Paul Mitchell The School Salon

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!

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.

The facials are great! As for the mani-​pedis, it all depends on who you end up with. I took advantage of a Groupon deal that was completely not worth it. I walked away with ragged, sore fingers and scarred nails because the practitioner used a very sharp tool to dislodge old nail polish. They were completely unsupervised. The fact that you have to sign a health waiver should be a red flag.

Update on my previous review. The only thing I was really happy about in my initial review was my daughters hair. Her cut and color were great the first day! Less than 2 weeks later her color is almost completely gone and she only washes her hair 3−2x a week, so there is really no reason for the color to have washed out so quickly. She’s had her hair colored and highlighted several times before and it’s never faded like this. It’s very disappointing! My earlier review said we’d possibly give them another try, 2 weeks later I can say we won’t be going back, especially not for color.

$ 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.

They’re the best! Takes a little longer but can’t beat their rates. My aging hair grows fast and here i can afford to hide my gray roots on a monthly basis. No more box color and stained towels at home :-). Also get regular cuts, highlights and bring my daughter for trims and keratin deep conditioning treatment to keep her thick curls healthy. Yes, they are students but teachers are overseeing their work and making sure everything good. I highly recommend, especially if you have more time than $.

I’ve been going to Paul Mitchell school for YEARS because who can argue with a great $ 10 haircut? As someone who does practicum as part of my own training, I also strongly believe students can be trained to competently deliver services. In general, I would rate my experiences as consistent 3 – 5 stars. My hair usually ends up looking great and I felt I could count on the «Learning Leaders» to fix any errors that occur. For the most part, the students are fine – some of them could work on their conversation skills and professionalism but they are generally friendly and seem to be trying hard. I do think it would probably help the students’ professional development if the school had clients fill out a survey about the service the student provided.
So…why only two stars for service that usually ranges 3 – 5 stars? Well 3 – 5 stars for all the times I’ve been before averaged with the negative 10 stars for a recent experience where a student («R” – you know who you are) UTTERLY BOTCHED my bangs and overall cut and kept trying to «fix it» instead of calling over a LL despite my repeated requests for her to do so. Upon getting home, I realized that instead of a 3 inch cut, I lost between 6 – 8 inches of hair (depending on the terribly uneven section you measured from) and everything looked so randomly cut and awful, I needed to go back to have it fixed. The Learning Leader personally fixed my hair, but the damage was done – you can’t undo heinously shortened bangs and losing waaaaaay more hair than you signed up for. I REALLY miss my long hair that I was growing out for my friend’s wedding! At least the Learning Leader was really apologetic even if R didn’t seem to care very much that I had to return because of the chop job she did.
I know they’re students, but students need to understand that what they’re doing is important – hair is an accessory you wear EVERY DAY. I am also a student who sees patients and is expected to perform to my level of competency. Make sure the student working on you asks if they don’t feel competent. I wish I had.

I came in for a cut and Heidi was incredible! I told her I am trying to grow my hair out, but I have terrible split ends which need to be fixed. She recommended 2 inches off and showed me exactly how much would be removed. She also recommended a treatment to moisturize my hair… My hair has never felt so soft!
The cut is fabulous and the length is perfect. She respected that I’m trying to grow my hair out and kept true to the length. It looks wonderful! She did an excellent job and I’d highly recommend her!
Plus, she was super friendly!

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.

I’ve never been good about scheduling hair cuts, I always end up doing it when my hair starts to get long… or I get a new job… Which in this case it was both.
Only having a few weekdays and the weekend till the start of my new job I made the executive decision that I would try Paul Mitchell and get a haircut.
Luckily they were able to fit me in the day after I called them… I was told my appointment was at 12:30 but when I got there they told me that it was the students’ transition time for lunch and that they wouldn’t be able to take me till 1. Since it was their error I got a FREE yes FREE haircut. Sorry, I couldn’t help but say again. IT WAS FREE! :) I’ve never had a free haircut unless you count my mom trimming my bangs when I was 5.
I didn’t ask for any particular PHASE but they set me up with a student in Phase II which is their honors program students. One huge difference was the noise. Since its on their second floor there are a lot less students/​clients.
The student first asks you how you want to style your hair and writes it on a paper which she then gets checked by the teacher who rotates around the studio checking to see how the students are doing periodically.
They give you a scalp massage for a 1 minute after the shampoo/​conditioner which was awesome. Seriously, my favorite part of the cut. :)
Although it wasn’t the best cut I’ve received it did the job. She cleaned it up and trimmed it. If you do decide to go to Paul Mitchell I would advise being very particular about what you want.

I love what you get for the price you pay. Just remember, these are students! They are supervised by instructors though. They offer a variety of services at a discounted price: Hair cuts & styling, coloring, texture services, wash house services, facials and nail services. I’ve gone there a few times for facials now… thanks to groupon for helping me to discover them.
It is two people to a room though so if you’re shy or uncomfortable this may not be the place for you. They do give you privacy while you put on their robe and snuggly tuck you in a blanket like a burrito (after making sure you’re not claustrophobic). They use Dermalogica products on your face. Your face feels as soft as a baby’s bottom when they’re done with you! Trust me! You’ll glow.
I’ve also had a shampoo/​blowdry which was fine. Of course they use only Paul Mitchell products on your hair which smell heavenly.
I enjoyed a pedicure there too. No massage chairs here and I don’t think a pumice stone was even used but I do love the color of my nails at the moment.
I did find it hard to make an appointment though. I tried online and was unable to get the first date and time I wanted but I was able to call back and make an appointment. Also, they are in class during the day so someone isn’t always available to get back to your needs right away.
Give them a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.