Today I visited Paul Mitchell Hair Studio looking forward to a relaxing experience with my sister. I requested a wash, deep conditioner, blow dry, and a twist-out. When I sat down, the stylist immediately began spraying my hair with water. I politely asked her not to spray my hair because I had specific preferences for my natural hair. I also asked if she would mind taking down my twists from the bottom up to help minimize frizz and breakage. She agreed, but after watching her remove a few twists, I realized the technique was not what I had requested. At that point, I politely asked if we could end the service because I didn't feel comfortable continuing. The stylist unhooked my drape, and as I handed it back to her, another staff member apparently observed only part of the interaction. I was then asked to go to the front desk. Without anyone asking me what had happened, another employee informed me that my service had been terminated and that I was no longer welcome to return to the salon. I was completely shocked and confused. When I asked what I had done wrong, no one could give me an answer. Instead, I was escorted to the lobby while my sister remained in the salon receiving her service, which made the experience even more embarrassing. Only after I had already been asked to leave did staff finally come over to ask for my version of events. At that point, I learned that an advisor believed I had snatched the drape off. That simply did not happen. The stylist had already removed buttons to the drape herself, and I was handing it back to her. The advisor had been observing from across the room and did not witness the interaction up close, yet a decision was made without speaking to me first. As someone who values healthy hair care, I believe clients should be able to respectfully communicate their preferences and even choose to discontinue a service if they are uncomfortable. That should not result in being embarrassed, escorted out, or banned from returning without an opportunity to explain what actually happened. Unfortunately, because of how this situation was handled, I will never return. I hope Paul Mitchell Hair Studio reviews how misunderstandings are addressed in the future and ensures that all parties are heard before making decisions that affect customers. If you are someone who likes to advocate for your hair care and communicate your preferences, I encourage you to make sure your stylist is receptive to your concerns. Every client deserves to be treated with respect and given the opportunity to be heard. read more

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia - Lobby - Hair Salons Near Me - West Columbia, South Carolina

Well I figured it was time for an update, especially since it's a newer location. I really enjoyed it, but it took hours. My friend was working so I came in for a trim and dye. The trim was fine, she brought in a guy from the barber class to work on my undercut. The dye was to be blonde with red highlights. The blonde was fine, but the red didn't take. She said I could come back in for a redo, but she didn't know if they would recharge me. I made an appointment, but it was the that hurricane Helene came through so I'm not even sure if they opened, and I canceled, because I wasn't risking it. As far as a good service at a decent price I highly recommend, but just remember these are students and I don't think there's much of a guarantee. That's not to say they don't care, and I'm certain they will at least try to make it right. Also the new building is nice, I did prefer the old location, but at least there's a huge parking lot. read more

Don't have pictures of my hair but trust me...I look great:) Lauren C. gave me an awesome cut and style that is exactly what I wanted and makes me feel confident and cute! Everyone at PM Columbia was polite, professional, and so kind. It was a very relaxing experience and I loved the vibes of the school, too. Everyone was quietly working on their manikin heads while I got my haircut and it was fun seeing what everyone was trying. I'm pretty low-maintenance when it comes to hair, but Lauren listened to me and we communicated about what I wanted -- that's the key! Overall, super happy with my experience and would definitely return. read more

I've gone here several times with mixed results. This is a school. People are being trained. They are supervised. I've been several times to get a haircut. They have 2 levels - Phase One and Phase two- stylists. Phase one stylists are new and they have a LOT of supervision. They can't do much without someone's approval and observation. It does take a while to get your hair cut with a Phase one because they do have to get approval and explain to their supervisor the cut, how they are going to do it etc. They are often shown new techniques by the supervisor actually starting the cut on your hair. Phase Two stylists have completed phase one with a certain level of client satisfaction and training. They do still need approval but are a little more autonomous. The style is approved before they start cutting and then checked after the cut is completed. It is slightly more expensive to see a phase two stylist. The problem with this place is that if you do find a stylist you like... they are usually gone by the time you go back. Every time I go I get a different person and you never know how they are going to be with your hair. So if you aren't too picky and low on cash this might be the place for you. Or if you just need your hair shaped up or trimmed? Sure. Go for it. If you need a complete style make over? Then I might go somewhere else. The salon is clean and I like the style of the salon. I love Paul Mitchell products too so that's a plus for me too. I've had a couple of wonderful experiences here... walking out feeling like I was a super model. I've also had a couple of not so great experience here... the cut wasn't exactly what I asked for, too short sometimes, not enough cut sometimes... the last time I went the cut was good but just a bit shorter than I wanted. What really irked me was that they over booked and my hair was cut in a chair off to the side and I couldn't see myself in the mirror while it was cut. This REALLY bothered me. I should have said something I guess. It was prom season and all these young girls were there getting their hair done so I definitely don't recommend going around that time. All the other times I've gone this hasn't been an issue. So if you are willing to roll the dice and take your chances then you might be pleasantly surprised... or a little disappointed. read more

It's a school and they are learning that's why I tell them what I want and talk to them during the process. When using this I try to make sure that I didn't go to crazy with the cut and color. But I was pleased with haylee she did a very good job and made sure I was happy with it. read more

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia - Very long and unruly hair. - Hair Salons Near Me - West Columbia, South Carolina

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I don't mean this in a rude way at all but they really ruined my hair. First, I asked for a Phase II person fo do my hair because they would have had more experience, but instead I got someone with barely any hours under her belt who was 19, the same age as me. I asked for my hair to be platinum blonde with a little bit if a more natural flow from roots to tip, and I even showed them a picture of me from the last time I got it done to give them a better idea of exactly what I wanted. After the bleached my hair, I realized she had bleached my WHOLE head, which I wasn't aware of because she had me facing away from any mirrors. She washed my hair and it was yellow orange. Not in a good way either. I asked them to fix it, and even told them a toner that I personally knew from years of getting this done, and my hairdresser AND THE TEACHER ignored my suggestion, using one that didn't work at all. They didn't want to pay for the other purple toner to take away the yellow orange so then just started complementing and telling me how great I look and got me out as soon as possible. I never even ended up getting my haircut because i had seem a girl, around 13, leave with a cut so bad that her bangs were sticking up. I am very disappointed and now my hair is WAY more damaged than before because of the bleach. I am going to attach the pictures of what I showed her as well as the outcome. read more

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I am a guy and I am a big fan of Paul Mitchell. I had been to Sports clip and great clips for my haircuts. Granted, those are not some of the best places for haircuts, but I feel like 12 bucks for a haircut is a really good deal if you don't mind being there for like 1-2 hours. Really nice atmosphere and the students are really nice. The students are being trained and it does take time for the students to cut your hair. But there is a supervisor who is experienced that will check every student's work, or the haircut before the customer will pay for the haircut. For 12 bucks, you do get a cut and a wash. They wash your hair like 3 times and it is really refreshing. I do advice getting an appointment or just making a call before you walk-in, because they are not open every day. Strongly recommend. read more

I've had the WORST haircut of my life here, I've also had the BEST haircut of my life here. I'm writing this review to say that they won't take any new clients after 2:30 pm until the night school starts after 6pm. This is not stated ANYWHERE on their website and I just wasted a ton of time because of it. Cool. read more

I went to PM school in Columbia, SC after another stylist in a different salon fried my hair. Had to have 9in cut off because it was so bad. The lady that fixed my hair was amazing! So personable and made me relax having someone else try and fix another's mistake. Will definitely be going back!! read more

I usually only need a trim, but with curly hair this is often trickier than the typical cut. I've had mixed results here, but never a horrible experience. Usually, if there's an issue, the cut is a bit too short or the color washes away too quickly. Nothing major. There are a few times when the cut &/or color quite pleased, and I vowed to return to the same stylist. Sadly, the good ones are usually not there on my next appointment, which makes sense since it's a school aimed at graduation of successful stylists. I refuse to pay the high cost of other salons, so PM fits me just fine. I also like that I can often make a same day appointment or even walk in, & it's not treated like it's a huge hassle to squeeze me in. Be prepared for a 2 or 3 hour ordeal, especially if you want them to do a good job. Cannot beat the price, especially in the Vista, so I'll definitely keep going back ! read more

I had a really hard time making a decision to go to Paul Mitchell the School after reading some of the reviews on here. My appointment was made for 2 o'clock today. I filled out the paperwork that just basically stated that I couldn't sue if someone screwed my hair up. I then waited for about 10-15 minutes before I was greeted by my salon stylist in-training. We got acquainted by discussing the type of hairstyle that I wanted. I decided to go with a basic bob. A senior instructor came by and discussed the hairstyle with us, and also she made recommendations regarding the type of cut that I needed for the bob. I then went into the back to get my hair washed and had a gentle five minute scalp massage. I think my favorite part of it was some of the hair products they used. The hairstyle ended up being exactly as I wanted it. I've spent a lot more for a lot less. The only downside to the whole experience is that the haircut took about 1 1/2 hours. However, I only paid $10, and this is probably the best haircut that I've received in the past two or three years. I was so impressed that I made a follow up appointment in six weeks with the same trainee, but next time we're going to do highlights. As for the environment, I felt that it was structured. The instructors were continuously walking the floor. I had at least three or four different instructors eyeball my stylist in-training's work. They usually just took a small look and went on to the next trainee. I did see on at least two occasions where the trainee made some mistake and the instructor jumped right in to make the necessary corrections. I never heard anyone complain, and everyone (while I was there) seemed happy with their hairstyle. There was a small bit of clutter, but the environment was clean. The floor was swept at least one time while I was there by an instructor. Again, this was an overall good experience. I give it an A+! read more

So they book me one day and had to reschedule me because apparently they're not open Monday and no one should've scheduled me that day and I live an hour away I get up super early to go down there and get my hair done and I just got called and canceled again. No wonder they list on Groupon because they must not be getting any business at all with that kind of service. I would give this place zero stars if I could, I am so upset and disappointed right now because I was trying to get my hair done before my engagement shoot. So yeah, turning around and driving 40 minutes back home. Avoid this place if you can, it's just one big headache. read more

Absolutely do not go here. I would also give this 0 stars if that was an option. While it is inexpensive, the staff is UNTRAINED. They are literally working on getting ther degrees/certifications. I went in for a partial highlight and my dye job was 100% BOTCHED. I ended up crying and so upset. They somehow convinced me to come back the next day where the problem was only made worse and still made me pay for the chemicals. This happened almost two years ago and I still remember it. I had gone from being a platinum blonde via highlighting and because of this salon, I had to go back to my natural brown hair color. read more

Keep in mind this is a SCHOOL. If you're expecting a quick, perfect haircut, go elsewhere. A student will be cutting your hair, and chances are it will take several hours if you're going in for more than a trim. But you'll pay $15 for wash, cut, and style. An instructor will keep tabs on you and your stylist. Again, these are students, so have a little grace. read more

Loved this place! I went there yesterday for a haircut and will definitely return! I got a GREAT haircut from Mallory and you cannot possibly beat the price even for a Level 2 stylist. Nice downtown location so super convenient too! read more

Yesterday, I went in to get my brown hair dyed blonde. The stylist seemed to understand what I wanted, and I showed her pictures of the desired result. After the two hour appointment, I left with the absolute worst hair coloring I've ever seen. I know this is a school and these students aren't professionals yet, but I know I could've done a better job in my bathroom at home. My hair looks like bleach was poured all over it, and it feels very brittle and unhealthy now. The roots were left their original dark brown color, and the shade of blonde is horrendous. After visiting the salon again today to talk about my dissatisfaction, they refused to refund me - I understand, I signed a waiver and they're just students. But genuinely, I would not even let someone PAY me to have my hair look this bad, let alone me pay $65 for it :( learn from my mistake and be cautious before going to these stylists for big changes read more

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I've never left bad reviews before because nothing has ever effected me enough to care to write one...until today. It took everything I had not to cry as I was leaving after 2.5 hours for a simple trim and bangs. I asked for a more experienced student and I'm almost positive that I didn't get one. I showed a picture of what I was looking for in the bangs and she instead cut them shorter and the same blocked length to my ear on one side and the only reason the other side wasn't cut ridiculous was the instructor stepping in. I also asked for maybe an inch to be cut off the bottom to get rid of any damage and instead she cut 5 and it's also completely uneven (this I didn't know until my fiance commented on it when I got home). She took an hour just to blow dry my hair and was yanking at it horribly the whole time. I know that I just had a bad experience, but it was...so bad. I have to figure out a way to wear this in a bun and have my bangs not look utterly ridiculous and out of regulation in uniform now and I even mentioned that before she started. read more

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia - This is the back. I'd prefer not to show my face, but I can assure you the bangs aren't pretty. - Hair Salons Near Me - West Columbia, South Carolina

Horrible experience. I was there over four hours getting highlights. When I saw the results I was immediately dissatisfied. The highlights looked terrible. I could have done a better job myself! The girl said she could add some more around my face so I said okay. But that only made things worst. Now my roots are orange and I have to go spend even more money getting this fixed. Huge waste of time and money. read more

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia - Hair Salons Near Me - West Columbia, South Carolina

Although I understand it is a school, I have given this place three tries and it turned into the three strikes you're out rule. As a student finding a haircut on a budget is super difficult so I decided to try Paul Mitchell. The first time I went I asked for a trim and shaping and in the two and a half hours I was there the stylist didn't hear a word I said and proceeded to do what she thought looked good... not the style for me. Second time, I went for an eyebrow wax and the whole time I was there, almost an hour, the girl doing my eyebrows was talking to her friend the WHOLE appointment and forgot multiple steps that she had to go back and do before she even began waxing. After all this, my eyebrows were not even and it was like the top had nothing done to them. Third time, a "trim" apparently meant that my hair down to my lower back turned into hair just barely brushing 2 inches past my collar bone. This experience was also two and a half hours. Personally I will never go back but good luck to whomever does. read more

I have had several haircuts and each one has turned out very good. The biggest disadvantage is the time it can take. The students will keep going until they get it right and the teachers help them with support while they are cutting as well as minor fixes after they are finished. All around a good experience. read more

The absolute WORST experience I have ever had. I have brown hair and asked for just my tips to be lightened, and she ended up giving me blonde at my roots and it looked like I had a halo. To try to fix it, she added demi-permanent dye with a red tint which left me with hot red roots and wine colored hair which I hated. To cover the red she then dyed my hair AGAIN with permanent dye and I ended up with red/black hair (I have fair skin, so that's the worst possible thing I could have). After butchering my color and haircut, the manager even tried to CHARGE me. I ended up walking out and never looking back. Not only was this the worst hair service I have ever encountered, I never received an apology. They also turned my friends hair purple. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND DO NOT GO HERE. YOU WILL END UP PAYING EVEN MORE TO HAVE YOUR HAIR FIXED AFTER THEY DESTROY IT. Can I give zero stars? read more

AWFUL!!! I would give it 0 stars if I could! I had very long hair (almost to my waist) that I decided to cut and donate to Lock for Love. The lady told me that it had to be at least 8 inches so I said ok - next thing you know, she haphazardly cut off over 12 inches. Ok, fine - whatever, I committed to cutting it so I got over that. Then, I told her I wanted layers - well, she definitely did not know what she was doing and when she said she was finished, I looked in the mirror - lo and behold, one side of my hair was at least 3 inches longer than the other. She failed to notice this so she went to get her boss to help fix the mistake. Well, her boss came over with a razor and just started hacking away at my hair. I was at a loss for words so I just paid and left. Over the next week, I got numerous comments about my hir and how it just didn't look right. Oh, great - I ended up going to another salon to get it fixed. I guess you get what you pay for - I, for one, will NEVER go back to this place. I suggest that you don't either! read more