Graham Webb Academy

Fundraising is supposed to be voluntary, but it is not voluntary when the teachers at Graham Webb are waiting on each student to give money and writing names on the board– not crossing them off until you pay. Scrubs are required– I have a class full of witnesses on all of my statements and I told them to write reviews as well, because all of them were VERY unhappy with their experience.
There is also an awful employee named Thalia who is extremely rude to all the students and clients. I don’t understand how this school receives so many complaints regarding this woman who answers the phones for them. Then again it goes to show how they don’t care about professionalism. It’s a shame they can’t correct her behavior.

I came to graham Webb for basic esthetics and loved it so much I am now enrolled in the master program. It is a great school with friendly staff and educators. My only complaint would be that there isn’t enough space in the master theory room and we are moved to accommodate a group of students at once. The president of the school has an office downstairs and a large office upstairs that is double the size of the master theory room and in the years that I’ve attended this academy I’ve never seen it used. For almost 10k each for the program I would think students would be guaranteed appropriate workspace. Please think about the students.

The front desk girl is absolutely horrid. She’s rude and has a serious attitude. I called to ask how to get to the academy and she hung up on me. I called back and she rudely asked «didn’t you just call and ask the same dumb question?» Yes. I did.I’m from Northern Maryland and was in DC for the day and wanted to come by. Trust me girlfriend. you are not god’s gift. I’ll never go back simply because of her.

I go here for highlights because I don’t want to refinance my house to pay for them anywhere else. Yes, you need to allow a lot of time, but that has never bothered me – that’s what I expect at an academy. I’ve always had good luck with my highlights but have never had a haircut here. Their spa is amazing for the price. You’re not in a private room, but the lights are dimmed and they play relaxing music, so I’ve never ever felt self-​conscious. Really LOVE the spa and the services offered there.

I attended this school and graduated (with lic), thinking I would own my own store some day, but I just didnt like working on my feet all day long, so I eventually fell back on my old college degree and got a good desk job, hehehe… Anyway, the school is pretty good, and also if you want a cheap cut, from a person learning the trade, sometimes you can walk into the salon and get a really good student who styles hair for cheap.

I am a recent graduate of Graham Webb Academy Aesthetics. As an older student returning to the classroom I was a little concerned if I could get back into the groove but they were so supportive that it really put me at ease! I am so pleased with my learning experience and how prepared I was to enter into the work force and I was able to secure a job right at graduation. I love my job, I love helping people and I love esthetics! They are genuinely interested in changing lives. I could not have done it without the support of the great staff and instructors who were cheering me on every step of the way. I looked into cheaper, faster and less intensive schools and hands down, I am pleased with my education! It troubles me to hear anyone who is less than pleased with their education. As with anything in life you get out of it what you put into it. It troubles me to hear that anyone would be so unprofessional that they would post untrue information about a company and its president (who was never on the state board). Posting untrue and incorrect information is actionable. Your other posts where you rate your apartment complex tell who you are (that is why I know you were in my class!!!) and your address… are you just not thinking??? I was in your class and this does not surprise me in the least!!! Plus anyone who states they did not learn anything is really saying to potential employers that they are not in charge of their future or their life… not a good move. This school has an impeccable reputation, a proven track record and you just look like a disgruntled student who did not want to inconvenience themselves with doing the required work and does not have the maturity to solve problems. My suggestion is that you reflect on why you feel the need to address «your» challenges by negative posts versus addressing the real issue… that you needed assistance but were too proud to ask

It looks like all of the reviewers are commenting on Graham Webb’s student haircuts. I’m actually here to review the school for those who are interested in attending.
I attended the Graham Webb Esthetics (skincare) program. Just terrible! If you are considering a move into the skincare industry, do not attend school here. A complete waste of $ 10,000. (15k when you factor in extra makeup classes and misc fees & expenses.) My entire class graduated completely unable to safely wax and unable to apply makeup (2 of the 3 requirements other than facials required by the stateboard exam.)
The teachers at Graham Webb have very little industry experience – most are former students who recently graduated and have very little to offer.
On a side note, until a few years ago, Virginia was one of the only states left that did not require estheticians to have occupational licenses. They are now required. For health and safety reasons, I can see the logic in this. However, Graham Webb’s president, Christine, was at the time an influential member of the esthetics state board which is responsible for creating these licensing requirements. It’s not a surprise, then, that she and the other members (some of whom also own skincare schools in Virginia) lobbied that those seeking to become estheticians must take classes at an accredited institution (rather than, say, apprenticing.)
Additionally, they voted in a strict, two-​tier system (basic license and masters license). This two-​tier system makes getting a basic license by itself almost useless in a competitive job market. The estheticians who I’ve met or worked with who actually succeed in the field do it by paying the additional 10k for a masters license and paying even more for extra courses and professional workshops. Are you counting? That’s over 20k in education. We’re not talking about a four-​year degree here… we’re talking about two 600-​hr programs in makeup, waxing, and facials.
This is a big money-​making scheme in my opinion.
Step 1 — Be on the stateboard and require estheticians to take classes.
Step 2 — Own one of the only schools in the NoVa/​Washington, DC area and charge an outrageous tuition.
Step 3 — Profit.
After going through the classes, meeting Christine and other stateboard members, and working as an esthetician for a couple of years, I strongly feel that these licensing requirements are in place simply as a barrier to entry for new estheticians and a money-​making scheme for schools and stateboard members.
I learned nothing in my 600 hours of education that helped me on-​the-​job. In fact, once in the field, I found that much of the information I was taught was incorrect, inaccurate, or just plain pseudoscience. Several of us in class had bad skin ourselves and were eager to learn how to take care of it. Christine, as well as our regular teacher, completely blew off our concerns. In retrospect, I really don’t think that either of them knew how to address our skin problems. It should have been a red flag for me. And we all graduated with acne.
Since posting this review, I’ve gotten an overwhelming number of messages asking for advice, good schools to attend, etc. After meeting many graduates from Aveda and the other area esthetics schools, I just can’t say that I’m a fan of any of those either. I really do feel that as long as these strict licensing requirements are in place (and as long as the people making the state licensing decisions are school owners themselves) there just aren’t many reliable, affordable education choices out there. In my opinion, people who want to become estheticians should really be allowed to apprentice under established professionals and then take the board exams. It’s done in other states. Forcing hopefuls to take $ 10−20k worth of classes that don’t even really prepare you for the field is ludicrous.
If you really want to be an esthetician, I would advise going to the least expensive school you can find. Most of what you need to know you will learn on the job or through professional workshops. Many of the people who have messaged me are just interested in makeup. If this is you, I would really try to steer clear of a full esthetics education. It’s not worth it.
Good luck!
P. S. All of my classmates have left the industry now. Years later we are all succeeding in other fields (teaching, pharmaceuticals, nursing) and we all wasted 10k. Don’t make our mistake.
***Edited to add: A reference to prove the owner’s involvement in the licensing laws: