Sassoon Academy UK

The first couple times I came here, I thought my cut was good to great. The third and last time was truly awful. I think it really depends on the supervisor you get. Most recently, I was assigned to the «creative» room with the woman with very black very short hair. My stylist was a salon owner from Finland. He did a real whack job on my hair and I’ve waited 3+ months just so it will grow out so another stylist can fix it. This place can potentially be a fantastic value, but it’s just very hit or miss.

I used to frequent the Vidal Sassoon academies as a student, but it has been a few years since I last had an image overhaul with them so I was a little bit nervous. I had no reason to be though!
I spoke to the Sassoon supervisor and my stylist, a young British guy at the academy to learn advanced techniques and precision, and went through my style, a few ideas of what I might like to achieve, and the fact that I am low maintenance! I think it is definitely necessary to be fairly open minded if coming to the academy for a cut — they know what they are talking about and you will leave looking like a model! On the other hand, that does also mean a statement look, so be brave and carry it with confidence!
They never really know quite how many students in a class might want to practice colour on a given day, but I was lucky enough to have colour as well as a cut, and left the salon very happy with a cute jaw length bob undercut at the back in a gorgeous mink/​taupe colour (a violet-​brunette) with grey sections flashing through from underneath! I’ve had the cut for nearly a week and am still very happy with it =D
All this for only £12 (5 if you’re a student)! I’ve always had a good experience with the stylists and Sassoon staff — I know there can be times where there are language barriers but I’ve always been fine. Also, it does take a large chunk of time, so if you are going then be prepared to dedicate half your day. Totally worth it though!

If you are feeling adventurous, Sassoon Academy is a great place for an inexpensive haircut, especially at a student rate of a mere £5. When I booked an appointment over the phone, the receptionist asked if I wanted a «creative» or «classic» cut. I opted for «classic,» but when I arrived, there was a considerable queue for the «classic» cuts. The receptionist asked if I was willing to «be open with my hair» for a shorter wait (aka «creative» cut), so I said, «Sure, why not?» The key here is being flexible!
At Sassoon Academy, you and other clients are the models for a class of stylists, about 3 groups of 4 students, each group supervised by a Sassoon instructor. The instructors and very friendly, professional, and attentive to their students. They also have really great and creative ideas for cuts! I have short, fine, dark Asian hair, which made my instructor even comment, «This is difficult hair.» I felt bad for my stylist, but the instructor was there to guide her every step of the way. In the end, I think we both got a lot out of the cut: her, a new experience, and me, a fresh new haircut!
To have a great experience at Sassoon Academy, be open to new ideas and patient with your time. It does take a very long time (3 hours for mine), but in the end, I believe the price and fabulous haircut are worth it!

I’ve been here twice so far to get my hair coloured. Each time both the teachers and students have been absolutely lovely. They did a great job on my hair despite it being a difficult request. I will definitely keep returning here. The cost is so cheap compared to a standard salon. I only paid £25 for a bleach and tint. I’ve literally saved a fortune.

+ Very poor quality, not recommended
One line summary is, I regret going to this place. If you want to try low-​budget haircut with a trainee, I would recommend Toni & Guy Academy instead.
I have tried a similar haircut at Toni & Guy Academy and had a very pleasant experience. So I decided to try Vidal Sassoon Academy too. The idea is the same. You get cheap haircut because you will be attended by one of the trainees at the academy. It takes about double the time compared to normal haircut at a salon because the trainees will consult with the supervisor at each step. At Toni & Guy, the person who did my hair had already worked as a hairdresser but was in some sort of retraining at the academy. I don’t know about Vidal Sassoon.
I waited with all the other customers at the reception, about 20 or so people who volunteered for the haircut for a fee of 12 quid. I was still left in the room when everyone else was gone to their assigned rooms. I reminded the person at the counter, who then made a few calls. After 10 more minutes or so of waiting, I was finally shown to the large room with the other trainees and customers. The person who did my hair was clearly nervous, and admitted that he «didn’t know i was cutting today». He was very shy and it was clear that he had little previous experience dealing with customers. I suspect they over booked. I almost felt bad for the trainee but I was already there and paid so I wasn’t going nowhere. I explained roughly what I had in mind, essentially a maintenance job of my medium long hair, keep overall form as is, cut no longer than 1 inch, thin out the volume. We discussed the direction and he consulted the instructor about my wish and the technical aspects on how to achieve that.
All the way during the haircut, he looked very, very nervous, almost afraid of cutting hair. He would spend very long time making a section of hair, hesitate to cut, and then put the hair back and make a new section again. At one point, the instructor got pissed off and told him off in front of everyone. It was a little bit awkward. But then, that is not the worst part. The main problem is he somehow chopped off my sides and back drastically. Now my ears are completely exposed, my neck feels cold against winter breeze. Luckily, the top and fringe were left long-​ish so I can potentially recover after this. But he cut the fringe completely square. (In other words, every strip of hair in the same length. Read, lame.) We were the last one to finish after everyone else was long gone. It took about 3 ½ hour in total.
This haircut is A) not remotely close to what I asked for and B) looks very ugly. I look like some pathetic peasant in wartime japan. I also noticed later on that there are some long hair sticking out from back and one side so I trimmed it myself.
Once again, I deeply regret coming to Vidal Sassoon. It is a school but I judged the risk was small because my previous experience with Toni & Guy Academy was very positive. It turned out to be an absolute nightmare. I will never go back to Vidal Sassoon. I will wear a hat at all times from now on. I immediately booked another haircut (Not here, of course) to fix this dreadful hair.
To qualify my experience somewhat, I believe there is an element of luck as all the other trainees looked fine and finished way before mine.

I love this place. Back when I was a timid student I kept meaning to get along here but I never did. Finally 2 years on after graduating bored of expensive shoddy haircuts I decided to bite the bullet be independent and see what Sassoon had to offer. Yes it’s £12, but you’re getting a Sassoon cut, they often do deals and 3 haircuts in and you get one free. So no complaining.
I’ve been here twice now and both times I had the same supervisor (who remembered me which was nice). There’s a lot of waiting around so on my second visit I was sure to take magazines and an extra battery to charge my phone.
The supervisors are really knowledgeable, they ask what you’re looking for but also advise you on what shapes/​angles suit your face etc. Each client is individual so each hair cut is individual. It’s not just text book get the clippers out.
And from there you let the magic happen. Yes you have to sit straights throw your hair in different angles. But it’s really interesting hearing them talk so mathematically about your hair or head shape. My first visit took 4 hours my second 3 so book with plenty of time and known that you have to be patient. The second time I went I literally said to them ‘do what you like I trust you.’ (Already knowing how great the supervisor was) they are very meticulous. And check every length and strand of hair and cut.
I think what I also like is they are training people who have cut hair before, who have worked in a Salon and have come to learn the techniques and skills of Sassoon so you’re not gonna get any shakey hands and there is some knowledge behind them already.
I highly recommend it to everyone. The only but I do get a bit confused about sometimes is phoning up and what department etc so to be safe I always call 48 academy rather than 56, but I always get sent over to 56 in the end.

I was directed to come here to get a haircut from Vidal Sasson Academy for £12. Your heard it right! £12! Only if you dare to let a supervise student stylist cut your hair for learning training purposes and time is not of essence. I had some reservations at the beginning but I remembered I was once a healthcare trainee before so I know how important it is to have hands on experience and people who are willing to be your client. On the day of my appointment, I went in armed with a picture of the hairstyle I wanted and enthusiasm. I discussed my choice with the student stylist along with the teacher, they made suggestions and I made the final decision. Long chops and small snips here and there and little chit chat in between (approximately 2 hours)…whallla!!! Looking really good!!! I was impressed of the outcome! Classic bob with style!!! So happy to have done it. Not only did I save money, I also helped someone learn and feel good about their skills. Everyone wins.
The service I received included: shampoo, little head massage and blow dry for £12 in Vidal Sasson Hair salon. I would have given in 5 stars but the student was more focused on cutting and styling than customer service. I did come out with snippets of hair itching my face and neck as he forgot to brush it off. Perhaps it is part of the learning curve. Still I am happy as a clam with my brand new «Do»

I first came to Vidal when I had hit a wall in how to have my hair. After a good chat with the stylist, we worked out something new and different for me and after the prerequisite hair wash and condition, she set about doing it, and I have been a fan ever since.
I must say from the off that having your hair cut here is not a cheap affair, but the attention to detail in cut and style here is second to none. My stylist nailed the fine balance of spending enough time on the cut for it to be really good without it taking forever and me getting fed up. Even when my hair grows out a little, it still keeps it’s shape and style.
If you are not on a budget or want a special haircut as a one-​off, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Brook St Vidal Sassoon Men’s Salon. I have not been to the unisex salon on South Molton Street, but judging by the immaculate hair of my girlfriend of a few years back, they do an amazing job as well.