Academy of Beauty Salon

Prices are great but not all the students are. Always a hit or miss. If you find a good one then stick with them until they graduate!
Pros– price, free 1 hr parking off Cardiff (used to be 2 hours)
Cons– Saturday morning wait times are ridiculous. They should seriously consider scheduling students on Saturdays like mandatory every other Saturdays.
I arrived this morning at 8:45 for a flat iron and trim (shoulder length hair was freshly washed and blow-​dried). Was seated at 10:15. At 12:15 Geno (sp?) still wasn’t done with my hair but I was crazy late so I just got up, got my refund for the trim and left. Had to finish the top of my hard myself! SMDH #fail

I have been getting my hair colored and styled at the Academy of Beauty Salon for about a year now, every six weeks or so, at the suggestion of a friend. I am not sure what took me so long to get there, but I’m glad I did. I have had a different student every time, and I have not had a bad color job yet. The biggest thing to remember is that you may have to wait, as it is first come first serve. Today I walked in at 9:45am (they take their first clients at 10) was the third person in line, and was sitting in a student’s chair by 10:15. But today I want to give a plug for the facials that they offer at the Academy, for which they do take reservations. This afternoon I had my third facial and I was so surprised I was the only one in the room. It’s $ 30 for a basic, one hour facial (before gratuity) and so far all three of my facials have been relaxing and left my skin looking nice, and the students giving them were friendly, professional and knew what they were doing. There are additional treatments available for just a few dollars more (anti-​aging, vitamin C, acne, etc) and they use Murad and Dermalogica products. Supervisors are nearby should the student have a question and need confirmation on an assessment. They do extractions if needed. Bear in mind this is not a spa environment by any means. The facial beds are all in one communal room (lights dimmed), but there are private restrooms for changing into a robe. The beds are comfortable and you’ll be asked if you would like an extra blanket. You’ll receive all the wonderful facial elements at a deeply discounted price. You’ll get a hand massage while your mask is drying and several hot-​towel treatments during the hour. I just had to share this info so more of you could enjoy the facials at the Academy of Beauty Salon!

I had an unpleasant experience from a recent visit to The Academy of Beauty to share with you. I found your school online via your website
. I sent 3 emails to the owner Mr. Tim Nguyen and never heard a response so I thought I would share my experience from August 2015 on Unilocal.
On Wednesday, August 26 at around 2:30 I took my daughter to get her hair done (wash, blow dry and flat ironed) at your establishment; Academy of Beauty LA. While waiting, for my daughter, I decided to get my hair done as well. I had taken out my braids and had a very tightly coiled Afro. I was just going to have it braided again but I decided I could treat myself and get it done.
Please be advised, I am an African American female with course shoulder length hair and my daughter is bi-​racial with medium length hair.
My daughter was seen within 5 minutes. Yet, I had to wait over an hour and a half before being attended by one of your students. Four people came into your establishment after me. Three out of the four customers were men who wanted simple haircuts. The receptionist along with me noticed no students were coming forward to do my hair. See, I knew what the deal was but I didn’t say anything but kept smiling. She told them that «a wash and flat iron was still waiting» on the intercom. Another twenty minutes passed and the receptionist finally asked a young white woman, Chelsea to do my hair. She said OK because asking in front of me she had to say yes. I noticed two female students clocked out and left while I was still waiting for service. Could either of them have done my hair? The manager/​instructor (older Latina woman) showed absolutely no leadership skills in making the students step up to do my hair. It was truly appalling! If your students are not up to the task of doing everyone’s hair who comes through the door, then maybe they should not be on the floor.
So I started to really get upset over your students’ mistreatment towards me. Yet, I was patient and maintained a friendly composure. Although my family resides in Culver City, I am a former Magistrate for the Commonwealth of Virginia so I am not just some black woman; dressed down in jeans and a t-​shirt. I don’t play the race card for every slight but when I see racism or discrimination I call it out. Because you are the owner Mr. Nguyen, you needed to be made aware of my experience. The students must be trained to attend to all the clients regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and hair texture. This behavior exposes you to be sued because of students who representing you are discriminating against black women with natural hair. At least they discriminated against me. Unfortunately the 4 people who came after me had to wait as well because they could not take them ahead of me. But after Chelsea took me back, all the people waiting were seen immediately except for one and she was called back not too long after my hair was being blow dried. Was I not supposed to notice?
I did have lots of virgin new growth. And when the time comes to get it done again, it will not be at your school. I have never been treated in this manner at a beauty salon or beauty school. My daughter was pleased and the young man who did her hair was fabulous. But again, I am not feeling good about how I was treated at all. These students need to be told and educated on how to work on all textures of hair. They should be taught, how to professionally acknowledge, service and treat all the customers with respect and dignity regardless of race. They should not be able to pick and choose which client they will take. They as students should not have that luxury. It is illegal anyway. The overwhelming majority were Latinas. As I said, I was still friendly throughout my entire visit. And upon saying goodbye to the morning manager, she apologized to me for the wait. That confirms, she and everybody else noticed my mistreatment; which was embarrassing. I left devastated though no one would know it. I kept a very professional demeanor. I then had to explain to my daughter what happened at The Academy of Beauty and the subtle manner in which your students discriminated against me. She was given a firsthand account of racism well at work in our country.
I cannot sit by and tolerate or accept this kind of treatment. You are no longer Los Angeles’ best kept secret. The secret is out.

I just graduated in March, I remember when I started looking for Esthetician programs I couldn’t really find any reviews. So I’m making a review to help any one out. I just want to say first off the staff is amazing (day) Alicia, Fe and Shinashi went above and beyond to see that we were prepared for the state board and actually taught us way more then just the basics. You will learn a little of everything. Fe has been in the industry for so long and is an amazing Esthetician as well as Shinashi. She is the reason I really feel comfortable with sales and extractions. This isn’t a corporation it’s a local business. Tim, the owner is awesome he knew everyone by name and he worked with me to make sure I could accomplish my goals. This industry is make it or break it. You have to come hungry and with a passion and they will lead you down the right path. It’s nothing fancy but they will give you the tools to succeed if you do your part. I’m so thankful that I came to this school.
–Former Student
–Licensed and employed Esthetician

HORROR STORY experience.
It went like this.
I request an Ombré. I have a picture.
First girl royally screws it up, uses wrong bleach (two weak), is not supervised.
Second girl (this is four hours later) OVER bleaches my hair, completely ruining the bottom four inches of my hair. Is supervised by two different people, different than the first girl. Basically no one is over seeing my hair.
TWO supervisors come over to fix my hair, do a totally mediocre job.
By this time, I’m been in the chair for 6 hours! I’m thirsty, I’m hungry (they don’t have any water in the building) and my ass is ridiculously sore.
After the fix, its so late (8:30pm) that the toner-​cabinet is locked and the only toner they have is ash-​blond. So they proceed to turn my hair grayish. It looks like shit, they recommend I come back the next day.
I come back the next day (completely utter effing hastle) and the re-​tone my hair.
It looks mediocre, not terrible, but there is still a fat line on my hair between my natural hair and the bleach, which is NOT am ombré, an ombré is supposed to fade.
I will not lie, this was literally a traumatic experience. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS.
To top all of this off, they were not remotely apologetic. NO ONE APOLOGIZED TO me for making me sit in a chair for over nine hours (total) and go through four (4!!!) processes to achieve a completely mediocre result.
They should have refunded me the $ 45, because they did not supervise their students and clearly don’t give a shit about clients. Being a beauty school does not take away your responsibility to have basic customer service. I paid, and they basically put me through hell.

Took my mom for a perm and it came out beautiful! I had a facial while I waited and the staff was so knowledgeable and my face was glowing afterwards! Great experience. Thank you!

This school is an older set up, it’s a nice size and in a nice neighborhood with plenty of things to do while waiting for your turn. The administrator seems really nice, he’s helpful and knowledgeable.
Alexis is the star of the flat iron skill, she handles it like a maestro, she’s soft with her touch and her mannerism and professionalism is on point.
The prices here are good as well. They play music while the students are on the floor. A relaxed environment. Perfect for a day of pampering.

My first time here. I showed up at 8:45am, they estimated a 2 hour wait. I paid, walked back home, they called my cell at 10:30am and I came back. Very efficient!
I saw Manny. He was great!
I grow my hair super long and then donate it every 2 – 3 years. So it’s in the awkward length stage now. And I have no idea what to do with it. He fixed it up and made it look great! I’ll definitely be back here.

After my horrible experience at the Carlton Hair in Santa Monica I was dying to find a place I could go and do my highlights whenever my friend wasn’t in LA.
I am not a huge fan to pay lots of $$$ for something that it is so simple and my wallet was more than happy to get highlights and haircut for $ 52!!!
It had been more than 7 months since my last highlights… I’m happy to say I am more than happy to have heard of Academy of Beauty. My hair is very thin (due to my Nordic roots) and the texture is something that most of the hair dresses haven’t seen which makes it difficult for them to work on (at least this is what I feel).
Cannot wait to try their facial treatments.
Definitely going back in 3 months to do my roots again!

Going Purple it is, step one Bleach.
Yes yes and more.
So greatful for your Stylist & School, accommodations and all for Supporting and Participating in Sienna’s Shear A-​Thon Event.
For those who may have heard or not read yet.

FundMe Page:
Cheers Sienna’s Helping Hand

The students here are really on point here… at least the ones who are close to finishing. Janine gave we a facial that was close to the best that I’ve ever had without the cost$$$$. I would recommend the services here, even though the parking is a pain. Make sure you ask for Janine, she is on here way to being a «Super Star Esthetician»

Great school! People that are bitching about the quality of services can stuff it. YOU ARE GETTING SERVICES PERFORMED AT A SCHOOL FOR DIRT CHEAP! If you want consistent salon results, go to a salon an pay for salon quality work. Getting worked on by students comes with a risk. They are learning! Yeesh.

So I recently stumbled upon the Academy of Beauty in Culver City while walking to the movies. I took down the number, called, and was able to schedule an appointment the next day. I showed up and was kindly greeted at the door by the front desk attendant who was great. She could tell I was nervous and did what she could to calm me down. I’ve been having some serious skin issues that have become very costly.
I was placed with Amy who is nearing the end of her studies at the academy. She is great. Hands down one of the best I’ve had and I’ve gotten facials literally all over the world. She is knowledgeable, friendly, and goes the extra distance to make sure you’re getting the best experience possible. Since starting with her (I’ve seen her twice in about 7 days and recommended 5 or so people), my skin has improved drastically. Both of my sessions so far have included instruction from Ms. May (?). Make sure she’s there when you go. Ask for Amy and make sure Ms. May is working.
The prices are great and it’s refreshing to be seen by people who are still excited for what they do.
See you soon guys!
John Anthony

Pros: The students were pleasant and did a great job on my face.
Cons: Very bad customer service. My friend made an appt for 4 friends (out of towners) to get a facial. We arrived on time to find out they only had 3 students available. Even though, they initially gave us an option to wait for the 4^th student, they then revoked that option and told us 3 had to go now which would have left one person to go by them self or else we would all lose out spots. How rude is that especially when we had a reservation for 4, not 3. Obviously appointments don’t matter and we will not going back… Customer service is key!

Sigh. It’s with a heavy heart that I am writing this review. 8 months ago, I was thrilled to come across this cheap and quick fix for facials in my own neighborhood. I was pleasantly surprised by the students’ work and have bought 6 friends to get in on the action! However, it’s clear that the customer facing side of the business needs a major overhaul. The past 2 times I visited, there have been hiccups with my appointments (despite me scheduling in advance). I can overlook hiccups, but I can’t overlook lack of accountability and apologies. How horrible to walk into a facial frustrated and stressed by previous staff interactions during my precious «me time.» It’s clear that the person who handled the scheduling and front desk is no long working there and the business has suffered from a customer service stand point as a result.
It’s unfortunately time for me to move on.

This review is after getting my hair colored with highlights. DO NOT DO IT! The teacher that was supposed to be supervising 2 very young students was hardly paying attention and left as did the 2 girls before my hair was done. They really did a number on my hair. I was laid off and wanted to save money but I should of waited. The other teacher who has been there ages could not fix it. I now have orangy, yellow, brassy and super dry hair :-(

Came here for a facial on a Tuesday afternoon one day, it was like getting a great facial in the middle of the mall. Loud instructor in my face, giggling students speaking in multiple conversations across from me and another client right next to me that could talk a handle off a piss pot over loud Asian nature music. Not to mention cell phones ringing and receiving texts. There was no opportunity to enjoy this facial. If that’s how they conduct business, they should give the day facial clients 50% off their prices. Not coming at this time of the day anymore. Save class time and teaching separate from when you treat the clients so that clients can actually enjoy their facial experience.

In my quest to save some money and to try out a cosmetology school here in LA, I was glad to find the Beauty Academy with great reviews on Unilocal.I went to the Academy just a couple days before Christmas, and despite a 40 minute wait (no reservations are accepted, first come first serve basis for all services) I had a wonderful experience and will be glad to go back in a few months. I just needed a slight trim and some blonde highlights, so when I walked in and paid just $ 42 (not including tip) for partial head of highlights and cut, I was thrilled. My stylist was new to the school but was pursuing the program full time so she worked several hours at the salon. The supervising stylist is right there with your stylist at all times, so if there are any questions or issues, the supervisor can help fix/​handle. My stylist did a great job and I walked out blonder and happy.
Pros: Fantastic prices; the stylists actually really want to give you a great cut/​color/​blow dry as they are pursuing it as a career and want you to leave happy; great supervision by a professional stylist who can step in at anytime; parking in the nearby public garage is free for first 90 minutes two blocks away; as customer you can give constructive feedback which only helps the student in training get better.
Cons: Can be a long wait time since it’s first come, first serve; there’s no guarantee on how long your service will take, so don’t come here if you’re in a big rush; keep your expectations in check as this is a school, not a swanky high-​end full service salon.
Overall, super happy with my experience and will be glad to go back and try another stylist.

I purchased a Groupon for a facial at Academy of Beauty which I quickly redeemed…
Pros: Huh, possibly the prices but you get what you pay for.
Cons: The parking in this area is not good; my facial was a 3 out of 10; the teachers encourage the students not to talk or wear heels but all you can hear while you try to relax are the teachers clunking around in Frankenstein heels; the ambiance is… well, this place has no ambiance just students that are counting down the days to blow this popsicle stand.
I will not go back…

3.5 — Came here for the third time and $ 15 for a facial is a steal plus tip vs $ 30 at original price and tip. My 60 min facial turned in 90 min somehow. The young student was really nice and professional, but very new. The facial I got was good for $ 15, but I would have been miffed at $ 30. She basically caressed my skin vs massaging it clean and didn’t use enough water or product to have a lather going; it almost felt like a dry rub. My face felt cleaner, but not squeaky clean and bright. She also did some extra stuff that I didn’t get last time so that was nice. Just realize this is a school so results vary. I will def come back for more facials or a back facial.