The person in charge of enrollment into the program coerced me into the program. She knew I wasn't…read moresure. Very dishonest, sly, tricky and manipulative. Once i had signed the agreement, it was too late to withdraw. They told me i owed them thousands of dollars. I believe all the bad reviews. The responses from the school are not accurate.Also , one guy in my program totally regretted enrolling. Said it was false advertisement. I would stay far away from this place.

This is not a good place and they are very shady. Read the fine print on the contract! They will…read morezap your money and they are an agency---they are not for those who are serious about learning acting. Again, they are not the studio---and you have to pay through the nose for their course, will be zapped with a cancellation fee even though they say it is ok to pay for every class. They are no good

I recently had a very disappointing experience regarding my appointment. The instructor was…read moreunusually dismissive and disorganized. When I showed up she questioned me as to whether I had actually booked an appointment which was clearly marked on her calendar. It took well over 15 minutes to finally sit in a chair. I've been to the school on a number of previous occasions and was always very well received and happy with the overall experience. This was a first time incident and the young woman who was apparently chief instructor, was unkind and unprofessional. I brought this up with the instructor who oversaw my haircut and she reacted negatively as well. That said, the students were helpful. So I have to say that this was a very bad day all around and I prefer to not return.

When I decided to study fashion in Canada, I was told some options, but I ended up choosing to do…read moreit at BMC and I am very happy to have made this choice, I already have a fashion education in Brazil, but taking the one-year course helped me a lot to retrain and improve technically, the teachers and staff are wonderful and I am grateful to all of them. After graduating, I was invited to join the team as an assistant teacher and also an introductory sewing instructor, BMC has become more than a school for me and I have no doubt it was my best choice. Beatriz Gontijo

Simply amazing. You must see Suzie and her assistant Maryam for color. Sandra for blow outs!…read more I came here literally right after having an unfortunate experience at another location. I spoke with two receptionists over the phone when I was booking - they were both so kind and accommodating. It was literally so last minute! Same day and went in about 2 hours after I called. The master colourist Suzie was so informative, patient, knowledgeable, understanding, I mean I can go on for too long lol. Me being the type of person who sucks at explaining, she took her time to understand what I wanted and shared what she recommended based on what I was looking for. She made me feel very comfortable to ask questions so I can feel confident about the appointment. I honestly didn't even care how my hair turned out. I was just so grateful for their service that made me feel so calm and at ease. Suzie's assistant Maryam was very attentive and kind. She did a very thorough shampoo and I felt so clean! She also did this light back of the neck massage and I was like ommaaaagadd this feels so nice LOL. She followed Suzie's instructions and toned my hair so beautifully! They both checked up on how I felt about the outcome when I was getting a blow out. It felt very genuine - not just a courtesy check up. Omg and my blowout with Sandra was also amazing. I only ever trusted Chris @ the Burrard Location and never thought I could find anyone else to do a gorgeous blow out but wow I did today! She was so easy to talk and connect with. She kindly kept me in check when I was being impulsive and wanted to do something I know I would regret right now lol (get bangs). All in all my hair came out AMAZING! Everyone here is so genuine! I'm going to a black tie wedding tmrw and took a huge risk colouring my hair before the event. So glad I did though. I'm forever a customer at this location. Thank you for making me feel and look beautiful

I was a hair model for a lovely gentlemen who was getting his "floor" approval so he could work on…read moreclients. He had great technique and was so kind. Initially the hair was just a bit too bright, and Paul gladly re-toned it a bit darker, which I was happy with. My appointment ended after the sun had set, so it wasn't until the next day that I saw my hair in natural light. When I finally did, it came across to me as pretty brassy. I lived with it for a few days to see if I could grow to like it, but ultimately I decided to call the salon and see if they would bring me in to tone it again. I even asked about cost, I was not expecting to get it done for free. They never followed up after I called the first time (Inthey needed to check with a manager who would be working the next day). I finally called again to follow up, had to reexplain to the receptionist, and they told me they would message their manager and get back to me. It has now been about a week and I still haven't heard back. I ended up buying some Natural Instincts from Shoppers and toning it down myself, so I am happy now. I just wish it had been handled a bit better by the salon. Still, would recommend Paul (I believe he works at the Surrey location, but I saw him at the W 1st location!)

I had yet another great experience at Zinc Academy. The staff are extremely friendly and great at…read moremaking me feel comfortable. I let my hair stylist Natalie take full control on the cut and color and I could not be more pleased! She left my hair feeling soft and looking shinny after bleaching it white! Zinc I love you and will see you very soon!

I recently completed Tricia's Inspiration course, and this was the first time I ever received…read moreadvanced education like this. Tricia fully understands the art and science behind hair, and she breaks it down it a very supportive and understanding manner. I never felt rushed, all my questions and comments were handled perfectly, and my creative juices were flowing!! I feel re-energized on hair, and look forward to more education with Zinc! They're worth every penny!

My daughter had a terrible experience at Blanche Macdonald. She was dealing with mental health…read morechallenges and received NO real support from the school. When she reached out for help and understanding the response from Pamela was consistently dismissive, lacking both empathy and any practical solutions. After being rushed through the admission process without properly being informed about the timing and processing of student loans all during a period of disrupted mail service my daughter was left financially unprepared and this added unnecessary pressure. She made several attempts to connect with financial department however went weeks before any sort of reply. Despite being very upfront about commuting from Vancouver Island we were reassured that this wouldn't be an issue, Blanche claimed other students had done it before. However when ferries were shut down or delays occurred- things entirely out of her control there was zero understanding or flexibility. No accommodations were made and attendance policies were rigid to the point of being punitive. This school and program operates as if students don't have lives or challenges outside of the classroom. The serious lack of compassion, poor communication, and inflexible structure make it a deeply flawed and poorly managed institution. I would NEVER recommend Blanche Macdonald to anyone - especially students who may need even the slightest amount of support.

My review is purely for the Facial service here by the students that I had last month in January…read more It's going to have both good and bad highlights, but overall I was very happy and I would return. Just a quick note: if you are very shy about being in groups of people, or want a private room to yourself with an esthetician, then this environment may not be for you. PS, I am in no way affiliated with Blanche, nor do I study at Blanche. I don't even work in beauty. My best beauty routine is putting on lipstick and running out the door with uncombed hair. Anyway, I was searching on the internet for "cheap facials" because I like to be very frugral, and when I asked around on Facebook where I could find cheap facials, people told me to search up beauty schools for student facials. Since these are students, you're going to have realize they do make mistakes and are learning. For example, while I was getting my facial done, other estheticians (and maybe mine too) were dropping stuff. It kind of breaks the peaceful atmosphere, but I'm not going to fault anyone for it. They're training on the job and maybe they're a little nervous. We were all once students too. The Good: * $30 for a 90 minute facial, total comes to $31.50 after tax. I left a $5 tip for the student, although I don't know if other clients tipped. * professional receptionists at the front, left me phone reminders for the appointment * had a polite and friendly esthetician student The Not-So-Good: * you are led into a shared room full of other women (not your own room) for your facial. These other women are getting facials and massages. Anyway it was a bit of a surprise to see this, but not a big deal for me * no real changing room, you change in the washroom and they give you a shallow small basket to put your clothes into. Summary: Overall, don't be so picky here when you're paying $30 for a facial. Professional spas out there are charging $70 - $120 for 90 minutes. So you're getting an excellent deal and you're aware that these are students in training. The esthetician student was excellent and very nice, so I would say I would definitely return. As for body massages, maybe when I feel more confident about my body before I enter the group room for that. :)

The students in the class that I received service from went above and beyond and created an amazing…read moreenvironment and did a great job on my hair. The young lady that did my hair did an amazing job and should be proud of the work that they put into it especially as a student. However , the reason for my one star review ; One of the staff members (teachers) I witnessed did not hold any ounce of professionalism or respect when dealing with both clients as well as students. In my time spent in the salon I watched the students doing their best to handle the fact that their teacher was being un necessarily rude about the critiques she was giving them and when giving critiques didn't even have the respect to pull the student aside rather decided to berate these poor students in front of their client embarrassing them over small mistakes that were not even noticed by myself or the other clients in my surrounding area. She did not demonstrate any of the tools of a good supportive leader and I hope the Blanche Macdonald school seriously considers a different position for her within the school away from students and clients. Or seriously re evaluates her position at the school. As no client should have to see her treat people this way , people deserve respect in all regards and it is important to remember that these young people are learning. I believe this lady's name sounded like Renada or Rita but I only heard her name from a distance. An mature woman of blonde hair. I would once again like to re iterate that I loved the work and kindness that the students provided to me and that this review should not reflect that but poor leadership and hiring.

Beautiful place. The staff is really helpful and they carry good variety of professional makeup…read moreproducts.

I had Cosmetic tattoo of my Lips and brows done by Lisa in September 2012 and just one free Touch…read moreup a couple of months later! It was done skilfully and Lisa is a true professional! The colour faded by now to some extent and I will be heading for my 10 plus years touch up very soon! I highly recommend Lisa to those who want to be assured that they are in safe hands! PS. It seems that the above business is out of the listed location and is permanently closed!

I took the 6-Day Comprehensive course last month and the experience was satisfactory. Although the…read morespace was clean and bright, I found it too small of a workspace for 6 students; I think they should only accept a maximum of 4 students at a time so that it doesn't feel as cramped of a learning environment and so that more attention can be given to the students individually, especially since this particular course involves PMU for eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, camouflage techniques, and colour corrections. If it were just the 3-Day Microblading course for example, having up to 6 students at a time might be fine since it just focuses on eyebrows. Lisa, the Head of the company I believe, is extremely nice but she wasn't the main instructor and was there maybe 30% of the time, and having two instructors at different times throughout the course didn't help in terms of consistency. Teaching styles and opinions varied from one instructor to the other. I just found it difficult when one would give me feedback about what I was doing, then a few minutes later another comes along and says something different. Having said that, this course is satisfactory as a foundation and basic introduction into PMU. If I could do it all again, however, I would've just signed up for the basic 3-Day Microblading course; it would've saved me time and money, and I think 3 days in a cramped learning environment rather than 6 would've been tolerable. ps: The instruction I received is of a particular teaching style; I would recommend this course only to those who are ok with blunt honesty and constructive-verging-on-destructive criticism. I can admit that I myself am definitely not the most sensitive person, and I particularly dislike when people sugar-coat words, but as teaching methods go, I believe there needs to be a balance to suit the needs of the general public.

If you are at all like me...you like to get pampered but just don't have the disposable income to…read morebe spending at the spa...then you've got to check out Body Glamour. This is a school for hair dressers and estheticians. I have found the students to be highly qualified and friendly. They are always supervised by an professional instructor. Today I had my very first European facial ever and I loved it! I find that because it is a student working on you, they are very attentive and they are not looking at the clock all the time and really spend time on the massage part of facials, manicures, and pedicures. It is also nice to to know that you are helping the student by being there. Body Glamour needs more "models" for their students to practise on. Give them a try and help make this local company successful, you and your wallet will be so glad you did!

From the owner: We do an assortment of education and services here at Body Glamour…read more Hair student,master and Jr Stylist services: Colors, highlights, styles, deep conditioning, perms,cuts, up-dos, braids, chemical relaxers and much more. Esthetics student,master and Jr services: Manicure, pedicure, acrylics and gel nails,waxing, facials, and massage and much more. Diplomas and certificates are offered here in various courses.

guys please be careful the machines and devices are not health Canada approved when I went to…read moreschool I became more aware how IMPORTANT it is to use health Canada approved microneedling pens which are not used on this course PLEASE BE AWARE !

This course was a beginner friendly introduction course into Esthetics but its unregulated and the…read moremachines/devices are not regulated. For example, there is no MDALL certified pen or real Hydrafacial machines you pay for, it's just practice for at home, therefore, you can not be certified esthetician with this course, the certificates are honestly handed out to a lot of people who paid $6k-10k to take the course learn microneedling, hydrafacial, dermaplaning, etc and become certified in 3 days. This is not realistic, any course takes a year or longer and you are better off going to a certified Cosmetology school. If you already are a Cosmetologist, and want to take a hydrafacial course or learn a new technique or skill, please learn it from the machine provider directly or a expert that specializes in a technique. I think the money spent to take a 3 day course does equate to becoming a fully licensed esthetician. You are at the end of the day working on someone's face, you need to be licensed from a regulated school. It is very one and done. I hope anyone looking into the course will read and fully understand the course isn't that horrible but the hours needed to be an esthetician are not 72 and giving out a license without any hours of practical or examination is a bit odd.

I'm currently taking lessons with this school. I'm 53 so a bit older than the usual student. I've…read morehad mixed experience so far. Arzou is wonderful, patient, knowledgeable. But I found her some Ramin to be arrogant and quite frankly a bit of a bully. He's young though, so has time to learn how to deal with people. Perhaps he doesn't "like" "older white ladies". I don't know. But he needs to develop better social skills in order to deal with all types of people. All types of people need to drive.

Arzou is an excellent instructor. She prepared me for all the possible roads and condition during…read morethe road test. She has so much patience. She even took the time to draw roads and intersections and make notes for myself to keep working on them at home. I know I was not an easy student. If Arzou got me to pass. She is enabled to help everyone. The academy in general is very flexible with schedules and pick up and drop off places. 5 stars to Arzou