If you're looking to get a facial, ask for Brittney Johnson! She is very thorough and really cares about her clients. The entire experience was great from start to finish. Very professional and friendly!! read more

After a long week with a newborn I needed some "me" time! A good friend who goes to Bellus told me about a free facial from a friend so I signed up! KELSEY JOHNSON was AMAZING!!!! She was super friendly and welcoming! She explained every process she was doing and made sure that it was comfortable for me. I appreciate that she read through my questionnaire first and accommodated to my needs (I guess when you are nursing there are certain procedures you can't do). I would definitely come back to Bellus and ask for Kelsey! read more

Went in for a facial and WOW! Stephanie took care of me and went above and beyond. She was amazing and left my skin soft and glowing. She was very knowledgeable about all the different products and which would be best from r my skin. I will be back for a facial from Stephanie again-she's awesome!! read more

I have been going to this location for a few years now, my stylist/student was Arielle. Both the student and the supervisor were extremely knowledgable, patient and attentive to what exactly wanted to do. Originally my appointment was tint/color but I decided to get a haircut instead and they were quite accommodating of that. My friends and family loved my hair how great it looked. Arielle also shared great tips how to take care of my hair. Would definitely recommend this place and Arielle for very good service, she explained everything before she started to cut my hair. read more

I went for low lights and a cut a couple of weeks ago on a Tuesday evening. My experience was an excellent one. I had received a gift card for Christmas and discovered that I could get my hair done at Bellus using the card. Lisette was the student who put low lights in and cut my hair. She seemed to be a natural at it and her teacher was very encouraging with her if she had any questions, so I felt comfortable with the services I received. I would like to know where Lisette finds a job once she graduates because I keep getting compliments from friends and family on my hair. She did a good job hearing me and how I wanted it cut in the front, which was more "chunky" than "wispy." Some people are just good at hair, and I think Lisette has a secure future in doing hair. Brava! read more

I went there for a massage with Krista, and was amazed at the professionalism and friendly service of the place. They were prompt in checking me in and so helpful, when I couldnt access my coupon on my phone, looking it up in their computer. Krista for being new in the massage field was an excellant masseuse, proffesional and efficient, cant wait to come back and try her again. Good Job, Krista! read more

This was my first time at Bellus Academy and I was delighted by the knowledgeable service. I was referred by a friend to get a facial here. My esthetician, Lyndsay Law, really knew the ins and outs. Before the facial I had asked exactly what the process consisted of. She broke it down--steam, cleanse, massage, mask, etc. The pumpkin mask was soothing and smelled soooo nice. I was extremely comfortable and relaxed throughout the session which was much needed and a solid stress reliever. I am definitely returning when I decide to treat myself. Big thanks to Lyndsay and her magic hands! read more

Bellus Academy is the only place I like to go to get my hair done :) Kayla Hemp is the person I go to for anything, just recently she cut 7 inches off my hair and I couldn't be happier. Also the teachers here are amazing and will help with anything. read more

I went to Bellus to see Cinta S. for a facial and it was AMAZING. She had the perfect touch and made sure to make the experience very relaxing for me. My skin has never felt better! I will definitely be returning! :) read more

Went to Bellus today to get a facial from Lyndsay Law. I have never had a facial and was skeptical to get one as a man. Lyndsay Law made me feel right at home and talked me through the entire process. She was very informative and very good with her technique. I truly enjoyed myself and the facility and would recommend a facial to any guy. Thanks Lyndsay! read more

Been a Bellus VIP for years, I see and love the way they treat everyone at affordable price yet world class beauty treatment, come and see it for yourself at poway and I wish they open more academy here in escondido and I can't wait to join them. I want to give them 1 million of 5Stars...AB read more

Got a facial last week from Lexi Zao and it was absolutely amazing!! I have gotten many facials before and was a little apprehensive to go to a beauty school for a facial but I regret not going sooner. Lexi not only made me feel comfortable and relaxed, but also listened to my skin concerns and chose a facial that would be best for my skin type. My skin looks amazing.. I will definitely be back! read more

I made an appointment to get my first facial(ever) and i am so glad I got to experience this with Mercedes. She made me feel extremely comfortable from start to finish. She was very knowledgeable and answered any questions I had throughout the process. This facial had my skin glowing for days! If you're looking to get your skin on the right track I highly recommend Mercedes, she offers options that will work for any skin type! read more

I received a facial on friday from Mercedes Glendon and it was absolutely amazing. It was very relaxing and the atmosphere was perfect. She left my skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Make sure you stay on the look out for her availability. Promise you she won't disappoint!! read more

I started going to Bellus Academy when it was known simply as Poway Hair Academy. I think I've been going almost as long as it's been opened! I have *never* had a bad result for anything I've had done there. When I decided to be brave enough to finally get my hair colored ... at 56 years of age!! ... I was more than delighted at the care and the time the instructor and the stylist took with me. I gave them free reign, telling them that I trusted them and I just wanted something different. I was so pleased with the results! I've had the color touched up a couple of times; money has prohibited me from doing it consistently. I'm always happy with the results. The first weekend in January my daughter (who is 24) and I took my 94-year-young grandmother there. She had a facial and her hair done for her trip back to Maine. She LOVED it!! All in all, I highly recommend everybody visit and help these lovely folks hone their skills. Take your patience with you, because it's not a quickie. But boy, are the results wonderful!!! read more

I loved walking in the academy and being greeted with the nicest young lady behind the counter. It definitly felt and looked like a professional salon. It took about 2 hours for my haircut but it was worth it. When my hairdresser got stuck, she asked her supervisor for help and guidence, which i thought was so cool. I love my haircut. I am definetly returning for other services offered. I have recomended the salon to all my co-workers and they plan on visiting as well. Thank you everyone for your hard work. read more

Hands down the best beauty school! I've been a regular customer now for over 4 years and I've never had a bad experience! The girls are all so friendly and Dorothy is an amazing instructor! That's actually the main reason I feel so comfortable and confident getting my hair done here because she is so great at coaching the girls throughout the process. I've been to other beauty schools before but this one gives you a whole different experience. You feel like you are being pampered at a regular salon. Not to mention the great discount you are getting! The fact I can walk out with a cut, color touch up, and deep condition for less then $40 bucks is amazing! I also recently had a microderm facial and was very pleased with the results and experience. Afew important notes for new customers: - This is a SCHOOL and students are doing your hair. Please know that they are learning! Don't go in showing them a picture of a complicated cut/color and expect it to turn out exactly like the picture. If you have high expectations and want specific results then pay the price at a professional salon. - If you are like me and just want a simple cut and color or root touch up, they will be your new best friend and you will save a ton of money. - Don't be rude to the students!!!! Again these are people who actually pay to go to school here and are not receiving a pay check to put up with your attitude. - Be prepared to sit in that chair for 2-3 hours. Since they are learning, they spend extra time making sure to perfect everything. If you're annoyed at how long it takes remember how much $$ you are saving. - Make sure to bring cash and tip them! It's obviously not required but I would feel horrible if I didn't. read more

They followed up with me, expressing their apologies. They are also working with me in resolving this issue which I do appreciate. I'll give them another chance and see how it goes. read more

Marty H. Did a fantastic job on my color correction damaged hair . I got the look I wanted and my hair feels better them before. Please ask for him. He knows his hair and makeup! read more

Got my pedicure yesterday. It was a great experience. If you have lot of time and want to get pampered this is THE place. They are really sweet and welcoming. Thank you for the wonderful service Julia. You were very knowledgeable, kind, patient and truly professional. By the way I loved the color changing polish you suggested.. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. I have never been to the facility which I heard mostly good things about. I called about 5 times in one day JUST to inquire about some prices and how it all works, no answer... I called the following day and a man answered seemed very unsure about the answers he was giving me so I asked to speak to someone that might be able to give me more information. I'm not sure if he forgot I was on the phone but I was appalled by the things he was saying, how I am a "dumb ass" and I could even hear the women laughing in the background. I am a very patient person but I do not tolerate rude. This is not the environment I want to get any service from or give any business to. Very poor customer service. Horrible experience. read more

DO NOT COME HERE FOR NAILS! The absolute worst acrylic nails I have ever had and terrible customer service. The nail lady I had was extremely nice and carful, however the results were just not good. I went to Bellus at 12:30 and left at 2:30pm. It took the lady 2 hours to do simple acrylic nails which was already ridiculous. They cannot use a nail drill and had to file everything by hand, making a sloppy end result. Also, the lady did not give me the shape of nail I wanted. I asked for square with rounded edges that were not sharp and she gave me sharp squared edges. She also pushed back my cuticles with a wooden stick and absolutely no cuticle oil, which was extremely painful and ruined my cuticles. The nails she did on me were extremely brittle and thin. When I went back to get a refund, the instructor did not want to help and was extremely unreceptive. I was not even mad as much about the refund as I was of how she treats their clients. She was not helpful at all. I will never go back to Bellus Academy. Terrible results, but more importantly, terrible customer service. read more

I have been going here for a few months now to get my hair cut by a good friend of my in the barber school here. I must say this place is truly amazing! Every star I have them they deserve. For what it costs to get a hair cut there I feel like I'm getting away with so much more. The baber program is amazing I go in for a bit and come out with much more: hair cut, shave, and a lesson on something. I think it cool that as I'm getting my haircut I can ask question about what's being done and get a well educated answer. Or as I'm getting my haircut and on the other side of the classroom there's a class going on and you can listen in. This place is amazing I'll continue to go. I go there just for haircuts but soon I'll indulge in a massage, Mani pedi, or who knows because they offer so much!! read more

I was interested in obtaining more info as a prospective student for their makeup course. I called the # listed on their website and it always rings and rings then goes to v/m. So I sent a couple of email inquiries 2 months ago & FINALLY get a response from somebody in their admissions dept the other day. We spoke briefly and he said he would send me an email w/ more info. Never received the info. He verified my email so I dont know what the problem is. Very unprofessional & unorganized in my opinion. That's ok, I lost interest already. read more

This review is in response to having been a graduate of Bellus Academy. I am so grateful to the teachers and administrators of Bellus Academy. As a person changing careers in mid-life, I appreciated the fact that it was an environment that demanded professionalism and the best from its students. In return, we received a top-notch education and legitimate career opportunities that other schools just can't provide. We worked in a luxurious spa atmosphere, and offered terrific service to real salon patrons, which boosted our confidence and honed our skills. And it wasn't always easy. It wasn't always "five stars" in my brain. I didn't pick up some things as fast as some of the other students. There were times when I cried and , literally, felt like I wanted to throw a mannequin head across the parking lot, by her ponytail - and just give up. But, I had awesome instructors like Matt Hom, Bryden Muggleston, Eric Thrane and Carerra Bailey, who told me, "Hang in there. We know it's tough, but we believe in you." And when it came time for State Board, as with most Bellus grads, not only did I pass the State Board the first try, but I passed it with flying colors. (I believe the school has something like a 90+ pass percentage rate with its grads.) There is a reason Bellus graduates get some of the best entry level salon and spa jobs, after earning their license. They go beyond the usual fair of "get them their hours and get them their license." They more than prepare us for State Board. They help us SHINE. They offer externships to top students, and when I found the job market to be rather hostile to a person of my age, I was able to meet with counselors, and re-assess my next steps. After a few tweaks of the resume and a few job leads, I was hired as an assistant at an incredible salon. I couldn't ASK for a better fit for me, or more awesome co-workers and bosses. Had I needed further education? I could have attended courses they offer to professional alumni, as well. They really went out of their way to help me succeed. That is what I am most thankful for. They CARE about our success. Let it be known on the internet, that I highly recommend Bellus Academy to anyone pursuing a career in the beauty industry. I am proud not not only be a beauty school graduate...but a BELLUS ACADEMY Graduate. Rainbo T - Class of 2011 read more

I am a student that graduated from this school in May 2010. My experience as a student was horrible! I signed up for the HHP (massage) course where they told me I would be extensively learning over 10-15 modalities and would be comfortable in all of those. When I first started, I had an amazing teacher (Melissa) that went into extensive anatomy before she had us even really touch a body which is very important. Then, they decided to switch teachers a month in where everything went downhill. I had 8 different teachers over oinly being there for 10 months!!! Also, every time a new teacher came in they started from basic anatomy instead of picking up from where the last fired teacher was. I only learned about 5 of those modalities and became comfortable with only 2 of them because I learned them OVER and OVER again. For esthetics and hair they have beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses in all different classrooms so that the advanced students don't have to sit through beginner courses but for massage they just put everyone in the same room to where the beginners are so lost learning advanced courses and and the seniors are stuck listening to the same thing every single month. After this whole experience I actually turned out to now have my own massage therapy business thanks to Courtney Donadio the only one that knows whats going on there! But they did call just a month or two ago to let me know I actually did not graduate and that I needed to come back to do an exit interview!!! I cannot believe how unprofessional and unorganized this school was. I did not get all my books or supplies they promised me even after months of calling AFTER I graduated. I could seriously sit here and type pages on all the bad stuff I saw at this school but it would take too long. I would recommend this school for people wanting services but not to someone looking to join as a student!! read more

Take this school off your list. Students bully like in junior high and students are left to fend for themselves. Staff is younger than students in some cases. Director is unavailable most of the time when issues arise. School is way OVERPRICED for what the student gets in return. Go somewhere else. read more

I love me some massages and the massages here have honestly been one of the best that I've ever gotten. I've been here twice for a hot stone massage, a swedish massage, and once for color. Both massesuses were amazing and the customer service was unparalleled. I had relaxing and wonderful experiences, despite being able to hear people's voices right next to you. (The massages are set up so you are only seperated by a curtain) However, when I went for my hair appointment, I wanted to go from my dyed black hair to a dark brown. I have done this countless times in my life, both at home and at the salon. Although my hair colorist was very sweet and helpful, her instructor was probably the least helpful person ever and didn't even say hi to me or acknowledge my presence. I honestly felt like he was talking about me to my face. He kind of made me feel crazy for wanting to dye my hair and then made me feel stupid for thinking it could be done. He basically said it was impossible for me to dye it....didn't give me any other options. Funny that a week later, I was able to get my hair the gorgeous brown shade I requested in one salon visit elsewhere.... Another HUGE problem that this place has is that I can NEVER, EVER book an appointment. I literally have tried to call this place 8-5 while I'm at work and it ALWAYS goes straight to their voicemail. I try evenings, weekends, early mornings, you name it and nothing. I've left messages as the voicemail requests and I have only ONCE recieved a call back...to which I was told they couldn't fit me in anyways. When I go to check in for my appointments, the front desk always seems to be gossiping and it takes them a while to pay attention to me. If you can get past the reception desk and voicemail, then 1) CONGRATULATIONS and 2) prepare yourself for a delightful experience. The only reason this is 2 stars is because the service and customer service is overall great....just wish I could be able to actually get to that point. read more

This adademy started out good. But......in the last three years this place of business has gone downhill fast.. They don't have enough help at the front desk and if you try to call in to get an appointment you can't get through. They send you out into outer space, a real frustrating joke. After suffering like this for three years I have decided not to go there any longer. Also, when you tell them how you want your hair cut, they do whatever they want to do to your hair. Not a happy situation. Not a professional place after all. read more

This place is great!! The stylists are attentive, fun and skilled . The place is cool and chic and the service is great . I've been going here for 2 years and have gotten my hair cut, conditioned colored and highlighted. The pomegrate facials are so relaxing and refreshing . I finally tried their spa pedicure and Yennifer did a real good job and I have an a cute spring color to show off! read more

Planning on going to school here!! My friend goes here for make-up and esthetics, esthetician 102. She loves it and my friend and I are planning on going too! read more

I just want to say to all newly enrolled students and future enrolling students that you will never get a better education anywhere else but Bellus Academy. It took 2 years of my life, but it was all worth it in the end! I felt so overly prepared to take my state board test. While sitting in the waiting room to get my results, for literally 5 mins, I witnessed multiple girls from other schools walk to the window and immediately cry because they failed, and all the while I felt sorry for them, I remembered I got the best education that money could buy and I am forever thankful for this amazing school. It changed my life for the better! read more

If you know someone that goes to this school, then you will be talked into coming here! What can I say you gotta support your homie 4 life. But I say just come here if you get invited, other than that stay away and go to a salon with no students. You pay just as much anywhere else. I had the pumpkin and murad facial. I think I'll be happy putting peanut butter on my face and get the same results. read more

The only other time I got a facial was ten years ago. My friend booked our appointments so we could both get a facial at the same time. I had microdermabrasion and a pumpkin peel and it was fabulous. It was only $88 for both and I'm told this is a great deal. The space is large and is exactly like a spa. My girl was sweet, professional and knew what she was doing. I was offered water and even received a free beauty product by just checking in on Yelp. I'm coming back and bringing friends. read more

I have had my hair done here several times, most of the time I am happy with what I come out with especially since there are trained professionals ready to help the students at all times. I love getting massages and facials here, great prices and I am always satisfied. read more

Weather you are coming for services or training, Bellus is the best! I would know, I've been a student here for almost 2 years! I'm done with my schooling now but i will continue to come back for services and visit my amazing teachers. read more

The students here are very sweet and are generally good at what they do. I probably wouldn't come here for a haircut, but rather harmless things like massages and manicures. I got a facial once and they messed up on the extractions. Yikes! The service, though, is pretty terrible. Well mostly it's just the brunette behind the reception who ignores you until you ask her something, which then she looks annoyed that you're asking her something... even though you need to talk to her to get checked in. Also, when it gets busy, it doesn't seem to be their priority to pick up the phone at all. Which sucks when everything is by appointment only. read more

I walked in and was told they were having a morning huddle and it'd be about fifteen more minutes which was fine because I was ten minutes early. Kasey, probably about 19 years old, dyed my hair. Well not really dyed but bleached. I was going from brunette to blond. She asked if I knew it'd be a long and damaging process and probably take a couple a visits. I knew all of this. She asked for approval every step of the way from her teacher which I didn't find annoying but comforting. She'd say "I'm planning on doing this, is that correct" and it always was. It took a long time, 5 hours, which I also had expected. My hair turned very blond at the end, and I really liked the results. She was pleasant, and even though she was fairly new (not graduating til march) she knew what she was doing. read more

I got a clarifying facial yesterday it was a little pricy but luckily I bought a groupon which made it affordable. Lindsay was awesome! Super sweet great conversation and very relaxing. I just wish they tell you that you have to tip in cash and can't add it to your card so I had to go back to tip but other than that awesome! read more

I love this school! Heidi Van Ryn from morning senior esti class gave me a pomegranate and back facial today it was great I love my results and got to relax, she's so nice made me feel super comfortable and took care of me from the minute I walked in till I left! (: I will be sure to come back soon to get many more treatments from her! read more