I've been here 4 or 5 times at this point and have had a very good experience overall. One thing I like about the place is, obviously, the price. It's super reasonable to get a haircut here because they are students. On top of that, it feels like a salon (although there are students working on their dummy heads to practice). They have a separate wash room that is a bit more serene and a busy salon floor. The students are generally friendly and eager. They are also supervised by a learning leader (I've noticed there are usually at least two, often three, walking the floor at all times). I think most of the time the students are good about checking in with their learning leader if they're unsure about how to do something. (My two cents: There is a male learning leader with short dark hair who is especially good with the students.) If something is too complicated for a student, the learning leader models how to do it. I did have a student sort of rush, but only once. I still walked out with a good cut, although I think she should have checked in with her learning leader before moving ahead with a part of the cut. She also "styled" by hair with the straightener, which cost $8 more than the $12 cut I was expecting, so that was sort of unpleasant. I'm sure I could have spoken up and had that fee removed since I didn't want the styling, but I didn't feel like getting into it. If I had one suggestion, it would be that the school offered either a physical or digital comment card so that customers could leave feedback for the students. It's not asked for in any way, which seems weird to me considering the learning aspect, and if it were to be asked, I'd rather write it down than have a potentially awkward conversation with the student. That being said, I am really happy with the Paul Mitchell School and will continue to go back for my my cuts, especially since I get pretty simple styles (although I've seen them do great, more complicated stuff on other clients getting work done). I started going here because my coworker's daughter attended the school and she was getting her (great) hair done there (and I was hearing good things about their program from my coworker). I haven't gone anywhere else since. read more

I was a student here and honestly all of my thoughts could not fit on here but all I can say is, worst place I have ever been in my LIFE. And this wasn't just me that felt this way. You walk into the student bathroom and people are in tears about how horrible it is. And how they waisted 24 THOUSAND dollars. They can't keep staff because they treat them like absolute garbage. Admin is nothing but rude and do not care about anyone. You learn how to do nails on a paper. They stopped doing all services other than hair. No nails,waxing or pedicures. On top of it all, my parents made a check to them and it bounced! I will say they fixed the problem within 48 hours but the problem should not have occurred. They bash other cosmetic schools because "they teach more" no they do not. Go somewhere cheaper and kinder to students and staff read more

Paul Mitchell The School Schenectady - No mannequin hand or anything and the nail polish was nasty so we didn't do it on each other - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Do not go here for coloring. Seriously. They absolutely fried my hair. I am really devastated. I went in with healthy, unprocessed/undyed medium brown hair. Wanted to get it dyed a golden blonde. There was a lot that went wrong with my appointment but I'll start with this: They left the lightener in my hair for THREE AND HALF HOURS. My hair is absolutely destroyed - it feels brittle and coarse, and now my hair has lost all its natural volume and waves. But let's detail the other things: 1) This whole process took 7 hours for someone to overbleach my whole head of hair and cut it. 2) After bleaching my hair, the stylist added a golden blonde toner - this is confusing because typically after bleaching you want to use a blue or purple based toner to counteract the yellow/orange that typically remains after bleaching. So then my hair was Bart Simpson yellow, while the stylist was all "wow! what do you think?" And I had to say "uh, this is really yellow." Then she admitted that she was really nervous and didn't want to say how yellow it was to me and didn't know how to fix it. The instructor fixed it with a neutralizing toner. Still looks more yellow than is natural, but I don't look like a cartoon. 3) Despite me saying that my hair is fine and dry, I was shampoo-ed twice and then blow-dried with pretty much no moisture added or any heat protectant used. After being blow-dried my hair looked stick-straight and frizzy out of control. That was the point I wanted to cry, because I had pretty healthy, full hair before this whole process, and it had never looked so damaged. 4) I've gotten my hair cut here twice, including this time, both times asked for layers, and both times had the stylist panic about doing layers. I don't know what is going on there. 5) Also, I originally had made an appointment for during the week, but when I showed up they said they had to reschedule because they weren't informed that I wanted to get lighter hair, despite me telling the desk when I made the appointment. I'm never going back, this was honestly really devastating and I was really looking forward to having nice blonde hair. I realize they're students but I can't believe I paid over $60 and spent 7 hours on a Saturday having someone destroy my hair that I'm now going to have to pay a professional salon to fix. read more

Catty instructors and indifferent faculty. Cared more about making their money by pushing through students during the pandemic than about the quality of their education. Most instructors did not even grade (or even open)the class-work they assigned over zoom after the school went hybrid to allow them to continue enrolling students and adhere to the limitations on people in the building at a time (by shortchanging the education of those already enrolled by forcing them to be online 2-3 days a week). And many instructors didn't have a real plan on how to fill the 8 hours they expect you to sit on zoom besides monotonous assignments to watch YouTube videos and take notes on them ( which I could do on my own,and not pay several grand in tuition for). Or assigning all students to make PowerPoint presentations (for no real grade, mind you) on the same exact State Board Steps. So we can waste 3 hours making, presenting, and witnessing the same exact presentation over and over. Less time an instructor had to fill with actual teaching, I guess. Favoritism is rampant, and the same students were given clients every clinic day, and guaranteed the most diverse and interesting clients, while others who were disliked were lucky to be given a scalp treatment. The rules governing students services, and when they are allowed were not equally enforced, and were changed and evolved in order to bar certain students from taking part. To use use real products (like bleach) for practice, you have to pay for it yourself (it is not covered by your tuition) and even in "specialty class" you will be lucky to get to use actual bleach maybe 2x in the 6 months of the school program. Furthermore, I attended class using my G.I. Bill benefits as a US Veteran, and had to wait 2 months to receive my BAH and when I spoke to the Financial Aid Officer, she told me I was the first to do the Cosmetology program using my benefits, and she didn't know how to select my program on the screen to enroll. I had to play middleman between financial aid and The VA to get everything fixed. And I was already attending class for more than a month. And I personally know I am not the only Veteran who has had problems with their enrollment or experience at Paul Mitchell: Schenectady. Any concerns I had were not taken seriously. I was told how I could adjust my habits to conform, and then just simply given lip-service, and ignored. It became so bad that I couldn't physically bring myself to class because the second I walked in it was like all of my positivity and creativity was sucked out of me. There were a few standout teachers that seemed to really care, but ultimately the faculty and staff are disorganized, unprofessional, and run the school like mean girls helping their favorites and alienating anyone with a different viewpoint who cannot just shut up and accept the program they paid for. read more

I asked for a trim I got a chop instead it was the worst cut of my life and makes me distrust hair professionals. I asked the supervisor about the length and she replies that it was mid back which is not the case and the back is uneven. I am so angry and sad. I hate the way my hair looks and an embarrassed to go in public shame on Paul Mitchell. I won't go back since the only way to improve my hair is to get extensions which are not cheap at all. or to grow my hair out to the length I had desired which will take about six months. The students were also very bad and never knew what to do and always had to ask a supervisor which should've been a red flag. read more

I brought my daughter here for a cut and color, Diamond ended up coloring her hair and did a fantastic job, one of the few that know what she's doing! On the other had the team leader, floor supervisor (whatever name you want to give them) completely butchered her hair! He stepped in and cut off 6-7 inches off my daughter's long beautiful hair. My hair came out even worse. Went in with blonde and light brown high/lowlights and ended up coming out orange. The girl ended up using a brown toner which completely reversed all the time spent highlighting my hair! So after sitting in a chair for over 6 hours as I watched as a floor supervisor butchered my daughters and mine ended up orange I was upset. I called and emailed to complained to management, waste of time! I was told I handled it wrong! Yes like other reviews you get what you pay for! read more

Stick to the professionals. Its not worth it. I asked for darker, now my hair is blonder than when i went in. Also, my shirt got covered in bleach. The instructor, who called herself Beyonce, told me there wouldnt be time to finish my cut. Then told the student she had 8 minutes, after the first cut it was too late, my hair was about 5 inches shorter than i requested. read more

Paul Mitchell The School Schenectady - Bleached Shirt, Thank you Paul Mitchell the school- Schenectady's - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I went there for a trim and had Jamie B. She really was personable and friendly, I've had bad experiences in shops but not here. They are very professional. The teacher or instructor was checking in the whole time and was very careful about what I wanted. She trimmed it exactly as much as I wanted. I would recommend anyone thinking of getting a haircut to go to Paul Michell's school anytime. read more

The girl did such a great job, and really listened and accounted for what I wanted. It was all very professional. The mentor was constantly checking in and watching to make sure all was going right. It feels like you are getting a 5 star place for the price of much lower. The only warning I would give is that what I got done took longer than normal so just be aware to have the time. read more

I have been getting my hair done here for years with no problem. Today I went in and there was a new "floor leader" who refused to let the sylist do my hair. I have been getting my hair done the same way for longer than she has probably been alive. Let's hope, the students do not follow the "leader" with the way that she presented herself and spoke to me. I will never step foot in this place again. It is too bad, because doing a texture on very long hair is a good experience and she just ruined it. Thankfully, there is Orlo nearby. read more

I had a phase 2 lady named Rachel who www really great. I just wanted a trim for my lob. She was very gentle in the hair washing, very unlike any other salon I've been to. The only bad thing about that was she didn't wash out all my shampoo, which was apparent when I showered after my haircut. Took about 45 mins to an hr to trim my hair (expected). There's free 2 hrs parking in a lot near the back of the school. Also on Wed and Thurs it's only $5 for phase 1 and $7 for phase 2 haircuts! My biggest problem with this visit is that she didn't cut it as short as I wanted. I showed her exactly where I wanted it and she even confirmed. I also couldn't tell her it was too long until it was too late since they started at the back of my head. Will be coming back soon for another trim. read more

In December I went to get my roots done. They didn't let the color sit long enough, so my roots didn't lift to the same ultra blonde as the rest of my hair. I voiced my concerns, spent another 2 hours in the chair and still wasn't happy. But mistakes happen, so I went back today. I said I wanted as close to platinum as safely possible, matching the ends of my hair. I informed them of my previous experience so they were aware to check my roots. Well, my roots didn't matter. I didn't get even close to platinum. In fact, what was once ultra light blonde, is now BROWN. I asked for platinum and got ashy brown. I went in with information, a picture and STILL walked out unhappy. You get what you pay for. read more

I got my hair cut and died here about a month ago. I got it died a fun shade of red, anyone who has died their hair red knows that it fades fast, so far this hasn't faded too much. I love Paul Mitchell color. It was nice that between each step the student gets cleared with the teacher, so you know you wont end up leaving there with horrible hair. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. I have so much hair that I needed two people to get through it but they worked together very nicely. The automosphere is great, the music that you get to listen to while they do your hair is wonderful, and the service is great. The price is also amazing. 10 for a cut? and I think it was 15 or 20 for a color. I got my hair completely done for 50 bucks, it usually costs me 150 at a regular salon because of the length of my hair. I'd say the results are exactly what I'd get from any other salon, but cheaper which makes me happier. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! I have been going there since just after they opened (going on 3 years now) - My hair is now down to my waist and often they put two students on my head at a time. They are slow - but REMEMBER ...........they are learning this is a SCHOOL .......but for the $$$ I have - NO PROBLEM - take your time and learn learn learn and I will save $ save $ save $ I usually get 9N color with Bleach Highlights they always do an amazing job. Get a student in phase 1 and it is even cheaper. I have never paid over $60.00 and my hair when they are done is OMG Beautiful! They have a points card system - every dollar you spend swipe your card and get points - use the points to buy products or pay for your service. I will never go back to a regular Salon and pay over $200 and walk out unhappy! Paul Mitchell School for me! read more

Don't do it!!! I got the absolute opposite of what I asked for and I was extremely clear. Nightmare! Also, I said NO RED, toner please, what I got was bozo clown effing red!!! I also witnessed the supervisor give me the stink eye on the low, phony people with negative energy here, stay away! read more

Paul Mitchell The School Schenectady - what I asked for and what I got!!! Get the picture!!! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Jules was my student stylist today and I can not rave more about this young lady..... The teachers go above and beyond to assist the students and to ensure an amazing experience. Jules has a very bright future in the hair industry and will be highly sought after as she shows her top notch abilities. From her personality to her knowledge of hair. I have very thick curly hair and some look scared when I sit down but she just had a big smile and was excited for the challenge. Thank you read more

Alexis was beyond fantastic. So caring and took her time to get the color I've been wanting. She also cut my hair, and recut it cause I changed my mind during the cut. She never lost a beat ! She will definitely go far especially with her sincere advice ! Very knowledgeable with color and skin tones. Thank you Alexis! And best of luck in your next chapter !!! Definitely a cut above !!! read more

Always great results! Love my color :) can't wait to come back and get a trim. My stylist took her time and was so helpful. Her instructor was always checking and really helped make sure I got what I wanted. read more

I had a great experience at this salon. The parking was easy, The service was excellent, minimal wait time and the stylist was wonderful. I look forward to a return visit. read more

I also tried to make an appointment and was hung up on twice... in a row... by the same person. My hair, as a result, still looks terrible with no real hope of improvement. I hope part of their training includes answering the phone and transferring lines - if that (in my optimistic mood) is what was happening. Maybe I'll try again but it doesn't really build my confidence... read more

Montana is great! She distracted me from the pain of getting my eyebrows waxed. Will request her in the future.

So I've been having the itch for highlights for a few months now and didn't want to blow 150+ on my hair, so decided to give this place a try. I've been to Paul Mitchell schools in the past and left the feeling the same as I would have in a much more expensive salon. However, the last time I went (at a different location) I hated how my hair turned out- I was super blonde and naturally have black hair, so I was a little wary of returning to a school again. Front desk was not so friendly. The phase student was alright, but the students are never consistent as the program is only a few months, so very unlikely you would see the same person more than two or three times. My rating is for the instructor, Thomas, who was by far the most attentive instructor and made sure the student didn't mess up my hair and I left with what I asked for. I'm on the fence about my hair, which is just how I am but they did a great job and gave me the color I asked for. Again, the instructor was phenomenal. He was friendly and checked up on the progress more than 10 times while I was there- I lost count honestly. Great guy! read more

Love this school! Stopped in to take a look at the place and they gave me a whole tour. The guy at the front desk was super friendly and the student who gave me a tour was very nice and had nothing but nice things to say. I encourage you to give them a try! read more

The staff was friendly. Did a great consultation & helped me pick the best style suited for me!! Color is brilliant

I got my hair done at the clinic here yesterday, and had a pleasant experience. The reason why I've given it 2 stars is that when I called to make the appointment, they said that they do natural African American hair, but after my experience,I am not sure they do. One and a half stars for friendliness, a half-star for my hair. After my experience, I think that lessons on how to blow-dry hair like mine are not in the curriculum. I was not expecting a lot of experience because this is a school, but I was expecting a little bit more knowledge of what should be done. I am so glad they were willing to listen to my suggestions on how to blow-dry my hair, but my hair puffed up during my drive home, so I have had to re-do my hair today. I am hesitant about going back. To leave things on a positive note - lovely students willing to learn, and my hair smells amazing. read more

FYI if you have a lot of hair you have to pay more for each bowl of dye they mix. I had to pay for 2 extra bowls. And the instructor had the sweet girl do a color lift- I have been dying my hair for years and never had this done. My hair is not in great shape now. Otherwise, the student was great very friendly but bc I paid for the color lift and extra dye this is no cheaper than going to an actual salon so that's what I'll do. read more

I tried to make an appointment for a haircut, and no one ever called me back. I left two messages over a week apart in the voicemail box that's specifically for people looking to make an appointment. After another week, I left a message in the voicemail box of the school's director. Still crickets. I wish I could rate the quality of a haircut, but they wouldn't give the chance. read more

The people are very nice and they made sure I was happy with their work on my hair! Would definitely recommend this place!

I used the PM School for an up-do for a formal event. Even though I knew that it was a school, and therefore a learning curve should be expected, I was not impressed. I had to wait 30min for my appointment, was not offered any kind of refreshment, and dealt with a stylist who said she had been learning for only a month. Her inexperience resulted in a 2 hours process with less than desirable results. I had to re-do it once I left. Definitely would not return. read more

Worst experience ever. Went to get a manicure/pedicure with a few ladies who have disabilities and they completely butchered it. A five year old could have done a better job. They had about 5 bottles of polish that actually had something left in them and the colors looked like something out of a circus. They did not value the opinions/input of the ladies I took and we're almost disrespectful towards them because they are disabled. I will NEVER come her again and I wish the best of luck to anyone who braves getting any kind of services from this "salon". read more

I love Paul Mitchell Schools. I've been coming to The School for years to get my hair done. I've never left unsatisfied. The students make it an enjoyable experience and with the guidance of the Learning Leaders, I've always felt comfortable. Keep in mind these are STUDENTS, so take a chill pill before walking in and expecting a 15-minute haircut or a full head of highlights in an hour and a half! Just make sure you don't have anywhere to be after and enjoy the experience without constantly checking the clock! Thanks!!!! read more

Not going back. I walked in very optimistic and understanding that students would be cutting my hair. I also walked in with decently long hair, falling about an inch above my belly button and the idea of taking off maybe 2 inches to get the dead ends and long layers. However, I walked out with close to shoulder length hair. I told my stylist I've always had long hair and she told me not to worry because they have to cut off less incase of messing up, at that point I was not worried, and felt she would do a good job since she showed me exactly how much she would take off and everything. The thing about it being a school is they are supposed to have the supervisors approval before making any cuts. My stylist did not do that. She waited about 2 minutes and when he didn't come over, she said "I'm just going to start I know what I'm doing." Apparently she did not. Once the supervisor came over he cut the first layer and showed her exactly how it needed to be done, and was very nice and reassuring about it. I could not see the back but it felt decently long still as she was cutting it. Then, a different supervisor had to come over who was much less friendly and did not say one word to me, but just started cutting my hair very short, without even knowing what I had asked for walking in. My stylist then followed that guide cutting much more hair off than she previously was or that she had previously "okayed" with me. In the end, I walked out with very short hair after sitting in the salon for 3 hours. The blow drying was terrible also, my hair was so frizzy and puffy and she also did not do any layers even though I had asked for them. For 3 hours it was most definitely not worth the time. It was not at all what I wanted. To add to that, I got home and saw that one side of my hair was shorter than the other, and ended up having to go to a real hair salon the next day to try and fix it. Now my hair is ridiculously short for me, I've never had this short of hair and still uneven because another 2-3 inches would have had to be taken off to fix it. read more

I went here because a friend of mine posted something on Facebook and I said I wanted to check it out and he suggested requesting a Phase 2 student (they are close to graduating) so I said sure why not!? I booked my appointment. I went in they hung up my coat for me and I met my stylist, Jess. I explained to her what I wanted and she listened carefully. They have to explain what I want to their advisor and they have me sign a waiver (which is nerve wracking at first). I wanted my ombré touched up. She put in the foils for my hair and washed my hair after she took them out. They came out a little too bright and the advisor asked her what she should do and she replied with the correct by toning it down. She reapplied the toner and eventually washed it out and it came out much better. She took her time cutting my hair and drying it. Looks awesome!! It came to less than $50 which I thought it would be more. I'll certainly go back. I know you may be nervous by having a "student" work on your hair but they go through their supervisor for everything. Off street parking near Jay St and on street parking near the school on State st but that's always busy. read more

AMAZING school with tons of opportunity as long as you go in with the attitude of trying to get to the top. Like any school there are rules that you might not necessarily agree with but theyre in place to form in you to the professional that you need to be in order to survive this very competitive industry. Was in phase 2 and it gave me real life salon like experience, amazing teachers that can handle any situation with a smile on there face. The people that understand the culture and are there for the right reasons will feel like they're part of a family at the school. Clients walk away VERY happy 90% of the time people tend to forget that it is a school and mistakes do happen and as much as it's hurting you it's hurting the future professional 10x more sending you away with something that they produced and failed at. So before you schedule an appointment repeat to yourself as many times as needed that it is a SCHOOL and it has a small chance that it won't come out as planned or could possibly take longer then a salon you can't beat the price and the quality and the good vibes that come from the whole school. read more

I went to Paul Mitchell last week and had a great experience. This is probably the 5th time I've been here for a haircut. I'm a college student so I don't really have the money for a $40 haircut which makes this place perfect for me. The hairdressers are all really sweet. Every time I've been I've had someone who is genuinely nice to talk to. The students have to check with their manager before doing any cutting so it's not like you're solely in the hands of the learners. This past visit I had Kayla as my hairdresser and she was so nice and did a lovely job. Will be coming back!! read more

I went in to the studio for a color touch up and haircut. I wasn't sure what to expect however I kept in mind that this is a school and students in training. It took a while, again, realizing my stylist was in training. She was very thorough and patient and listened to my concerns. There was a supervisor who oversaw every aspect of my appointment, so although my stylist was very new to her career, I felt confident in the supervision she was being given. If you have an interest in helping these young stylists get on the right path, this is a great opportunity to try something new, but also get a great haircut and color! Well done! read more

WOW! The school is absolutely incredible!! I was there this week and got an amazing cut and color!! I love it so much I'm going back next week for a mani and pedi! The students all started dancing and it was so fun to watch! The girl who cut my hair was smart and funny and very sweet! And the prices were all sooo inexpensive!! I saved over $100 and i honestly love my hair more than ever! I never would have thought about it, but now i want to go to school too! I'll be back very soon!! read more

I went to the innovations salon in Guilderland and got my hair done by Kaylena.. all of my hair fell out pretty much i lost 50 percent of my hair i have very thick italian hair she over processed it and charged me 200 dollars each time for that. Its been a year and its no where as thick and pretty as it used to be. read more