The Salon Professional Academy

South Plainfield, United States

2.8

Closed now

15 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 908-412-9600
Website:
thesalonprofessionalacademy.com
Address:
4985 Stelton Rd, South Plainfield, NJ, 07080
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.2 miStelton Road at Hadley Center Drive
2 miClinton Avenue at New Market Avenue
2.3 miEdison
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Today

Today 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (South Plainfield) 02:49 Friday, 30 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

The Salon Professional Academy is an innovative state of the art cosmetology academy and salon endorsed by Redken in South Plainfield, NJ. Studying at The Salon Professional Academy prepares you for success in the beauty industry through empowerment and the latest techniques taught by Redken trained educators who help you explore your creativity in a leading-​edge NYC style facility.

We have programs in cosmetology, esthetics, and educator training. Our cosmetology program is designed to maximize your potential through innovative and advanced Redken-​infused styling, cutting, and coloring techniques, and basic skin and nail care. Additionally, classroom training includes critical business planning and communication skills. The esthetics program teaches you specialized techniques and theoretical principals for skin analysis and conditions. And our educator training program is designed to share your passion. We teach you innovative teaching methodologies, proven instructional procedures that promote better learning, lesson plan development to encourage creativity and growth, and classroom management skills to ensure communication and student participation. Supervised salon services are also available for guests at inexpensive rates. We have six levels of stylists based on experience and demand with varied price structures.

At The Salon Professional Academy, innovative education and your complete satisfaction is our top priority. For professional excellence in education, enroll

History

Established in 2009.

TSPA was founded by a core group of experienced industry leaders who had a vision of creating a learning environment of excellence that enables success. This excellence encompasses the superior education that is offered at all the academy locations; the educators who empower students to reach their full potential; and the leading-​edge facilities that provide not only classroom style instruction, but actual hands-​on training in a real world setting.

With more than 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, The Salon Professional Academy’s founding leadership team is comprised of seasoned industry executives, whose insight and expertise led us to build an innovative training center that enables the success of both students and owners.

Meet the Business Owner

John S.

Business Owner

John has been in the salon industry for over 30 years and enjoys being able to serve the public at The Salon Professional Academy where professional, extraordinary cosmetology education is the driving force of the business. John hopes to provide you such a positive experience you’ll remember to return to The Salon Professional Academy when you’re in need of top quality cosmetology education and service.

Nearby

Near this location:
60
ft
Joyce Leslie
4979 Stelton Rd
100
ft
Fashion Bug
4989 Stelton Rd
110
ft
Quick Wash Laundromat
4993 Stelton Rd
270
ft
ADT
400 Corporate Ct # F
280
ft
Hotel Depot
400 Corporate Ct Ste D1
340
ft
Kohl’s
4971 Stelton Rd

15 reviews of The Salon Professional Academy

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Edison, NJ
Been coming here several years. Always great service. Very personal and professional. Great service and affordable prices.
Place rating: 3
Luxemburg, WI
Great service, nice atmosphere & very friendly staff. My stylist almost spent 4hrs on my hair which is unheard. The prices are very adorable.
The salon was closing so my stylist couldn’t blow dry/​straighten my hair. Had she done that I would’ve been able to see how my hair tuned out. I wanted the highlights little lighter than what I got but you can’t beat the price.
Overall a very pleasant experience, will definitely come back again.
Place rating: 2
Edison, NJ
I was in the area and needed a blow out so I figured I’ll call to see if anyone is available. I’ve tried them before a few years back and the girl did a great job with keratin and a blow out. This time however was a different story. They put me with a girl that seemed to be just starting because she couldn’t even hold the brush. She was a hot mess, doesn’t know how to do a blow out and after «blow drying» most of my hair she goes «that’s why it’s taking longer for your hair to dry, because the blow dryer isn’t even on hot!» I mean, C’MON. really??? half way through I had to get up and act like I was going to the bathroom, and I actually spoke to the instructor that was standing in the back (mind you she didn’t even check on her once) I told her she can’t blow dry and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. So after, she sent a more experienced girl to flat iron my hair.
I just don’t get it, why have people that are beginners dealing with clients?
Place rating: 1
Clark, NJ
This review is for nail services ONLY. After 45 minutes, and walking away multiple times for an extended period of time, my nails are broken and chipped (from poor cutting) and filed unevenly. The girl Mia I had is clearly not trained and doesn’t have an eye for cutting or filing. I am extremely dissatisfied with what was done and have walked out of my appointment. If i could give 0 stars 8 would. I will return only for other services. But for a mani-​pedi go get a Groupon. Don’t waste your time here.
Place rating: 5
Newark, NJ
First time going to TSPA and I loved it. I had Maureen who did my Keratin. She was very professional, knowledgeable and explained to me the process since it was my 1st keratin treatment ever. What I really liked is that Maureen CAN DO BLACK HAIR (she knew how to detangle it properly and wasn’t scared!) which made me very comfortable with my hair in her hands. She also did a fabulous job on my eyebrows. TSPA was clean, professional and the students aren’t hanging around gossiping with one another — that alone will make me comeback anyday. I hope I get Maureen again!
Place rating: 3
Midtown East, Manhattan, NY
Great staff and super professional. I had Maureen who lightened and balayaged my hair from black to light brown. She was very patient as the flash dye wasn’t working as planned, but in the end it turned out ok! In addition, she seemed to be a great teacher to her peers as they loved stopping by to watch and she would tell them exactly the process.
Place rating: 5
Jersey City, NJ
Quick appointments, no waiting, very friendly team & supervisors are always around to give feedback & make suggestions
Place rating: 1
Rahway, NJ
Went to get hair blowed out and that did not happen! The guy that was drying my hair out was actially burning it. He passed like 20 times thatmy hair started to smell like smoke n I was freaking out that I had an anxiety attack which I never do. They asked me if I wanted my hair done by another person and told them no cause if I did that my hair would fall out from so much heat. If a person cannot dry hair they should not be on the floor doing hair they should be practicing in the junior room. I never got a phone call from them the instructor with the bobhead did not care of I was having an anxiety attack. Did not ask me if I was ok or if I needed water. All they care about especially debbie the owner is getting money not how they do hair, I would not recommend to do my hair there or even go to school there to be a cosmetologist or esthetician! Go to Capri or Christine Valmy cause u will not learn at this school. I already have told my manager not to hire any Estheticians from this school and have let the other managers not to hire anyone from here. Bad education does not equal a license. I have another story feom another hai incident but it so long and even have pics how they ruin my hair a few months ago. Shame on me once shame on me twice third time I m willing to pay the money to get my hair done professionally. I ve gone to Capri school to get my hair done and they always done an excellent job!
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
This place is terrible! The staff is so rude. There are so many examples of poor customer service. I made an appointment for two people. When I talked to the receptionist he said you are down to get your hair done. I said that I signed up to get a manicure and a pedicure. I don’t want to get my hair done.
He pretty much lied to me. He told me that you can’t change your appointment right now. Its too late. I asked to speak with manager and he said I am the manager. Then he went back, and ten minutes later he comes out. After adamantly telling me I couldn’t have an appointment he now says «oh sorry, never mind you can get you nails done».
Of course I was mad. Don’t tell me I am wrong, don’t tell I can’t do something and then turn around and say that I can. Figure it out beforehand.
I got my nails done. My manicure smudged really badly. When it was done it was still smudged. My pedicure was fine though, and it didn’t smudge.
The lady who did my aunt’s hair did not follow our requests. I asked her to put argon oil in her hair, and she didn’t do it. My aunt also payed for a deep conditioning treatment but was done so poorly it made no difference!
Then when we were paying our bills. The receptionist snapped at a customer, to be patient and told another customer thank you for being patient. It seemed to catty and childish when she did that!
JUST AVOID THIS PLACE!!!
Place rating: 5
Old Bridge Township, NJ
My experience @ the clinic has been excellent from the start. My appointment today for a blow out was with Michael. He did not disappoint. Love it! Highly recommend trying the clinic. You’ll be glad you did
Place rating: 2
Piscataway Township, NJ
Like some of the other reviewers here, I was hesitant going in. I’m not sure why, I’ve had my hair cut by students before. My stylist was graduating in a few weeks, so I felt even more confident. I’m the type of person who lets stylists use their skill and creativity more than telling them exactly what I want; I completely understand that this is tough for students who are just learning.
When I sat down, she said, «Just a trim?» but no, I said I wanted it shorter, that the bangs were too long and that I wanted to go back up to a pixie. She asked me a few times if it was short enough, but never showed it to me in a mirror, and then she asked an instructor, who told her the length was fine but to use a razor for the choppiness. Ok.
Well, the cut looks almost exactly the same as when I went in, except the back is choppier though she never razored the front. The bang area is slightly shorter and quite uneven. I was checked out by someone, who really focused on the evenness around the ears more than anything else.
I guess this one is on me, for not really being sure of what I want and being nervous about asking her to fix it. I also guess I need to be better about asking for a comb and checking evenness myself.
The space itself was very nice, and they were very clear about making you aware that students will be cutting your hair. Their prices are very good at $ 15 for a cut.
Place rating: 2
Plainfield, NJ
Honestly, I went to this place to try it out because it’s local. I really should have trusted my gut feeling before walking in here.
I’m only giving this place a 2 stars because of the kind gentleman at the counter. He seemed to be the only one caring if customers were being attended to. I walked out of this place because it was troublesome to get a buzz cut. The gentleman told me, «He has two people who can do my haircut, but he cannot find them.»
I’m a no frills, no washing, color, etc. type of person when it comes to haircuts. Nothing is «professional» about this academy. It seemed like there was more gossiping than actual work being done here. What kind of «academy» turns away an easy client for a haircut? I should have listened to the previous reviews on here… AVOID if possible.
Place rating: 4
New Brunswick, NJ
I actually had a great experience here just the other day! I wanted to get my hair cut and colored and was looking for salons in the New Brunswick area to which I am new. Every salon I found with good ratings was simply out of my budget. I cannot justify spending so so much on my hair but do realize that nowadays you have to be willing to fork over some cashola for a good ‘do. I came across this salon on a google search and decided to give it a try– knowing full well that I might spend the entire day there to get the job done (afterall, it IS a school and the people doing your hair will be students, so if you are not willing to spend some time here, I would suggest you not go).
The student I had was great, she really took the time to listen to what I wanted done (a cut with layers, coloring my hair dark) and she took the time to ask her instructor about the best way to accomplish what I was looking for. Together they recommended slight highlights to frame my face and came up with a great color. I did spend several hours at the salon but am VERY VERY happy with how my hair turned out. The instructors are always present to answer questions and make sure things are going fine and there wasn’t a single moment during the process that I was worried about something my stylist was doing. I’m sure the quality and experience depends on who you get to do your hair but I thought the supervision by the instructors was great. Overall I got my hair cut, colored, highlighted and blown out for just a little bit more than I would’ve paid for a haircut ALONE at a nice salon. I truly got one of the best hair cuts and color jobs I’ve ever had and I’m saying that sincerely.
I think it’s nice to go to a school if you’re willing to spend a little extra time there and don’t mind the students occasionally stopping to ask questions. Afterall with any trade, you have to have practice to become better and I’m happy to help the students perfect their skills. If you want to give it a try but are not willing to spend the time or are nervous, perhaps when you call you can request a more senior student. I saw several people leaving the salon with great hair too!
Place rating: 2
Princeton, NJ
Never– ever– ever again.
I understand you will save some $$ but really it is NOT worth it. I had a groupon package for hair coloring, cut, facial, mani and pedi for a good price but that should have just been a red flag and not reason to celebrate.
They likely give you girls very early in training (which I did not expect– at least let it be part of a «final» or near graduation)…
The pedicure water was too hot and then way too cold. The manicure was basic.
The hair was a catastrophe! She colored my hair and without realizing got it ALL over my sweatshirt. Like literally red/​brown hair coloring all over the back so had to throw that away.
The «facial» was 15 minutes with no extractions.
I don’t know why I caved into the groupon deal.
NOT to mention that I live 45 minutes from here and made an appt and when I showed up the first time, they said their trainee was not in and could not take me– I saw others walking around– switch me around and give me someone else???
Also, couldn’t they have called? Very unprofessional place– they should literally pay people to come here and even then people should reconsider
Place rating: 1
Colonia, NJ
If you want to sit in a chair for at least three hours to get your hair cut and/​or colored, this place is for you!
I knew coming into TSPA that students would be doing my hair. don’t know why I expected more from them as it took at least six hours to strip my hair and then color it? Totally unnecessary. The girl doing it was so unenthusiastic and so lax with everything. Luckily her friend came along and sped along the already long process. In that aspect, I wouldn’t go back for any other treatment other than their chem shots (hair treatments) which are amazing and only $ 10!
They’ll ask if you want a blow dry — actually. not even. They much prefer that you don’t get blow dried, (lazy students) by their tone when they ask. It ends up coming out terrible blow dried anyway cause… their blow dries suck — the teachers need to step in and improve this skill!
One star just for the chem shot.