My first time here and I was super impressed! I had a shampoo, cut, and blow dry. I worked with Chrissi. She listened to what I wanted and did a great job. Def going back read more

I visited this place last Saturday and loved it. The girl who cut my hair was professional, listened to what I wanted, and double checked everything with her instructor prior to actually starting the cut/dye. Plus, full color + a cut for $40 is totally unbeatable. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the time--I understand that it takes longer to see a student, and I'm grateful for the instructor review, but the student to instructor ratio was likely 10-1 and there were times I sat for 20 minutes waiting for an instructor to come over. My appointment was at 1PM, I got seated at 1:15, and walked out at 5:15. If you're going to go, make sure you have lots of time! read more

I have came to PM several times for a touch up on my hair color and the results seem to be getting better and better! Staci (Phase 1 student) made my hair blonder than it has ever been before -- making her an absolute godsend. Both her & her instructor were very sweet, knowledgable, and made the experience fun and fly by! I guarantee, especially in the city, the bang that you get for your buck is unmatched. I already have another appointment with Staci and I'm excited to see her again, the talent at this school is amazing! Just be sure to carve out about 3-4 hours if you're getting color done, it's worth the time commitment. read more

I will start off by saying I have straight, lifeless, very dark black hair. I wanted and needed a change and I could not have been happier with my choice! I opted for the partial highlights (this was a first for me, never had highlights before), the stylist and her instructor was absolutely AMAZING! The highlights turned out better than I had expected (since my hair is very dark, I was not expecting much of a difference). I refuse to go anywhere else at this point and am very happy with the highlights read more

Low rating for my worst experience with the receptionist and not the service. I made a reservation for 1PM and reached there by 12:58 and checked in. I was asked to wait and at 01:22 i went and asked to check. She told me that i was waiting for 7 mins, not 20 and it takes 8 mins more at least. The receptionist to her side was correcting her but she was adamant without even listening. I had to cancel my appointment and leave. A total waste of more than an hour for me. I used to be a regular visitor and i referred this place to a few friends too. I am never going back and letting my friends know about this read more

This place had it's pros and cons. The people or the students there were so friendly and reassuring so that's good for great service. I got a Phase I perm on their half off day so my perm was only $15!! The first few days I was a bit bummed out because my hair was pretty frizzy and tightly curled but a few washes, I got the look that I was going for (with some styling and scrunching). So I was pretty satisfied with the perm, BUT in order for them to save time, two people started working on different sides of my hair and one side ended up more curly than the other :( Well I guess it's still great for the price! The girl who did the side of my hair I preferred is Ashlee #134 I believe. My two other friends went there to get their hair cut, but didn't really end up getting what they wanted, so I can't say much about the hair cuts. But their cut did take a really long time for 2 people with short hair lol. The haircut took approximately 2-3 hours and my perm took around 4 hours (which is expected). SO overall, this place is not bad for the price and I got a nice perm. read more

I had Britt 142 cute my hair and she was great! She only had 2 weeks left in the program to get all of her hours and the price is unbeatable for a massage, wash, cut, and dry/style. Their supervisors are available to help them with the cut if they need it. I would definitely recommend trying this place! read more

This place is great. I'm a UIC student on a budget and keeping up with my highlights can be expensive. I went to Paul Mitchell for this first time tonight and was extremely impressed! I've been getting my hair done professionally since I was 15 and these students do just as well, if not better! And you can't beat the price. $50 for full highlights, 2 colors! Ask for Angelina. read more

Yes, you're hair is being cut by a student, but they know what they are doing. I've been here three times for myself, and went twice with others. I've never had an issue. Sure the haircuts may take up to three hours, but who cares? Those three hours are a time for me to relax. In the end, the time spent goes into a great haircut. The price is fantastic: $14 for a cut, blow dry, shampooing, scalp massage and style. They also straighten my hair for no extra charge (probably because my hair is short and only takes them like 5 minutes to do.) I always come prepared with a picture. That way the stylist knows exactly what I want. I was happy that the stylist seemed really excited about doing my hair. The students are really friendly and talkative. I went in without an appointment and only had to wait about 10 minutes. The stylist (Suzanne #36) greeted me and we got to work. She loved the picture I brought in. I let her know that I straighten my curly hair daily and that I want to leave with my hair straightened and styled. She went and got her floor professional and then went to work. The cut only took around 2 hours for the whole process. During my cut Suzanne and I talked about the Paul Mitchell school and such. She then styled my hair with product (which I purchased). I was so happy how it turned out. I was very impressed! I don't know who people leave low-rated yelps...if you're not liking how you're cut/dye is turning out, let the stylist know! But anyways, out of all the times I've been here, I've always raved about the results. If you want a haircut, or something more complex, these students know what they are doing! read more

This school is wonderful! Mark A is incredible. This school has a very relax and pleasant feeling to it. They really want to make you happy. Sometimes, the receptionist can be very snotty, I think the instructors are terrific! it is a very uplifting atmosphere. read more

I just went in yesterday. I had the best experience ever with Jasmin and Claudia! They were so patient with me and so pleasant. My hair is goegeous! No one could have done a better job. This is not my first visit here. I have been here 5 times. Every time tops the last. Thanks Paul Mitchell! Try the awwapuhi products....they are AMAZING! read more

i made an appointment online with a LEVEL 2 stylist. she did great, asked me what i wanted and confirmed like 3x the level of hair i wanted cut (i say this because i know sometimes stylists may over-cut!). the instructor came once in the beginning and they consulted together on the "cut" style to use with my hair. i had really ugly layers from a super cuts (no shade, but they can be hit/miss) and the stylist fixed it beautifully! she also blow dried and gave me great bangs which i'm very particular about. the only thing was that it took kind of a longer time.. but i didn't mind that at all. i felt the stylist was being thorough. would definitely recommend making haircut/ trim appointments with a level 2 stylist. also- it's super hip/ nice inside! read more

Unfortunately, i will not choose this school to attend.i was very disappointed i came for tour , but when it came to the financial aid perspective clearly they have no idea what they are doing. i believe her name was Cathy, she provided the financial aid portion,but clearly she had no idea what she was talking about. i just let her continue do her job, but luckily i have previously attended school before, and i am aware of my financial aid. They need real financial aid officers not someone who has no idea what they are talking about. This school was trying to get my money clearly. Please to any future students trying to attend beauty have someone come in with you that has financial experience. if you have no idea they seem they will screw your financial aid. read more

I was super incredibly nervous about having my hair highlighted by a student, and I almost cancelled the appointment four times. Anyway, I went in with the internal consolation that I have black hair and anything I didn't like could just be dyed over. Katie was my stylist and she was incredible. She listened to me completely, really hearing my very strange request to have "visible but not too visible" highlights in a deep burgundy and looked at the pictures I had pinned from Pinterest. She was super thorough about consulting with me and giving me her opinions about what she thought would look best. We ultimately settled on a balayage instead of highlights to have a more natural transition between my black hair and the violet red I ultimately chose. She was great about consulting with her teachers every step of the way; even when she thought she had the right answer, she checked anyway and as someone who was scared of her making mistakes, I was grateful. Overall, the color came out great. I think I would have maybe preferred if the color started a little higher up on my head and was a little more visible in the front, but in the light you can really see the violet red, and it's actually a tasteful enough color that I'm considering dyeing all of my hair this color next time. I was surprised to learn that Katie only started at PM in September! She exudes a lot of confidence in her work and she does an excellent job for being so early in her education. Her teacher, Isabel, is great too. She checks in a lot and makes sure the students are on the right track which is great. read more

I love this place. Yes it does take 2-3 hours but it is well worth it given you pay only $12 for the best hair cut and relaxing 5 minute head massage. You make an appointment and there is never a wait. The staff is fun and friendly and my time always goes by quickly. I booked an appointment for my daughter hoping she will feel the same way. read more

What can I say? This is one special place. You can tell the students really love the learning environment, and the instructors love teaching. I had Jeneice, who did a fantastic job, and Jim the head instructor was just awesome to watch in action. This school really helps bring out the potential in the students, and I've never been happier with a haircut. Once I got home and showered it really became apparent just how great my hair turned out. I'm one of those guys who's reluctant to use "product," but using the two that Jim recommended really did help my hair look stylish and great. After this haircut from jeneice, and using the products that Jim recommended (grooming pomade and extra thickening glue), my hair is looking more stylish then it ever has before! read more

I go to school at UIC and stay in the dorms so when my hair really needed to be cut I just walked right out my door to Paul Mitchel. I have really curly hair that likes to misbehave so I was a little nervous going to somewhere new full of students other than my usual hair dresser back at home, but I was really really impressed with how my hair turned out! Everyone was so friendly and professional and they really wanted you to feel comfortable and relaxed. My hairdresser was a pleasure to work with and knew exactly what she was doing and really worked with my hair so that my curls would behave! Being an artist/photographer I wanted a little more edgy of a cut and she gave me just that while being able to maintain my curls. I was so impressed that I definitely will go back and request for the same hairdresser! read more

Paul Mitchell The School is the BEST bang for your buck. I first went when I moved into the neighborhood last year. The students do a great job and work closely with a learning leader/instructor. Yes, you will be at the salon for a few hours but as a busy mom it is nice to have a little "me" time. You can request a specific stylist but I have seen a different one each visit and i have always walked out with a great cut. This weekend I went for a much over due cut and was introduced to Diana. She gave me a great cut and style even though I walked in not knowing what I wanted. She did an amazing job and looked good doing it! read more

I couldn't wait to get home and write about my hairstylist, Naomi, at Paul Mitchell The School. Getting your hair done at The School DOES take time like the reviews say. I was there for a good 4 1/2-5 hrs. But my hair looks fantastic and you can't beat the deals they offer. For $85, I got all over color ( I had very long hair before the cut so I should mention that I paid an extra $8 for dye so as to ensure the color covered all my hair), the cut, some product (10% discount for students w/ student id), and Naomi styled my hair with a flat iron section by section, piece by piece. At most places, considering the length of my hair, it would have cost about that much for the color alone. Naomi was on point. She asked the right questions when talking w/ teachers, listened to what it was that I asked for, and took the time to make a couple jokes here and there and make conversation. The teachers came around to see how she was doing often, and the other students at The School were considerate and asked if Naomi needed anything or if they could get me some water or anything to eat. SO many cool heads of hair to look at while you're getting yours done-those girls have got it going on! (and the boy with the pink in his mo-hawk did too.) I should mention (seeing as I have now mentioned the "pink mo-hawk") that this place is for any and everybody. Some stylists were more punky than others, some of the other clients were a bit simpler-so you don't have to feel like you want a mo-hawk to leave looking like a rock star. Anyone can feel at ease here. I have already booked another appointment a couple months from now to get my color and layers touched up. I recommend anyone interested in Paul Mitchell The School stop in on a day when they have time and a good read and get themselves a great, inexpensive, haircut. read more

An Update to my previous review: I recently got my hair trimmed again. I love the way it looks, I love the price, I love how they take such good care of you (head massage, wonderful wash, etc) but the only downside is that it took 2 1/2 hours just to get my hair done! I only got it trimmed. If you go there, be prepared! At least bring a magazine or something read more

I went there for my haircut and die my hair, the students are very conscientus, very friendly and very good price

My daughter went to this school and had a FANTASTIC experience. It was a little pricier than some of the more local cosmetology schools BUT it was well worth every penny (that she will pay back over the next couple years!) She met so many leaders in the industry and learned so much about cutting and color. I went there after she started to have my hair cut and colored. I had bald patches from either stress, previous hair color, who knows what! But, after the year with Erika doing my hair at Paul Mitchell it looks and feels much healthier! Absolutely nothing negative to say about the school or her experience there!! I actually met someone at a Subway recently who told me she was starting cosmetology school - I convinced her to at least take a tour of Paul Mitchell The School - the experience is unbelievable. The owners think and act so positive! They encourage all of the future professionals to act and think the same! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! read more

I'm usually not the one to write reviews, but I would like to inform others who are hesitate on getting their hair done by students. I researched tons of information on where I should go in Chicago to get my hair cut for an inexpensive price. I came upon Paul Mitchell, and I doubted it from the beginning because of students doing my hair. Decided to give it a try and my first time experience was amazing walking in. Everyone was nice and the place was clean and professional. It wasn't until the student got a hold of my hair and cut my bangs too short and then the teacher called herself trying to make it better and cut my bangs even shorter, and I was furious. The teacher then called their professional hair cutter to do my hair, and he couldn't do anything with my hair because they cut it too Short! A week later, I realized a rash on my neck from the blade they used to line the back of my head. I called and left a voice mail, and they recommend I go to a store and get something for it. How in the hell are you going to recommend I go to another store? How about a discount on my next visit or money back or I'm sorry. I didn't get any of that, and because of that, I WILL NOT BE RETURNING! Oh, and for my woman with coarse hair, it's $15 for cut, wash, and blow dry. Hence I didn't say flat iron. Woman of color can NOT get a hair wash and go outside, unless you want, but I came to get my hair done so I can flaunt it. It cost another $15 to flat iron it which wasn't even worth my time. I didn't complain to the student for she tried everything she could, but I knew than that I wasn't going to go back. My advice to you would be very specific and stern with them. They will come off nice and knowledgeable but know what you came in there for. read more

I have been here 3 times, and each time I was very happy. My hair is long (about mid back) and thick. It is wavy/curly hair and also dry and difficult to manage. When I moved to Chicago a year ago, I came to Paul Mitchell on a whim because it was in the South Loop and had good prices. I find that the students really take their time with you. On each occasion I have had a different student, and each one has worked closely with me to get exactly what I want. I usually get all over block coloring and a trim. For the color I am brought multiple swatches to choose from and when/if i don't like them I am given more options. It is clearly described to me how things will turn out if I lean towards one swatch vs. another. I really appreciate their communication and patience. Yes, I am usually there for upwards of 5 hours. It is a long process. But it is fun and I consider it an almost spa day for myself. For people who are complaining on here, I just don't get it. These are students and yes, they may make mistakes, but I have found if you communicate well they really do listen and try very hard to please you. read more

Well, I don't think I can say it better than 'Tina S. from Chicago' in her review of Paul Mitchell The School, so I ask you to read her review because she says it like it is. I went today for the first time and am very happy. Jordan (super friendly and lots of energy) cut my hair and did a great job on a short choppy asymmetric cut, I am thrilled with the end result. I liked that the many instructors on the floor where engaged in watching the student hair designers and coaching them along the way. I thought the space was bright and had a great energy, I will be back. read more

I was definitely a bit skeptical about coming here, but I'm so happy I did. I didn't have time to make an appointment, so just walked in and told reception I needed a quick cut. The only available person was in Phase Two, which is the more advanced students from what I could tell. It is $6 more, but I didn't mind. I was put with Alyssa (199 I believe) and she did the most amazing job. I can't even believe how cheap her service was! I would have paid triple that just to get her to cut my hair again. She gave me an awesome bob and kept the conversation flowing the whole time. I can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and was beyond impressed with her skills. I will be coming back to Paul Mitchell to see her!! read more

My first day to have a hair cut in Paul Mitchell! Love this place! I have a really great experience today although it took a little longer to be all set- but it's worthy and I enjoy a lot! My stylist today is Brooke, #146. She is a future professional but she is already professional today! I think she did a great job!: ) She is a little nervous today because everything goes well! She is very nice and very dedicated in learning, very focus on what she is doing. Instructors demonstrate some skills to her and she learns very fast. I would like to recommend her for your visit to Paul Mitchell! You may prepare 2-3 hours since she is still learning. I like the place since I can see stylists walk by and listen to some comments or ideas...interesting! read more

New favorite place for getting a haircut. Staff is always nice, and the products are amazing.

Went there about a week a go worst experience ever I got there at 10 am didn't leave until after 4 pm I know it's a school but really first time there was great second time not so much time is the only thing you can't get back once it's gone it's gone & I don't have that. much Time to waste and I paid 53.00 read more

I had the most amazing experience last Thursday getting my hair colored and conditioned at the school. It started with the greeting I received from Kelly, the front manager who was friendly, professional and welcoming. They are lucky to have him! Then Jen, the instructor was amazing. She greeted me with a warm handshake and said goodbye to me with a warm handshake. Where do you get that now a days?!?! She instructed and corrected with respect and encouragement and I was never made to feel uncomfortable. I had a phase one student and you can tell she was not totally confident but under Jen supervision she did a wonderful job. This was not my first time at the school but definitely the best. It actually motivated me to write this review. read more

Since I stopped working I can't afford full priced salons anymore. I love Paul Mitchell School. I would say the only haircut I wasn't all that thrilled about was the one given from the young woman who was about to graduate. But it certainly didn't stop me from going back. As a matter of fact, I'm on this site because I was looking to see what their hours were today. I need a haircut badly. Oh, well, one more day after a year won't kill me. read more

1) Go for phase 2 (honors students). Phase 1 is a few bucks cheaper but if you are remotely picky with your hair, the risk is not worth it. Phase 1 are generally good students but I don't want to take the risk. Phase 2 students take things more seriously (in general, the ones I have met) vs phase 1 students are mostly relaxed and often time ignore instructions of the instructors. 2) Price is so cheap!!! Hair cut and blow dry from almost professionals for $21- sign me up!! 3) If you wait weeks before your next cut, you might not get your favorite student again. read more

So I finally got brave enough and made my appointment for a early morning thinking that it would only take the "minimum two hours" that they repeated to me over and over on the phone call to set the appointment...well it took 4 hours but it was totally worth it! Amber was my stylist and just wonderful. I went in with an open mind and with not a real style in mind for my cut. She went through my likes & dislikes and came up with a plan. I usually HATE the small talk with stylist but Amber was so fun to talk to I actually enjoyed it! You definitely need a lot of patience because the stylist has to get each step "ok'd" before moving on. Which at times I wanted to say "I trust you, just do it!". I left with a happiness for my hair that I haven't had in a long time...that true happiness you can only get from an amazing cut! I waited a couple days before posting this just in case my hair did something crazy after washing it but I can say it's just as amazing now as when I left. I have never had so many compliments on my hair before and asked where I got it cut. I will definitely go back for my next cut....hopefully with Amber again! I can't say enough about what a positive experience this was...and I'll say it again, even with it taking 4 hours it was totally worth it! read more

I love PMTS Chicago. Can you believe that phase 2 is so amazing (Heather #30 especially!) That they were so booked up on Saturday I couldn't even get squeezed in for a bang trim!!!! read more

Ok, I have to admit that four hours to get your hair done is incredibly long. Especially if you don't have anything to read and you're just sitting there, waiting for your color to process. However, the result was amazing for the price! Seriously, THE BEST HAIRCUT EVER. Rachel Pierce, previously mentioned in another review, did both the color (auburn with blonde highlights) and cut (trim with more layers in back). She brought out a book with all the color possibilities and did EXACTLY what I wanted. As for the cut, she again did EXACTLY what I wanted. I've been to numerous salons and asked for longer layers in front with more shorter layers in back. Their attempt was crap. Rachel did it just right. She's only there til March, so get her while you can :) read more

I highly recommend Theo #268! He gave me the best blow dry of my life after he did a great job cutting my hair. The instructor Natalie also came over to shake my hand and helped me settle on what to do with my hair. Overall, a great experience with Theo and it is only $15 read more

I have been coming here for about 2 years now and all I can say is good things. The students are always willing to create the most innovative hairstyles and do a great job as well! If you have no idea what kind of style to get or are just looking for something new, this is the place to go. The teachers always oversee the student's work so not only do they ensure that there aren't any mishaps, but they also work personally to tailor it to your needs. It is always interesting to watch them teach the students as they work on your hair because you get to see firsthand the work and care that goes into it. Everyone truly helps each other out and you may sometimes get multiple people working on your hair, each with a different approach that makes the overall style unique! Guys if you are looking for an awesome haircut ask for Rocky, he is an amazing barber that takes his time and pays attention to detail. I went in today and was awed by his work. Rocky along with Jim, a teacher, gave me a haircut that looked like something straight out of a movie! Although it took a little bit longer than expected, I do not hold that against them, the detail is unmatched. I have never received a haircut that looked so great. These two men are truly artists when it comes to haircuts. Overall, great service from first class teachers and students; prices are great as well! read more

Love the work they do, have never been disappointed. Especially today got a designer hair cut for a paupers price. I didn't know I needed a change till I got one. I have been sending selfies since I got home. read more

I went into Paul Mitchell's salon here with half a centimeter of brown roots, 2 inches of yellow bleached hair and the rest down to the ends was a faded blue/green. It was an absolute faded and dyed 100 times disaster. I was so, so nervous that a student wouldn't be able to fix it enough to where it looked like my natural color again. I was wrong!!! A student named Jackie is the one who took care of me. She transformed my hair into a level 6, natural brown and was able to lighten the blue enough to make it seem like golden highlights. Though I wasn't able to do the balayage like I had originally planned, she assured me it was the safest move for my hair and that in 2-3 weeks, we could try again. I appreciated her stopping me instead of just doing what was going to destroy my hair at the time. If you're nervous about a student doing your hair, chill out. It'll be fine. She did a great job, so of anyone, I recommend asking about her. The only thing I will say is to keep in mind that this is a classroom and it is a learning experience, therefore it will take longer than a normal salon. My appt was at 945 am (and I was taken back within 5 minutes) and I did not leave the school until 2 pm while she worked without pausing. I had a "block color" service, a deep condition plus two more bowls of color and it altogether cost me $56 before a tip (AND YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE TIPPING THEM!!!). So cheap. So cool. So worth it. I am in love with my new/natural hair. read more

Please review all aspects of this school if your looking into being a student. You can find many reviews from actual students online. I'm a student there so please do not remove this posting, I just want other prospect students the fair chance to save there time and money. read more