Marca College Hair and Esthetics

I cut my hair about twice a year. It’s a big cut. I cry almost every time. I usually spend $ 70 – 80 per cut.
I came early as it’s walk-​in only and there were already a few people ahead of me before the mall was open. The wait wasn’t very long, maybe 10 – 15 minutes. I was willing to risk great disappointment for someone to finally chop off my awful split ends.
As it turns out, my hair cut is beautiful, and my stylist even took the time to carefully blow dry my hair with a regular paddle brush in such a way that it looked like a blowout, just so that I wouldn’t have to pay extra for that service.
Great job, very impressed, very happy, and will absolutely be returning.

I went into Marca College today after having an absolutely horrid experience self bleaching my hair. My roots were bleach blonde and the rest of my hair was orange. My brother recommended that I go there as he and his girlfriend only go there for their cuts and are total fans of the college and price.
I had a wonderful experience! The students were learning from my situation, but they were still able to make a huge difference. There was an instructor there who gave the student strict instructions on how to repair my hair and very often monitored the situation. The instructor even took over a couple times when my hair was being difficult to ensure the best quality that they could offer. I spent 4 hours there having my hair being worked on. The instructor was also a very gentle, kind and experienced woman. As I was telling my friend, when she was there working on my hair she reminded me of a surgeon. She was focused, determined and calling out instructions to the students in order to get things right. It was pretty intense.
I am so incredibly pleased at the efforts and hard work that everyone contributed. The price was also amazing — I paid a THIRD of what I would pay at a proper salon.
The ONLY reason I’m giving 4 out of 5 stars is that the students were a little rough on my hair. They were brushing my wet tangled hair (after bleaching it) with their fingers and not a brush — and I mean very roughly pulling their fingers through. If they reached a knot, they’d just pull through harder instead of getting a brush or a comb to gently go through (my poor scalp is still sore!).
The MOST IMPORTANT THING to keep in mind when going here: IT IS A SCHOOL. EVERYONE IS LEARNING! It’s not like going to a salon where you have fully qualified, experienced hair dressers — if that’s what you want, trust me, go to one and pay that price. Everyone is at different levels at the college and each experience may be completely different. It’s a risk you must be willing to take.

Went to Marca today to get a haircut and was given a great service both by front desk — customer service and by Georgia, girl who did my hair. I guess I got lucky with her as she has years of experience doing this job. She has excellent customer service skills and takes excellent care of her customers.

Great college my wife went there she graduated and had a job right away and I go there regularly to get my haircut I love the staff there will recommend again thank you neighbors

I had an amazing experience at this salon, and the price and service was fabulous. Not to mention, my hair looks incredible!!! Thank you!

Marc College is an amazing salon with enthusiastic student stylists. a warm and professional vibe and very beautiful facilities!
I headed in here on the recommendation of a co-​worker who also had an excellent service done here. I really love her cut so I thought hey, maybe she’s found a gem salon! Considering how their prices are incredibly reasonable I figured I had nothing to lose by giving them a chance. As a girl I know I’ll be paying anywhere from $ 75-​$ 100 for a cut at a downtown salon regardless of whether I’m cutting off one inch or six so now that I’ve found Marca who are both cheap AND skilled lets just say I won’t be going anywhere else anytime soon.
My experience here was amazing from start to finish. I was greeted by a professional receptionist and directed to the waiting area. I was served some water which was actually cold. (This is a plus in my book!) My student stylist picked me up soon after and we went through my consult. I’m a boring long layers sort of girl though I saw a few other clients there receiving more funkified cuts and colors which all looked incredible. My stylist made a few suggestions regarding the cut (she suggested some shorter layers in the front to add some volume and movement) and then we proceeded to the shampoo sink where I got the most heavenly shampoo head massage. I mean seriously, this was like a 5 minute head orgasm. It was clear to me then that the students here really take things seriously and want to provide the best!
My cut and blow dry was done efficiently and confidently leaving me completely in love with the result! The best part is that it’s an easy cut for me to style at home. Overall I am beyond impressed with Marca, I can see that the students here receive very in depth training and are very prepared for their styling careers. The level of professionalism I experienced here went well above and beyond some of the higher end salons I’ve been to in the past. Though I want this amazing salon all to myself I have to recommend it to everyone since we all deserve a mini trip to paradise now and then, and believe me when you go to Marca that’s what you’ll get!

I actually go here quite a bit, and have had a range of services from different people. I was once the first «real client» for a student, and have also seen people just before they graduate. You can request someone more senior, but you might have to wait longer.
And that’s one downside — it does take longer than at a non-​school salon. I once had to wait 2 hours to see someone for colour, but that’s because there was only one person who could do it when I went. Best to go first thing when they open in order to avoid waiting.
The highlights I had there were amazing (twice), and so much cheaper than a regular salon.
If you’re not a super picky person, it’s fine. It’s hair — it grows back. And the instructors are there, so they can help fix any mistakes a student might make.
one thing I will say: I don’t think the students actually get paid any of the money you pay for a cut (at least that’s what I’ve heard). They have to put in a lot of hours, and their tuition is high. So if you can add a bit of a tip to your already cheap haircut, I’m sure they would appreciate that.

I came to the school because the cheap prices attracted me. Was a little apprehensive about students cutting my hair, especially a female, since only male barbers have only cut my hair, but I decided to try it out. I came in and the whole staff was very warm and welcoming. The student that cut my hair was confident and very professional. She did a really great job, gave me a new style. I will definitely be coming back!

As a former student of Marca…
This is a school, where students are learning. The service you receive does very much depend on the student. You could get 1 star service or you could get 5 star service.**A senior student is not necessarily better or more skilled than a junior student. Many of times it is just the opposite, as juniors tend to be fresh and more passionate, not yet drained from the school year.
Overall, I would recommend it for service, as the majority of students are passionate and take their role serious. Students have been taught by Instructors (experienced stylists) in class, watched videos, demos, completed book work, practiced on mannequins, and demonstrated on models.
There are never any guarantees, especially in a learning environment. Remember also, no one wants to make any mistakes and the teachers don’t want to see it happen either. they do play a role in assigning clients to stylists who are able to provide service within their knowledge and ability. But again, no guarantees, if you are the type of client that could potentially be very upset with a mistake, there are several other salons within the area that would be happy to service you at regular rates and still no guarantees :)
And NO, tipping is not required but it is appreciated.
STUDENTS WITH A BAD ATTITUDE?
Marca is a business, it is a business first and a school second. I think it walks a very fine line before being considered an illegal operation-​as do many companies and schools requiring student co-​ops/​placements. As a student, at times you can’t help but to feel very much taken advantage of. That providing free labor to make someone else a buck is prioritized over your education. I understand the original intent of «practice» but in a location of this volume it is at times very much out of hand.
Thinking of enrolling to be a stylist?
I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME.
If you are thinking about taking this career path, I STROOOONGLY suggest exploring your options. There are many doors and pathways to take into this career. Ones I wish I had discovered and known of before making such a decision. Personally, this door and this path cost me about ten grand, a lot of stress and an obligation to abide by a very anal and conflicting schedule.
Your hours at school are logged and your graduation depends on it, they must be completed within a strict time constraint before additional charges are applied. You will be told you can make-​up these hours-​but only later do you find out that make-​up hours are available only on certain days and to a limited number of students. For the most part, this really shouldn’t be a problem. As a responsible adult you should have a good attendance and arrive on time. however who’s to say when; your baby will be sick, the weather is bad or your roommate decides to occupy the washroom too long-​OR when life just might get in the way!
Most rules are put in place for the bad apples, and I don’t know if it’s our generation or just Toronto but there’s a whole lot of them and the system seems to be structured around them. It is evident in other aspects and unfair to the students who do have a positive attitude and work very hard.
*You also have homework to do within college of trades, which is new! Employers, instructors, even the people working at the offices of the number you are given to contact for further inquiry ALL seem to be VERY CONFUSED. If you don’t already have an arrangement to work somewhere or speak fluent English, becoming a LICENSED stylist can be a very lengthy process. So do your homework, research grants, save yourself time, money and a lot of headaches.
This is just my opinion based on my experience. Really weigh the value of your options, anf the value of your dollar (tuition) and your expectations. All those sweet do’s you think you’ll learn in school…-nope just watch youtube for free because your teachers all come from different backgrounds and are limited to teaching basic old techniques in the curriculum. unless otherwise requested and the occasional demo.
*On the flip side I did feel very privileged to learn under the wing of some instructors and met some amazing individuals. Marca IS the best in the sense of having a high volume of clientele and ethnic diversity.

I’m happy I took my chances and came here despite the low rating and some of the negative reviews. This is the best cut I’ve received easily within the past year, maybe even two!
It’s walk in only and there were a few other people in the waiting room; I think I waited no more than 15 minutes. I wasn’t offered a magazine or book of styles to look through, but I came prepared with my own pictures.
I hate getting my hair cut because usually the stylist hasn’t paid attention to how I style my hair (very low maintenance) or take into account my hair is both fine and wavy. I wanted to receive the stylist’s opinion whether the pictures I brought fit my needs, so after she washed my hair she asked her instructor for a second opinion. The instructor said she thought I would be unhappy with the style because it was high maintenance and told my stylist to cut long layers instead because it would be a simple cut that still looked good without major styling. And with my approval, away she went!
I found the chat was less forced than other places, possibly because I just happened to get a genuinely nice stylist. After the cut was finished, she asked her instructor to check her work. While waiting, I asked for a face framing layer and when her instructor came over, she looked a little nervous that my stylist was doing more than she recommended, but I chimed in that I requested it. From the review, my stylist did a pretty good job — my layers needed very little trimming (which the instructor fixed where it was needed) and where the instructor thought the stylist could get better results, she gave those pointers. My stylist lightly dried my hair and I was done. I think the total time was under an hour, but I’m not sure since it was pouring outside and I didn’t need to be anywhere. My only negative remark was that I didn’t not offer to show me the back of my head, but that’s not a deal breaker for me. Next time I’ll make sure to request it.
The cut was $ 13.50 and I left a generous tip because I was so happy with the results.
What I liked most about this place was that my stylist (her name was Chanelle, by the way) was transparent about their process and was very thorough with making sure she understood what I wanted and needed, plus making sure I left happy. From what I understand, the students need approval from their instructor both before they start cutting and before you’re allowed to leave. The instructor does a full inspection and, as I said earlier, makes the final touches.
I’m simple and I know this way of operating might turn some people away, but I think if you’re open about what exactly you want and vocal with your stylist throughout the entire process, you’ll have a positive experience like me!

This place is exactly what it tells you. I went there for a treatment, a wash and a flat iron. I was very scared because I am not sure if some of the student knew about ethnic hair and I did not want them to be touching it if they had no experience. As I walked in, there was a nice vibe, you can tell that they are student from the way they act. However, one is able to see the difference between the people who are serious about their hair and the ones who are just trying to pass. However, the girl who did my hair did an amazing job. I was very happy. The price was VERY reasonable and I shall go back there again. Just know that you are taking a chance when you go their so do not be surprised if things do not come out looking the way you wanted. Overall, I had a good experience. Nothing harsh to say.

like most of the reviews here mine is about the attitude.
i do have to point out that these people are students so you are taking a risk when you are going there. they are all learning and will continue learning once they leave as well. i am a hairstylist and I graduated 2 ½ years go and I’m still learning new things. (if you asked why i went here it was for a wash and flatiron, you try doing other peoples hair all day long and then have to do your own)
the girl i started out with did a horrible job at blowdrying my hair, even with the few pointers i gave her. once done i felt like all my hair had been ripped out of my hair. i went to the teacher and told him what happened and asked for another student to dry and style my hair. as i was chatting with my new student the old one came up to me and started yelling at me on the floor telling me that i am a bitch and i should have told her during the shampoo that i didn’t like what she was doing (i guess she didn’t take the hint with the pointers i gave her)
i don’t remember the names of the 2 girls that did my hair and i probably won’t come back here.
the second one was a lot better and we got a long well but the first one. i don’t think she will make it far with her attitude.

It sounds like it REALLY depends who you get.
I went with one of my girlfriends, after hearing about the place from another friend. I brought pictures of what we both wanted on my iPad, and we had a conversation with our stylists before the scissors came out. My girl didnt have the greatest English, but we muddled through conversation. As luck would have it, a colorist/​rep named Georgina from L’Oreal Pro was in that day working with students on colours, and took interest in what was going on with me. The colours she suggested are perfect. AMAZING, even. She taught my stylist and I about a slightly different pattern than the conventional for my highlights so they didnt look stripey. The next hour or two was spent with my stylist painting colour into my hair, and Georgina periodically floating by, praising her, and sometimes lending a hand with hard parts. All in all, the process took a little longer than it should have because my stylist was new, and checked to make sure she w as doing it right a lot. But I’d rather that than a rushed butchery of my hair.
By the time the timer went off on my colour, it was approaching the time they close, so I think the washing and drying of my hair were a little rushed. She almost forgot to condition. But thats not the end of the world, and on the whole, my experience was with a stylist who was cautious with my hair, was able to execute instructions, and who had the support of skilled instructors.

I wish I had checked here first to heed the very accurate warnings. :(
As the other reviewer experienced: I too had hoped to go to the Aveda Institute where I have never had a problem… it was fully booked so I went to this Marca place.
Here’s the short version:
1. The hair cutter was surly and unprofessional/​inappropriate and smelly.
2. The hair washing was done with cold then hot water and left my hair considerably more tangled and dry than when I came in.
3. She used a stained towel on me and one on herself which I was scared she would then wipe me with.
4. THE INSTRUCTOR gave her instructions which she didn’t follow: even I knew that.
5. When I told the instructor that she didn’t do ‘the perimeter’ as instructed, the instructor, Evelyn, dismissed me and didn’t check what I was saying.
6. Basically, the INSTRUCTOR named EVELYN ended up cutting more of my hair that the student, whose name was Sarah. The only cutting that Sarah did ended up with me having one side noticeably longer than the other.
7. Eventhough the INSTRUCTOR pretty much cut my hair, I still ended up with the worst hair cut I’ve ever had.
More blow by blow version:
I was taken quickly because there were a lot of students just sitting around sulking, waiting for a ‘client’.
The person I got called my name from about 20 feet away. When I said ‘yes that’s me’ I had no idea who called me and she had already turned her back and was walking away.
After figuring out who called me, I became a bit scared. This girl was looking at me like I just told her to go to bed without supper or something: she was downright surly! I asked if she was having a bad day as I contemplated how bad would be if I asked for someone else to do my hair. She started telling me how bad the school was and that they were making her take ‘make up days’ for days that she missed, charging her $ 3 to cut her friends hair and that she had already paid $ 10 000 to the school.ETC. I should’ve asked for someone else, but everyone else looked as pissed off as she did: not a happy face to be found.
I tried to tell her what I wanted done with my hair. She said she didn’t understand and would have to ask her instructor: so she yelled ‘EVELYN!!!’ right from the station and then went looking for her while still shouting the name. (she was not the only one doing this btw!!!)
Evelyn came and gave instructions which I understood and then watched in horror as Sarah didn’t follow them. She started pulling my hair away from my head and snipping BEFORE ever going around the bottom to get an even line first. Thus the reason I ended up with uneven hair.
Another student came up and had a whack at my hair, showing Sarah how to cut properly.
Sarah yelled again to summon Evelyn who I TOLD on Sarah to: she said: well she knows what I meant. Well so did I!!! She didn’t even check.
I was astonished.
Evelyn did a few snips around the front, demonstrating how to blend and then handed the scissors back to Sarah, who believed that was it and started blow drying!!!
I could go on, but really it was just more of the same for the entire time. Absolutely horrifying.
I wish I could do a minus star.
One of the things I regret most is that, having worked in the service industry, I find it damn near impossible to leave without tipping.
I left a tip for Sarah: I hope she reads this and understands that it was not because she did a good job, but out of a misplaced sense of obligation.

AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS.
The money you save is not worth it.
A few years ago I had a «senior» student cut and dye my hair. During my time there, she bragged about how good she was and that I was lucky to be getting her services just 2 weeks before she graduated. Haha. The cut was sooo bad. Such choppy layers! Un-​even! It was ridiculous! I’ve literally had a better cut from my boyfriend! (Seriously!!!)
This place is for old italian/​portuguese ladies who have short hair and don’t care what they look like.
**Slowly steps away, into the depths of the food court**