Paul Mitchell The School

I usually only need a trim, but with curly hair this is often trickier than the typical cut. I’ve had mixed results here, but never a horrible experience. Usually, if there’s an issue, the cut is a bit too short or the color washes away too quickly. Nothing major.
There are a few times when the cut &/​or color quite pleased, and I vowed to return to the same stylist. Sadly, the good ones are usually not there on my next appointment, which makes sense since it’s a school aimed at graduation of successful stylists. I refuse to pay the high cost of other salons, so PM fits me just fine. I also like that I can often make a same day appointment or even walk in, & it’s not treated like it’s a huge hassle to squeeze me in. Be prepared for a 2 or 3 hour ordeal, especially if you want them to do a good job. Cannot beat the price, especially in the Vista, so I’ll definitely keep going back !

I’ve gone here several times with mixed results.
This is a school. People are being trained. They are supervised. I’ve been several times to get a haircut. They have 2 levels — Phase One and Phase two– stylists.
Phase one stylists are new and they have a LOT of supervision. They can’t do much without someone’s approval and observation. It does take a while to get your hair cut with a Phase one because they do have to get approval and explain to their supervisor the cut, how they are going to do it etc. They are often shown new techniques by the supervisor actually starting the cut on your hair.
Phase Two stylists have completed phase one with a certain level of client satisfaction and training. They do still need approval but are a little more autonomous. The style is approved before they start cutting and then checked after the cut is completed. It is slightly more expensive to see a phase two stylist.
The problem with this place is that if you do find a stylist you like… they are usually gone by the time you go back. Every time I go I get a different person and you never know how they are going to be with your hair. So if you aren’t too picky and low on cash this might be the place for you. Or if you just need your hair shaped up or trimmed? Sure. Go for it.
If you need a complete style make over? Then I might go somewhere else.
The salon is clean and I like the style of the salon. I love Paul Mitchell products too so that’s a plus for me too.
I’ve had a couple of wonderful experiences here… walking out feeling like I was a super model. I’ve also had a couple of not so great experience here… the cut wasn’t exactly what I asked for, too short sometimes, not enough cut sometimes… the last time I went the cut was good but just a bit shorter than I wanted. What really irked me was that they over booked and my hair was cut in a chair off to the side and I couldn’t see myself in the mirror while it was cut. This REALLY bothered me. I should have said something I guess. It was prom season and all these young girls were there getting their hair done so I definitely don’t recommend going around that time. All the other times I’ve gone this hasn’t been an issue.
So if you are willing to roll the dice and take your chances then you might be pleasantly surprised… or a little disappointed.

Keep in mind this is a SCHOOL. If you’re expecting a quick, perfect haircut, go elsewhere. A student will be cutting your hair, and chances are it will take several hours if you’re going in for more than a trim. But you’ll pay $ 15 for wash, cut, and style. An instructor will keep tabs on you and your stylist. Again, these are students, so have a little grace.

Absolutely do not go here. I would also give this 0 stars if that was an option. While it is inexpensive, the staff is UNTRAINED. They are literally working on getting ther degrees/​certifications. I went in for a partial highlight and my dye job was 100% BOTCHED. I ended up crying and so upset. They somehow convinced me to come back the next day where the problem was only made worse and still made me pay for the chemicals. This happened almost two years ago and I still remember it. I had gone from being a platinum blonde via highlighting and because of this salon, I had to go back to my natural brown hair color.

AWFUL!!! I would give it 0 stars if I could! I had very long hair (almost to my waist) that I decided to cut and donate to Lock for Love. The lady told me that it had to be at least 8 inches so I said ok — next thing you know, she haphazardly cut off over 12 inches. Ok, fine — whatever, I committed to cutting it so I got over that. Then, I told her I wanted layers — well, she definitely did not know what she was doing and when she said she was finished, I looked in the mirror — lo and behold, one side of my hair was at least 3 inches longer than the other. She failed to notice this so she went to get her boss to help fix the mistake. Well, her boss came over with a razor and just started hacking away at my hair. I was at a loss for words so I just paid and left. Over the next week, I got numerous comments about my hir and how it just didn’t look right. Oh, great — I ended up going to another salon to get it fixed. I guess you get what you pay for — I, for one, will NEVER go back to this place. I suggest that you don’t either!