Penrose Academy Salon

Penrose Academy provides a professional and relaxing environment full of hard-​working student-​stylists who exude great energy, expertise, and positive attitudes. Ever-​present instructors who monitor student progress support their education.
I’m a gray-​haired lady who foolishly «experimented» with touching up my roots and ended up with dark, dark, brown hair. With only a few days until Christmas, I needed an emergency intervention.
A first time customer, I brought a photo to my Penrose Academy appointment, hoping that my hair could be lightened with overall highlights, cut and layered to shoulder-​length, with the damage repaired. I wanted it ALL!
My stylist, Dana, took amazing care of me. Dana asked great questions about my needs and clarified my expectations with her patient, affirming explanations. Her «plan» was reviewed and approved by an instructor and we were off.
Dana partnered with, Audrey, an equally qualified student, «foiling» the dark brown from my hair. Their coordination was amazing: positive communication and supportive comments. The highlights were perfect: subtle, yet illuminating.
Dana talked me through the layering process, affirming my request for framing my facial features and texturing the layers to add volume to the crown of my hair, creating the illusion of more fullness. I appreciated her explanation of each product she used, identifying the specific purpose of every item. I learned a lot.
On my first visit to Penrose Academy, I enjoyed quality service from talented student stylists … definitely satisfied and am looking forward to continuing to spread the word about their work! I recommend Penrose Academy … ask for Dana or Audrey.

So… I have been coming to Penrose since they were Kohler, back when I was in high school. And generally speaking, they were decent for being students. Though I won’t lie, I did have about 2 experiences or so, for hair, where I was not exactly thrilled with the results, but overall, decent for being students. The price is also pretty decent, I mean $ 30 bucks for color and like $ 40 for a full head of highlights, is not bad at all. My review today though is for their student spa, however.
I came in last week for a facial. I have been suffering very badly lately from oily skin, super clogged up pores, and have been breaking out. Penrose only charges $ 25.00 for a basic facial with Dermalogica products. So I just figured, what the hell, for $ 25 bucks, even if it isn’t great, it’s better than spending $ 85.00 plus tip at a salon. The student who did my facial was very nice, and outgoing, but I could tell that she was a little nervous and shaky when I would ask some questions, but they are students after all.
Once we went back to the room, she offered me dermaplanning for $ 10.00 as an add on. I have heard of dermaplanning before, but never felt the need to actually go somewhere and get it done. Basically all they do is take a blade and shave off the peach fuzz and layer of hair that is on your face. It is supposed to help brighten up your face and exfoliate. Once again, I figured, Ah, what the hell, for $ 10 bucks I’ll just do it. I thought maybe it would help clear my skin up and get rid of some of the oil if I got rid of the hair.
The actual service was fine and I was there for a little over an hour. The facial was so so, not great. It was just 2 face masks and that was it. Once again, I go to get a facial at a school, and they didn’t really do anything. I will probably just pay to have a legit facial done at a salon next time to make sure that extractions get done etc…
The reason I am giving them 3 stars though, is because the girl put a moisturizer on my face when she was finished, which I assumed would be fine. Why would I ever object to this, like bring it on, I’m all for the moisturize. But, like 4 days later, today, I STILL cannot get the damn moisturizer to come off my skin! My skin has been so sticky and oily since I had my facial. I literally cannot get it off, and I think its because she did the dermaplanning! The dermaplanning gets rid of all of your hair, which is the same hair that will stick to products and soak them in. When your face has no fuzz on it at all, there is nothing stopping it from completely sticking to your skin! I have tried washing it off, and even exfoliating with a facial sponge, and that just made it worse. I ended up really scrubbing too hard and now I have scabs on my face from where I was scrubbing!
Never again with the dermaplanning!!! In addition, the student also convinced me that I needed to purchase my own bottle of Dermalogica to help improve my skin. I have used their products before, and they were decent, but I came in for what was supposed to be a $ 25 dollar facial, and left paying $ 75.00!!! I wasn’t planning on spending just south of $ 100 at a beauty school. If I wanted to spend that, I could have just gone to an actual salon with a licensed aesthetician… When I told her that I have used Dermaologica before, and didn’t really find them amazing, she just offered me something else. She literally was not letting me leave without purchasing something… I felt so awkward and forced to buy something that I just got the face wash for $ 36.00 more! She told me that I would need to start using this wash and come back in a month for another facial and dermaplanning and to also see how my skin was improving with the Dermalogica. Like she literally gave me no choice!
She is a very nice student and obviously just doing her job and what she told to do by her instructors. I am not complaining about her, like I said, very sweet girl. I am just kind of pissed with the sales tactics that they always try to pull on you. I would have the same problem when I would get my hair done. They would always tell me that I needed some type of Bumble and Bumble treatment, cream, styling product, or shampoo and conditioner, every time I went! It’s a little obnoxious. Not everyone who comes to a beauty school can afford their service and then pay $ 150 more for the entire Bumble and Bumble hair product line! In fact, the reason that we come here is to spend less than going to a regular salon!!! Yeah know what I’m sayin? I did not feel comfortable spending that much on my budget, which is why I cam here. And all I got in return was a huge bill in the end.
Now, I have to go to a dermatologist this week to explain my situation and see what he can do for my poor beat up skin :/​I shouldn’t have to go to a doctor after having a facial! Will I be back at some point, yes, like I said, I have been going to Penrose for years. I am just slightly bummed for the time being.

I’ve been getting monthly facials here for quite awhile and all of the students I have had are fantastic. My skin feels as good after their $ 25 facial as after paying $ 90 at an upscale spa. Also Penrose has a no tipping policy, so no reason at these prices not to treat yourself often.

I think they do great work here. I have had several different people and most have done «as good as» one of the more expensive salons (costing twice as much) in town. The ONLY reason for the 4 star rating? OMG it takes a LONNNNNNNG time. 5.5 hours for Cut Retouch partial and blowdry. I also think it is terrible you can’t tip. Seems like they could offer the option to flat tip someone– perhaps 10 or 20 dollars?

I am so happy I took a chance and went here! I went here today for a haircut and a bayalge color. I have super curly hair and I wasn’t sure if anyone would go near my hair! I am sitting here eating lunch with a smile on my face! My hair turned out super gorgeous. I was so impressed with Isamar and her talent she made me feel so beautiful. She spent about four hours with me doing my hair and was so pleased. I will be coming back to her again!

I’ve been going here for hair cuts for four years. At first, this place was great! I’ve always been completely fine with the slower speed (about two hours for just a hair cut) since it meant my hair was getting thoroughly checked by the instructor. However, the last few times I went here for a haircut, there seemed to be a shortage of instructors and the students seemed less confident in their ability to complete a haircut. My most recent hair cut took 3.5 hours. I left with an awful cut that was approved by the instructor. I ended up going to a salon to have them try to salvage my hair disaster. Needless to say, I won’t be going back to Penrose, regardless of how tempting their prices make it.

AMAZING!!! The fact that they use bumble and bumble speaks volumes! It is a school so you do need to be patient. Great atmosphere and location.

I get my roots done here for $ 20. So much easier then trying to do it myself. Takes a little longer but there is always a teacher around checking the students work and the students are really nice.

I will never be going back here. This is unfortunate becasue my first visit there was great and the student, Ashley very talented. I recently booked an appointment for touch-​up color and highlights. The student seemed new and not very confident but was very nice. I blame the instructor, Carrie for allowing my hair to become a disaster.
I came in asking for a medium brown color with natural looking caramel highlights. It turned out black with chunky, orange spotted with black highlights in the most unflattering places. I also asked for a cut and after 4 hours and a horrible color, they didn’t have time for my cut and apparently no time to brush my hair or de-​tangle it either. They sent me home with wet, tangled hair!!! And the instructor told me I could come back for a touch up and kept complimenting the student on her «good job» when my face clearly read, «hate it.»
I paid $ 60 for a horrible dye job. If the instructor thought that looked good, I’d be scared to ever go here again. Oh, on top of it all, I decided not to come back and spend another 4 hours correcting the horrible dye job with the horrible instructor and went to a real salon and spent another $ 250 to get my hair done right. It looks great now. Unless someone has referred you to a great student, dont take your chances here with someone new.

Love this place. You get a cheap hair color or highlights and it’s done decently well. Sometimes it’s a hit or miss but it’s pretty consistently a B performance.

What a difference a change of name and 3 years make! When my friend and photographer extraordinaire Jessica Frieling started esthetician school here, I decided to come in and get facials from her to show support.
I noticed a difference when I called to make an appointment– the girl on the phone was extremely courteous and friendly and made making the appt easy.
The BIGGEST and most pleasant surprise was when I walked through their door and was greeted with a warm, friendly smile and a warm hello when I checked in! In fact, the girl’s smile and greeting was so genuine that I just had to give her a compliment right there on the spot!
I’ve always liked the interior of the academy and the spa side was on par with the hair side of the academy. All done in white and kept in beautiful, clean condition.
And the facial I got from Jessica Frieling was absolutely divine!!! Mind you, I adore Jessica and thinks she is simply fabulous and I guarantee that you will too after you meet and have a facial with her. She took her time with me, used just the right products and afterwards, my skin felt baby bottom soft!!! I was so pleased with how my skin felt– thanks to Jessica!!!
She’s also a fantastic photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist. I highly recommend her for all of them!!!
Call and make the appts quick– she works at the spa Thurs and Sat. Ask for Jessica Frieling and get heavenly pampered. Do it quick– before she graduates!!!

LOVE BRANDI CUNNIUS! I have been to her twice & she was amazing! Best facial ever hands down! Will be back to buy more make-​up too! The line there is called MUD! It’s awesome!

First time, and I’ve already got another appointment booked for tomorrow.
I absolutely love the Bb products they use, other student salon’s conditioning treatments aren’t as good! These products did amazing for my hair and I absolutely love the girl that did my hair, Sidney. She really cared about what I wanted and made sure she did an amazing and careful job.
People complain about the amount of time it takes. Granted it did take an hour and a half for a cut and conditioning treatment BUT not only do I love being in the salon, it’s so relaxing and is all me time, AND I really don’t mind them taking their time and learning. These girls deserve nice and patient clients as their first ones.
Highly recommend! Maybe I’ll update tomorrow after I get my all over color: D

Great quality for an even better price. They used BB products and I received a shampoo, cut & style for less than $ 30.
Also, tried the laser hair removal that was only a fraction of the cost. Plus, they use the best technology available (only one in the state they mentioned) making the appointment very fast (minutes for the underarm area) and almost painless (little zap).
I’ll be coming back for sure!

For the price, it can’t be beat! I had my hair cut and styled. The color was done pretty well. The process is time consuming because the students need to check with supervisors throughout the service. My color also wasn’t washed out great – my scalp was died for a few days.
Again, for the price ($ 35 for an all over color and no tipping allowed), the service was good!

Penrose Academy is a world renowned Cosmetology and Skin Therapy academy located in Central Scottsdale. My wife is a recent graduate of their Skin Therapy school, so, as a supportive spouse, I’ve spent a little time here having treatments done. Having never been to a skin therapist in the past, I can’t really compare the prices here versus at a spa out in the real world. However, according to my wife (and every woman I’ve ever talked to about this), the value you get by having treatments done at the Academy is nothing short of phenomenal.
Just before my wife graduated, I told her I was going to get a haircut at my usual place. She reminded me (oh so subtly), «Hey, dummy! My school also cuts hair.» The thought had never really occurred to me to have my hair cut at a beauty school. I always knew these students needed practice, it just never occurred to me to have them practice on MY hair.
Now, I’m somewhat particular about my hair and overall appearance. Nothing on a «Narcissus» level, but, still. So, when I agreed to come in to let a rookie hack away at my head, it was definitely a pride swallowing, fear facing decision. Compounding my fear was the fact that the student I drew from the pool openly admitted that she was not 100% comfortable with performing men’s haircuts yet.
Well, it was time for me to change proverbial hats for a few minutes. I was faced with the decision to either be my usual proud self, and completely destroy this young lady’s nerves with added pressure, or I could take a deep breath, remember that hair grows back, and put the young stylist at ease.
That decision turned out to be a great one. Once I sat down, I was sure to keep the conversation light, and make sure that the stylist was as comfortable as she could be. After all, one of the many mantra’s by which I try to live is «Time, Patience, Practice». I know this young lady wasn’t likely to have nerves of steel out of the gate. But, the more she does it, the better she will ultimately become.
Ultimately, she did a pretty good job. After she settled down a little bit, everything went quite smoothly. The only true downside to the whole process was, of course, the duration of the process. Being students, the stylists have to consult with their educators before they make ANY decision. So, if you’re in the salon on a busy day, your cut could take quite some time. I ended up in the chair for about an hour.
Like I said, this is practice for these young students. So, if you’re SUPER particular about your hair, then this is not the place for you. If you’re adventurous and you have a little bit of time to spare, then you would enjoy the overall experience you get from throwing caution to the wind and allowing a young up-​and-​comer the opportunity to show you what they’ve got!

I had my hair colored there on ⁵⁄₂₃. The student over applied and used the wrong formula on my hair. For a week, my scalp was burning, hot and painful.
I spoke to the instructors the next day and they tried to down play my complaints. Monique tried to pin it on everything even when I told her that I haven’t done anything different. At most salons when the stylist messed up, the salon usually try to go out of their way to fix what’s wrong. Here they tried to discount your concerns and not fix it.
I have had my color done there many times before. It is unconscionable that they were worried more about their finances than about my scalp.
I will not come back there again. At $ 40, the color was not that cheap. It took a week to shampoo off the color and for my scalp to stop burning and hurting. I wonder if there are other side effects that I am unaware of. Do not use this place. It’s not that cheap and it’s not worth it. The instructors are unsympathetic and customer unfriendly.

Talk about the best of both worlds! Facials and beauty treatments for next to nothing!!! Sign me up!
I happen to know one of the students, and love her! BUT I have had other people work on me… they are all very professional and understand your needs.
Worth trying twice!

I went in for a cut and color. I didn’t get the color I wanted (my own fault-​past dying and damage, etc), but they told me they would help me get there. They did some conditioning, cut and color, though much of my cut was done by the instructor. He was showing my stylist his way of layering.
Afterward, they took me through their recommended products, of which I bought quite a bit. They held it for me as I went to get my brows done. Their aestheticians were knowledgeable and pleasant, and I plan on going back for a facial when I have more time. Because of the amount of product I was buying, they didn’t charge me for eyebrow wax, which is very nice of them.
The cut and color were very well done, and I plan on making this my salon. Like any salon academy, it may take more time, but you more than make up for it on savings. I paid $ 60 for cut and color, and I have hair nearly to my waist.
Note: This is a no-​tipping facility. The students make commission off product, but I didn’t feel as if I was being pushed into any purchases. I am now a convert on Bumble Bumble. My hair was crazy damaged (I’m an impulsive dyer) and it looks completely different now. Also, the salon uses a very convenient appointment software for booking appointments, and you receive an email the day before reminding you.

I have only been here once and it was on my birthday in 2008. I know, strange but the young lady that washed and flat ironed my hair did an amazing job. She has since graduated and moved on to bigger and better things I am sure, but again although I do not remember her name, she got the job done. So why only 3 stars? It took quite some time to flat iron my hair and my hair was cut shorter than what is now. I mean a really LONG time. I could have done it quicker that’s for sure but it was free and the results were great.
So give the students a try. You just may be pleasantly surprised.