Gene Juarez Academy – North Seattle

Awful!!! My husband permed his hair (at a different salon) to add texture and then came here to get a light trim. He wanted a specific haircut and had pictures as well. He said the student was going towards the right direction with the look and then the instructor came and practically shaved everything off. He’s not a picky person but he said never again here. The instructor also cut the side of his face so the haircut was free but it’s not even worth it.
Don’t have high expectations so that you won’t walk out being disappointed.

I have gone to the Academy three times now for various services and have had a great experience! Kristian did an excellent job on my color and I will definitely be going back! Yes, it does take longer as the students are learning, but I love the price and the fact that the instructors are there to oversee.

I have been there twice and had better experiences than I have had at regular salons. The instructors give excellent advice and instruction to the students. The students obviously have great training prior to working on clients.

I always get my hair done here. Recent got a balayage by Zeeland shadowed by her instructors Nicole and Melody. I absolutely love love love love it!!! Everyone’s been complimenting on how beautiful it looks. She did an amazing job. The staff is so nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend coming here. Who doesn’t love amazing hair and a great price :)

Great experience to done my hair today. I did hair color, highlight and treatment for my hair. Hair cut was free with hair color service. It took 2hrs to finish and my charge was $ 37.50 only. Great deal!
After everything done, plz check your back your hair. I saw hair dye over my neckline. I asked a lady to clean up. I’m glad to checkout before I leave.

I am soooo pleased with my experience yesterday I had to share here.
I had kind of a tough morning before I came in. It really didn’t matter. MIRIAM was there with her easy attitude and positivity. I really appreciate her. Sometimes all it takes is a nice person. But she put me at ease.
But she’s talented too! I have super long hair and I’m always scared to do anything besides a all over color and trim. She added a partial foil with a toner. My hair now has fantastic dimension. She was also mindful of not taking too much of my hair off and for that I’m grateful. Thank you for your attention to detail.
I have been here on several other occasions, but this visit was a standout. Ask for MIRIAM until she graduates in September. You will receive a great care of your coif and cheerfulness. I’ll be back! Cheers

Remember — -this is a beauty school for beginners, Gene Juarez is not there!!! A beginner will do your stuff. It may look like a first project. Price is right, courtesy is right, products a crap shoot. My stylist (student) said that the right ‘product’ will fix the do!

Affordable prices. Instructors double check their work. Also don’t be afraid to say what you want or don’t like they are learning that’s the point! I saw Jazmine today she did a great job on my hair cut.
My only recommendation is if you are looking for a fast service don’t come here it’s not for you. These guys and gals are trying to learn and some can even be nervous plus instructors take time as well added on top of your hair service. The instructors check different parts of the work so come with patience and help them out so they are ready for being a salon with real clients.

Love this place and always go here! Their prices are very affordable and they always do my hair nicely. I’ve had my colors, cuts, highlites, and updos done here– they were all great! They take their time talking you through what you want done. The instructors are the sweetest and most helpful. Definitely recommend (plus the prices are unbeatable) :)

One of the stylists at Gene Juarez in Bellevue gave me a postcard for a complimentary haircut at the Academy, and since I needed a trim, I figured I’d try it out.
The stylist I had carefully went through everything I wanted done with my hair, which was to cut four inches off, while maintaining my long layers and framing around my face. She would go over everything with an instructor, which was good because it reaffirmed what I was getting done. I could tell she was still learning how to cut hair, and it was nice to see that the instructor came over three times, to make sure that all was going well and would offer to help her if she had any questions and such. It was overall a good experience.
The only negative is that they don’t give you a massage during the wash and conditioning like at GJ, but that’s not so much of a big deal as long as my hair turned out as planned.
For a trim/​cut, I would come back here, especially because it’s only 14 bucks versus the 50 bucks I’d pay at GJ.

Love Gene Juarez Academy for getting my hair did! The new location is chic and sophisticated, the stylists get the job done. Although old location was closer to where I live, the beautiful space and décor of the new location makes it totally worth the commute.
I have gotten my hair cut, highlights with bleach foil technique and conditioning treatments done. I have had various students work on my hair, and most of them have been pleasant and professional. My favorite student who did a great job was Samantha, who already graduated in 2014.
I have been happy with my experiences here. I arrive and check in at the front desk. The waiting area has delicious market spice tea that I enjoy each time. There is even a storefront with all kinds of beauty products for purchase. I always replenish my Redken goods on the way out. Students are well trained to take you back, do a short consultation, and then discuss with the instructor before and after they work on your hair.
I have only had one negative experience here when I came in for a trim a few years ago and I got a student who was very unengaged in the service. Her name was Jasmine. She shampooed my hair with one hand and seemed to be making no effort. When I sat down for the cut, she almost seemed bored and I was worried she would screw up my ‘do. I was thinking to myself at least my hair is long and it is just a trim, if she messes up I could always get it fixed. Fortunately her cut turned out fine and I was relieved for that experience to be over.
Prices are super cheap, especially compared to the other high end salons in Seattle. The appointments are longer since it is the school. I have been here about an hour for hair cut or conditioning treatment and 3 – 4 hours for foil highlights.
Overall a good experience and value. Will definitely be coming back soon to get beautified and pampered.

After reading the reviews, I figured… what the hell… if they mess up a hair cut, it’ll grow back.
Was genuinely pleased with the cut and blow out and sweet Callie who did my hair.
Will def. be going back for some purple streaks.
The price is right and it was a pleasant experience.

ASK FOR STEPHANIE F! I went in for a cut and she was very knowledgeable about the damaged condition of my hair, gave me a shampooing that made my hair feel amazing (I ended up purchasing that same shampoo and my hair feels better than it ever has!)
She listens well to instruction and followed exactly what I asked for. She was able to make some small suggestions to help me in my choice of cut, without being pushy.
She held great conversation throughout, followed all of the correct procedures and methods. I was extremely satisfied with how my hair turned out, and the advice I received.
I will go back to see her again when I need anything done with my hair. I completely trust her. I will even go see her after she graduates from the academy.
If you see this Stephanie, Thank you SO much for the great job! See you soon!

Seriously, people ask me all of the time where I get my hair cut, and the only place I go to is the Gene Juarez Academy. I trust the students and the instructors with my hair and never experienced a bad haircut here. For the price it is the best place to go to plus it is down the street from my condo. It might take a little be longer in comparison to other salons but totally worth it!

I went in yesterday, called at 10:30ish AM and had booked an appointment for 12:30PM same day.
I really needed a hair cut.
It was only $ 14 for the hair cut, which was cheaper than both Aveda and Ulta for me. Despite my 20 minute wait, the service was great. I loved my student stylist Tripley, she was SO sweet and I really was able to talk to her, get exactly what I wanted, and she was super hospitable. She brought me tea, and helped teach me a few new tricks I didn’t even know! As well as letting me know my hair texture, and the condition it was in (pretty healthy once we took off 2″).
I got a lot of compliments from various students and instructors. I just felt really welcomed and the parking was great!
The only reason I docked a point off was for the wait time without the front desk even letting me know. I wasn’t expecting to wait over 10 minutes.

They called that morning to say that they had to reschedule my daughter’s appointment, so our appointments would not be at the same time. We booked over a month in advance. I called back and they said they could schedule her with someone else at 11:00. Then her stylist came out and said she was running late, so they scheduled her with Chevelle. She then waited 35 minutes for her appointment, (we never get in on time). She washed her hair in cold water, didn’t even rub in the conditioner, and was acting very rushed, and rude, like it was a big inconvenience for her. She was supposed to get a supervisor to check before cutting, she couldn’t find one, so she went ahead anyway. She didn’t style her hair after the cut, didn’t ask. This was the worst experience we have ever had. The manager emailed me, but didn’t appear to really care, and assumed we’d be back. My family will never go back here again. Very unprofessional.

As someone who styles her hair maybe twice a year, I do not need an expensive haircut. With that being said, Ten Pachi recently raised their prices which prevented me from returning despite my awesome experience.
Enter Gene Juarez Academy – the student stylist gets some experience, and I get a super cheap haircut that’s still managed by a certified instructor. Sweet! I knew this could only go well as I never need anything fancy, just a 2 – 3 inch trim. And guess what? It was pretty spectacular.
There were a few awkward moments where the stylist yanked on the brush too hard or walked away to find her instructor without informing me, but all were completely forgivable and not a big deal by any means. I would caution that because this is a learning experience for the student stylist, it does take a bit longer – the whole process took me about 50 minutes I believe, which was completely fine with me.
I will definitely be returning!

I went in for another service today scalp treatment and hair cut my stylist Michelle was amazing she did a great job probably one of my favorite hair cut I’ve ever gotten love it ! Definitely will go back to see her again soon !
Btw She is one of those stylist that actually do what you want !!!
I didn’t know they offer scalp treatment too!!! it’s only $ 10 everywhere else I called charge $ 40+ for it
Highly recommend to do scalp treatment it’s like facial for your scalp once your scalp is healthy your hair grow faster and healthier! Best part is that it feels amazing !!!

As a newly funemployed girl, I tried to cut down on all my expenses. My mom’s birthday was last month and I knew she had been wanting to do some highlight and color for her hair, so I booked her an appointment here and paid for it. At $ 80 for all over color and partial foil, I thought it was more than reasonable. Unfortunately this was one of those expenses not worth cutting down on, apparently.
My mom’s appointment was estimated at 4 hours (whoah!), so we scheduled it on her day off. It ended up being a bit over 6 hours. Yes, SIX hours. My mom has short hair that barely reaches her shoulders. That was a complete waste of time because the student stylist basically just colored my mom’s hair its natural color and then added dark brown highlights that are barely visible. We were surprised and disappointed when we saw my mom walk out looking exactly the same as she did walking in, SIX HOURS LATER.
Needless to say, it was a huge waste of time :(I feel partially to blame because I feel like I should’ve waited to talk to the student stylist at the start of the appointment. Some things might have gotten lost in translation as English is not my mom’s native language (but she’s fluent enough to communicate well at work), but she said she wasn’t consulted on colors and wasn’t presented with color choices at all. The student stylist assumed she wanted her natural hair color and asked if she preferred dark brown or light brown highlights. This seems overly simplistic and not remotely reflective of the experience one would get at an actual Gene Juarez salon. My mom said that the student stylist seemed clueless and lost throughout the entire experience, contributing to the lengthy process (and additional 2 hours).
No, I don’t recommend Gene Juarez Academy for hair services. You’re much better off splurging or going to Aveda Institute.

This location is straight from the future. Clean, polished, busy and professional. The Cosmotologist who styled Lorilei’s hair named Athena and her instructor Elena did a fantastic job. The care and planning for the style she requested showed that the educational experience received here were way above the treatment expected at a school. Just being shown a photograph of the style (Kim Novak in Vertigo) wanted was all it took. The price and quality guarantees that we will be returning. Happy Wife, Happy Life!

I came here with my mom to try it out, lured in by their $ 10 hair cut summer special. And since it wasn’t much more for other treatments — pedicure and paraffin dip — I decided to also spring for that too.
Pros:
Suuper friendly beauticians (?). It really helped pass the 2 – 3 hrs spent there. I also felt really taken care of — he’d ask me how I felt if he had to adjust my position, there were disposable flip flops for post-​pedicure. I think this could vary from person to person, depending on their attention to detail
Cons:
Quality of service. Meh. For the pedicure, I felt like I could have done my own nails at home better. The haircut (donated) looked a bit choppy at the end. I ended up taking some thinning scissors to it at home to try and get the shape right. My mom’s haircut also seemed a little lacking. She went out and got a perm about a week afterwards to fix it.
I’d only recommend it if you’re strapped for cash.

This place deserves more credit than Unilocal reviews are giving them. Bored with my hair and wanting some color, my relatives told me to check this place out because of their affordable services. They did warn me I will be there double the time of a professional salon. Partly because they have to consult their instructor every time they do almost anything (good thing!).
I was able to secure a same day reservation just 4 hours later (on a Monday) for highlighting. I was lucky enough to get someone who was about to graduate and had her ceremony the weekend before.
Here are some tips going in:
–Bring a picture (it would be SUPER helpful to them)
–Keep expectations low (this way you won’t be disappointed)
–Be patient (be prepared to be there for awhile. Haircuts last 2 hours)
I actually finished 45 – 60 minutes earlier than my projected time but I was there long enough to observe some people come and go. One lady next to me was getting a hair cut and the person helping her really tried to satisfy her. I felt bad because she was being very nit picky about things and even wanted her hair curled in the front at the end. When she did curl her hair for her, she decided to try to curl it herself since she wanted it more voluminous.
Anyway, besides my hair smelling the lingering scent of the dye, I love that my highlights look natural and not tiger streaks/​stripes. They did seem to run out of colors (or so they were saying to other people).
Great service– instructor was friendly and always came around to ask me if I wanted more magazines or anything to drink!
**I have lots of hair but a full head of highlights costed me $ 65+tip.

Went in to get a haircut. I typically go to the Salon itself but since my sister is soon starting the academy, I figured I’d get a quick cut and save some money.
I appreciate that when you walk in the front desk tries to recreate the experience you’d have at the salon with getting you a seat and showing you to the tea/​coffee/​water station.
I was quickly greeted by my stylist and we began. The haircut was fine and the instructor cleaned up some of thw cut, but nothing alarming. My blow out could have been much better though. The stylist didn’t have a strong grip with drying wavy hair straight so my hair was poofy and frizzed. Nothing major I couldn’t fix at home, but I wouldn’t have gone anywhere as is.
Cut was $ 14. You get a decent cut and style and they’re always happy to make sure you’re satisfied!

So, I’ve started bleaching my hair. A LOT. Hence breakage and less than lustrous ends which need to be trimmed often. Both of the salons I happen to love right now charge around $ 65 for a cut.
«But it’s just a trim,» I protested, «A little dead-​end dusting. Two snips.»
$ 65.
Seriously… :(
And that’s how I rediscovered the Gene Juarez Academy. Its new location in Mountlake Terrace is clean, spacious and really cheap. The grown up version of Gene Juarez will cost you $ 50+ for cuts and $ 100+ for color. At the Academy you can get your hair washed, cut and blown out for $ 14. Highlights start at $ 45.
You’re not going to get a glass of bubbly (try water out of a paper cup) or a luxurious head massage, but that’s a small price to pay when you’re paying such a small price.

I have been here probably 10 times and use a senior student most times if possible. Unlike Gary Manuel, you can’t ask for a senior student over the phone which sucks.
I have gotten a bleach and tone many times here and they have done a great job. I have natural level 7 out of 10 lightness as it is so it’s not as complicated to lift to a 10 on me as it would be from going from dark brown for instance.
Recently I have been getting a full or partial foil natural blonde. Only once have they needed to re-​do my hair and it was because half my head looked highlight and the other for some reason wasn’t so I came back to the same girl and they fixed it right away.
They offer a frequent customer program with points. They used to have a stamp card so now that’s gone.
The facility is new and in a great location if you want to watch a movie right after at cinnabar.
Sometimes the front desk is very helpful and professional and some front desk people are less useful.
Walk in are technically welcome but I always make appointment.
They offer basic manicures to but no facials etc.