If you have only been to the old academy in Goleta, you will suspect you have died and gone to beauty salon heaven the minute you open the large glass door to the gorgeous, large building on Anacapa. I couldn't believe my eyes. This is state-of-the-art facility with high ceilings and industrial exposed tubing on the ceiling. It's modern and shiny with 20 or so stations for hair in the center of the room and a long row of nail stations along the right side. Stairs take you up to the classrooms and treatment room for facials. The old facility was built around the time of the PHF (the SB County loony bin). It was institutional, evoking Suzanne Vega's "Institution Green." The work was always excellent, though. Good product and well-trained students nearly ready to graduate. The prices are unbelievable. I had a "premium" facial with Lauren. It took 65 or so minutes and the sheets on the reclining bed were incredibly soft. The steam felt fantastic. There are no curtains separating the beds and everyone speaks in a whisper, so it's quite peaceful. I have clear skin but it's been about 18 months since my last facial. I have no pimples or skin problems but facials are important for evening out skin tone. For people who need extensive extractions, facials will result in clearer skin. Those who don't hydrate properly with product will also benefit. But I am pretty hydrated (Tatcha cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer, Erasa Skincare anti-aging serum, and Faces by Liliana toner and eye cream) .So for me, it was ultra hydration plus a radical improvement in skin tone. I am going to go this week, if possible, for a blowout or updo. The hair services are staggeringly inexpensive. A French braid for $11 (long hair) and updo for $26. I wish Gov Hair Product (or French Laundry) had opened this sooner. I will be back regularly until I move back to New York. What a joy! 10 stars! (And Lauren is fantastic!) read more

Sbcc Cosmetology Academy - Crazy low prices. - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Great value and environment. All students and checked by educator..am happy to find an affordable option like this. Limit is time and no weekend s. .x x x x x All the same .. read more

When I went to this place, it looked like it was mostly older people, so maybe that's why there's no reviews yet! It was a Thursday, though, so maybe it was just a slow day. Either way, I'm really happy I went. I did NOT want to pay that much money to get my hair cut. Salons are expensive, and the cost is even worse in Santa Barbara. But I needed my hair cut really badly. I decided that I should get my hair cut at a beauty school, where it's much cheaper. I'm very low-maintenance with my hair, and wasn't going to ask for anything dramatic, so I figured it'd be a safe bet. My gut reaction was to drive downtown to go to the Paul Mitchell school. But, me, being lazy and not wanting to pay for gas, went here instead. I don't think I made a bad choice at all. My first impression was that it's VERY friendly here. Actually, maybe a little too much, since I was starting to feel uncomfortable at the fact that EVERYONE would smile at me lol. So, I did a walk in, and it was around 12:45, which is around lunch time. They told me to come back in 15 minutes. Okay, I went to Ralph's, bought some snacks and some stuff I've been needing and then came back, waited a few more minutes, and was told I was getting my hair cut by Beatriz. So no problem at all. At first, I was a little wary. Obviously, they're students -- but the girl cutting my hair just seemed so confused and inexperienced. It also bothered me that she had to comment on how thick my hair was. Since I'm Asian, I feel like it's obvious that my hair would be thick. But I'm going to blame this on the fact that Santa Barbara is not exactly the most diverse of places. Regardless, I think she did a great job. The haircut takes longer than one at a salon, since the students have to go and ask their instructors for approval before going on. Beatriz asked for some advice a few times, too, which stalled things. It took maybe an hour and half. In the end, though, probably the best haircut I've had in a LONG while. Even though Beatriz was obviously inexperienced, I've never had ANYONE so attentive before. She would ask me what I wanted and always made sure several times before doing it. It was awesome. Not the best conversationalist, but I didn't mind. I prefer less talk when getting my haircut. Besides, it's more important that they cut my hair right. Anyway, she did a great job, and was really sweet about it, too. She actually gave me a big "Why????" when I tipped her for my cut. The total came out to be $7.50 for wash and shampoo. I tipped Beatriz $3, so that's $10.50 total! Gotta be the best deal ever. read more

I came to the SBCC school of cosmetology yesterday after being a long-time client and fan of Paul Mitchell the School. Paul Mitchell is closing permanently so I decided to give SBCC a try. I am thrilled with the results! I had Alma as my stylist. She started by doing a verbal consult with me. I showed her a pic of what I wanted. She got her instructor and they discussed how she would proceed. The thing to realize is you are going to a school so the services are about a 1/3 to 1/4 of the cost you would normally pay, but the time you spend about doubles because the students have to check in with their instructors each step of the way to make sure they are proceeding in the correct manner. My appointment took 4 hours for cut, color, wash, blowdry, style. I have long hair. I ended up with an amazing cut and color, balyage, that would have cost me $200+ at a reg. salon for only$42.50! I tipped her $20 because she did such an amazing job and was so professional! All the instructors were wonderful. I went to work after my appointment and all my coworker were raving about my hair! I will be back again for sure!!! read more

I got my color done today along with a blow-dry with a little flat iron work.. It wasa root touch-up with a bit of a refresher on the rest of my color. Maribel did a great job and was very friendly and professional -- communicating with me all along the way what she was doing. I am very pleased with my results. I certainly appreciate the affordable prices. I had a scheduled appointment and did not have to wait. I did spend a few hours there, but that is not unusual for me with resistant grey roots. Most of the time was spent waiting for the color to process. She did a beautiful job smoothing out my difficult fine & frizzy hair. All smooth & sleek now.... I would definitely recommend to those looking to save money on color services. read more

I attended school for a month here. In hopes to save someone time/money I'm going to share my experience. I found Jamie, the teacher, to be extremely condescending & pompous. She acted like she was teaching Harvard Law, hiding behind these high standards, the fact that she has no clue how to teach. She in no way properly prepares you for tests. I heard this complaint from many classmates at different learning levels. If you're in high school, act like you're in high school or like to be treated like you're in high school, then she's the teacher for you. She talks down to you & not with you, a very "mean girl"vibe. A good thing to realize is that if you're not a good test taker & need extra help this is not the class for you. You have to get a B or better on all the tests to pass & you're not allowed to keep your test for studying for the state board esthetician exam. It's like the class is working against you instead of working with you. She makes it sound like it's state mandatory rules, but if you call around to other schools it's a C or better to pass the tests & then you keep your tests for a study guide for the state board exam. I also have to say,"Shame on Jamie!" In all my different learning environments I've never experienced a teacher or spa manager emphasize problems rather then focus on solutions to challenges. Being a student or an esthetician is not a club that Jamie gets to decide who belongs. Whether you're a teacher, esthetician or student speaking with kindness & respect is so important. You can have straight A's on every exam, but if you don't have a heart to serve & take care of people you're not going to have true success. read more

My only regret is that I didn't find this place earlier! I had a day off, and was feeling pretty burnt out from work, so I decided to go ahead and do a whole "me day"- Haircut, Facial and eyebrow and upper lip wax. I got all of that done for $50, and I left feeling so relaxed and refreshed! Note, this exterior and interior definitely have a bit of a clinical/industrial feel, and the student lounge is kind of in the middle, so it definitely doesn't have a "fancy spa" feel. But the services are high quality and the price is awesome! Evelyn, my haircut stylist, wasn't particularly chatty, but assessed what I wanted done, and got help from her instructor as needed. I was pleased with my haircut. Bonnie, who did my facial and waxing, was super sweet. I felt sooooooo relaxed and my skin felt glowing. Overall, great services at an awesome price, just don't expect it to look particularly fancy. read more

Came here for shampoo and haircut only. I came by during lunch time and was told to return in 30 minutes. After I got back, I waited only a couple of minutes before I was assigned to Jennifer. Because this is a school, I was not sure what to expect. However, I only needed a haircut. My thoughts were that since the pricing is quite low, I might as well try it out. However, Jennifer did a great job! I am very happy with my haircut! Some things to note: 1. Students are slower than salon profession. Also, the instructors have to come check on the students a couple of times. 2. My hair is healthy, thick, straight, and easy to manage. I only got a haircut. (Thankfully it was great and there was no need to repair it!) So I cannot vouch for a more complicated service 3. You can pay by credit card, but cannot tip by credit card! Make sure to bring some cash if you'd like to tip. read more

I never attended here but met some friends who went here. Was always jealous how they were actually in downtown SB compared to us UCSB kids who were stuck on campus! But I guess we had Isla Vista... read more

Schedule appointment for root touch up and trim. When I scheduled the front desk agent said it would be 2-3 hours; it took 7 hours. Misunderstanding with the consultation and I ended up not getting the whole back side of my head touched up. The first bleach w the first student didn't go as expected and my initial color got overlapped with new bleach, thus causing the hair to over process and melt. We had the instructor and second student step in to help remedy. Left with a burnt scalp, yellow hair, and a decent hair cut after 7 hours. I would recommend for a cut as that's not risky, but not for bleaching. Had to spend $200 the day after to remedy what I left with. Okay for basic treatments! The teacher was very helpful and stepped in at the end, but that didn't help w the canary yellow hair, purple ends, melted hair, missed portion on the back of my head, and a burnt/blistering scalp. read more

I'm a college student at Westmont and have been looking for a new place to get my hair cut that didn't break the bank. I'm so impressed with Lexi N.-- she did such a great job trimming on my hair and giving me face-framing layers!! I have very long and very thick hair which is generally hard to cut and I came in with very specific ideas about how I wanted my hair to look. She listened to what I wanted and was able to replicate exactly what I was envisioning. Thank you so much! read more

I was a bit skeptical at first but I soon become a fan of this place. I went in for a shampoo, haircut and blow dry and Christian, my stylist did not let me down. Yes, it did take a while for them to do all these work but they are as professional as any stylists in a regular hair salon. Christian is really gentle with my crazy hair and kept asking if this is the right length that I asked for. Only costed me 15 dollars , come one, you have to give this place a try! To those who are skeptical , they do have several teachers on site to check up on you from time to time. So there is nothing to worry about. I definitely see some rising star stylists here. Give them a try, you wont regret it! read more

Pros: Great facials, excellent value, good products, nice people. Cons: A lot of unnecessary noise and loud talking. read more

I have always had long hair. I honestly thought it was a bit short at this point. Recently it was mid to my torso length and it's wavy and red. My hair is honestly in my opinion one of my best features. I had to rush in from work and they almost couldn't take me, but they did. A guy named Demetri asked how much to cut. I showed him about 2". He cut from the back initially. I also asked him for layers from my mid neck down to my hair for my bangs. He cut at least half of my hair off and saved it in a pony tail on the side table. Then he took a razor and tried to do something with my bangs. I know for a fact that's not how you layer bangs so I asked what he was doing. I stopped him from anymore damage. Long story short he butchered my hair so short I can barely put it back anymore. I can't put it in a bun like I did, it just falls out. I honestly think since he had one more week there he didn't care and I'm wondering if he's going to sell my hair. I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE! I would urge you not to either. I get it they are students but the instructor should be there to tell them everything they will be doing in advance. This is by far the worst hair experience I have ever had. I don't even feel like the same person anymore. I know it will grow back but everyday for at least 6-8 months I have to deal with this guys mistake. read more

I've been getting my hair cut, among other services, at the Academy for over 10 years, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Everyone is very friendly, it's a great, casual atmosphere, and the people are dedicated to learnng. The key is to ask for a student who is about to graduate; that way, you get someone with high-priced salon skills, someone who is about to "graduate" to a high-priced aslon, for a fraction of the cost. In 10 years I've only had ONE bad haircut, and that's an amazing record. The people who have cut my hair have been really nice, warm, they listen to what I want, and if they aren't sure how to do it, they ask. Best of all, the supervisor comes around at the end and can fix anything that isn't the way you like it. Men's haircuts are $7.50 which includes shampoo...there is absolutely NO reason to pay more, when you can get outstanding work here at S.B.C.C. Academy. I've also had facials here (excellent), my eyelashes dyed (they use safe veggie dye), and even tried out having the hair on my legs and arms waxed off (to see what women go through....very painful)...Front-desk people are happy to recommend stylists. It's just a great deal, and as I said, if you get someone about to graduate you will get a skill level commensurate with a high-priced pro....without the high price. read more

The students and staff are nice. I tried a mani and pedi, so I don't know about any other services, but it was friendly and inexpensive - but not great. Points for attitude tho. read more