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Paul Mitchell the School
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Cosmetology Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown410 A St
(between State St & 4th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 398-1590
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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75 reviews for Paul Mitchell the School
The Paul Mitchell School was pretty much the main place where I got my haircuts while in college. For $12 (now it's $17), how can you complain about "designer" haircuts?
I've been to this location probably for 3 haircuts and a highlighting job over the past two years (I've since moved on). I never really got the same student, so as a result, my haircuts have been drastically different in style.
There are two options for haircuts, either students from phase 1 or phase 2. Phase 2 students are more experienced and closer to graduation than level 1, but the haircuts do cost $5 more (one of my money-saving friends specifically asks for phase 1 students almost at phase 2.. haha smart). The cost of the haircut also includes a very thorough hairwashing/massage... and if you get level 2, you get go into the dark room and listen to a CD of waves crashing.
I've gotten a couple good haircuts and saved a lot of money from going here, but the only downside is that it takes 2-3 hours, depending on how meticulous your stylist is. It's reassuring that the teachers are overlooking the work, but it takes a lot longer when your stylist is unsure about what they're doing and constantly asking the teacher for help.
Another downside is that if you don't specify what you're looking for, you can end up with a pretty experimental haircut, like I once ended up with an almost-mullet.
Oh, and another one is that this is not a salon. Therefore, customer service isn't high priority... because it's about the student learning. I came to my appointment requesting a highlights and a haircut late, yet they only did the highlights and asked me to come back another time for the haircut since it was closing time (my fault, but it still kinda sucked. a normal hair salon would've just stayed late to finish).
Hm. that was a lot more downsides than I thought.
But despite that, if you're adventurous and willing to spend an afternoon here for a cheap, good quality haircut, it's worth trying!
People: these are students.
No need to review your experience. It will clearly not be good...
I've attended 2 of the schools for education. This one is a school full of students. The other was filled with future stylists.
Stay away from PMTS San Diego.
I got my hair cut here a couple of years ago, when it was still $10. I had always jumped from one hairstylist to another, so I was okay with trying someone new.
I wasn't doing anything drastic to my hair, a layered trim and bangs. The stylist was friendly and gave me some tips.
Only downside was that it took 2 hours! Apparently, I was her FIRST paying customer! I didn't panic though.. I didn't want to make her nervous. The instructor worked on my hair too, especially on the bangs. When all was done, the instructor called my haircut "HOT". Indeed, I felt like a million bucks, and for only paying $10. Well, plus a $10 tip for the student hairstylist.
I personally had a very good experience here. My friend who came with me though, was horrified that they chopped off 4-5 inches of her hair after asking for a trim. Just an FYI.
I'll just sum up what my problem is with this place: they don't know how to cut thick, wavy hair (or what I call "my Asian hair").
I decided to go to this place because it's so close to my house and it's cheap. I read the reviews here and it seems like people are split with either really liking it or hating it. Sorry...I'm a hater.
I've had shorter (just above the shoulder) length hair for a while, but the style that I like isn't even that complicated. Very slightly angled from the back to front, long layers, and a little thinning with some blended in shorter cuts with the thinning shears. I've been here 3 times and it only got worse from my first cut.
First time, the girl was pretty nice, did a really good job at the scalp massage for the wash, and my hair didn't end up as thinned out as I wanted (not too thin but manageable) but the style was okay.
Second time, I tried out a phase 2 person instead thinking it'd be better because other people said it is. This woman was close to "graduating", was cold and didn't really care about what I was saying to her, cut my hair 4 inches shorter than I wanted, and when she took me to the phase 2 shampoo room, she sucked at the scalp massage and at one point put shampoo in my hair (not conditioner) and left the room for like 10-15 min without saying a thing, even when she came back!
Third time, I decided to try it one last time with a phase 1 student again because the first time was with a phase 1 student. I told the girl "mostly long layers and to thin it out with very, very few short", and I brought a great picture to show what I wanted - I guess that meant to her and the instructor to cut a really thick layer, 3 inches from my scalp, from my bangs to the back of my head. AND, keep it going all the way down the back of my head. It wasn't even blended in on the sides, just a super short layer and then long hair coming from underneath it (yes, pretty much a mullet). The instructors checked it multiple times and kept saying how great it was in the back...it's SO not even with the layers! There was even a big patch on the left that was MUCH shorter than the rest of the area.
Who thought that this was a what I asked for or was a good idea for someone with thick wavy hair?
I have barely been able to straighten it to control the hair even with a 1-inch flat iron! It's been a nightmare since April because I want to cut my hair but there's no point since the short layer is still way too short and thick to do anything with. Even if I could, I'm a college student on a budget and can't be cutting my hair every 3 weeks.
Oh yeah, and I always get shaped side fringe, which the instructor usually cuts...not ONE has been able to cut it correctly!
I really hope you all take this review seriously. If you decide to take a chance, make sure you ask them what they're doing next and how short it will be before they cut.
Cut was ok. Color is orange, instead of brown (which is what I asked for). Guess I'll fit in with all the Halloween decorations at my place now. Just remember, this is a school, it is by NO means a salon, so buyer beware. Go here for a trim in between cuts and touch ups- nothing drastic, otherwise you may be sorry.
Holy Crap! Thank you Yelp for introducing me to this diamond in the rough! Pricey hair salons are a dime a dozen in San Diego and I just don't agree with paying upwards of $50.00 for a mens haircut. That's where this place comes in, $17.00 for a "phase II" stylist and that includes two washes, a head massage, the haircut you want, style points galore, and the title of hairecessionista.
Go, go now, and thank me later. Self esteem is worth much, much more than $17.00.
The worse experience of my life never going to a place again i got my hair practically fried off from getting it bleached. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. p-lus phase II arent as experienced as they say they are they ruined my hair!
I don't recall what prompted the need to experiment with student hair stylist's. I went to get a hair cut at The Paul Mitchell School Downtown in hopes of finding some new talent that would give me a cool new trend setting cut. Although I did not get anything that is setting trends soon, I was happy with the cut I was given. The price was fair, the teachers monitoring the students were great. I have complete confidence in the students of Paul Mitchell due to the instructors.
The only down side is the time it takes to get your hair cut here. It's understandable, being that they are all students and they are taking their time to make sure you don't have patches of hair in your head.
If you want a good, affordable cut and you don't mind waiting an hour or so, try Paul Mitchell School.
I'd visited PM a few years back when my roommate was a student there...then when she graduated I followed her to the salon she got a job at.
Recently I decided her price of $55 for a cut and style, while WELL worth it, was just more than I could afford for a simple "trim with long layers," which is my standard. So I decided to venture back and try out a current student.
Travis gave me a fantastic haircut this afternoon. he started with a shampoo that included a scalp massage, then he asked what type of cut I wanted and repeated it back to me to make sure he was clear on what I wanted. After he cleared it with his instructor he got to work.
I was in his chair for about an hour and a half, but the end result was fantastic. He spent about as much time styling my new cut as he did actually creating it, and I could tell he took pride in his work. He was a "Phase 1" student (the beginning level) and from the amount of instruction he took from his supervisor, I wouldn't be surprised if this was his first or second week on the cutting floor. But he was super-confident in his work and I was more than pleased with the end result.
I HIGHLY reccommend the Paul Mitchell Schoolm especially if you just need a basic trim. I got out of there only spending $20 for the cut, a tip, AND valet parking...that's less than SuperCuts charges for a cut with no style!
Love this place. I go in with the understanding that their students, so I make sure that my day is clear, I have no pressing engagements I have to go to, I know what I want and I'm able to communicate that effectively. For $12, I get a nice shampoo, cut and style. $5 more and you can get a phase II student (I was told that's their optional honors program) who takes you to a back room for your shampoo offers some hair pampering service for another $5 and works a bit faster. If you've got the time and patience, it's a nice deal for the full treatment and a step above super cuts.
I recommend once you find a student you like, remember their 4 digit stylist number and rebook with them as often as you need before they graduate.
I totally agree with you, Monika M.! I do not understand what everyone is raving about. I was in desperation to get my hair done before I visited home where my mom is treating me to a cut/color. I just needed something to tie me over for a month; therefore, I didn't want to spend a bunch of money. I'm a total hair snob, but things are tight.
Ok, so once I arrive for my appointment at 5:15, I don't actually get seen until 5:45, 30 minutes later. I thought the appointment actually meant something. Ugh! So I sit down and tell the stylist what I want: "All over color just a shade brighter than the blonde I currently have." She says ok and then grabs the teacher to confirm. The teacher comes over and I explain the same thing to her. She then proceeds to tell me that I either have to get my hair bleached or dark brown. WHAT?!?!? So we converse back and forth and she is completely rude to me. We then find a solution (I guess), to get both highlights and low lights.
So we begin the process, already behind schedule, and I continue to wait and wait
Long story short, I waited for 2 1/2 hours and I asked how much longer it was going to be. She then informs me that she still needs to tone my hair and wash it and dry it and will take another 45 minutes. You must be joking me!
Once I actually leave the salon (without even getting my hair dried, which I've never ever done before) it took a total of 3 hours and 20 minutes for only highlights, no haircut. OMG! The girl seemed really mad that I was leaving, but I really couldn't wait around any longer. And on top of it, my hair looks totally below average, at best. It doesn't even look any blonder. It actually looks completely the same. UGH!
I went to the Aveda Institue (hair school) while living in Portland, so I'm able to compare this school to another. The area is super confusing with chairs lying about in the middle of the room. Apparently it's protocol to wear boots and/or chunky heels when you're becoming a stylist. I don't get it. I felt like I was in PDX again!
My birthday was coming up, so I wanted to get my hair done for a change and have someone else do it itnstead of doing it myself like normal. WOW, i should have stayed home and done it myself!
I got a stylist that obviously had NO idea what she was doing, Vanessa. I needed to get my roots done, and I could feel she wasn't putting enough product on. Since she was taking so long (almost 2 hours to put on, just for roots) it was burning and itching my head like crazy. The instructor had to come over and pretty much go over what she had already done.
Then she washed my hair, kind of. When she went to go sit me in the seat to cut and dry my hair, I felt a whole bunch of conditioner on the bottom side of my head, still in my hair!! Then she just brushed it and didn't bother going back to rinse it out at the very least.
I told her what I wanted, and she clearly didn't understand my simple need. BARELY trim it, add a LOT of layers and a little trim to my bangs.
Well, she cut more than I wanted, although I had told her not to several times, and my layers were totally chunky and straight across. It looked horrible, I was in tears for the last half (another 2 hours) of the session and no one noticed!
She dried my hair, and I was in pain the whole time. She put the hair dryer right on my scalp and it was totally burning the whole time! How can no one notice when their client is clearly in pain!?
Then she shows me her cut and gave me a mirror. I said, "No, I want short layers (pointing to where I wanted them to start and end), and blend it in and thin it with a razor." She took a pair of shears and got one thick chunk from the front of my hair and chopped it, then she was done. She didn't even go around the rest of my horrible looking head like I said to do. I was ready to leave and so angry. Luckily she didn't or forgot to charge me for my cut, if she would've I would have complained and demand a cut from one of the instructors. I was so furious and upset.
There was only one other time I felt like this, JCPenney, never go there!
Also, I have a gold ring around my head from being improperly bleached. Needless to say, I will never go there again.
Tonight I couldn't fall asleep without having to fix my freakin hair. I cut it in like 5 min and it came out WAY better than my stylist did.
Ugh, 4 hours wasted, never go here!
I just do not understand the high ratings for this place.
I have been going here for almost two years, basically since I returned to school and had to reduce my expenses. Also, I have been growing my hair long in order to donate it, so all i ever get is about a 1/2 " trim. No major styling. No coloring. No perms. Quite simple really.
Every time I book an appointment I still end up waiting for-EVER. The magazines are so old and abused, it's pathetic. The music is blaring in the largest space with horrible acoustics. Most hairdressers are either pretentious, shallow and/or dull. They say there are instructors to check up on your hairdresser, but most of the time it is so overwhelmingly busy your hairdresser/student has to stand around and wait, again, for-EVER. One time it took so long (even with a level II stylist) that I had to excuse myself and leave with wet hair because I was going to miss a date with a friend. (Again, a simple trim that took over two hours!). It's usually a miserable experience, which I am just so tired of putting up with.
Today I finally returned to my original salon (Salon Sol), because I am so over PM. At a real salon I thoroughly appreciate the prompt, quality service in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
I think I'll give/sell my blood just to earn the money to not have to back to this place!
You're playing Russian Roulette with your hair when you step into a school like this, but the odds are in your favor. I've been here a handful of times, and the latest was just last weekend. I had a horrendous $70 haircut, went back for a "complimentary fix" and still hated the end result. Just goes to show that money can't buy you everything.
I figured spending another $15-20 (cut, tip, valet) couldn't hurt here, and along came Kendra, who is just the sweetest! She's not as talkative as your typical stylist, but that's not always a bad thing. She did a wonderful job fixing my hair to the best of her ability. She really wants you to like the cut, and will take the time to give you that. She also recommended the most amazing product, spray wax! Where have you been all my life?
I've never had a bad haircut here, and you honestly can't beat the $12 price. Another downside is if you find a stylist you really like, chances are she'll only be there for another months. Valet will probably run you cheaper than the meters. Call to make reservations, but they only have three times available: 9:45am or 1pm or 3pm.
I just got the mothaf*ing sexiest haircut thanks to Taylor! He gave a nice relaxing scalp massage too! He did exactly what I've been wanting to get for the past 2 years since I started going to the school, but nobody got it right since that first girl! Oh lord, I don't want to wash my hair I want it to stay this way forever! He was even proud of his haircut. Too bad he's graduating on Wednesday. I may just have to follow him and say goodbye to Paul Mitchell School and $17 haircuts...
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/3/2009
For some reason, I keep going back to this place even with some not so pleasant experiences! I… Read more »
For starters I had no idea what to expect. I called yesterday to get an appt and they got me in the next day. I got there a bit late, my appt was at 1:00 and I arrived about 1:10 but it didn't matter because I ended up waiting for about 30 min before I got in.
Edna #1826 was FAB! She said she'll be there for about another month or so. Wish she would be there longer because she is great. The instructor person only came over at the beginning during the consult but not at all after that. I'm assuming that is because she is almost done. But I had no problems. She did a great wash/rinse with a long massage (my FAV part of going to the salon).
Edna recommended a few things to give me a different look and it turned out great. She had a lot of fun, cute ideas. She seemed very creative and good at her job. She was very thorough with the styling as well, she took the time to blow dry and she used a lot of different products.
For wash, cut, and style it was $16 (I threw in a $$$$ tip). The wait was the only down side but I didn't have much else to do for the day.
I'm impressed and from reading the other reviews maybe I am one of the lucky ones and landed a FAB stylist.
Loved the professional and friendly stuff. Went on a weekday about 4 pm and there was no wait! I would recommend going before 5 pm when the students can take their time to work on your hair. I moved here from NYC and was looking for a hairdresser. My friend recommended Paul Mtchells where she got her awesome haircut. I am surely going back!
My stylist there was Phase II and about to graduate in two weeks. She had a great disposition, even after my insulting questions like, "Is the supervisor going to be checking on us," etc. (it was my first time and I was nervous!)
My cut was awesome - definitely worth the $38 savings from my regular person! The highlights were a little more of a challenge... they didn't come out as light as I wanted and it did take much longer than my regular person. There were also some concerns during the process of my stylist and the supervisor... but it really turned out fine. The $20 savings on the highlights was probably not worth it for me. Also, they do not put you under a dryer with your highlights... that is one of the reasons it takes so long (the school doesn't allow them to; I think b/c there is greater potential for damage).
They do make a note of your color, though, so that if you get a different person next time, they'll know what to work with.
I would give the cut 5 stars but the color brought the score down. I'll go back to the school for my cut and back to my regular salon for color.
Go see Kodi(female) phase 2! {Sorry I lost the student ID #...}She knew exactly what i wanted from a cut! I haven't had bangs since I was a child and she did more than an amazing job! I can't believe I found a stylist who was on the same page.. if u know what I mean. =) I only come back to the school when I'm broke and lucky me to have found her! I didn't even have to bring in a pic to show her what I wanted. After so many disapointing cuts, it is sooooo hard to find someone who knows whats "in" and whats not. I wanted to keep my hair longer than what she cut, but she convinced me to cut it a couple inches shorter and thank goodness I listened to her!!!! It ending up looking great. Thank you Kodi!!!!
I would have given a higher rating based on her alone, but I have had less great experiences with other students =(
$12 cut. Better than SuperCuts, for sure...PLUS, you're helping out a sister (or brother) who is learning. It's part philanthropy!! Helping out the next generation of hair stylists and aestheticians...word to that!
The $3 valet parking is great, too.
I found, though, that my stylist was a bit quiet and reserved, at first. I had to initiate much of the conversation out the gate, but...once she warmed up, we were good to go. The instructors that come by to check on things were friendly, honest, and helpful. I was pleased with my hair cut...and LOVED the shampoo! Great scalp massage!!
Not sure if it was the best part, but....a REALLY GOOD part is that it's only a hop, skip, and a jump away from The Local. We wrapped up our 2 hour haircuts with some beers and grub. Quality Thursday night out!
If nothing else, a hair cut at Paul Mitchell is interesting.
When I walked in I felt like I was walking into a bad MTV reality TV show. These girls are bi-atches, complete with processed hair, extreme eye make up, and valley girl accents. Somehow despite the hoards of dramatic hair dressers the fates smiled down and blessed me with Hideko #1786, a very sweet Japanese woman with no attitude.
What I really enjoyed about the experience was that I felt it was really about me. I've been to so many places where you bring in a picture and the hairdresser completely tosses it aside and does whatever the hell s/he wants. Hideko didn't have any of that attitude and when she asked for my opinion she actually cared what I wanted. Imagine that! It's great to have the instructor there because the student gets to bounce ideas off of them about what would look good, so you get two opinions on it instead of just one. Plus, it's a nice peace of mind hearing what they plan to do.
This experience took three hours, but it's really not frustrating because it's three hours of complete attention to your hair. Literally, of the three hours I was there about 5 minutes of it was dead time. The haircut I received is the best I've ever gotten (except for one I received in the outskirts of Vientiane, Laos, but I don't think that situation will be replicated again soon). But I digress. She did a great job. Plus, it's $12.
This place isn't as great as I once thought. I've been to the one in San Francisco before. I really needed to get rid of some of the highlights in my hair for the winter season so I decided to book an appointment at the Paul Mitchell School. I expected the hairdye to be cheaper than salons outside since it's mostly run by students. I was wrong!
My service was a full-hair dye, and a bleach for a section under my hair (think peekaboo style) and a bang trim. The bill turned out to $86!!
I think I could have just dropped by CVS or somewhere and bought a box of color to dye my hair. Also, the student who was bleaching my hair put the chemicals waaay too close to my scalp that it started burning!! For over a week, I had my scalp chafing off from the first-degree burn! She also trimmed my bangs and I saw nothing great with it. It was barely layered. Just snipsnip and done.
So much for $86.... The students were nice, but I was really disappointed.
A day of learning at Paul Mitchell:
1. Guy to girl hookups, but the guys weren't really that skillful...
2. Guy to guy hookups (i derno.)
3. vertical to vertical to moehawk highlights
4. round vs. square layering
5. toner: N vs. NB... (i know.. wtf? i still dont get it..)
6. the right way to blowdry
7. takes 3 students and the principal to do my hair
8.. DRAMAAA!!
As you can see, i was there for quite a while... Yes, from 9:45am - 4:45pm. And the cute coffee guy (which the girls tell me he gets annoying after a while) asked me a bjillion times if i wanted to order some coffee. YES! But daymn... they should make a reality tv out of it! the STORIES!!!
but anyways, I got partial highlights (came out perfect and not like a zebra style where you could see like stripes. ew) with a toner(?) that gives the highlights the desired color and a cut. It came out to 100. But, I kind of wanted it lighter..so a teeeny bit disappointed. but what do you expect? I had dyed it black for the past 2 years..It was great though cuz my hair is SUPERRR LONG as you can see and i used 6 (SIXX!) bowls to bleach, but my girlie put it as 4 :).
Lesson of the day? CLICK with your salonist and she'll hook you up! AND use phase 2. AND make sure Kristen (the principal of the school) is at close watch next to you so that ur salonist makes sure that she doesn't mess up on you hair!
I love it even tho it takes a whole day. O and they have free coffee! so good. i had 2 cups. so don't buy it from the guy. really he was just eye candy ;) o yess
Great price....takes a long time...
but plenty of activity and hot girls to keep you entertained.
Loved the visit! I cut and styled with Ara #1898. She's really good at cutting bangs, super meticulous. It took ~3hrs for it all- so be patient. She's 5 months into the 11 month program. Ara's strengths are cuts and styling hair for occasions. Will try this place for other hair services next time. No worries about these skilled students-- they are checked off by an instructor before they begin, then again at the end. Must try!!
Pricing:
Cut/style $12/$17
Up-Do $27/$32
Flat iron/curling iron $10$/15
Really great place! The students and instructors I've had were very impressive every time! Though I've loved every student work, I've never gone to the same student because of my random schedule. Thus, every visit has been a gamble and I'm always a little nervous BUT I've successfully had highlights, low lights, trims, AND taken 10" off my hair! The real icing on the cake is that my price tag has never been more than $60! It's also a pretty cool hustle and bustle atmosphere. I use to go the the Aveda institute (school) and I really hands down like the Paul Mitchell School much much more! Lastly, take advantage of the $3 valet parking right behind the building- definitely a steal for downtown parking!
people, you dont understand what phase II is. its an honors program. it doesnt mean that the people on phase II are any more skilled it just means that they signed up to be on that program and they do more homework. and the skill level of students varies. dont judge the whole school on one student who messed up. and all you people who complain about their service should know that doing hair is EXTREMELY difficult and have you ever had to do hair for a paying customer? and if you wanted something intense dont then you should have gone to a salon with experience professionals. i love this place.
I had a Phase II student and....wow, I had the most painful haircut I'll likely ever have in my life today. All I wanted was for them to cut a few inches off, long layers w/ a face frame, and for them to thin out my hair. Freaking painful! I can't even count how many times they yanked on my hair! Several times during the wash, several times during the blow dry, and a RIDICULOUS amount during the thinning! JESUS! AND IT WASN'T EVEN AS THIN AS I WANTED! I JUST COULDN'T STAND FOR THEM TO GO AROUND AGAIN! This is the 3rd time I've been here. I've been satisfied with the Phase I students the last 2 times...but this time was the worst haircutting experience I've ever had. She seemed really unsure of herself and had to ask the supervisor various times for instruction/help. I'm considering paying full price after this horrible experience.
FYI, Phase II doesn't mean that they have more experience (I asked)...it just means that they're doing the honors program. I've been informed that many times the Phase I students have more experience and I had much better luck with them.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/14/2008
I love this place. I've been here twice. The first time I wasn't so crazy about (I had a Phase I… Read more »
i had a great experience today!
although it took 3 hours
kirstey did my hair and it turned out freakin amazing..........
i had some color and got a cut and styling all for 35 bux!
at any other place it would of cost well over a hundred bux!
Fabulous second visit with Shani (#1816) - this time I got a new style PLUS color. She is Phase 2 now (for those of you concerned about going to a more experienced student), and is amazing. I finally got a new camera for my birthday and will be taking pictures soon to post.
The vibe is still funky, the music was still pumpin'. It didn't seem nearly as busy as it did the last time I was there. Also, it turns out the school has it's own valet parking lot (awesome if you get there early enough and they have spots open), for only $3. Also, I guess because Shani is Phase 2 now, when I got rinsed, I got to go into this zen washhouse room. There was new age music playing, it was dark and the seats reclined. Shani gave me the best scalp massage! I had a mini-breakdown of sorts on Friday and my new style (plus Shani's awesome treatment) was just what I needed to lift my spirits. Thank you girl!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2008
Give this place a chance. I'll even recommend someone to you - her name is Shani, and her student… Read more »
I know that the thought of getting your hair cut by a student can be terrifying, but from my experiences at the Paul Mitchell School downtown, I have walked out of there loving my hair every time. I do have to mention that despite making an appointment at a certain time, be prepared to wait 15-30 minutes to actually get started; and be prepared to be there for at least 2 hours from which point he/she starts cutting your hair. My advise is to have someone drop you off and pick you up, so that you don't have to pay for parking or run out every hour to feed the meter.
The last time that I went to Paul Mitchell, I had my hair cut by Kevin (I think that was his name, anyway). I told him that I only wanted a trim because I was trying to grow it out. He played with my hair and told me, "yeah...your hair is really damaged."
"I know...." I guiltily responded.
After he washed my hair, he started to cut it. When a 5-inch chunk of hair fell into my lap, I had an internal panic attack and interrogated him on how much hair he was freaking cutting off! He calmly responded with, "trust me, it'll look good." I was hesitant about trusting him, but at that point, there wasn't much I could do about it. An hour and a half later, my heart racing and palms sweaty, he had finally finished. He was right. My hair looked great!
Moral of the story: Chill out and just let your hair stylist express his/her creativity, because you might be pleasantly surprised with how the final product turns out.
No matter what anyone says, I LOVE THIS PLACE!
Yeah... students cut your hair (but they're always under supervision so it's not a problem at all) Yeah.. it may take forever for them to do your hair (believe me--I KNOW, i once was there for FIVE HOURS for a haircut. but it was probably the best hair cut I've gotten. so well worth the wait) .
Maybe i've just gotten really lucky the 10 times i've been here, i've gotten really good students, because i've never had a bad cut or color here. The teachers seem highly educated about hair styling. They really know what's best for your hair. They didn't let me go platinum blonde on the first attempt because they knew it would fry my hair (I'm Asian with the darkest hair EVER. It's a nightmare to "lift"). By the third time i came for color, it was the perfect platinum.
I love the vibe of this place. Especially since they tore down the wall between the salon and the waiting room. I like how it's just one big room now. They always bump good music. The students I've gotten have always carried a good conversation and usually don't mind when I nod off sometimes (9AM is way too early to get a haircut, especially after a long night of drinking =X.). Lastly, the prices are unbeatable. It would probably be over a hundred to get highlights and a cut, but here its roughly 60 bucks, which is really not bad.
Overall, I always leave this place with a smile on my face and a cute hair cut. That's coming from someone that's overly anal about their hair. So give 'em a chance!
Hit or Miss.
Have had a great color and cut, yet have had a horrible cut, both from Level 2 students. I wish I had the will to spend more money on haircuts. Ugh.
Go here, but be your own advocate!
I still haven't met Paul Mitchell here, but I'm on the lookout. I know what people have said about me and my unhealthy fascination with Paul Mitchell - back off haters and find your own uber stylist to stalk. Hi Paul, are you reading this? I hope so.
So, I've been rockin' the faux hawk for about 12 years. I was one of the original adopters. Maybe even the original? Not sure, but I bent it way before Beckham. I'm starting to wonder if this is like my lifetime cut? My Dad settled on the side-part in his 20's and still sports it today. I'll be an 80 year old with a faux hawk. I'm in a serious hair rut. Any suggestions, give me a shout-out. Anyways, I trust these people with my hawk. And you can not beat the price. Sure it takes a bit longer than a normal cut, but the time given up gets you a $100 haircut for $10.
I had my first haircut and color there, everything was great except for the time. I had asked for a Level II student but somehow they stuck me with a Level I. I found this out halfway thru and I just felt horrible to stop her. When they take you to your chair, if its on the right side those are Level I and very, very slow. To the left are the Level II and they work much faster (most of them). The price is great, oh and if you have curly hair tell them to cut your hair 2 more inches then you really want it. I wanted mine below the shoulder, well she cut it while it was wet and straight right where I wanted the end result to be. When my hair was dry it was super short, I cried. Otherewise great place, parking is great too (for downtown), bring something to do or read. The shampoo part of the haircut is the best!!!! Would do it again.
I got my hair cut today for the first time at the school by Shannon, a Phase 2 student. I was able to get a same-day appointment and once I got there, I waited about 20 minutes.
I had a lot of hair to shed, about 10 inches of severely split-ended layers, and I went without a very clear idea about what I wanted, aside from "a lot shorter." She worked with me and was really helpful, discussing various cuts.
My shampoo/ cut/ style took about 2.5 hours which is long, but nothing unexpected. She's still learning and she was very careful and meticulous about each cut. My only "complaint" might be that having your hair flat-ironed costs 10-12 dollars extra. I think it should be included in the "style" price if it's a part of how you style your hair at home. Oh, and I wish they'd turn down the speakers a touch.
Anyway, $17+tip+$3 valet was ~$25 and this means that I can get my hair cut more often than once a year! [Obviously, I have a hard time justifying haircuts for the sake of style. lol] I'm very pleased and I'll be going back.
I hate this place.
I would only recommend getting a hair cut.
Just stay away from their hair-coloring,
none of them know what they're doing.
If I wasn't so dehydrated, I might cry...
If you are interested in looking pretty, then Paul Mitchell School of beauty is not the place to go. If you are "punk rock" then by all means. . .
I provided my "stylist" with specific direction of the result I was looking for, but allowed her to select the process that she thought would best achieve the look I wanted. Her confidence put me at ease. After 3.5 hours of foiling, she instituted the help of one of her classmates to help with the right side of my head.
As her "helpful" classmate liberally spoodged bleach all over my scalp, she mused about being a perfectionist and how people with long hair are "just collecting hair." I have long hair.
After 5 excruciating hours without so much as an offer of water or coffee, I walked out looking like electrocuted road-kill. My hair was damp, frizzy and my right side was very different from my left. Pity we ran out of time before I could get a trim. . .
Punchline: My exercise in frugality cost me nearly $100.
I've been to Paul Mitchell twice before and was only satisfied with my hair, not in love with it. I could take it or leave it. Going to Paul Mitchell had been just a way to get an okay cut and save money at the same time--the teachers can always fix it, right? Today, I had a completely different experience. I made an appt. with a Phase 2 student, mostly because I love the scalp massages, and I was paired with with Adina #1875. I have really short hair, and those of you that also have short hair know that it's hard to find someone who excels at cutting it and you understand the gamble that is going to someone new, let alone going to someone that's learning! Adina was awesome. I didn't have to ask her to fix anything, not even once, and she didn't ask for much help from her teacher, which made me feel like she knew what she was doing--and did she ever! I love my cut!
For all you complainers bitching about a 2 hour hair cut or 5 hour color job...would you like a whaaaburger and some french cries with that too. This is a school...They are still STUDENTS!! You are the ones who walked into the school knowing they are students still learning.
I on the other hand had a great experience and would highly recommend the future professional who cut my daughters hair. Her name is ANDREA DEPOZO. She gave my daughter layers and side bangs as she asked. She walked out 2 hours later but looked like a million dollars! Better than a 15 minute haircut and looking like shit from those "Chain" salons!
Keep up the good work ANDREA!
