After years of cutting my hair myself due to thin hair embarrassment. I decided to come to an Innovate salon academy. I thought hey it's a very good price. Can't be that bad right? I was welcomed with lots of love right from check in and then seated with the lovely Luz. She was very kind and asked me about both my hair history and my current wants. I told her what it was I wanted and she assured me I was in good hands. What would normally be a dreadful experience looking at my hair at the mirror turned to be more of a girls hangout where we spent chatting and I left with a haircut I loved. read more

Innovate Salon Academy_ South Plainfield Campus - Women's Cut/Blow A Bob :) - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - South Plainfield, New Jersey

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Unprofessional administration. Poor oversight of students. Students are not being taught how to do certain hair types (3C and up). Was made to feel that doing my hair was a problem (on multiple occasions). I spoke directly with the director Amy during my appointment about my grievances. She did nothing. I called the store the next day and left my name and number for a call back; months later, no response. DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE. Instead, support the students who are here once they graduate (the students do not get paid for the service they provide you at the salon). Ignore any "reply" the school may leave on the review. I've posted my full experience about this place on TikTok and you can read the comments left by past and previous students. read more

Zero rating. Horrible attitude and service. Educator does not bother to check at start of service or evaluate the job done. Rude and disrespectful. They've probably black listed me and asked for my credit card information over the phone. They stickers posted at the bribing customers to post 5 star reviews and get a $2 discount. I've been going there for a while, but now the decline in service and lack of respect has gone downhill. read more

I recently treated myself to a facial and let me tell you--it was nothing short of transformative. Performed by Christina, a very talented student esthetician, this session outshone every high-end facial I've had in upscale spas. From the moment she started with a gentle cleanse and her intuitive touch and enthusiasm made me feel pampered and relaxed in a way that's rare. What set it apart? She took the time to create a custom facial plan tailored just for me, assessing my skin type on the spot and mapping out every step to address my specific concerns like dryness and dullness. Based on that plan, she mixed a bespoke mask that soothed and that tackled my stubborn dryness without a hint of irritation, and incorporated a heavenly massage that left my jawline sculpted and tension-free. The results? Instant radiance, plumper skin, honestly, better than the pricey ones I've splurged on before. If you're on the fence about student services, go for it. This one was a steal at half the price, with skill that rivals the pros. Thanks Christina, looking forward to my next one! Oh, and the back facial add on, Amazing! read more

I have been coming here for years. Back then they had a lot of different services. It has scaled back A-lot. Now they do not offer the facial with steam which a enjoyed. Besides that it was great. My massage was exactly what I needed. She was very gentle and knowledgeable on the products she applied. Unfortunately she graduates next week and is opening her place in Linden. I made my next appt and can't wait to come back. My face looks Amazing. I would recommend them. read more

Ive had nothing but good experiences here. Yes there are students here but they take extra good care and their time to get the job done right. With the supervision of licensed teachers they are able to complete a variety of services such as highlights, dye, cuts, blow outs and more. They are super professional and always send reminder texts for your appointments. Their primary products that they use are redken. Wish they were open weekends! read more

Innovate Salon Academy_ South Plainfield Campus - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - South Plainfield, New Jersey

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Horrific service - 2" brown roots put on blonde hair after"Educator" was supposedly over seeing color being mixed. Manager refused refund and actually wanted to put foils on to correct the mistake. What a joke. Stay away from this place!! read more

I've been to Innovate several times (before the re-branding) and now once after. It's still the same owners but working outside of the original franchise. I like getting haircuts here because the stylists are still learning and as a result tend to be extra careful. They also work under strict supervision of a head cosmetologist who is trained to teach so their skill level is better than most of the cosmetologists I've encountered at your typical salon. Sometimes the haircut may take a bit longer than if you were to go to a chain like a shortcut, etc but I don't mind because I know they are extra careful as a result. For $15 you get a wash, cut, and blowout. I usually give a higher than normal tip because they are learning and to be honest I don't think are paid for cuts since they are students. P.S. tips are done only in cash and cannot be included in your payment (that CAN be via credit card or cash). read more

Innovate Salon Academy_ South Plainfield Campus - Cut off 15 inches in this photo! Long bob results were great! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - South Plainfield, New Jersey

I've been trying to get in contact with this school for two weeks left multiple voicemails and no one has returned my call I'm just confused on what's going on are they not taking students ???? I even tried the extension for salon services still no answer read more

After months of extensive research and after visiting several educational institutions, I elected Innovate Salon Academy as my school. I wanted an academy that was reputable, inclusive, knowledgable in the field and offered an exceptional classroom experience. I was instantly captivated by everything the school offered as published on their website and was sold the idea that the core curriculum was the absolute best in the industry and that the teachers were exceptionally tenured and knowledgeable. Once enrolled, I began to notice how incredibly vile the environment was. I was met with a very hostile, unprofessional and profoundly disappointing experience. Ms. Kerry, my assigned instructor, was a disgraceful teacher who incited deplorable behavior in class and created an extremely toxic and hostile environment. She verbally assaulted her students, screaming, attempting to, and even running after a student who she thought had spoken negatively of her and caused a scene in the school parking lot. She initiated gossip and put the student against each other, resulting in a great deal of tension and animosity. Ms. Kerry is a dishonest, unprofessional, self-absorbed, and highly unethical individual who prides herself in causing issues. She lacks knowledge in the field and is a disgraceful representation of Innovate Salon Accademy. Before graduating, I made countless unsuccessful attempts to resolve the evergrowing issues with Ms. Kerry and voice my concerns. I emailed and personally met with the school director and members of the administration and never received a sustainable solution. They were incredibly dismissive of her behavior, and because they knew the program was coming to an end, they brushed me off. Ms. Kerry is a horrible representation of an educator who lacks knowledge, self-respect, and decent human courtesy. Many of the students who experienced issues with Ms. Kerry came to me to vent and ask for suggestions on how to handle the discomfort she was causing, and my advise was to talk to her and see if there was any changes which in some cases it didn't work out. We were her first class in this Accademy, and I hope she learned her lesson, and understands that students who invest 15k plus on their education are not looking for a "mother" they are seeking for knowledge, a great experience, and a new opportunity to better themselves. read more

I have been coming to the Innovate Salon Academy, South Plainfield for many years and love coming there. Getting my root touch up, sometimes high lights, wash, cut and style, at a great low price, is a great adventure. I also love meeting/greeting with the student stylists, supervisors, staff and people all around me. It's a joy to come in every 6 weeks. read more

I just walked out of a nightmarish experience! When I walked in and started with the service, I was thinking I was going to have an amazing experience and walk out all smiling and happy! Well not everything we wish for happens in reality! I went for a root touch up and hair cut! I was in at 5.30 sharp. I was asked to sign a strange waiver that said they aren't responsible for any damages during the service. I waited for 20 mins before my service started. Marissa was amazing, I enjoyed my small talk with her and she put in genuine effort during my root touch up. She wanted to do it well and showed the intent. After the hair wash, her teacher ms. Jen showed up to help Marissa with deciding on how to proceed with my haircut. While that was happening Ms. Jen says that my stylist had to leave at 8.30 sharp and is going to find out if anyone else can chime in. All this while I was sitting there with a wet hair. She comes back and says "there is no one available, so no blowout" in the most rude unapologetic tone possible and then someone says they will take over and she says "so so can do it". I sit there with the wet hair in shock not expecting any of this. It almost felt like high school bullying. Marissa continues with my haircut and the disappointed and upset me tells her that I do not want the blow out. Ms. Jen comes back and doesn't care. She just says that I will pay full amount irrespective of them offering partial service or me opting for partial service. While continuing with the haircut, we also notice that there are still several white strands left. I liked Marissa, so I told her it was fine. Ms. Jen comes back again to check on my hair and didn't care when I said I was good and didn't want the haircut to be completed either. During checkout, the front desk help asked me about how the service was and I told her that I had bad one. She asked if I wanted to talk about it and I told her I was not sure on why Ms. Jen was rude and why I was given an appointment when they were unsure of having sufficient time to complete the service. She just took the payment and asked me to have a nice night. I am now out of the salon with wet hair, white strands and an incomplete haircut. When teachers are rude to customers, what are they teaching their students? Well, I am upset and disappointed. I wish Marissa a happy graduation and a good luck for her future! I also wish that Ms. Jen treats customers with respect. read more

I went in last week for the first time after discovering them on Groupon. I read some reviews and definitely agree with the "hit or miss" aspect of This place. I'm not saying this place is bad. they are all training and not full professionals yet. You sign a waiver up Front anyways however my experience with one of the barbers was very very very disappointing. I had to advise on what to do next, to Fix this, touch this up more etc. I have a wedding this weekend to attend and I will have to go to another barber nearby to get a shape up. He completely messed up beard line, whatever shape he made it's not even an even on both sides. The haircut was okay but thinned out too much that now my thin patches are showing and lumpy Elsewhere. I had to get this fixed the morning of the wedding and pay an extra $20 to that barber. When I told the salon, they didn't even care when I returned for a facial because they were out of the product on the day of the cut. I politely asked if someone could just take a razor blade to line my facial hair up since I'm going to California soon and they jumped around the question to avoid it I would rather pay a little extra at an actual barber that does it right the first time read more

If you want to sit in a chair for at least three hours to get your hair cut and/or colored, this place is for you! I knew coming into TSPA that students would be doing my hair.. don't know why I expected more from them as it took at least six hours to strip my hair and then color it? Totally unnecessary. The girl doing it was so unenthusiastic and so lax with everything. Luckily her friend came along and sped along the already long process. In that aspect, I wouldn't go back for any other treatment other than their chem shots (hair treatments) which are amazing and only $10! They'll ask if you want a blow dry - actually.. not even. They much prefer that you don't get blow dried, (lazy students) by their tone when they ask. It ends up coming out terrible blow dried anyway cause... their blow dries suck - the teachers need to step in and improve this skill! One star just for the chem shot. read more

Never- ever- ever again. I understand you will save some $$ but really it is NOT worth it. I had a groupon package for hair coloring, cut, facial, mani and pedi for a good price but that should have just been a red flag and not reason to celebrate. They likely give you girls very early in training (which I did not expect-- at least let it be part of a "final" or near graduation).... The pedicure water was too hot and then way too cold. The manicure was basic. The hair was a catastrophe! She colored my hair and without realizing got it ALL over my sweatshirt. Like literally red/brown hair coloring all over the back so had to throw that away. The "facial" was 15 minutes with no extractions. I don't know why I caved into the groupon deal. NOT to mention that I live 45 minutes from here and made an appt and when I showed up the first time, they said their trainee was not in and could not take me-- I saw others walking around- switch me around and give me someone else??? Also, couldn't they have called? Very unprofessional place-- they should literally pay people to come here and even then people should reconsider read more

This is the worst place you could ever go to! Pay alil extra and go to a better place that's more professional! I made an appointment for hair color and when I get there, the so called teacher says to match my ends, they'd have to apply color differently which would take "the whole night" So unprofessional! read more

I've been coming to TSPA for a few years since "divorcing" my previous stylist. I havent had major complaints, but im pretty understanding. My hair is always done right - color is matched perfectly, and the cut is done well. Other services are not as good, they do manicires and pedis grudgingly, eyebrow waxing is slow as laborious. Had a facial which took a while, but the girl was professional and explained everything. I purchased product since there was a BOGO deal and my membership gives me an additional discount. Try them out, be patient and you'll get a great deal. They are in training so there will be a rotating staff. The desk staff has improved, it was phenomenal years ago, but the 2 best people took opportunities to train and graduated on to stylist roles. read more

Have been going there for years but NO MORE. My baliage was HORRID! Yellow with dark jagged roots. My son came in for a 1-2 inch trim and left with 8 inches off in one snip. Left with 1/2 his hair cut off. We reiterated with words and gestures (1-2 INCHES) Both times was disrespected by an "educator" this last time with a crying son!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE! No misunderstanding just incompetence and rude! Wish I could give 0 stars! You lost 3 customers to one family! Spoke to the owners with no resolve. "It's a school." read more

I have been here a few times and due to my curly hair have come to accept, they cannot blow dry my hair. however I do expect a good color and always get good even out color. My issue is they always leave color traces behind to the point that last night I stained my pillow. Not to mention the staining on my forehead, I can only imagine what my neck looks like. After coloring, they only do one shampoo and not 2 and I believe this is part of the problem. Everyone is very nice, but due to this issue will not be coming back read more

For a regular hair cut, I need to make two trips. ( one for appointment and one for service) and received 2 phone calls and 2 messages. When I walked in, the front desk assigned me to a girl who only does woman's cuts. I bet she never cut men's hair. Finally a learner with Barber style serviced me. I wondered why the front desk not assigning male customer to Barber student but to a hairstylist student. read more

After my hair coloring, I got home and I had dye on the back of my shirt. They didn't have any prices posted as recommended by the state on their walls. They did not tell me that I had to pay 3rd tier blowout on appointment made & instead they called the police on me for a chezzy $3.00. I also told the owner that her staffed called the police on me because there was a difference of $3.00 and I was trying to reason with them but she didn't care & didn't want to hear it? Owner also was disgustingly rude, telling me it's not my place to ask students if they need prayers I told her she was discriminating me. Owner was discusting, she called me to talk about a situation that happened a couple of days ago, she was making loud noise and was not listening to my concerns, I had to confront her & she didn't even apologize & said ok I'll put the papers away. I do not recommend this hair salon.. read more

I guess it depends on who you get but I had Nicky as my stylist/student stylist and she was awesome. Super friendly and did a great job! Usually it takes like triple the time to get things done at a student salon but it didn't and my hair came out great ! Plus I don't think I've ever seen a Better price. I used the Yelp deal and got 40% off the product I bought. Going to see Nicky again before she graduates the program! read more

I had given TSPA an average review on their survey because of an issue I had with their deposit policy for a keratin. I also emailed the school. I am very pleased to say that they responded to me by phone and not only apologized for any confusion, they actually solved the problem!! They showed excellent customer service. I'm so glad, because I have had great experiences with the students' work and look forward to remaining a client. Thank you TSPA for your prompt attention to my issue. read more

Typically very pleased here but the girl took 4 hours to do highlights that I couldn't even get the blowout I intended to get n had to go back to work with a wet head. Also she ruined a t-shirt of mine and it was just recently purchased from G.H. Bass The only reason it got 2 stars is cause the other girls who were trying to help the one taking care of me to get me out of there by the time I specified but yet that still didn't happen. read more

Innovate Salon Academy_ South Plainfield Campus - My t-shirt after my most recent visit to the salon - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - South Plainfield, New Jersey

I actually had a great experience here just the other day! I wanted to get my hair cut and colored and was looking for salons in the New Brunswick area to which I am new. Every salon I found with good ratings was simply out of my budget. I cannot justify spending so so much on my hair but do realize that nowadays you have to be willing to fork over some cashola for a good 'do. I came across this salon on a google search and decided to give it a try- knowing full well that I might spend the entire day there to get the job done (afterall, it IS a school and the people doing your hair will be students, so if you are not willing to spend some time here, I would suggest you not go). The student I had was great, she really took the time to listen to what I wanted done (a cut with layers, coloring my hair dark) and she took the time to ask her instructor about the best way to accomplish what I was looking for. Together they recommended slight highlights to frame my face and came up with a great color. I did spend several hours at the salon but am VERY VERY happy with how my hair turned out. The instructors are always present to answer questions and make sure things are going fine and there wasn't a single moment during the process that I was worried about something my stylist was doing. I'm sure the quality and experience depends on who you get to do your hair but I thought the supervision by the instructors was great. Overall I got my hair cut, colored, highlighted and blown out for just a little bit more than I would've paid for a haircut ALONE at a nice salon. I truly got one of the best hair cuts and color jobs I've ever had and I'm saying that sincerely. I think it's nice to go to a school if you're willing to spend a little extra time there and don't mind the students occasionally stopping to ask questions. Afterall with any trade, you have to have practice to become better and I'm happy to help the students perfect their skills. If you want to give it a try but are not willing to spend the time or are nervous, perhaps when you call you can request a more senior student. I saw several people leaving the salon with great hair too! read more

I've been coming to this salon for several years and yes, you do need to allow for extra time, that said, I've had nothing but compliments. The staff is super accommodating and friendly and I am happy with the results. Needless to say I would recommend to others who want to save some money and give the stylist on the floor an opportunity to shine. They are open Monday through Friday with evening appointments which go very quickly so I would not hesitate to try them out! read more

I have been at TSPA since July 2015. I looked all over for schools and after visiting a few I realized if I wanted a great education and a clean school this was the best choice! I absolutely love all the teachers here. They are very well educated and extremely helpful. I have learned so much and feel so confident with my skills. I really enjoy seeing clients here at school, it really helps prepare you for your future in a salon atmosphere. They are always challenging us and teaching us knew things. TSPA has really opened me up to a whole different outlook on the beauty industry! I would absolutely recommend attending The salon professionals academy! Great teachers and a great education! read more

Like some of the other reviewers here, I was hesitant going in. I'm not sure why, I've had my hair cut by students before. My stylist was graduating in a few weeks, so I felt even more confident. I'm the type of person who lets stylists use their skill and creativity more than telling them exactly what I want; I completely understand that this is tough for students who are just learning. When I sat down, she said, "Just a trim?" but no, I said I wanted it shorter, that the bangs were too long and that I wanted to go back up to a pixie. She asked me a few times if it was short enough, but never showed it to me in a mirror, and then she asked an instructor, who told her the length was fine but to use a razor for the choppiness. Ok. Well, the cut looks almost exactly the same as when I went in, except the back is choppier though she never razored the front. The bang area is slightly shorter and quite uneven. I was checked out by someone, who really focused on the evenness around the ears more than anything else. I guess this one is on me, for not really being sure of what I want and being nervous about asking her to fix it. I also guess I need to be better about asking for a comb and checking evenness myself. The space itself was very nice, and they were very clear about making you aware that students will be cutting your hair. Their prices are very good at $15 for a cut. read more

Great service, nice atmosphere & very friendly staff. My stylist almost spent 5hrs on my hair & the prices are very affordable. The salon was closing so my stylist couldn't blow dry/ straighten my hair. Had she done that I would've been able to see how my hair tuned out. I wanted the highlights little lighter than what I got but you can't beat the price. Overall a very pleasant experience, will definitely come back again. read more

My experience @ the clinic has been excellent from the start. My appointment today for a blow out was with Michael. He did not disappoint. Love it! Highly recommend trying the clinic. You'll be glad you did read more

Great staff and super professional. I had Maureen who lightened and balayaged my hair from black to light brown. She was very patient as the flash dye wasn't working as planned, but in the end it turned out ok! In addition, she seemed to be a great teacher to her peers as they loved stopping by to watch and she would tell them exactly the process. read more

I call the salon at 4:45 8/22/19 a lady answer the phone with a bad attitude . I ask to make appointment for the next week . She said she had nothing available. So I told her what I wanted done a wash ,color and just 6 braids strait back to put my wig back on. She told me they could only wash and color and I would have to leave with my hair wet they would not have time to blow dry or braid it I told her I been coming there for months and never had that problem. She said they do it all the time. She said the day shift left and call back the next day she had a bad bad attitude. I don't think she should be answering the phone with that attitude . I gather she had no ideal what she was talking about. I will not be going back there . I though people want there hair looking better when they leave a salon. Not leaving with it wet and have to go home and finish it. read more

Quick appointments, no waiting, very friendly team & supervisors are always around to give feedback & make suggestions

I attended The Salon Professional Academy when Aimee sold me my education right out of high school two years ago. The experience I got from attending TSPA sent me into the beauty industry with a ton of confidence. My resume, even right out of school, was impressive to the salon and business owners I've met since graduating. Attending TSPA helped me to learn a lot about not only hair but also myself as an individual. I have an incredible job in an amazing salon now and am confident in saying that I wouldn't have the job I do had I not attended this school. The TSPA team is both wonderful and encouraging to any individual who shows a passion for this industry. read more

I would like to let you know that i will never go back to this school horrible experience, and it was not by my stylist at all . There was a stylist next to where I was having my service doing a flat iron on her dummy this guy came over and literally humiliating this girl telling her hair was frizzy u need alot of practice thank god this is not a real customer talking very cocky , the poor girl walked away and came back with a young black man the other guy totally changed his tone and told the other man look at this frizzy hair show her how to do it. The younger guy turned to the girl and told her to go to lunch. The poor girl basically walked away so fast. Something needs to be done with this that is not a way a educator is supposed to teach which he didn't even offer her help her . It personally took me off guard and wanted to tell him instead of yelling and talking to her like she is stupid you are the teacher help her . Very disappointed patron read more

I have visited TSPA often and have always had a positive experience. The general atmosphere of the place is comfortable and inviting. The staff is courteous, professional and accommodating. I love my color and cut. Their selection of services and products rivals any expensive salon in the area. I will definitely visit them again soon. read more

This place was really great! They scheduled me in the day that I called and were very accommodating. Although it took some time to cut my hair, it came out exactly the way I wanted it to and the student gave me really good suggestions about what to do with my hair. I was new to the area and did not know what places would be good for haircut, but this place was great. If you have time, you should definitely book an appointment here and try it out! read more

Went there for a root touch up and haircut. The girl did a good job with my haircut and blowout. The color job was just average. She stained my neck with dye. It wouldn't even come out with alcohol pads. Overall a good experience for the price of service. read more

Innovate Salon Academy is a great place to go for hair cut and blowout. My sister and I have both been there several times and are always more than satisfied with the service. Everybody that works there is very kind and styles your hair exactly the way you prefer with reasonable prices. Their prom hair styling is excellent as well. Would definitely recommend. read more

Out of all the schools that I visited, Innovate Salon Academy is the best. It's a high energy environment that keeps the students motivated and interested to learn more! The staff is very educated and hands on, when it comes to showing new techniques. What I enjoy most about this school, is that they really know how to bring out YOUR talent as an individual! There are plenty of opportunities to stand out if you take them. For example, holiday competitions, fundraiser, class activities, live demos, and job fares. They really take the time to prepare you for a successful career as a cosmetologist, barber, esti, or makeup artist. read more