Save Money On Your Hair With Beauty Schools!

I know I've talked about getting my hair colored and styled at beauty schools in the past, but after using these services for nearly 3 years now, I feel like I have gained enough insight to write a new, more in-depth post about my experiences. The good, bad, and everything in between is below so if that sounds interesting to you keep scrolling!

I've been going to the Paul Mitchell beauty school in Costa Mesa, CA since June 2016 to get my hair colored and cut. I love being blonde, but the upkeep of maintaining golden locks when you have naturally dark hair can be very costly. On average, people pay anywhere from $150-$200 on root touchups at typical salons, and getting highlights or balayage can be double that. If you are like me and going in every 6-8 weeks, that adds up so quick! I actually came across the Paul Mitchell school when I did a hair modeling gig there (yearsss ago), and thought I would try it out to see if it was worth it to save some dough. 3 years later and I'm still a loyal customer!

What To Expect

You are paired up with either a phase 1 or phase 2 student. Phase 2 are the more advanced students, however you will pay higher fees with them. You'll sit down and explain with the student what you are wanting, and from there the teacher will come over and confirm with the student what the course of action is, and will help them mix any dye if necessary. They will also write out for you on a board at the station what you are having done, approximately how long it will take, a range of costs (for dyes sometimes you may need more which can affect the cost), and recommendations for products you may like. The teacher checks in sporadically, but mostly it is just you and the student. You will even get a nice blowout or style once your hair is done! 

The Good

- The Paul Mitchell beauty school I've been to is very updated, modern, and chic, and pics of others I've seen have a similar aesthetic. You definitely don't feel like you are in a discount salon!

​- Teachers confirm all work with the student before they start, and are often checking in to see how the progress is going which makes the whole process feel more knowledgeable and secure.

- You still get a nice drink or hot beverage while you are getting your hair done!

- Paul Mitchell makes higher quality salon products that the students use on your hair, and they often have discounts going on at the salon so you can buy them to take home.

- I love that I get my hair styled with a blow out because they last for nearly a week!

- The prices are a FRACTION of what you spend at a normal salon.

The Bad

- Despite having a teacher monitor the progress, you are still having your hair primarily done by a student who has little to no experience. Mistakes may happen!

- Along with learning salon skills, these students are also learning professional skills so you may get bonked with a hair dryer here or there.

- Students are rotating between phases and eventually graduate from the program so you can't always stay with your favorite who does your hair just right.

- Because they are a school with classroom time, they can't always accommodate all types of services during their salon hours (i.e. I can only come in the mornings to get my hair done because they don't have the students long enough in the afternoon to get it done)

Cost

So you are probably wondering...how much does she pay to get her hair done already?? Well, on average I pay only around $50 to get my hair done! This may go up or down depending on if I need a hair cut, or if I waited longer than usual and they had more growth to cover up. But that is a DRASTIC difference from hundreds of dollars! For me it is totally worth the time and *slight* anxiety to get my hair done at a beauty school.

Aside from hair services, they also provide a variety of barbering, waxing, and skin treatments! I've only ever gone for hair, but I'm itching to give one of their facials a try. I'll report back once I do! Paul Mitchell has beauty schools all over the US, so if you if you are interested in checking them out for yourself you can find a location here: paulmitchell.edu 

I'd love to hear about your own beauty school experiences, so feel free to leave a comment below or send a message!