I can not say enough about Nora at Bellus. She gave me the most beautiful full head of highlights that I have ever had. I was so impressed. Nora was insightful and helped me pick a color that was just right for my complexion. She also gave me a great haircut. I have very fine hair, so she was mindful of giving me the layers I wanted without making my hair look even thinner. I felt so confident walking out of the salon. Nora is kind and I had a great time with her! She is beyond talented and I hope to be able to follow her to wherever she ends up after graduating. Go see her now before she's gone!!! read more

Sonam did an AMAZING job with my anti aging facial! She was professional knowledgeable and kind! A great experience all around can't wait to try additional services! read more

Tachona (sorry if I misspelled ah!) did an amazing job on my hair. She took great care of my hair and was super accommodating such a sweet heart and hope to see her next time I go again! read more

Bellus Academy - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I still highly recommend Bellus Academy for affordable services and supervised student work. The environment itself is welcoming, and the value for the price is hard to beat. However, I want to clarify an important update regarding my experience with one specific stylist. After my appointment, the stylist reviewed my personal social media and later sent me a message declining to service me further--not due to anything that occurred during my appointment, but because I styled my own hair differently outside of the salon. While I respect a stylist's right to set boundaries in their chair, reviewing a client's personal content and making assumptions about them felt unprofessional and inappropriate. Client autonomy outside of appointments should be respected. That said, this issue reflects one individual, not the academy as a whole. I would absolutely return to Bellus Academy and simply book with a different student/stylist moving forward. read more

Bellus Academy - Silk press - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

I booked appointment today to get my hair trimmed and a silk press. The person who scheduled my appointment was very professional and kind. Once I got there, I was seen momentarily after I arrived. I have 4C hair and was curious to know who was going to be doing it. My hairstylist was a cool charismatic woman named Sandra. She had beautiful dyed hair and was very pleasant. She washed, blow dried, and did a thermal style on my hair in which I loved! All of the staff and students were very kind and friendly at this location. The prices were very affordable and were able to book a future appointment on the spot. If you end up going based on my review, mention my name 'Desireé J' from Yelp and you will get 50% off your services! Please note, this is only for new customers. You can also get 50% separately if you come in and celebrate your birthday with purchasing their services. Thanks again Sandra and team! I will definitely be back! read more

Bellus Academy - Women's Haircut - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

Cheyanne did a beautifulllll job on my hair. i went in for highlights and a trim, a bit nervous bc i have very long, dark hair and a balyage that was a bit grown out so i wasn't sure if they'd be able to give me what i was looking for. Cheyanne color corrected so the balyage seamlessly blended in with the new highlights and added some color to my bangs as well as a soft, fluffy blowout to tie it all together. she was friendly, attentive, and great at her job. flawless job, will defintely request for her next time i go in. read more

Huge shoutout to Molly Gonzalez @ Bellus Academy El Cajon-I highly recommend her!! Nothing beats that feeling of a fresh, healthy hair transformation. Thank you for taking the time to tint touch up all my unwanted greys, and for the perfect point cut trim! read more

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Came to get my roots done and was taken care of by Maya. She was very good at explaining what she was doing, taking her time and paid attention to details. The color she did was a perfect match and looked great. For being a first time client, that impressed me. Shampoo/conditioner with a blow out and curl. All were so professional. I loved my hair when I walked out! Did not take long at all, and for the student clinic price ?!?! I'll be back for other services after this trip. I had a great time and the clinic vibe with all of the students was such a good energy. Thank you Maya, your talent and fun personality are going to take you far in this industry! read more

Bellus Academy - Love it! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

As a child, my family went to a beauty school for all of our haircuts. So I wasn't nervous about going to a school again. This was my first visit here. The receptionist greeted me with a smile, which is always nice. Kayla gave me a gel manicure; she was so sweet and very careful. She kept asking me to tell her if I felt uncomfortable/pain. She was very gentle so there was no chance of that happening. The end result is gorgeous! I think the reason is that she was very focused on what she was doing and didn't rush. The only thing I thought was strange was that an instructor or one of the licensed staff didn't check in on her to see if she needed anything. She did say she was due to graduate soon so maybe that's the reason. If you're on a budget, this is a great place to take care of you! read more

Bellus Academy - Beautiful! I feel like a woman again! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

I got a facial with Anna and it was amazingggg!! such a calming experience and she was just the sweetest. I can't wait to go back and get another facial from her! read more

Loved my hair cut and perm and am considering getting vivids done next the students are amazing

Riley D did a great job. She explained the process as we went. When the color didn't come out quite right she did a second toner to get it exactly like I wanted. I left feeling beautiful! read more

Kiera Jacinto at the El Cajon, California , Bellus Academy did an excellent job as my hair stylist . I requested a shoulder length bob , and Kiera cut and styled it perfectly! It was exactly what I requested and so cute. Although Kiera is a student she naturally is talented with hair. She definitely has a prosperous career ahead of her. The costumer service was very welcoming and the services are affordable. I highly recommend making an appointment with Kiera Jacinto while she is there as a student before she graduates. read more

Quane provided excellent service, great conversation, and constant check ins to make sure I received exactly what i wanted and asked for!

I went in for a balayage and Nevaeh was my cosmetologist. From her welcoming demeanor to her professionalism and attention to detail, she was amazing. Consistently making sure I was comfortable and didn't need anything made my experience extremely relaxing and her relationship with others made it clear that her personality is radiant as well. I got a trim as well and the layering technique and attention to detail was spectacular. I've never left a hair appointment with such a glow as I did then. For sure recommend!!!!! read more

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Kiera, Ivy, Grace, Emily, & Kayla did so well on my hair! They helped detangle my hair which took some time but they were gentle and patient. I really glad I came here, will come back again. Thanks for the great customer service ladies! (: read more

I came in to Bellus Academy this morning. Need some help with my bangs. Maria helped me, and I left with them looking so much better! She did a great job! I have been to this location three times now for cutting and color, and I haven't been disappointed. read more

I had an amazing facial from Layla! She was great. The staff at the front desk were very kind and helpful too! Overall a great experience from a teaching program! read more

Kristen did a great job, she explained all the steps she took keeping me informed at all times.

When you set your appointment, request Alexa. Pros: * Amazing stylist; she took her time, requested help when she needed it, and was very meticulous * Alexa gave me some advice on styling and products Cons: *N/A Extra: * I recommend going in with an open mind. I gave Alexa creative freedom. Once she understood how I kept my hair and the styling products I had at home, she recommended this shaggy cut and the length. I love the final product! * Don't rush them! If you have a timeline, then go somewhere else. Allow them the time to work through the process, and your hair will turn out amazing. * Alexa's sister, Sarah, is also very knowledgeable, and I recommend her as well. *My haircut was $18. read more

Bellus Academy - My Before & After Photos - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

Davia was so nice. She did my lashes and they came out so beautiful and natural looking! I highly recommend booking an appointment with her!

The students are all very nice. Rodela did my hair & everyone that was passing by was complimenting the hair color that I got. They are also helping each other out which I think is cool. read more

Bellus Academy - hair color red - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

Got a blowout done by Emily and absolutely loved the experience! My hair felt so soft and had so much volume, which is hard for my stubborn hair! Emily was also great company and so informative! 10/10 would recommend read more

I got an anti-aging facial done with Katie and my skin was absolutely glowing after! She's extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and ensured I was comfortable throughout the service. I definitely will be back :) read more

I got a haircut and color at another Bellus location years ago and still remember it as one of the best balayage jobs someone has ever done on my hair. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I booked a haircut ($18) at the El Cajon location and was so happy with how it turned out. The quality of the shampoo, cut, and style was on par (and in some cases, far better) than salons I've gone to before that charge 4x as much. My stylist, Rhylee, was incredible. Walked me through the process and products she was using. And because it's a student atmosphere, it's cool seeing the direction they're getting from their instructors. The only "drawback" is she is set to graduate in June so won't be available next time I'm due for a cut. Parking is easy, there's a free, open lot shared with multiple other businesses. I was greeted and checked in immediately, and the whole vibe of the place was relaxing with good music and an energetic buzz. I only had a few inches cut off, but if you are getting a certain style or color, allow for extra time because of the training aspect. read more

Stumbled upon this business while doing a google search for a specific hair product. The place looks bare bones and is in an old school looking strip mall, but it's clean and organized. The staff was really very nice. Be sure to bring a credit card as they don't take cash. I wish I had taken a photo of their pricing sheet because the services all looked very fairly priced. Full service menu from hair to nails to facials. read more

What a beautiful experience Mikayla provided. I attended the evening facial session for a Balancing Facial and got exactly that! It was such a relaxing and comfortable environment and Mikayla walked me through the entire process. She took her time to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed. Would totally recommend booking with her!! read more

Bellus Academy - Left feeling like a refreshed Queen! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

Hannah! What a superstar! My hair feels so silky and so perfect. Thank you so so so much for the great vibes and hair girly pop, I appreciate you! Separately, I always have genuinely good experiences here. It's an honor to be a part of their studies and be able to watch these peeps learn and grow! Keep up the great work, everyone. Especially Hannah read more

Ty did my highlights and she did an excellent job. I recommend this place and her highly. It did take a very long time but it was a full and she is learning. She did an amazing job. read more

This is the premiere hair school in greater San Diego--in El Cajon! Professionalism matters in the beauty industry more than glam and KATHIA brings it allllll...from the way she treats you on the phone, to when she greets you in person from beginning to end! She is half of why I've returned because she's sincere, honest, and hardworking. The other half of why I went back for a 2nd time to this site is the zest of the students and this time I was "graced with Grace"! Grace was very unassuming, polite, "color creator", but most of all a great listener! You have to understand the needs of clients with complicated, non-traditional hair, with 4C coils and even though she had no experience with Afro-American hair, she understood the assignment! Great job Grace! read more

Hannah did amazing on my hair!! Just what I wanted! I'll definitely be back. Everyone in there is really friendly too! Check them out!!

I got the most amazing facial for my back and face from Amanda R. Highly recommend! Can't wait to come back.

I came here to get my nails fixed after I had a horrible experience at a different nail salon. They were able to help me and repair the integrity of my nail and restore my confidence. Very professional and would recommend everyone to get their nails done here the quality is top tier and very sanitary. Thank you to everyone at the front desk read more

Brooke T. did an amazing job on my hair. I came in for a wash, blow dry, and straighten. She made sure to ask questions about my scalp to see what kind of shampoo works best. I have a really dry scalp, and the products she used made my hair feel so soft and moisturized. Highly recommend her! read more

Bellus Academy - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I got an underarm wax and brow lamination from Kahli, and I absolutely love the results! I was a bit nervous since it was my first time being waxed, and I wouldn't say I have the highest pain tolerance, but Kahli made me feel at ease the entire time. The experience went so smoothly! I also had never tried brow lamination before and wasn't familiar with the process, but Kahli walked me through every step and explained the aftercare. I'm so happy with how my brows turned out! I'll definitely be back to book more services with her! :) read more

Best cut & color I've had in a long time. I've gone to high end/middle priced placed & have had good color before but this was my best so far. Yes, it might of taken longer than usual but it's because they care differently I think. Jasmine & her stylist friend worked on my hair while the instructors were available for advice or help if needed. I'm a dirty blonde, got full highlights (very blonde) haircut & blow dry. Walked out feeling amazing & this momma needed it bad!!! Hopefully I can post a picture later, it's on a different phone. read more

The lack of professional training related to poor customer service being thought to students... confrontational and snappy instructors who make unessasary excuses for students instead of teaching them appropriate professional and work ethics( "it's a school"). Treating the El cajon community like guinea pigs for discounted prices. read more

Great service from Katie today. I received a manicure and pedicure. It was very relaxing. She even corrected the polish I messed up before leaving. read more

It was my first time here and the overall atmosphere was great with friendly staff & students. Sedra did my hair. She did a great job with my haircut and toner/color. She knew when to seek help and seemed to take her time in order to be thorough. The educator was positive and so helpful too. I would definitely go back again. read more

Bellus Academy - My haircut with layers and toned my previous highlights. - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - El Cajon, California

Amazing experience! I was suggested Bellus Academy by a neighbor, and I'm glad they referred me and I'm pleased to have paired with Hannah. She was attentive to what I wanted- Having healthy hair. I haven't had a haircut since December,2024 and nothing was working anymore, my hair felt like a Lego block. Heavy and awkward to work with. Booking and checking in was extremely easy. The salon is clean, great shampoo station and great music. Hannah and her lead have attention to detail and explained what stage my hair was in, while giving me options on how to clean up my hair. I was suggested a layer cut , framing my face. Speaking from past experiences, many times I have seen the same cut on every person. I will definitely be seeing Hannah again, she is easy to talk with and she glamed up my hair! My hair not only feels healthy again, but it looks cute! No upsale , no pressure in buying product here, but she gave me a few suggestions on what was used and what would keep my hair protected from the warmer months ahead. She's a gem! Thank you! read more