Hair College?

Updated on September 24, 2010
R.. asks from Cleveland, TN
7 answers

I can't afford to go to a "real" hair dresser... but I am in DESPERATE need of a new hairdo! I have fairly thick, very curly (frizzy) hair that reaches down to the small of my back. I usually wear it back in a braid because it is too much to deal with every day. I can make it look good if I want to, but it takes at least 45 minutes, and quite a bit of product. Has anyone ever tried going to a beauty school and letting them cut your hair? On the one hand, I feel like they will TRY to do their best... after all their grades will depend on how it turns out. BUT they don't have much experience... I would rather not go to a super cuts or great clips or anywhere like that... I had a few disastrous hairdos from them. Has anyone had successful (or horrible) experiences with students? Or, if anyone in the Round Rock area WITH CURLS can refer me to a specific hairdresser at one of the cheaper places... I would really appreciate it... I can't spend much more than $25... (I want to get my hair cut in layers... If there is any way to afford it I would also like to add some highlights, but that is most likely going to have to wait...)

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M.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

When you go to a beauty school, you're saying you're willing to be a guinea pig. That's why the school accepts customers. My understanding (I haven't had a beauty school cut for years) is that there is an instructor guiding at all times, but you're not going to get as expert a cut as a pro would give you.

However, if you're really adventurous or really broke, think about giving it a try. Your hair might be a really good challenge for someone! Just think of the good you'd be doing.... :^D

P.S. If it were me, I'd ask around in my neighborhood about the beauty school - to find out if there are any other guinea pigs near me and what they've thought of their cuts.

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B.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I went to Paul Mitchell a few times to cut my hair. I'm picky about it since many many years ago, my hair was butchered by one experienced stylist and burned by another.

They did take very long and that's why I stopped going. There are instructors walking around the floor constantly checking on the students and customers. My sister, my niece and a friend have gone to the same place and have been very satisfied. Plus, if you really like the person you get, you might ask for them later, or get their contact info as they might want to start a client list for themselves. Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from St. Louis on

If you go to a beauty school and ask for someone that has the most hours in/about to graduate does not mean that is what you'll get. I went to beauty school for a month before I dropped out and I witnessed instructors lying to clients about the experience some of the students had just to get them to practice doing hair more. Even if you go to a salon it doesn't mean your going to get a good cut either. In the past year I have had my hair done and my kids at Supercuts, Great Clips and JcPenney. None of them have done a really good job but the best I would say was a JcPenney. I recommend asking your friends, relatives, or neighbors for recommendations.

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L.M.

answers from New York on

We have 2 schools in our area. One I've been going to for several years. I also take my girls there. We usually just get trims. Last time I went I got a cut and changed my style. I love it! They do a great job 90% of the time, and a good job 10% of the time.

The second one in our area, I went to because One was closed. My haircut was not what I had asked for, and I didn't like it. I commented on something and she said "we'll take care of that next time you come in". No way I'm I ever going back there.

I guess just like regular salons, it depends on the shop, as well as the sylist.

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H.H.

answers from New York on

Going to a Cosmetology School for a haircut is NOT saying you are willing to be a guiena pig!! Those students have to go through hundreds of hours of instruction before they are even allowed on the floor (to cut hair). Most of them have been cutting hair for a while and are almost ready to graduate. I've had plenty of good haircuts from students. Just know exactly what you want and bring pictures if you can. My experience has been that the students take longer because they are trying so hard to do their best and really want to please you. They have very knowledgeable instructors on the floor if they happen to need assistance. I would highly recommend going to a beauty school. My local one here is awesome (Capri) but they don't have any where you are. Best of luck!

M.L.

answers from Houston on

I'm a stylist. When you call the school, ask for someone who is about to graduate, to know they are a little more experienced. Or, the newer ones usually have an instructor walking them through it. Just make sure the instructor is present for the consult and in giving good directions.

Or, call around to high end salons... many of them have apprentice programs where licensed newer stylists do hair for very cheap on certain days. Just call and ask if they have a program of the apprentices needing h/c models.

In any case, I've had bad haircuts even at very high end salons, so it's always a gamble!

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C.1.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was in Denver a few years ago, and on a whim went to the Aveda Institude school and got it cut by a student. It was one of the better hair cuts I've ever had and it only cost $10 at the time. BTW...I don't have curly/frizzy hair but it has collicks everywhere so is difficult to work with since it doesn't lay down.

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