I was a little hesitant because of the reviews, but also understood it's a learning facility! I took the chance anyways and am glad I did because Avi was amazing! She was really personable and made it super comfortable, switching from having conversation and then having comfortable silence when I needed it! I'm so excited to be able to have her do my hair even after she graduates later this year! I got an all over color to my natural hair, and it looks so good! I think it's important to note that they are students, and if you want to pay the cheaper price you have to be understanding and showing grace at the fact they will confer with their teachers. But even so, I enjoyed my experience especially when they gave me tips about my hair, the bang length for my facial structure, etc! read more

Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville - All over color and trim - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

10:30 a.m. Hailey was ready to cut my hair. I have a chair, approved by my doctor, Dr. James DeStephens, that I use while waiting for total hip replacement scheduled for August 14, 2024. The chair is low and allows my feet to be squarely on the ground. If my legs dangle, there is excruciating pain in my damaged hip. The special chair I use was first approved by Dr. DeStephens for my personal use during a state testing exam and I will include Dr. DeStephen's letter here. Hailey, the cosmetology student, was already brushing my hair, getting ready to cut it. She understood that I needed to remain in my own chair as an ADA accommodation. When suddenly, out of nowhere, an instructor with a Hispanic accent (I didn't catch her name, so that's how I am identifying her) came over and became very long- winded and immediately argumentative with me, insisting that I MUST climb into the tall beauty school chair. I explained that I cannot do that. She rebutted, asking how did I lift the chair out of my car and insisting that if I lifted the special chair out of my car then I must be able to sit in the beauty school chair for "safety". I explained to her that my chair is safe and I demonstrated its sturdiness. She then said she would not tolerate rudeness when SHE was the only one being rude. She huffed off to get another instructor/supervisor. I left. I asked Google when I returned home, "Is a beauty salon supposed to accommodate a handicapped person?" The answer: Yes, hair salons are considered places of public accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and must be ADA compliant. And here also: https://www.phorest.com/blog/salon-spa-services-clients-disabilities/#:~:text=Treat%20a%20person%20with%20a,as%20you%20address%20other%20adults. Her rudeness and control freak mode was extremely offensive. Several students looked on as she prattled on and on, obviously embarrassed by the instructor's heavy-handed treatment of me. They all remained silent, obviously intimidated by her presence. I will also file this complaint with the BBB for all to see. By the way, I used to work as a seminar leader teaching customer service skills for Dun and Bradstreet Business Educational Services. The instructor's behavior was appalling. She needs training in customer service skills. I also filed an official complaint with ADA for this beauty academy's non-compliance. Date of incident: June 3, 2024. read more

Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

They're horrible. No supplies, dirty stations, loud and ignorant. This place of business is very unprofessional. Don't be fooled by the entry way. Totally ghetto. read more

I went there to get a hair cut and full color. The stylist came to take me to the salon chair 40 minutes after my apt was supposed to be. The girl at the front desk said it should be around $75. After I told the stylist what I wanted done she said it would be $130. So I left. read more

It doesn't matter if you make an appointment with these people, if the student decides they don't want or need to come in, THEY DONT! Called to make an appointment in the middle of the week, gave me a Saturday time but when I got there after traveling there clear across town I was told the student called in and would I like to make another appointment. With the price of gas today I did not want to risk another failed no show from the student. There was not courtesy call to let me know student could not come in, instead all I got was a very rude , purple/green haired women who could care less what the customer needed. I have been going to his establishment for year's but I understand that a lot of the instructors who CARED are now gone and replaced with a crew that knows absolutely nothing about running a successful business. You don't treat customers the way purple/green haired woman did. I would not shed one tear if Summit Salon crashed and burned, especially not for the kind of non-caring employees running that business now. Save your hard earned money ladies and go to a salon who gives a damn. read more

People say you get what you pay for.. but I hardly think it's worth wasting ANY amount of money on something you don't like. I've went here 3 separate times in the past week. One cut, one color, one gel mani. CUT- showed her several pictures of what I wanted. Did not deliver. She had to recut my hair completely because the instructor was like, "this is not what she asked for" in the end it was okay but I would have rather had my ends tapered/feathered like the pictures COLOR- I asked for highlights/babylites, bc I told her I didn't want to come back every two months for a redo. She she told me she could deliver that by lifting instead of decolorizing. NOPE. And when she was weaving the highlights, she didn't leave any of my hair out and didn't listen when I tried to correct her. So now when my hair grows back, I'm going to have a line! Not at all what I asked for AND it came out orange! She toned it but it honestly wasn't enough. GEL MANI- absolutely no attention to detail. I found out these students only need 15 manicures to pass off. I had to correct her several times and ask for her to smooth out the color in uneven areas, called the teacher over and there are still spots missing. read more

Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville - Uneven edges and bubbles. - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I have been coming here for about 3 years and I have never had any issues, until today. I got my hair done yesterday and got my usual highlight touch up and I left last night late and could not see how the roots looked until today in the light and I was shocked. The foils bled through and I have the weirdest yellow/orange spots around my roots. It's very upsetting as I have never had a problem before and I always like to try new students and let them practice on me. No one, including the main instructor, said anything last night about it or to fix it and that just shocks me. Will have to go get this fixed soon :( read more

Summit Salon Academy - Gainesville - Hair Salons Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I've been here numerous times after purchasing treatments on Groupon. I couldn't pass up the price and had to try out the salon. The good: cheap prices The bad: the experience all depends on the student I've had facials, manicures, and pedicures done here. The facials are fantastic if you get the right person. I loved the massages they add into the treatment and my skin was glowing after. The nail treatments on the other hand are terrible. It doesn't help that few of the students are even interested in nails and the quality of the service is awful. I've had four different students do my nails because every single time I had them done, the GEL polish peeled off within 3 hours. Their nail polishes are so old that they won't stick to your nails. Making an appointment is also rather difficult. It is hard to get ahold of someone when calling and one time the student didn't actually schedule my appointment. That was lovely to hear when I showed up for my "appointment". I have also waited here for almost an hour for my services. All in all, facials are worth going for if you have the time to wait. Anything else is not worth it. read more

This review is purely a review of the school, and not directed at the salon in regards to services. The students in the salon are "amazing" and do some of the best work I have seen, because they have sought education and training outside of the school. There are some truly talented Hairdressers and colorists here. I told the school that I would not resort to social media or reviews but since the owner has chosen to stifle my voice and remove me from the student forum we use at the school despite no formal un-enrollment paperwork being signed, technically still making me a student; I was advised to post here and social media platforms to share with everyone... That being said, This is the WORST Cosmetology School i have ever attended!! If I could rate less than a 1, I would. I was drawn in and promised cutting edge education and amazing curriculum, and was met with outdated material, smoke and mirrors. They run it like a student mill. "get the students in, and get that $$" who cares if they learn current techniques or finish the program, as long as they get paid! I am a current student here but decided to un-enroll as of Saturday 9/6; Straight A's mind you with perfect attendance and dropped out because of the lead educator and owners incompetence, and inept ability to run this school in a professional manner. The lead educator goes on rants daily speaking rudely to students in front of guests receiving services but always apologizes AFTER the fact giving some lame excuse as to why she was "stressed". Pitching a literal fit in the hallway because an educator opened the door for students 2 minutes before the time she was supposed to and then sending a half assed apologies to those she offended. There is NO educator training done despite senior teachers trying to get one implemented for the past 9 years. The curriculum is extremely outdated, teaching students to cut increased layers "mullets" and 80's Square cut flat top haircuts that no one is going to come into the salon and ask students to cut, instead of teaching new popular cuts that people ask for on the daily. Covid protocols are not followed here, they preach sanitation yet use the same towels to sanitize everything and rehang the used towels at shampoo bowls to dry and reuse. Disinfectant has to sit for 10 minutes on a non porous surface in order to be effective and it's a quick spray and wipe. Social distancing is not followed except in the smallest classroom they have. Educators and students all huddle around each other at stations and chairs chatting and carrying on yet the clueless owner spends time measuring the distance between chairs in the classroom to ensure we are sat further apart but couldn't care less about the salon itself. They have had "3" confirmed Covid cases at the school and do nothing to change their cleaning techniques to elevate the problem. I was warned when I signed up for the school that once it changed owners it went down hill. I am friends with many prominent Gainesville salon owners and they refuse to have anything to do with this school because of how horribly it is ran. I was contacted by many current and former students and educators thanking me for the email I sent to Administration because it had been an ongoing problem for years that needed to be brought to light. My intention behind the email was to give my reasoning for leaving and voice my personal opinion. This school is 100% NOT worth the $15k you are charged to attend. read more

Brianna Lee did an amazing job on my face especially with my sensitive skin. Will get a facial with her again and I definitely recommend asking for her she's the best. So sweet and she made the experience very relaxing. read more

Always love visiting and enjoy the pampering from the students! Everyone is always pleasant and engaged! I've had facials, haircuts, hair color, manicures, pedicures...all wonderful! read more

Very interesting place. Got a groupon for a mani/pedi. My pedi was okay.. she forgot to cut/file my nails so I had to remind her. Then my mani went well but she didnt cut my cuticle. One of the major problems for me is that it took 2 hrs + the gel lasted about 4 days !!! The lady was very friendly and I had a lovely conversation with her. read more

Cassidy colored my hair and did a great job and was very professional! Will be recommending her to all my friends!

I no longer see Heather P. I went to a little blonde girl here who looks JUST LIKE Reese Witherspoon. She was a little hesitant because my hair was straight busted from my previous haircut, but she managed to style it pretty well! Although I will say that the instructor who came over to correct some work that was previously done ended up just screwing it up more. Forget this place. read more

I absolutely understand that this is a school. I did not expect a professional salon result going here, but what I did expect are teachers that truly listen to both the client, and more importantly the student performing the service. I went two days ago with a picture of Nina Dobrev (Elena on The Vampire Diaries). Warm dark brown hair with subtle honey/caramel highlights throughout. Showed this picture to both the student and the teacher. Admittedly, coming in, I had color deposit (auburn) and some regrowth (about a level 4) with 10% gray. When I left I had bright, hot red at the roots, inconsistent (chunky here, subtle there) and almost white blonde highlights with color bleed through, and almost the brown I originally asked for on the rest. My student asked a particular teacher no less than three times for advice and assistance, and each time she was told something else by this teacher, completely contradicting herself each time. She also argued with the student right in front of me. Needless to say, it was a mess, three different colors and crap highlights. I wasn't happy, and I was told it'd be fixed and I'd be with another student and instructor at my follow up. Now, after that follow up appointment, I have chunks of red, some purple spots, and nothing close to my requested color. The same instructor told me my only other option is to put a brown all over to neutralize the red. I wanted a brown all over to begin with, so why wasn't that done first? And to top it all off, I got completely drenched at the washing station by a student washing a mannequin head all the way across the room. Water up my nose and everything. Not just a spritz, but at least a full 2 seconds of water. And it took three students walking by for someone to offer me a towel. It was a huge laughing joke to these chicks, which I didn't appreciate. An accident, yes, but not something to laugh at. If you, as an instructor, know that a student is struggling with a service, check in with them in a consistent manner (not once or twice in a 4 hour period) so they don't f--- people's hair up. And then if they show you a picture, you -as a graduated, licensed and experienced stylist- should know what the hell you're doing. I've worked in salons and been around them my entire life, and I am scared that these are the teachers sending people out to the workforce. I will not be coming back (even to have this fixed for a second time), I can do better with Feria at home. read more

I came in for highlights today and Kiara did an amazing job. She took her time and got my hair super close to the picture I showed her. I will definitely be coming back and scheduling with her. read more

Had to fix my kids' hair. Patchy to uneven for for my girl and boy. Understand what free means and know that they are learning so I look to the instructors to catch mistakes and correct. Won't be returning. read more

I am all about helping out students. Do not get me wrong. And I understand that they are still learning. But I am not all that impressed by this place. I went back in January to have a trim. I told the girl that I was attending a banquet the following day and I needed my split ends to be cut off and my bangs trimmed. She was nice and friendly, but her instructor was not. She cut my hair but it didn't look much different--not that I was expecting it to for a trim, but I knew how bad my ends were and expected about an inch and a half off at least. The girl talked to her teacher about doing my side-swept bangs--which I've had for about 3-4 years now. The girl seemed to know how to do it and was telling her instructor her plan--which was the exact way I had always had them done. But the teacher told her to do it a different way and it made them kinda uneven. I left the salon pleased, but after I got home I realized I still had split ends and uneven bangs. :/ My parents came to town and after their old salon in Starke closed down, they needed a new cheap place to go. So they went to TSPA. My mom got a choppy hairstyle with VERY uneven layers. The same teacher was there and she was very rude to her students again. My dads hair wasn't as short as he had asked, and we were there for over an hour and a half for each of my parents. There went our whole day together. A haircut shouldn't take that long--especially for a male haircut and a pixie cut on my mom. Neither of them had long hair. I've decided not to return for hair services. read more

If you want to be greeted by a receptionist that is RUDE.... to the customers and staff then you will love this place!

I respect what they are doing because finding a good hairstylist but I dont understand what they are trying to achieve. I inquired at going to school there and as soon as they said 18,000...I thought ARE YOU SERIOUS??? Ive talked to other students that currently attend there and for the lack of teaching that is going on there that is WAY TOO MUCH MONEY!!! read more

The receptionist (Gina or Carol) was RUDE RUDE RUDE. The girl who did my facial was nice and sweet and did the best to her abilities. I just really wanted a facial and today happened to be a Monday where all the spas were closed. So, I chose the next best thing at this place. I couldn't wait to leave the place. I felt like I was not welcomed. This was not the first time I came here where she was rude either. She was not friendly, didn't smile, and acted like she was better than everyone else. read more

I concur with the issues raised by others. The trainees are pleasant and seem to understand better what to do and how to do it than the instructors do. Things starts out OK, but by time the instructor makes her contribution you go from 1-2 inches off to 4-5 inches off and what started off with the shape you wanted becomes an unmanageable nightmare that will take months to grow out. Go for the dye job or the highlights, avoid the haircuts ... unless you are a guy who wants a buzz cut. read more

I've gone in here several times, to get color, and hair cuts. I made an appointment each time, and never had to wait past my appoinments time to be seated and taken care of. I've never been dissapointed when I've walked out, thanks to the friendly staff, who were more then willing to work with you to get what you want out of your time. I give them 4/5 Stars because while it's a tad bit pricey, I've always walked away satisfied! read more

I went in last Monday for a cut and color. I showed them a photo, expressed that I wanted a vibrant violet-based red (extremely similar to the color I currently had, and have had for a couple years). They said that was no problem. And somehow my hair turned out to be a very, very, very dark reddish, brownish muddle with maybe some violet in it. It was completely off the mark, far too dark, and barely any red at all. I was not happy with the color and the first educator said that if I wasn't happy with how dark it is (although she couldn't understand my complaint and acted as if this was a big issue), I could come back on Friday and they'd do a lightening treatment and redye it. So I made the appointment for Friday. On Friday, a second educator told me that my hair was way too dark to get the vibrant color I was wanting and I would have to come back another day to get a bleach wash. I arrived for my third appointment after the weekend, and the third educator said to do the lightening treatment and redye it since my hair is very fine (which is what the first educator had said and what I could have gotten done on Friday). I again showed them the photo, told them I wanted a brighter violety red and they did the lightening treatment and dye. They ended up dyeing my hair an orange-based red that was flat, lifeless, and still way too dark. When I said that it still wasn't the right hue, I didn't like it, and I did not want to go through a third treatment (and probable fourth appointment), the stylist suddenly became quite rude and walked away abruptly to get the third educator. The third educator came over, told me that it was the vibrant red I wanted, I told her it was orange when I expressly asked for violet and even showed her the photo for the fourth time. She then decided to tell me, after my hair had been dyed and my being there three times, that Redken didn't even stock the colors for "unnatural" requests, so they wouldn't have been able to accomplish that color anyway. I asked the stylist to just blow dry it without bothering to style, and he proceeded to rake the brush across my ears while blow drying it until I had to ask him to be more way more careful. The third educator decided to bring in the first educator, who took me outside with a mirror and tried to convince me that it was a violet red. I told her that I could clearly see the orange tints in my hair (she was convinced I was seeing things; I've been dyeing my own hair for over two years and actually do know the difference between orange and violet), this was the exact opposite of what I asked for, and I was not at all happy with the results. Well she said that I could either let them do ANOTHER treatment (that would make my hair even darker again) or there was nothing they could do. At this point, both the stylist and the educator were extremely hostile and unfriendly and treated me like I was colorblind or being unreasonable. I decided that this wasn't worth a fight and walked out, being out far too much money for an extremely bad dye job and hostile employees. I will not be giving any more of my time or money to this place after this experience. Apparently as long as you do not complain, they will treat you well and be friendly (I've gotten my hair cut here twice without any issues but this is my first color here), but if you voice a dissenting opinion or disagree with any of the educators, you will essentially be forced out without any recourse. I can understand that a student stylist would make mistakes, but when I am forced to come back again and again, been told that they wouldn't have even done that color in the first place, and then treated like I'm an idiot by both the student and two educators, I have little tolerance for unprofessionalism and a lack of basic manners. I do not recommend this place under any circumstances. read more

Students do a pretty good job with services. They are terrible about answering the phone though when you call to make an appointment, especially if you call in the morning. read more

the stylists here are still learning --this is a school and they're all students-- but they do a great job!!

This is a school. Student's are LEARNING! If you expect perfection go pay the price with a hairstyling having years of experience.I've seen students at this school do much better work than many stylists in the real world! If you're in a hurry don't go. They are LEARNING.And for goodness sake don't go in there with unreal expectations. TSPA provides the best education in he industry. read more

Students were great. A few of the teachers were helpful. When I met the owner she was extremely rude and had no idea what she was talking about(regarding hair and other services). It makes me wonder if she even has a license but she definently doesn't need to be running the school. read more

Great place to start your career in cosmetology. They provide a wonderful foundation for a new career. Educators are extremely knowledgeable and generous with their guidance. But beware, sadly you have to deal with Ann Carol Hopkins, who goes out of her way to be mean, nasty and talk to individuals as if they were inmates. I can't think of any reason why she should deal with anyone on a personal or professional level. Her social skills are inept to say the least. She makes it a point to try and intimidate and belittle every student. And appears to get off on hurting people's feelings. She often "loses" very important documents such as test, which means you have to go back and retake them. But she won't tell you the test are "missing" until it's graduation time. She insist on putting her nose in people's personal business and then gossips about students and staff. The school would be nearly flawless without her employment there. I say, go there, get your education and ignore her as much as possible. Also, she is not an educator, therefore you do not have to put up with her immature hateful attitude. read more

After paying close to $9000.00 for the Full Specialist program, honor roll, exceeded # of required services, excellent attendance, I STILL cannot get a job! The nail instructor, joe douglas, who can barely read on a high school level,, when he was actually in class, which was only about HALF the time, DID NOT know anything about nails, came to class high & fell asleep during class! The owner of the school does not care & is not involved in the school. I learned more about nails from watching You Tube videos than I did from school. The skin care portion left a lot to be desired. We learned the very basics of performimg facials. And did not learn several things in the curriculum because the instructor did not want to teach them, Bikini waxing, eyebrow threading. I was told during the initial interview they would assist with job searches, the only thing they have done to help is inform us about ONE job for SIX graduating students! Several promises were made at that initial interview with ac hopkins that turned out to be not true, in fact lies just to get me to sign up! The school atmosphere is very trashy, gossipy, drugs, not at all family friendly, unprofessional. By the time I realised this I could not back out without loosing my financial aid. Had I known about some of this, I would have driven the hour to Lake City to attend Gateway CC. read more