for hair color of preference and she would suggest product and describe what it does and how it will work considering the current hair color. Recently I went in cause I had my hair highlighted and it was severely damaged and she suggested products and gave me details of what it do, and I was so happy with the results. She is so knowledgeable and patient and just all around provides the best service! Empire Beauty Is the only place I will trust and go to. read more

I came in to get some hair dye for my roots . I simply asked the girl if the color of my hair matched the color on the box and she said sorry I can't give you that Information. I was like wtf I can't see my own damn hair , so I just grabbed what I thought was my hair color and then asked which level of developer was best for the product I had in my hand she hands me a developer and said yes this goes with that and I get home and on the box it clearly states no liquid developer , she gave me liquid developer . It didn't mix right and of course the color came out 2 weeks later . What a waste of money read more

The clerk that was working here today was so helpful and friendly. She provided feedback on certain products and her opinion on how to apply makeup and lashes. read more

Went in today at 6:40 and the door was locked. The hours say they're open until 7:30 and the "Open" sign was still on. The girl standing at the register mouthed to me that they were closed. I don't understand why when they're supposed to be open for another 50 minutes. read more

This is my go to beauty supply store. They have a lot of good brands and have the best selection of OPI polish of any beauty supply. I come here mainly for hair dye and sometimes shampoo. The girl with the red hair that works here is so sweet and friendly. I love when she is working here! Only downside is their enjoy brand shampoo is ridiculously expensive. I found. it online in the giant bottles for same price as the small bottles here. Too bad because I would rather buy here. Other than that they have great deals on nail polish and most brands besides enjoy like buy one get one 50% all the time. They also have an amazing 50% off section on retired nail polish shades. Score! Vomit green nail polish? Oh you don't like? More for me! Yes!! read more

I love this Place!! The Girls here are always so kind. Great Customer Service. They always help me in my Hunts for products And they always know exactly what to recommend. read more

I usually go to empire beauty in mission valley bc it's close to my work & im comfortable w going there bc the staff is friendly & informative, but w short notice (they close early) I found this place & the staff was just as friendly & informative even though I kept asking questions & they were close to closing time! Ended up buying my pravana hair color & left, ez pz. Would come back! read more

Empire Beauty Supply & Salon has been family owned and operated since 1945 they have all kinds of great products for ladies from hair stuff to nail polish and all the makeup that you're girl could possibly want. They also have a salon in the back so if you are a hair stylist and need a booth to rent this is a great spot for you. read more

I love this store!! Everyone is so nice and helpful and it is a great location with easy parking. This store deserves 5 STARS

Great customer service ! She is so nice and helpful. I switched from Sally's to hear way better products and employees are helpful!

I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across this beauty supply store. The woman working was very friendly and took the time to show me which products were best to get the result I wanted, and she was actually knowledgeable in the products! (my one issue with sallys) so if you need beauty products, I suggest giving this place a shot! ;) read more

Mario gave me highlights and low lights. It was the first time i ever got my hair colored in an actual salon. I usually just do it myself. My hair looks great I love it. He actually convinced me that coloring my hair isn't scary and can actually be a lot of fun especially when it is done by someone who is great at what he does. I highly recommend getting your hair done by Mario. read more

I came in on Saturday to purchase a few items, and the sales girl, Vanden was so helpful. She was just so sweet, and really went out of her way to help me find a specific spray . The store was immaculate. Ever shelf was just perfect. She is a wonderful asset to this company and it's people like her that make me come back to that store. I would give 10 stars, but they only give 5. read more

I have shopped at Empire Beauty Supply for more then 10 years. I will not be shopping there again. I recently purchased a new curling iron from the store on Fletcher Parkway with the assistance of a nice young woman. Nothing was stated to me that if it didn't work well with my hair that they would not exchange or let me return it. This was a $64 iron. When I tried to exchange it, I was told that it states on the receipt that they won't take them back unless it is defective. Of course I didn't notice that statement on the receipt and even if I had, I had already just purchased it. What kind of company doesn't clearly have a very well posted sign stating that policy right where they have curling irons? I asked to speak to a manager but was told thst don't give out that information. I asked them to call a manager but again was told they don't do that. Not a reasonable explanation for me. This is my first Yelp post ever. Too bad it's to let others know what a bad company this is. read more

I asked Kat 2 Sundays ago if they had the Nailtique Formula 2 Plus and she said yes. When I came in, they did not have this. She was to call other stores and let me know if someone else had it. No call. Then I was called to say they had it. I called and they said yes, they had it. When I came in, after reserving this at Rancho San Diego (Grossmont store said that I should try this store), El Cajon ordered the wrong kind (not the 2 Plus). No Sorry was offered. I had to drive to Rancho San Diego, way out in the county on Jamacha Rd, that had the 2 Plus. I was late to a nail appointment where I needed to bring this Nailtique, so I had to wait almost 1/2 hour. The employees have no idea how an error would impact a customer. There is no apology, no customer service anymore. When this error occured, the 2 employees just talk amongst themselves. read more

I give this store and their employees a definite 5 stars. If I could give more I would. Very nice employees, professional yet treat customers like family and are definitely educated when it comes to hair, makeup ect. Thank you for making all of us feel beautiful. read more

I been going to Empire beauty since I was a kid I absolutely love Angelina she is very helpful and always makes shopping here a fun experience she always has a smile on her face and is always their to answer any of my beauty questions. I highly recommend this store over any of the others. read more

I would not even give them a one star but I guess you have to at least show they are worth nothing. I made a mistake buying hair clips for my daughter, realized they were the wrong type for her hair and immediately went back to return them @ 10.00 apiece.... I was told they have a no return on hair items, I was just in the store, told I had to speak to the manager which wouldn't be back until the next day. I go down to speak to the manager and she states the same policy. I asked where it says anything about no returns for the customer to read or visibly see, she says it is on the bottom of the receipt in fine,fine print....Any company that treats customers like that really deserve to be put out of business by the likes of AMAZON. maybe train your help to tell people that specific items are not returnable. So for this messed up company, over 20.00 (small amount) I know, they lost hundreds by me never ever shopping in this store again. Bad policy peps. read more

Was definitely worth a shot, but won't be back. Mario and his wife Liz are extremely nice people!

Mario and Liz truly are as good as it gets! Mario always takes his time and I always end up loving my hair and get a bunch of compliments. As a former haircare distributor rep., I had lots of coices but he was always the one I would return to time after time..his wife, Liz, is always so welcoming as well and they look after your every need. Highly recommend! read more

Every time I go into this store i get smiling faces and helpful service. Its moderate in pricing, but its the best products so I expect to pay more for good stuff. I have visited a few other locations and this is the best one. Grossmont is great too however, and Jamacha is ok but could improve with the customer service. I love the hairdresser there. read more

The actual store is great, super friendly and helpful staff - have been going there for years. Several months ago I decided to try out their stylist in the back - BIG MISTAKE! Doesn't act like a professional and did a terrible job - told me to come back another day to fix it because she had plans that day. Stick to the front of the store and just buy products! read more

i have been going to this beauty supply and salon since the day they opened and just love it for all different reasons. Parking is great, run in and run out. The management and the girls that work here are friendly, knowledgeable, and pick right up on whether you are in a hurry or have time to browse. They put their customer service skills to work to adapt to the needs of the customer, which I love. If I am in a hurry, they will find what you need, bring it up and check you out. If you have the time to look around, they are knowledgeable and will take the time to tell you about the products. I have never had my hair styled at this location, but I have been going to the Mission Valley Store for hair cut and color for over five years. I would give that store the same high marks that I give El Cajon. In fact, I have frequented many of the Empire Beauty Supply stores through the years and have found all of them to be excellent. This "family" owned business knows what they are doing and should be proud of their accomplishments and service to the different communities of San Diego. read more