Greenwood Academy of Hair - CLOSED

3.0 star rating
24 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Beauty and Spas, Cosmetology Schools  [Edit]

8501 Greenwood Ave N
(between 85th St & 87th St)
Seattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Greenwood
(206) 782-0220
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Yelp Ad Dzul Ink
4.5 star rating
3 reviews
About This Business:

Visit the Dzul Official Website: http://www.dzul.com  Products and Services:  Tattoos ~ Piercings ~ Custom Airbrush ~ Urban Apparel~ Art  Dzul is all…   read more »

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

24 reviews in English

  • Review from Amara D.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/5/2010

    Snip Away

    I love the idea of people cutting hair who are learning.  Is that crazy?  In a world which can always use more give and take I enjoy knowing that I can get a well priced haircut by an up and coming student.

    Yes, I have a job and share you're need to keep my hair looking like hair... not bad art.  To make sure that happens there are instructors walking around.  Furthering the safety of your hair cut experiance these instructors review with the students before starting and finishing the cut.

    There always seem to be promotions too.  Not just for haircuts but for services ranging from spa treatments to waxing.  And two of the three times I have visited there was a buy 2 products get a haircut free deal.  

    Yeah I will keep going.

  • Review from Tony G.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/15/2008 1 Check-in Here

    I got my haircut here last weekend and wanted to wait to review it until people got a look at it. All of the comments were positive:

    "Oh my God, look at Tony's hair. It looks really good."

    "Dang dude, your hair is looking really good."

    "Hey, I really like the hair!"

    "Your hair looks really nice. Too bad you can't do anything about your ugly ass face."

    A lot of people get worried about coming to these hair academies because they are pussies and are afraid that their hair is going to get screwed up. If your haircut is somewhat complicated, don't come here.  You are better off going to another salon to get your cut. But if you want a simple haircut, like myself and most men, give this place a try.

    I don't mind being a guinea pig for these future hair masters. Hey, they have to get their start somewhere. I also don't mind paying about $10 for a haircut.

    Zipzap Zubidy Bop!

  • Review from Scott K.

    •  
    • 709 friends
    • 286 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    1.0 star rating
    10/4/2007 1 photo

    So we're all at the bowling alley when a dear friend of mine walks in after getting a breast reduction.

    We all knew it was coming, but after a beer she asks... "Who wants to see them?"

    Now for the stupid men out there that think you want to see someone fresh out of a breast operation (because after all, they are still breasts)... let me just take this opportunity to say how very, very wrong you are. You're so wrong I want to slap you.

    Luckily I have very smart friends. In unison, every single one of us answered "HELL NO!"

    Did it stop her? Hell no! She whipped off her shirt right in the middle of the bowling alley and asked "How's it look?"

    Beyond the gore and bandages, all of our faces conveyed the answer without a word, our widening eyes and slowly slacking jaws said more then words can!

    After the second of terror had passed, a funny thing happened...

    Perhaps it was because we had all asked not to see them, or perhaps we were just in shock... but everyone answered with complete honesty. No placating... no quiet hushes... we just put it on the table, "Your breasts are lop-sided and you need to get them fixed!"

    She pulled down her shirt, uncomfortably smiled and then said... "Maybe I shouldn't have gone to the UW School of Medicine for the discount?"

    YA THINK!

    Greenwood Academy Hair is like that.

    Except it's worse, because on my last visit I had two kids try to sell me Amway!

    You should have seen their little faces when I explained how a Pyramid Scheme works, and how deep into the catacombs of that pyramid they had taken up residence.... precious.

    They were almost as sad as I was, when I had to go home and fix my haircut in the mirror.

    Almost.

  • Review from Mr. Robot O.

    •  
    • 311 friends
    • 99 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/7/2007

    I go here to get hit on for the ego boost.  Girls?  Yup.  Guys?  Yup.  Uglies?  Yup.  Geriatric clients?  Eww.  It's probably just the uniform anyways.  I don't even care.

    Make me feel beautiful - with your words please.  Aveda's too expensive.

  • Review from mel r.

    •  
    • 402 friends
    • 693 reviews

    Emeryville, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/7/2007

    I'm actually not a fan, rather, I'm not willing to be that brave. They get this many stars because they're somewhat cheap and sell Aveda. You can however, request specific students if you want to support your friends or friend's friends. Due to the fact that it's a school, you are lending yourself over for practice. No big deal if you're open to the possibility of mistakes. Yes, you'll save money, but it's not always worth it.

    I went in for a touch up on my regrowth on a small panel. Bleaching for my hair is a pain in the ass. My pro friends back home know this and hate me for it. I can't explain why my virgin red hair would not want to let it's color go. That being noted, I informed the student preforming the work. I think she thought I was exaggerating, but she was surprised when it didn't all lift with a stronger peroxide and toner, thus leaving me stripy. She did however, due to the stronger product, bleach my skin. She does give great cuts and styles though

  • Review from Christine Y.

    Renton, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/23/2006

    Whether it's for a full day of beauty or a quick refresher Greenwood Academy is where you want to go!  

    People get a bit nervous since it is a school but I'm a student there and I haven't gotten my hair done anywhere else since I've been attending.  The stylists there have some serious skills in perms, color, up-do's, or even a quick trim, and while your waiting under the dryer you can also have a wonderful manicure or pedicure that will make your nails shine and sparkle! And to make sure your satified their instructors are close by to make sure everything goes smoothly!  

    Wait, there's more!  Don't let the name fool you cuz Greenwood also has a great skin division (esthetics) which offers a full menu of facials, body treatments, and waxes (or sugaring).   You can come in and feel so relaxed and pampered in one of our facials or body treatments or bring a friend for their two-for specials!  

    Some of the products that they use there include Keune, TIGI (bed head), Aveda, Dermalogica, INC nailpolish, Bare Escentuals Makeup, Eminence (organic skin care), and more!

    So if you want an excellent beauty treatment with great service but you don't want to spend an obscene amount of money to get it call in and make an appointment!  I guarantee you won't be dissapointed!

  • Review from lisa b.

    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/7/2008

    I've been a waxer for over 35 years, all you sasquachaphobes.  
    Up an down the coast.  I had the first Brazilian ever performed north of the equator.  I've spent beaucoup from Rodeo Drive to Maiden Lane to Bergdorf's on 5th and back again.   And when I've had to, I've done it myself.
    It may be frill-less, but they rip out your hair just the same as everywhere else.  And for less.

  • Review from Shelby H.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    9/19/2010

    Let's just say, I didn't leave 100% happy.  Long story short, I went in for a simple trim and asked for some new bangs.  The trim part went fine.  However, my new bangs were simply cut too short.  No matter what they tried (both my stylist and her instructor), they couldn't get them to lay flat during the styling process.  After a few attempts, they sent me on my way.

    The next day, I consulted with a professional at Habitude and he confirmed that my bangs were cut too short.  Until they grow out, I guess I'll be introducing new scarves and hats to my wardrobe.

  • Review from Marissa S.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    2/8/2010 1 Check-in Here

    OK, so you get what you pay for. I am not complaining at all, but you just have to recognize that this is a school and these are students. I went her on recommendation by my sugarist because I told her I wanted my legs sugared but could not afford her.

    Prices are good, the students were really sweet, and since I had 2 working on me it only took an hour to do both legs.

    However, when I got home I realized that a lot of my hair had not completely come out, many had just broken, and some little patches were left. I am not surprised as I have paid full price at other places and the same thing has happened. But you probably need to have your expectations in order. Personally I will be going back again because it is still cheaper than having someone else do it, and I can clean up things when I get home. Plus, like I said I have paid full price to get my legs done and they have been just as patchy with the professionals. I'm not as picky as I would be if I paid full price, but I am not going to hand out 5 stars either.

  • Review from Jamie L.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    7/22/2008

    I graduated from G.A. about 2 months ago.  I signed up for my state tests early so that I could start working right away.  But, because my loans(which are GUARANTEED that I'll get) weren't handled correctly... I still can't get my license.  The financial aid person there wont sign off on my papers... so I'm left with no license, no job, and no $... but my loans still have payments that need to be paid because I've already graduated.  

    I WOULDN'T recommend anyone going there unless you pay cash, up front, in full.  I had about 50 hours that never got put in the books, so they had to be re-done.  Everything is chaos there.  I got an awesome education... the owners are fantastic.... but the organization just isn't there... but I should've know the 3rd time she had me filling out the financial aid paperwork because the others were "misplaced".  Something with social security #'s, license #'s, and everything else a criminal would use to steal identities could use to become me should be better handled.

  • Review from Ilana C.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    5/6/2010

    It's a school, so the stylists don't have much experience, and it takes a LONG time (like, 2 hours for just a cut), and it's dirt cheap (I paid $11 before tip for my last haircut!).  These are factors you have to weigh for yourself--is the cheapness worth it to you?

    Since the students are progressing through the school pretty fast, if you're like me and only get a haircut every several months, you won't see the same person twice.  So every time you go is a crapshoot as far as how talented the stylist will be and how well they'll be able to work with your hair.  A lot of the stylists are quite nervous, which in turn makes me nervous--I find getting a haircut to be stressful under the best of conditions.  

    I've had several haircuts here, ranging from good to can't-leave-the-house-without-a-headband-for-a-mon th. My most recent cut here was of the second variety. She (can't remember her name) cut my bangs incredibly short, despite my telling her what length I wanted them (I normally have long, side-swept bangs). They were also super uneven, so I had to cut even more off myself to get them looking less raggedy. It took MONTHS for my poor bangs to grow back to the length I had wanted!

    So, I'm taking a break from Greenwood Academy, and seeing what happens when I spend more on a haircut than I would on lunch.

  • Review from Angela B.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    10/8/2009

    They always do such a great job on my hair!!!  Whether it's getting a cut, or getting my hair colored, they are wonderful.  Once the stylist thought she messed up (but she really didn't) and she gave me a coupon for next time & that particular hair cut was free!

    The price is great too!

  • Review from Stacia H.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    11/8/2009

    I'm not really sure quite how to review this place, since I've only been here once, and I've heard good things about it. I had somewhat of an unusual situation - I had synthetic dread extensions in my hair and the stylist was rather conservative with cutting my hair to match (I can understand). She refused to get it wet which I thought was weird, but ok. She did a passable job, but without the dreads I think it would have looked kind of bad. However the stylist was really nice and seemed really knowledgeable about her area - her area was more like cosmetics though, which was too bad. You can ask for a senior stylist on the phone, I believe, if you're scared of getting your hair really messed up.

    One good thing is that you can either get a VERY cheap haircut (~15 dollars or something?) or essentially get it for free if you buy some of their hair products. The ones I tried are ok - I think next time I'll just pay for the haircut.

    Also, the lady who made the appointments  for me was kind of whack. I called early to schedule one day and she said they were all filled up which made me sad. I called back again about 3 hours before I needed to get it done and suddenly there was a spot! So call twice if you have to (and wear a mustache or something so they don't know it's you).

    I'll need update this review once I get my hair cut, sans crazy extensions.

  • Review from Emelie G.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    5/1/2010

    I went to Greenwood Academy of Hair yesterday, primarily due to the great reviews here on Yelp. Unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory.

    While I appreciate and understand that the stylists are students, I was not expecting a sub-par cut and color that took over 6 hours!! Not to mention my hair was not in any way, shape, or form what I had described to my stylist.

    The teacher came over during the cut, and I explained to him what I wanted and asked him to fix it up and he pretty much ignored me. I expected that the professionals would be happy to at least help guide their students in the right direction.. My stylist seemed very nervous and quiet during the whole ordeal and it made me incredibly anxious.  

    My hair is a nasty yellow blonde, and my cut looks awful. The prices may start off low, but what should have been a 60 dollar single process color and cut turned into an 84 dollar bleach, tone, and cut. That's right- they charged me extra for their mistakes. And now that 84 dollar haircut is going to turn into at least 100 dollars simply because I now have to go somewhere to get this mess fixed.

    I would not recommend going here for anything other than a simple trim or highlights.

    And my awful experience didn't even end there... I realized a minute after I left that my bus-pass was missing from my jacket pocket that had been sitting on the chair next to mine.. I called back and asked them to look around for it and they were entirely unhelpful; they put me on hold for about a minute and then said they couldn't find it. When I asked them to call me if they found it, they said they had my number "on file" and not to expect anything..

    Needless to say, I'm pissed.

  • Review from Megan M.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    8/6/2007

    I've gotten a couple of partial foils there, and I also got a facial.  I enjoyed all of my services and it is soooo cheap!  I had a coupon for the facial and probably paid about $25!  It's definitely not as posh as a regular salon, and the instructors have to check off the students' work, but anytime I feel like I want to save a few bucks, I get my hair done there.  They also have a good selection of Aveda products.  My only complaint is that they don't autoclave their mani/pedi instruments.  (No autoclave = increased risk of contracting an infectious disease).

  • Review from Katie T.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/12/2010

    This is salon was a great deal for a training salon. My hair stylist, Teren, gave me a great color and haircut. I wasn't very fond of how she styled it, but that isnt permenant. They have deals everyday where they offer different services for less. I have not tried their skincare services, but I would definently give them a chance. The salon is a training salon so don't expect a upscale glamorous facility, but it isn't horrible either. Just regular. Overall it was a great experience and I got a color, cut and style for $50 including tip (I had a coupon they sent me in the mail).

  • Review from Catie B.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/9/2010

    I've gone to Greenwood Academy consistently for a couple years now. I get a different stylist almost every time and yet my haircuts are consistently great! It all comes down to the instructors. I don't know salon/stylist lingo, but if there is a time where I'm not very sure about the haircut, the instructor always knows what needs to be fixed. I constantly get compliments on my haircut and I always tell people that I got it done at Greenwood Academy. Unfortunately, they are changing locations and are in the process of being converted to a Toni&Guy school but I'm sure that if the instructors stay on the quality will be just as high if not higher! It may not come with a latte like some of the other fancy salons, but for the price you pay it's an incredible deal!

  • Review from Dinesh K.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    5/28/2010

    To be fair, I have gotten my hair cut at this place twice. The cut was decent one time and nice the other.
    I'm giving 2 stars because of one reason -customer service. I paid more than twice for a haircut on my second visit. I was told it was because I was with a senior student. Well, no one told me while making an appointment about the big price difference. Even then, it wasn't a huge deal and I decided to ask for a junior student the next time.
    However, yesterday I called to make an appointment.
    First call - got picked up, 2.5 minutes hold, I hung up thinking she forgot or something.
    Second call - got picked up, 4 minutes hold, then I was hung up on
    Third call - after hold, I got the message that the receptionist is busy. Left a message w/ my number asking for an appointment. No call backs.
    Fourth call - "receptionist is busy"
    Fifth call - today "receptionist is busy"
    On my visits, I have not seen her THAT busy. Also, if I go in w/o an appt., I need to wait for hours, if they have an appt. that day at all.
    IMHO, they are pretty successful but are probably getting away from the things that got them there.

  • Review from Tamra A.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    2/6/2009

    I've had my hair cut, colored, manicures, pedicures, a waxing, and facials here. The cuts have all been fine. My boyfriend goes here for most of his cuts. I was very pleased with my color the one time I had it done. Don't even bother getting a manicure or pedicure. It's like they get the flunkees to do that part. The bikini wax I got was fine. The facials used to be my favorite thing, but now I'm addicted to another school that I won't mention but you can figure it out by reading my other reviews. I'll still go here because the have great specials, the hours are good, and it's on my way home.

  • Review from Andi S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 10 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/6/2010

    Please note that this business closed suddenly.  There is apparently a new version of it in Shoreline or somewhere, but it simply disappeared in the night and the buidling as of early September is empty.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      4/8/2010

      I don't DO stuff with my hair but once every few years. I went here for the first time back in late… Read more »

  • Review from chelsea d.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/13/2008

    full disclosure...this is my alma mater! that should make this review MORE legit because i'm not too grossed out or scared to go back there as a client, and i've seen it from the inside. i can't say the same for all of the restaurants i've worked in!

    insider tips: if you are really worried about getting a good hair service, request a "senior student" when you make your appointment. they are closer to graduating from the program and have more experience. without this distinction you will be assigned to anyone (maybe senior, maybe not) and could end up as someone's first ever haircut client! which is actually a very endearing and noble thing to do. if this happens, don't worry - every service is checked and okayed by an instructor before you leave, so any wonkiness should be minimal. you will probably get better service on weekdays than on saturdays, because saturdays are crazy busy. if you get there early your stylist is probably hungover, and if you get there later you'll just be seen as an obstacle to them finally getting a pee/smoke/scarf-pizza break. oh, and allow more time than you normally expect a haircut to take. they schedule 60-90 minutes for most students, and my very first haircut took 3 hours!!! lol...true story, but an exception to be sure! so tell them in advance if you have a time constraint.

    if you want to be a GREAT person and have some money to blow, tip big. you will make your stylist's day, if not week...or even month! they're used to their little-old-lady regulars (bless their hearts, hi hope!) who hand them fifty cents and tell them not to blow it in one place. when i was a student, there was one guy who ALWAYS tipped $20, and it was actually really touching. $30 for a haircut is still a good deal and they will appreciate it! and if you do it a few times, word will get around and you will get the most eager, attentive students :) it helped that he was an all-around rad guy, but whatever...

    don't be scared. i'm going for a facial this weekend...

  • Review from Kelli H.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    11/15/2008

    i know its a school and theyre all learning, but seriously people it cant be that hard to give a girl a trim.  i used to go here when i was in middle school because my moms cheap and i didnt have any choice. i think i cried 4 out of 5 times when i got home.  i was traumatized.  all i have to say is i would rather spend 50 to 100 bucks on a hair cut that i can feel good and sexy about then 15 on a crazy lopsided cut.  and everytime i went there they insisted on blowing my hair strait after my cut.  I have curly hair, i like my curly hair, i dont want to be jennifer anniston.  I will never let them touch my hair again

  • Review from Reviews A.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    5/5/2010

    I tried to like this local place, but they take a long time and don't do a great job.  For the extra money, I'd go to Aveda.

  • Review from Cheri C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/23/2008

    Well where do I begin, I have done the salon thing for years and then with today's economy, decided to try the Greenwood Academy to see what they could offer. To start with, what great products they have to sell, from Hair Care to Skin Care, top of the line, Brocato, LOreal, Dermalogica and a great place to find Bare Minerals on the spot and not having to wait to order them and get them to you.
    The receptionist is a busy person, but still greets you with a smile, how nice now a days.
    You can ask for a Senior student, but I truly believe that is not always necessary. The students have all their work first checked by an instructor before they start, then if they need help they ask and then checked out at the end. I had an amazing foil and haircut that rivals any I have received at any salon in Seattle, just takes longer, after all they are students learning. I felt that most of the students really wanted to be there.
    My stylist started telling me about their skin care department and she sold me on scheduling a service.... a week later I was back for a facial and I think they called it a Salt Glo. OMG... what an amazing experience.
    Top Notch, Top Products ( Dermalogica, Murad, and a new one I did not know about but am intrigued to go back and experience called I believe YGLabs.) Wonderful spa like atmosphere, candles, mood music, warm, low lights. I shared a room with another person I did not know and we both felt it was an amazing experience, and there is no where in Seattle that you can get these types of quality services at these prices !! YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THIS PLACE... and they are open evenings to boot for us working folk. Please share what you think after your experience. I think the word needs to get out about this place/

Deals Nearby

More »

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

People Viewed This After Searching For...