TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy

I’ve been here twice because I had a groupon, and have been extremely disappointed both times. I understand they’re students, but they shouldn’t be allowed to cut people’s hair if they’re not ready. I just wanted a simple bob and I got choppy, blunt layers. It’s good for the price but you’ll more than likely be dissatisfied. So if you’re cheap and don’t care about your hair, this place is perfect!
Update: I got a message from Jordyn S., the girl that cut my hair:
«Lol it was my first week taking clients, but thanks for the practice. Maybe next time go to a salon and have a professional cut ur hair, you’ll probably like it better you crazy psycho. Or just cut ur hair yourself since u seem like the kind of person who isn’t satisfied by anyone. Fine something better to do with ur life than doing Unilocal reviews on students that are learning.»

Love this place! Sometimes you see crazy customers that are mean to the students which is so rude and unnecessary. But I’ve been here three times with three different students and I will keep coming back!

Set up an appointment with a student named Kat to fix up my brassy balayage I had got done at a salon.
Was really un happy my balayage from another salon because it had to many awkward looking blonde and yellow and orange colors and wasn’t blended in well. I really wanted my natural hair color back if it was possible.
Kat was able to tone down my hair and bring me back to my natural color. Highly recommend her, show her what you want, and she can make it happen.
What I loved was the instructors walking around making sure everything is going smooth.
Atmosphere in here great. Very clean.
Parking on the street or in lots.
Don’t forget to tip them! they are hard working students.

After a very bad first visit i decided to give this place another chance and this time choose my hairdresser ahead of time based on recommendations. When i came in it turned out the person i chose didnt show up that morning so i asked for somebody with a little more experience.
I got Pierre and was extremely satisfied! He was very gentle and explained what we were gonna do ahead of time and didn’t cut my hair more then i asked. The process is of course a little slower than in a regular hair salon but i thought he was very good and my hair turned out amazing!
Haircuts are 20 $ but if you have valid student ID you pay 10 $. Totally worth it. If you find someone good. Which is hard because once they become good it means they’re about to leave so u robably won’t have a chance to use them again.
Pierre leaves on february 9^th so if you go before i definitly recommend him. 5 stars for Pierre!
After my next visit ill leave a final review so i can give a fair grading…

Went for a simple haircut. Isabella was sweet but doesnt has no clue how to cut hair. I asked for long layer, pretty simple but she opened a book to cut, its cut uneven and she didnt even long layer, she basically just cut length off which I probably could have done better myself just cutting straight across myself. Yea cheap but theres alot of experienced cheap salons that do a great job too.

Rassean, you are awesome on the phone. Great customer care. Thanks for being flexible. And Dustin you are an awesome stylist. Good job guys!

Three weeks ago, Theresa entered a Toni & Guy Zac Moscolo competition with the Britni cut. She used razors for the first time and removed a lot of length with box color, adding lots of texture. She bleached my roots and added an overall warm tone. First time ever going blonde. Amazing!
Today, Theresa did a bleach retouch and tone, adding a totally different blonde look with a silver-​purple finish. It’s absolutely beautiful. I feel great and I love my new look.

Yesterday I went to get my hair done by my friend Athena and she is amazinggg :’) she was so professional and I had so much fun getting my hair done because everyone there is so nice and funny. She worked on my hair for almost 5 hours and did such a great job. I would definitely recommend her for color because she did a very nice balayage and root touch up on my hair.

Told the person several times how I wanted my hair and it’s terrible. Not coming back. Thank you

A fantastic place: The director, students, instructors and prices are great! I always look like a million dollars when I leave there. The advanced students and many others are very talented. The front desk people are wonderful too: Sheridan, Rassean and Mary!
I would have given 5 stars except that sometimes they run out of my hair color: (
I wish I could go there every week as I love it so much. :)

AVOID.
YOUR LONG HAIR WILL BE BUTCHERED.
YOUR HAIR WILL BE TREATED LIKE A PRACTICE DUMMY WIG.
My hair was cut my a graduating ‘senior’.
If you have long hair, please please avoid this place. I’m completely heart broken. It has been over two weeks and I found myself looking in the mirror and balling my eyes out last night. It has been so hard to face my new hair cut, a.k.a my new hair chop. I had long beautiful and thick hair. I asked for a simple touch up cut because I was trying to grow the layers out and wanted to keep my hair long. My hair has been long my entire life until now.
All I wanted was one and a half to two inches off the bottom and a quarter (¼) inch off my layers for touch up and around SIX TO SEVEN INCHES were taken off my of my hair. I asked for no texturizing on my hair and my hair is so stringy and texturized now. When I saw the student texturizing, he told me he wasn’t texturizing, that it was different and that he was «blending.» I should have trusted my gut and made him stop, but my glasses were off and I trusted him. My hair looks and feels like it has no weight now. It looks thin and I can barely put it in a bun. I have two hair cuts. A short cut above my shoulders with the majority of my hair and a long stringy cut with maybe a sixth of my hair as the long layer. It looks so trashy and cheap.
And it wasn’t just the haircut that was horrible, it was the SERVICE. I’ve been to Toni and Guy for years now. Despite the price, I loved the fact that two eyes, a supervisor and a careful graduating student’s eyes were on my long hair. It made me feel safe that my hair would never be butchered. This time around only one pair of eyes was on my hair and it was the student hungry to get chopping. He said he was an apprentice at Ramirez Tran’s salon and learned to do this ‘famous’ cut that would be perfect for my hair. He showed me a picture from Tran’s instagram of curled hair… So I assumed that was just showing me how he was going to style me out. He made it sound like the Ramirez Tran’s cut was what I already had but a little better and simpler and what I had asked for, but no, he just wanted to practice a new cut and thought my long hair would be perfect to do it on. My hair was his playground.
Normally you and a TG supervisor sign a contract together after it is discussed what is going to be done to your hair. I’ve noticed the past few times I’ve been to TG the supervisors have been careless and don’t check up on their student’s during a cut like they used to, but this time was the WORST. The supervisor never never came to my chair. I told the student what I wanted and he seemed to understand. He had me sign the paper and said he was going to find a supervisor. Seconds later, he returned with the paper signed. When returning with his signed paper, he said along the lines of «they pretty much let me do what I want now.“I trusted the fact that TG trusted this student enough to not come over and approve the cut.
Cut to FOUR HOURS later and my hair was gone. I saw supervisor that signed my paper hang around against a wall. He was bored, and not busy. He even said at some point to the student, «someone give me a pair of scissors» out of boredom. When my hair was finally done, the student took a photo of my hair for Instagram and sent me home. I just cried. I feel so violated and taken advantage of. There was no miscommunication on my end. The student was learning and didn’t listen well and Toni and Guy just didn’t care about either the student or me, the customer. How is a student supposed to learn if no one is teaching him? This student is spending money and time at this place and TG’s actions pretty much say «we have washed our hands with you.»
The next day I wrote both headquarters and TG Santa Monica. I explained what happened, sent before and after images, and asked for an explanation as to why this happened to me and why the supervisor was so careless. Headquarters never responded, but Ashley from TG Santa Monica did. Sadly, all I really wanted was an explanation and a response to why this happened and what actions will be taken to make sure it won’t happen to someone else. Hair may grow back, but this is a big deal. If it happened to me, then it’s happening to others. The response from Ashely was generic and cold. I had just poured my heart out. These people are in a business of making others feel beautiful. I’ve never felt so ugly. She apologized and said she needed to get both sides of the story from both parties. She offered for me to come in so I could plan for my «grow out phase». The plan is to grow my hair out, there is no need to go back in unless they can make all my hair grow back tomorrow or give me extensions.
Of course no actions were probably taken. I contacted HQ yesterday and they said someone would be getting back to me. I doubt it, but what happened was wrong and TG needs to be called out for it.
Physically and mentally I feel butchered by Toni and Guy.

This review is long overdue but better late than never. I moved to DTLA from San Diego earlier this year and needed a trim on my pixie cut. I should mention that the salon I had been going to for years was very good and I was a loyal customer but the pixie just never really turned out the way I hoped. My hair structure is incredibly difficult to work with — very sleek but not fine, and doesn’t hold a curl. If not cut very accurately I can immediately tell due to the lack of structure.
I was surprised that most salons in DTLA charge about $ 90 for a pixie trim and that doesn’t even include tip. I figured let’s give the TONI&GUY academy a shot and I couldn’t have been happier with the result.
Since it’s an academy make sure to be a bit flexible with your schedule that day. This was probably the only (but expected) downside — it did take rather long to get my hair cut. It wasn’t entirely the student’s fault as she had to wait for an instructor before she could get started. However, it’s definitely a plus that my student knew exactly going in what her instructor recommended.
I also made sure to communicate my secret hair issues (cowlick, styling issues due to lack of hair structure) with her and showed her a picture of what I envisioned. I think this helps them tremendously as they’re still learning — so the more clues they get the happier you will be with the outcome.
My student took so much time cutting my hair — but not in a way that I was worried about the result, she was just extremely meticulous. Probably also because the instructor needs to sign off on the end result.
I couldn’t believe how incredibly even the pixie turned out. Even my husband noticed the difference.
I decided to grow my hair out shortly after, however the level of service and care at T&G academy was excellent and I’m sure I’ll be back at some point.
Just make sure to communicate your needs and ‘hair problems’ very clearly and you won’t be disappointed!

Toni & Guy: The best money I have ever spent over the last 2 years: color, blowouts, etc.
My mane gets accolades of compliments– from everyone.
For a glamour look & expert color and blowout: request the mega star: Katie McNally:
she is a total professional: with a makeup license as well and terrific people skills.

I was in Santa Monica recently for a concert and I decided against bringing my hair dryer, I have A LOT of hair and it is an arduous process drying it. My hair is pretty cooperative and takes direction well so I decided to try the academy. If you know what you are doing my hair is easy to work with despite the volume of hair.
My student was sweet and was about to graduate. Given the popularity of dry bars these days I figured they would all have some experience giving a blow out. My hair typically takes 45 – 1 hour to dry properly. My blow out clocked in at three hours and I had to leave the chair twice to feed the meter. You really are getting what you pay for. If you have time and need to catch up on your email it’s a bargain. If time is an issue spend the money and go to a dry bar.

MISS JACKIE T. RAWWWWWWWWWWWWWKS!
The highlights. The cut. All performed perfectly and efficiently sans the bitchy attitude and arrogance of «veteran» hairdressers.
Miss Jackie hooks me up with a head of blond locks and a short cut (the latter of which is no easy feat, kids) that rivals ANYTHING coming out of Mr. Chris McMillan’s salon.
AND the entire charge is less than what you’d tip that gorgeous master.
That right, dear Unilocalers: From the date of this review, you’ve got a couple of more months to sit under Miss Jackie’s hands while they magician the fuck out of your hair and then maybe — just maybe! — she’ll grandfather you into her salon after she graduates.
Mmmhmm. You’re welcome. (No, seriously. You owe me. Big.)

I got a cut from Dai today. She has about five months left in the program, so request her while you can!
She was so sweet and knew exactly what to do with little direction from either me or her instructor.
The academy also offers a discounted price for cuts for students, I’m not sure if this is ongoing permanently, but do ask about it. As if it weren’t already inexpensive!
I apprehensively made an appointment since I have had a number of bad experiences with hair salons, from both students and working professionals. I’ve been struggling with money lately and have been figuring out where I can get a decent trim without spending over $ 50.
If you’re like me, look no further.
I gave four stars out of five because she did get my back a little wet during the shampoo and I got nervous when I had to explain what I wanted from a trim. I don’t know if this would be a common experience.

Wow another awesome experience. Had Terri today get her while she is there (Feb latest)!!! This girl rocked I showed up an hour late after terrible traffic expecting not to get in. They got me in for cut and blow dry, I had color scheduled but obviously I was late so wasn’t expecting that. Sweet Terri got me toned to get the orange out of my blonde gave me a great cut, and blow out… Plus she’s a total sweet heart, funny, and a vet #respect.
Thank you sweet lady and see you soon!!!

I purchased a Groupon for two haircuts including a deep condition each.
My first experience was AWESOME. The girl who did my cut, Chloe, was amazing. I was sad to find out she was about to graduate. The second time I went back was much different. The girl who cut my hair was VERY sweet. However, I could tell it was her first time doing it. I asked her after she finished and she confirmed it. Although she forgot the deep condition (not a big deal and also not her fault whatsoever) she did a good job. She took her time and made sure everything was correct before moving forward with any part of the haircut.
The place is great. I would most likely go back due to the price and the friendly people!

Yes, it’s really cheap, $ 20 for a haircut. But because the hairdressers are all students, it takes foreverrrrrrr. The moment you sit down, you tell the student want you want. I just wanted a trim because I knew that would be very hard to mess up. Then the student has to flag down a very busy teacher that has to sign some papers and approve the haircut. All the other students are also flagging down this one teacher, mind you. I had an appointment at 10:30 but got actually started at 11:00 because we were waiting around for a teacher to come.
Everything about the haircut was fine. I could tell my hairdresser was inexperienced dealing with customers because she asked me what my occupation was and then I told her that I’m a consultant. And then she said, «oh cool! then it doesn’t really matter what your hair looks like?» … Um what? But after talking to her some more, I realized she’s a sweet girl, just really inexperienced. She was very careful and cut slowly which I appreciated. However at the end of the day, I was there from 10:30 — 2:00. 3.5 HOURS. FOR. A. TRIM.
Time is money. Won’t be back.

I have been to Toni and Guy several times now (and have been quite happy each time), but I have never had a problem till today. And the problem was not a student, but an INSTRUCTOR– Tracy.
I took them up on their «free fringe trim”– anytime you get your hair cut there they will trim your bangs for free until your next haircut. This should have been very simple– however it apparently wasn’t. The student (who is supposed to do the cut) said she wanted her instructor to do it.
The teacher, Tracy, came over, took the scissors, and without warning just hacked my bangs off. She turned me around and said «hows that?» I told her that I wore my bangs thick (think Zooey D.) and that I liked them blended into the length of my hair so that they weren’t blunt on the edges. She had already hacked off any hair that would have blended, so she proceeded to say, well, «I will make them wispy, thats how most people want them» and she went through the middle of my bangs and thinned them out– exactly what I didn’t want. To make it worse, she didn’t even cut them straight. She then turned to the student, said «Well, that was the easiest client ever,» and she walked away. I could have cut my bangs better myself with a pair of children’s scissors. I have posted some before and after photos.
After the teacher Tracy left, the student said to me «I am so, so sorry, I could tell when she was doing it that she wasn’t doing what you asked for.» Well, it was too late, and I will be pinning my bangs back for the next month and a half till they grow out again.
So, while I would return to Toni and Guy, because I think they provide a great service and I have usually been happy with my haircuts there, I would NEVER let the TEACHER TRACY touch my hair again.