Paul Mitchell School of Honolulu

If I could give zero stars, I would. I called an hour ahead and no one returned my call. When I arrived, they said that the next available appointment was Monday. Also, the rude person up front didn’t even apologize that no one returned my call. Sadly disappointed. I’m not going to give them another chance.

My hair stylist took wayyyy too long! Started around 10 and got out at 3. Just for a haircut and color that didn’t even turn out the way I showed her. I loved the color but it wasn’t the way it’s supposed to look.

THEY USE CHEAP GENERIC PRODUCTS, PRICING IS NOT CONCISE! GO TO A PROFESSIONAL HAIRSTYLIST INSTEAD!
I came here just for a basic cover up on an old covered up ombré that was done a year ago by a professional. I came here thinking, «Hey what the heck it’s just a dark brown color to cover up a old blonde ombré. How in the world can they mess this up?» The guy told me on the phone that it cost only $ 25 but failed to let me know there are additional charges!!! When I got there, they told me a much higher price than $ 25.
The student who had me was nice and friendly. While she was dying one side of my hair,
another student joined in to help dye the other half. I’m assuming this other student was a phase 1 student due to her poor skills of keeping the my dyed hair away from face. The other girl that was initially working on my hair made sure to keep my color dyed hair combed away from my face, but the other girl just colored each section without realizing that it was getting all up on my face! I ended up with a faint black stain on my face I couldn’t get rid of until I got home and scrubbed it off. What I found unprofessional of the two girls dying my hair was their unprofessional conversations in front of me the client. They were talking about how some people don’t tip them enough and trying to make ends meet cause their in school. Um, I totally understand you two cause I too am I student myself at UH Manoa and in one of the medical programs. I have to work on patients for hours long, for free and I don’t complain about the financial situation of doing it all for free. Word of advice, keep it professional! I also did not appreciate that their INSTRUCTOR who was trying to rush the student working on me cause it was close to closing. The instructor jumped right in to do the job for her student, and she combed and blow dried my hair aggressively! I get it you want to go home, but I hate being rushed out the door and stressing out the student who was trying to do her best on my hair. She wasn’t even working on me that long compared to the other clients students had.
Lastly, just after TWO washes the dark brown color dye has already significantly faded and now my old ombré is starting to peak out again. I wash my hair every other day, and use Pureology shampoo and conditioner to maintain my colored hair but not even expensive products can uphold the color dye they used on my hair.

LOVES ya guys, and true, you can’t argue with a $ 10 (plus tip) haircut, but—
Last 2 times I went, for full-​headed coloring of the ol’ greys by Phase I novices (supervised by trainers/​teachers on staff), the work was so bad, I had to get it redone within the next week or two. OUT OF TOWN, in preparation for the business meeting for which I had my hair done in the first place. I HATE having to get hair service in a foreign city. Turns out, a random Aveda salon in a central Florida strip mall does better work than this place, consistently.
To be fair, $ 35 for semi-​perm 1-​color is bottom-​barrel pricing. And the workers are students in training. But if you pay for full color, the actual color should at least be set, once you wash it out, after I emerge from out under the dryers, don’tcha think? Most of the greys were still there right after, and neither the students nor their supervisor gave any apology or tried for a re-​do, on the spot. :(
: SIGH: What I get for being so cheap, not going somewhere more professional. Buyer beware, I guess.
Wanting to give shout-​outs and support to the students here. They are truly sweet and try their best, remembering what they’d been taught and asking their peers if they’re not sure. There’s a system in place so that all major items gets checked at least once. But the system doesn’t always work – especially if they’re going through a transition (they were fixing the first floor when I last went, so everyone was crammed into the 2^nd floor) or if it’s peak hours.
IN SHORT: It’s really a crap shoot, depending on the staff person training the student, the time of day (if they’re busy, the staff are supervising several students at once, and not able to closely check everything when they pop by your student), the talent and experience of the particular student her or himself, and a lot of other factors that are not in your control.
Will try one more time and see.

I go for their tea tree scalp treatment and root touch up. They listen to what you want and do their best to please you. You can not beat the prices. Their products are really good too which you can purchase there. Facials are super relaxing also. I’ve only had a few haircuts there and loved them. It’s a fun place to go and pamper yourself for the day without breaking the bank.

I decided to try Paul Mitchell School because I was looking for a trim to reshape my layers (and didn’t really want to pay $ 40 – 60 elsewhere). I had a difficult time trying to schedule an appointment with the number listed (and based on the reviews here, it seems they don’t pick up their phone), so I decided to stop by on my day off. I came in when they opened, and they already had a full house, but luckily got a stylist within the next 10 minutes.
My stylist was new (about 4 months into the program). As she was cutting my hair, she frequently had her instructor inspect the work to make sure she was on the right track. She was actually very modest in her work because she was scared to cut off too much, which was fine with me since I wanted to keep my length.
Although I was told it would take about 1.5−2 hours, the entire process took 4 hours. The cut was… okay. I did have some issues with the thickness, which I expressed, but I was told that they would have to do another cut to fix the problem. I declined since I didn’t want to spend another several hours there and fixed it on my own at home. I guess that’s what I get when I try to save money.
The school is located in Kaimuki. If you can’t find street parking, you can park in the Municipal Parking Lot. It’s $ 0.75/hour for the first two hours and $ 1.50/hour after that. The cut itself was only $ 10, so it was a bargain, but I’m not sure if I would go back.
TL;DR: Great if you have the time to burn and are low on cash. If you are busy and have the money, go somewhere else.

It’s a SCHOOL. By coming here you are helping the students. DO NOT EXPECT TO BE IN AND OUT OR RECEIVE GUY TANG RESULTS. I came for a deep condition and the student I had was very nice and made me comfortable. She also explained how things work which made me understand about why they do what they do. It’s sad seeing other people giving them attitude because they have to follow the rules. Go somewhere else then!

I’m really not sure what I expected by coming here —
My haircut is good, yes. And I enjoyed the Keratin treatment I received. And the price was nice.
But almost 3 and a half hours for a very simple trim? (I took off just around an inch) And the treatment was only 15 minutes…
I get that it’s a school, but that is seriously much too long to be sitting in a chair for.
I’d rather pay $ 20-​$ 30 more and be in and out within 45 minutes.

Horrible service and no one picks up the phones for appointments and the staff is just rude to the students and the guests. The owner of the school is also not wiling to help with students and teachers who mess up my hair and took 3 hours for a cut. I hear as i am waiting for my appointment the teachers yelling at students swearing and putting them down. not a good environment if your paying big money to attend something thats unhealthy and not professional

A great haircut is such a confidence booster. This was my second visit to Paul Mitchell The School and I couldn’t be happier. I am a huge fan for two reasons:
1.) It’s cheap! A men’s cut is only $ 10 but if you go on a Wednesday, it’s only $ 8!!!
2.) This is a school, which means there are students. They are here to learn how to cut great hair. Your visits and your business helps to support their learning efforts.
If you articulate exactly what you want, they are going to do their best to learn how to do it (if they haven’t already)!
At Paul Mitchell, you can get a million dollar haircut… without having to pay a million dollar$! A million thanks, Ruby! And, a million thanks to instructor Davey — makes me laugh every time!!!

I’ve been to the school twice and had a good experience each time! Just keep in mind, the students are learning still, they are not seasoned professionals. That being said, they are very professional in attitude none the less! Don’t let the word «school» fool you– these students work hard and put their most professional face forward.
That being said, give them time to do their work. Whenever I went it did take slightly longer than expected, but I expected that, and didn’t make plans too close to my appointment. The reason it may take some extra time is because the students sometimes consult with their teachers before moving forward, just to double check, and to learn about different hair types as they approach different customers as well. If you are patient and understanding it is not bad at all.
The first time, I came for a deep conditioning treatment and it was phenomenal! My hair felt so healthy.
A few months later I came back for a fun hair colour– dark and light violet mixture with a slight ombré effect. It took about four hours, but again, I expected it– and it was worth the wait. I love my new «makeover»!
I would recommend this place to people who need a basic service, but want a bargain price– for example a trim, colour refresher, simple highlights, deep condition, or something like that. But I wouldn’t come here with Guy Tang expectations and expect perfection on a low budget– it’s not that they’re not capable, but that’s just not fair to the students.
I am a fan! I would come back for another deep condition or colour touch-​up in a heart beat!

Exactly what I hoped.
Nice staff and students. Professional atmosphere and great prices.
Definitely give yourself 90−120min. I chose to have a conditioning service in addition to my hair cut. It was worth it. Will definitely be back in a couple months for another trim!

I loved my experience! Friendly receptionist and a wonderful stylist (Trishia) and instructor. I had the triplex treatment done. I underwent chemotherapy last year and it wreaked havoc on everything, my hair included. I wanted a consultation to see how to get my hair normalized and go back to natural. I have very porous hair due to chemical treatment and the aforementioned chemo. The stylist and instructor devised a great plan for me to get my hair feeling and looking healthy. I can’t wait to get my next triplex and start the pigment process!

What a horrible experience! I went here pressed for time knowing that I wouldn’t be able to keep my original appointment with my usual stylist and I figured it had some decent stars, was near where I lived, was hopefully cost effective being a school, and figured I’d patronize them as I am a recent graduate of esthetics. I went in with needing my roots done and to get a trim. I am a natural brunette and my usual stylist has been doing my roots (to cover slight grey) with a lighter color and combing it down to create somewhat of a highlight effect. I went in to Paul Mitchell to get a root touch up. I wanted my roots done at a slightly darker color and then combed through to cover or bleed into the existing lighter highlights. The quote I was given was $ 45 and then the student was to give me a consultation to tell me if it would be more depending on what I needed to be done. This was told to me by the woman at the front desk. I also at this time scheduled a haircut appointment for my daughter at 230. My appointment was at 1045 and I needed to be out by 2 to get my daughter from summer fun next door and then have her appointment at 230. I arrived at 1025 and was greeted by my student stylist at 11 (15 min over my appointment time). She did not introduce herself. I told her that I would need to use the restroom before starting. She then took me into the salon (upstairs and in phase 2 where they should be more advanced), sat me down and clumsily fumbled around with her supplies, and spoke in a very soft spoken voice that I struggled to hear what she was saying. She asked me what I wanted and I repeated to her several times what I wanted and she confirmed with the instructor exactly what method should be taken to achieve the goal. Her instructor then asked me «so you want to go darker.» And I said «yes, I want my roots to be done at a slightly darker color and I want it combed through.» I then reminded my student stylist that I needed to use the restroom before we started (20 min later now). I finally was able to use the restroom. After, the stylist took me back to shampoo and condition my hair. I honestly felt like she was petting me instead of washing my hair. I was curious how advanced they have to be to be phase 2? She said she had been there for 6 months. She then took me back to start the color on my roots but decided to do the haircut first since my hair was wet. It honestly took her 1 minute to cut my hair. I’m not exaggerating. She then clumbsly fumbled dividing and clipping my hair up. I could sense the uncertainty in her and I was starting to second guess at this point. She started to color my roots but asked for help mid way when she realized that she might not make the 2 pm deadline. Another student jumped in and helped her and I could tell already how much more advanced this other student was. That student was only there briefly. After my roots were done, they went back for more and started applying more dye to the mid shaft of my hair. The instructor was there then and help my student stylist. I asked as I noticed they were adding more dye, «I just wanted my roots done and then for the dye to be combed through from the roots to bleed into the existing color». The instructor then told me that it was not possible and that my whole hair had to be covered in order to reach the length of my hair? WHY WAS THIS NOT EXPLAINED TO ME PRIOR TO PUTTING DYE IN MY HAIR? THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANTED!!! 2:00 rolled around and I had to pick up my daughter from summer fun and then bring her back for her own haircut. I still had not gotten my hair dried or straightened. I left with my hair wet and in a sopping mess tied in a bun to get my daughter. I had in been the chair for 3 hours and 15 min and my hair was all one color. HONESTLY I COULD’VE GONE TO LONGS AND GOT A BOX OF HAIR DYE FOR $ 12 AND DONE THIS MYSELF IN ¹⁄₅ THE TIME!
I left to get my daughter. I shouldn’t have come back to pay I should have just gone! I came back to find out that they were going to charge me $ 91, I complained and in the end paid $ 71 with tax. It looks like it’s worth $ 40. Never once was I informed of any additional cost. I left with my hair still a wet sopping mess, not blow dried or straightened and I refused to let them do my daughters haircut! Can’t wait to upload pictures. My receipt says that my stylist name is Andrea. She is a Filipino girl who just transferred from Pennsylvania.
Another thing, I had a facial done there about 8 months ago and the student had really long acrylic fake nails with bling all over them. Fake nails should not be worn with facials and the length of the nails should be shorter as to not injure the client. They harbor bacteria which can be then transferred to clients causing a multitude of infections!!! Teach these girls proper protocol!

This review is specifically for my experience today. I redeemed a Groupon for a facial and my esthetician was Lizzi R. She is skilled, professional, detailed and has a way to make every client feel special. She started with a thorough evaluation of skin condition and needs, even bough previously, I had two evaluations done by others. The most important question Lizzi asked was «What was your goal for today?» I told her «relaxation and youth». This told her which products to use, and how to best spend her time with me. She cleansed and moisturized my face and later applied a mask. In between applications, she gave a soothing and effective neck and shoulder massage, arm/​wrist/​hand/​finger massage and a foot/​calf massage. I still had my watch and rings on, it was that unexpected this extra treatment (based on prior experience). I can say it was a relaxing, refreshing, head to toe experience. Lizzi is highly recommended. I suspect now I will have a harder time making an appointment with Lizzi, as she is Paul Mitchell School’s best keep facial secret, but I wanted to recognize someone who was truly exceptional. I actually thought she was licensed! I can’t wait to return again.

$ 10 for a haircut, shampoo, condition and style? Awesome! Even if you request the first phase students, the leaders come around help, and make adjustments. You really can’t go wrong. I have fine, thin hair and they created a custom cut for me to maximize volume. It looked great and they recommended products to thicken my hair (that I think actually work great). They also have manicure/​pedicures and facials available. The only downside to the school is that it takes more time than any other salon, but well worth It in my opinion.

This was my first time getting my hair cut here, and I loved it. My stylist was Ashley, and she was wonderful. I brought a picture of the type of haircut I wanted, and she and the Learning Leader talked about how to customize that cut to fit my face. She took her time and any time she wasn’t sure of the next step or proper technique she asked the one of the Learning Leaders for help. The haircut was $ 10 and it looks fantastic! Yes, it takes a while. You’re getting your hair cut by students, and they make sure that every snip is correct. Budget your time accordingly.
As a note, tips are cash only. You can pay for the services with a card, but bring a few dollars cash to tip your stylist.

I’ve never liked having to dish out a huge some of money for a haircut that’s just going to grow out in a few months. But cheap haircuts can be a hit or miss.
I’ve finally found the solution! At Paul Mitchell The School, aspiring hair stylists wash, cut and style your hair for only $ 10 – 15! Color starts at $ 35! Okay, you’re probably thinking, «why would I let a STUDENT cut my hair?!» The answer? Because the «learning leader» (instructor) is constantly monitoring them and is available to them and you to ask for advice. The student has studied and practiced how to cut hair. If you’re still unsure, on the weekdays you can choose to have a soon-​to-​be-​graduating student cut your hair for $ 15.
I went in and asked for a haircut that I learned was called a «triangle, gradated.» The student ask me a few questions about my hair care routine and the learning leader came to confirm everything. The student then washed my hair and starting cutting. She frequently had her learning leader check her progress and give suggestions. It took about an hour and a half from start to finish. I LOVED the haircut!!! And the student received so many compliments from her learning leaders and fellow students. The student thanked me for coming in; she expressed to me that I had asked for the hardest haircut in their style book! I had no idea!
If you want an amazing cut, my student’s name was Danicka Rose and she’ll be graduating in January 2015. So hurry!

My first time ever experience here! I walked in and the ENERGY when I entered was positive and everyone were chatting with their clients, very lively! I felt comfortable in this atmosphere instantly! I checked in with the receptionist not knowing who my phase II stylist would be! It was Marc, super great guy, we talked a ton during my hair experience! He gave me tips on how to care for my hair and how to style my new ‘do! Very awesome personable stylist, cut my hair to perfection, I got exactly what I wanted and more! I Recommend Marc! :D
Phase II stylist, wash and haircut for $ 15!!!

This review is for my recent hair coloring experience…
I had to make 2 appointments. The first (my original appointment) was on Valentine’s Day – I wanted to surprise my boyfriend with a new hair color at dinner. I got to my appointment on time (scheduled for 2pm) & an hour & a half into it they tell me it can’t be done & I needed to reschedule. HUGE bummer, but whatever. They washed & blow dryed my hair, which was nice.
I came back the next week for my second appointment. The picture I showed was of Balayage highlights (I later learned from a friend), but what I actually ended up with was an Ombré. & a HORRIBLE ombré. My hair was ORANGE. The entire lower half of my hair was this bright orange/​blonde. Nothing at ALL what I asked for. & I couldn’t even stay to get it fixed because they were closing up the whole salon when I finished. I went home wanting to cry. In car afterward I found these BLUNT harsh lines going from my original dark hair to bright orange.
The worst part though is that 2 days later I called asking if I could get it fixed & explained how unhappy I was with the results & I was told that I would have to PAY TO FIX IT!!! Whaaaaat?! I was so shocked. I thought they would’ve backed up their own services, but disappointingly, I guess not.
I will never, ever, ever again get my hair colored from here. My previous haircut experience was really good, but honestly after this bad coloring, I don’t think I’ll be coming back.