Excel Academies Of Cosmetology

Pros: my student was kind and knowledgeable, she was enthusiastic about my crazy ideas, Paul Mitchell products are very good, close to home, parking lot on site.
Cons: the bright color dyes aren’t permanent (5 – 6 washes only. Good for a party, not life with blue hair.) The instructor tried to dissuade me from what I wanted. There isn’t always time that day for services.
My life is hectic. I have a family (including a dog and cat who chase each other), a home, a social life, and a job that operates as «on-​call» all week. I don’t have days off very often. I did yesterday though. I called Excel on recommendation from a friend. (I get parking tickets every time I go downtown, so I thought I’d give it a try.)
I called ahead and was told there was time for me today, a full head dye was $ 35 (like a third of what I typically pay), and that there absolutely was fun, bright colors. While all of this was technically true, it costs more to have each additional color mixed, and the bright colors wash right out. (I had hoped for rainbow hair.) If I’d had more time yesterday, or in my life in general, I’d have bailed and tried somewhere else. BUT I DON’T… I’m the stereotypical super-​busy momma.
So, Aly and I came up with a fun compromise. They do have a bright red that is permanent, so we went with that. It looks good. It’s actually a little more purple or Crimson than red, so I’m glad about that. There was 2 giant ads for «Shine» up in the salon, so we thought about that, but the instructor said no. She seemed under impressed with the product all together. I overheard her talking someone else out of it later also. Why are they advertising a product that the instructors aren’t pushing?
So, the experience was fine. Still, I won’t be headed back soon. I do like the result, but it wasn’t what I wanted. The high rating is because my student was really professional and fun, she’ll be great some day in a salon. Also, no parking ticket today :).

I would not recommend this place at all. I went here for awhile with my mother but now that the place has new management it’s not the same. I had to STAND UP to get my hair cut! I have been to many salons but never been told to stand up to get my hair cut because my hair was «too long.» I thought it was rude and annoying. Not to mention that I’m 3 months pregnant and quit my job because I Can’t stand up for long periods of time! I was upset because I had asked for an EXPERIENCED STUDENT and that’s far from what I got. I just told them to stop and got part of my money back! Your better off paying a little more for someone who knows how to cut hair.

A friend and I went yesterday for facials, manicures and pedicures. It was so disappointing! The student who worked with me didn’t ask any questions about my skin before my facial. She got all frazzled when I told her I had sensitive skin. As for the mani/​pedi, I do more when I do this myself at home. My cuticles weren’t even trimmed and they were in need of it. When the student tried to put flip flops on after my pedi she messed up a nail and just painted over the mess. It looks terrible. But my friend did have a good experience with Laura, who was nice! I suggest asking for a student who is further along in school.