As a student enrolled in the Esthetics program: Crave focuses on students learning the Why's of Esthetics from skin, tools, diseases, etc. 4-weeks of in-class studying (book knowledge), daily tests (definitions, history) and 2-days of hands on learning the motions of client etiquette and the motions of what it's like to become an Esthetician. Also during the the 1st 4-weeks we were visited by: * A Dermalogica skin care representative. Crave/Pivot Point has a contract with Dermalogica (textbook, videos, skincare products, etc.). The representative gave us a 'Show-N-Tell' of Detmalogica (Who, What, Where, Why) company and products we'd be using at Crave. * We were also visited by a business owner who owns a Fantastic Sam's hair salon franchise owner who spoke to us about the many facets and careers in the beauty industry. * We were visited by The European Wax Center who also gave us an intimate look into their company, a 'Show-N-Tell' about waxing, types of wax and how important it is to choose the right type of wax for various waxing procedures. We received a Crave apron, our name tag, a Crave water bottle, our student Esthetician professional license so we can purchase equipment, product and tools for training and upon our 4th week our student insurance certificates. I am pleased with the learning phase. I also learned that Crave Beauty Academy teaches each student Esthetician the very basics of becoming a professional Esthetician but does not have the latest equipment for each student to perform the latest skincare method. Everything is done via hands-on using a facial steamer & magnifying lamp. We are told, we can ask for some equipment if the instructor seems it necessary to use on a client. But they only have 1 electric mask, 1 infared machine, 1 this and that..not enough for each student to learn during the 'on-the-floor' hands-on client training phase. The student Esthetician will receive professional products to keep for themselves and for client use (in their kit), which you'll receive 8-weeks into the program: *Crave jacket (it's chilly in the building) *Crave Smock/for use when working with client *waxing kit *Makeup & makeup tools *Skincare products *Eyelash kit *Etc. Check out the vids and pics of the school and I hope you choose the school you'll want to visit! I'll see if I can post videos on Google reviews. read more

Crave Beauty Academy - Crave Beauty Academy - learning about electricity. (Tesla theory) the comb/rake for hair/beards - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Ballwin, Missouri

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Karina did my daughters nails today and she did such a fantastic job. Her personality and humor was infectious she made my 4.5 year old feel so comfortable getting her nails done I couldn't recommend her enough she was incredible!! read more

Crave Beauty Academy - children's nails - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Ballwin, Missouri

Crave Beauty Academy is hands down one of the best places for any kind of treatment you want. I love my haircut (my first bangs), thanks to Adrienne A. She is so good at what she does, keeping me entertained with all her fun stories, and I absolutely loved her energy. Mr. Ceyan (I forgot his name, but he was a trainer or specialist) was also very kind. The way he articulates everything just makes you want to listen to him; he did a fantastic job guiding and helping his students. I can tell he's excellent at what he does. Thanks, Crave Beauty. Definitely coming back soon and recommending more people. read more

Normally I wouldn't show off my feet unless it was to give a surgery update, but I wanted to post about my experience at @cravebeautyacademy today. I get 2 pedis a year-- I take my mom for Mother's Day, & for her birthday in September. I've never been a huge fan of my feet since they give me so many issues. Back in January, my feet were swelling post-op, & I wore sneakers to walk around Nassau for hours. My big toenail bruised & started to detach. I figured, if that toenail is going to look gross, at least I can have someone pretty up the rest of them! My mom prefers to go to beauty schools because she thinks their cleaning standards are stricter & hopes they'll be gentler on her. As far as I'm concerned, we'll go wherever she wants. Guys...I was so unsure of what was included in the standard $26 Pedi, I had to call & ask because so little was done. The student working on me didn't cut my toenails at all (note how uneven they are); she ran a file across them here and there, but not enough to actually shape them or make a difference. They're still sharp and long. She didn't take a pumice to my calluses. She didn't go above my ankle at all--there was no calf massage. Normally, my pedicures have me giggling uncontrollably because my feet are super ticklish...but that didn't happen this time because the calluses weren't touched except with a brief scrub mixture. The polish looks gloopy & uneven, too. I showed Jeremy and asked if I was being crazy. He said it looked like a toddler had painted my toenails. Not going to reveal the student's name-- when I called to ask about what was included, the teacher chided me for not speaking up, & reminded me that they were students. She said I could come in again for a redo this week, but it's all the way out by my parents', & I honestly don't want to go back. Yes, it is a school. But skipping essential steps? Wanted to make it known so no one goes in hoping for much. I was looking forward to this for a while, & I'm kicking myself for not speaking up. I just wish a teacher would have inspected the student's work. Once she started painting, I didn't know how to ask her to stop & shape my nails! All that said, my mom was super happy with the girl who did her feet, and that's really what matters most to me. Three stars because maybe this was just a fluke! As with any salon, it's the luck of the draw who you get-- so, your mileage may vary. May the odds be ever in your favor! read more

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When I called to make my pedicure appointment it seemed like whoever answered the phone call wanted me to get off right away. Jacqueline Stubbs gave me the best pedicure ever. She did a really good job. read more

Abby was awesome at the Ballwin location! hard to believe that she is only a student! I am very pleased with the service I had and my hair results! The pricing was great too! I'll be back and bring a friend with me! read more

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Great time getting pedicures and facials with my mom and sister! So relaxing and such a fun time. We all had enjoyable experiences. My mom fell asleep during her facial because of how calming it was lol! read more

I had a wonderful experience here. Anna did a style for me and did a beautiful job. I also got a dip manicure with Shannon. One of the best dip manicures I have ever received! Things do take a bit longer here than a normal salon but you just have to plan for it. I got both these serviced for $12!!! They were having a promotion so I got my manicure for free! read more

Crave Beauty Academy - This is my manicure after a week. Still holding strong. - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Ballwin, Missouri

Went here to have my hair washed, deep conditioned, blow dried/styled, and trimmed. Dajah did an amazing job, my hair was so soft and moisturized after. I was super impressed! Thank you Dajah for the great service and awesome hair! read more

I went to Crave Academy as I like to let the girls get experience on customer's. When I walked in I was greeted by a very friendly staff and the called up me stylist, whom I loved very much, very professional, but one of the stylist Educational Stylist basically took over. I went in for foils and a trim on my hair. What I got was scalped and over processed hair. W Before I left they told me to come back on Tuesday at 9:30 and they will highlight my hair and make it right, plus I told them that they were going to give me a moisture treatment due to all the over processing of my hair. They don't even wash your hair or check it in between the possessing time to check on the color. I thought that was very odd. Well I'm going back on Tuesday and telling them that there is not much to highlight since she cut all my hair off. They charged me for a haircut, but I'm going to get that back. Yes, they are going to pay for what little foiling they can do, deep condition my hair and see if I can talk to the owner of the establishment and get a couple things straight with my hair! Once this is done, I WILL NOT BE GOING BACK!!!! read more

I have been coming to Crave (formerly Xenon) since 2007. I have even taken my mom and daughters to get their hair cut and colored here. Sadly, I will no longer be getting my hair done at this facility. As you may know, the St. Louis County mask mandate was rescinded today. I walked into Crave smiling without a mask on and was immediately confronted by a not so friendly instructor. She told me to put my mask on or I would have to leave. She then proceeded to get the owner of this business. The owner told me she would not be following the St. Louis county order and that I either put a mask on or leave. I left. The owner was not friendly either. Many of the instructors I have grown to love over the years have all suddenly left. I do not have to wonder why. I met the reason personally tonight. read more

They had two specials for prom: $75 for updo, air brush make up, nails, and a spray tan or $35 for updo, make up, and a polish change. Took Teen 1 in for the $35 special but didn't take them up on the polish because she had a gel manicure already. Emily was assigned to take care of her. Emily did an excellent job of consulting and recommending a style that would look nice with her length/texture of hair and style of dress. Emily was very friendly and chatted with Teen 1 while she was doing her hair. Teen 1's hair looked amazing and she was off to make up. Emily recommended a natural look make up with eyeliner and bolder lips. Took a couple of tries to get the eyeliner right, but in the end it looked beautiful and Teen 1 was very pleased. We were probably there for a little longer than a regular salon would have taken, but considering that the place was full of girls from her high school and their mothers a good time was had by all. I didn't try any of these, but they offer a full line of spa services too at very reasonable prices. We'll definitely be back to try some of their other offerings! read more

Crave Beauty Academy - Updo for prom! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Ballwin, Missouri

I went to Crave Beauty Academy over the summer, so this is a belated review. I was impressed that they would schedule me at a time I preferred. Most beauty schools won't schedule you after 3 or 3:30 p.m. and before 5 or 5:15 p.m. because that falls between the day and night student shifts. My appointment was for a facial, but none of their esthetician students were around. They made my appointment with a hair student. The instructor told her what she needed to do and let her know when she needed to get the instructor to complete certain aspects of the facial. The facial was okay but it took some extra time and it was not so relaxing for the hair student to be receiving instructions at several points in the process. The student and instructor were both nice, though. I'll consider going back but will probably request an esthetician. For the time being, I prefer the Salon Professional Academy. read more

I've been coming here for 3 years to get my hair cut/highlighted and have never have left unsatisfied. The instructors always help out with my hair nicely and the prices are great of course. read more

I love going to crave for my services. The staff is friendly and always willing to help me. I've had several services there and will keep going back. And It's affordable! read more

I was not impressed this place. The only reason why I was in the area was because groupon had several deals in the area. I arrived at my appointment time and after 15 minutes of waiting, they found out that the student assigned to my facial was a no call no show. I waited in the lobby area where I witnessed an instructor asking a student with help in moving some supplies and she rolled her eyes and reluctantly helped. I felt awkward in the lobby because the students walked passed me glanced and rolled their eyes at me. I waited for over 45 minutes where they pulled a student from her lunch break. My facial was ok. Its 4 days later and my face is very dry and patchy. On a somewhat positive note, I did witness a make up artist who was working with a client. She was very professional and helpful with the client. I also witnessed a student who treated an elderly client like royalty. Those two instances were great to see. So overall I think there is some potential with this school but they need to be more on the ball when scheduling their clients and maintaining a more professional manner. read more

I went back to Xenon for a much needed trim two weeks ago and my hair looks amazing still! I ended up getting bangs as well and I have been getting compliments from everyone. Thank you Xenon for always having the best service and most friendly people working there! read more

I visited Xenon for my first time a few weekends ago because my stepsister is a student at the Academy. I opted for my eyebrows and I was put in a room with another lady having threading done. 2 guests, 2 students and 1 teacher made for a crowded room but it all got done. The teacher did one of my eyes then my stepsister did the other and they both look superb. The rest of the staff was very friendly and nice and welcoming. read more

I'm pleased to report that Ms. Penrose the owner of Crave called me today. She clarified their policy for a week notice is for color, and not cut. Ms. Penrose assured me she would use this as a learning tool for the Teacher and the student. I have an appointment next Tuesday to have the cut reviewed and fixed. Valerie read more

The people at Crave always remember me and always put in a lot of effort to do things correctly styling my hair.

Awful first impression. Made appt by phone for haircut. Was told Hannah would be doing my hair. Arrived and Hannah was paged. Waited 10 minutes and asked that she be paged again. Hannah finally showed up, didn't apologize asked if I was there for a full hair color. She sat me at her station and walked away. After sitting there awhile I went to find her chatting with the receptionist. Then I got handed off to Christa who seemed weirdly depressed. I showed the haircut I wanted to her boss who explained to Krista how to do it and left. With a terse "Let's Go!" I was led to the shampoo station where the unpleasantness continued. Krista barely touched my head when shampooing (I had already washed my hair at home less than 30 minutes earlier). Shocked by her poor customer service skills I told her I wanted someone else to do my hair. She said she had a test to study for when she basically got stuck with another customer and myself. Her blow drying skills were awful. This chick should stick with her job at California Pizza kitchen. read more

This school makes a lot of promises but staff unprofessional and talks and gossips about students too much. State board needs to investigate their teachings and behavior at this school read more

I don't think that I will ever go there again. When I went to get my hair highlighted, the whole time the teachers kept telling me how horrible my hair was, and kept opting for me to purchase some of their items from their store. The constant harassment of my hair lasted for about 3 hours. Needless to say, I will never be attending the crave beauty academy again. I even had to go to a professional stylist to get my botched highlight job done. read more

This place is amazing. Ask for Madie as she redefines "attention to detail." As an added bonus, you learn so much about your hair not only from the stylist but also the instructors. I cannot say enough about my experiences. read more

Visited Xenon on Saturday for a facial for myself and my daughter. I wasn't sure how it would be going to a school as I have had facials in a spa and loved them. We were greeted by Lauren B. and Lauren S {I don't think I should put their full last names on here. We were brought back to a room that was set up just like a spa so that was a plus. the girls were very nice and did a excellent job. the technician that had my daughter was very patient with here and did everything in her power to make her comfortable. We will defiantly be going back for more pampering read more

I was happy to help a student and had no issues needed to come back a week for some areas of highlight color that needed to be fixed and get the haircut as I originally schedule together. However, the staff and manager were a disaster today having to get calls and talk to three different staff members. Long story short, after two staff members told me to show up at my appointment time at 1pn and not any later. I asked after waiting 30 minutes if I was going to get seated soon. Was told the student was taking mandatory lunch. When asked how much longer, I was directed to the manager, Dana Moss, to explain everything again. She gets a serious attitude with me and tells me I must wear a mask and hands me one, after I have been sitting about 8 feet from her for 45 minutes. I explained I didnt wear one the 5 hours I was there last week and looked around and saw several people not wearing masks that were sitting all around the salon at that moment. She insisted so I asked for my money back. After calling the owner, the owner said no money back. Wow. Since I know the students are not paid by the school for any work, I thought it was fair as I didnt have a problem with the student at all. My problem was with the staff and management of the school. So I feel very badly for the student as she was fabulous and will be fantastic in the future! I have to agree with all of the other negative reviews about the teachers, staff, and particularly the manager and owner now. I do not recommend this school to anyone. I will happily see this student when she starts working because she still made it work for herself in spite of that disastrous management. read more

My daughter has had 2 bad experiences with Crave Beauty Academy. The first was a make up session for prom. She showed them what she wanted and they did the opposite. It was dark and not soft and delicate. She came home and redid it. This past weekend she wanted to have shimmery brown with pink. She got fuscha pink hair with brown roots. It took 6 hours and she was so unhappy. The place was closed Saturday and so we found a person who opened her shop on Sunday to fix her hair before she went back to school. So today I went and talked to the manager. She refunded my money and said she would talk to the person supervising. I don't believe that will happen and that was the end of the conversation. I was offered some different services to make up for the mistake but I am declining. read more

Millennials attitude, be aware. Plus , a few years ago I was overcharged by mistake, and I let them give me a gift card instead of full refund. My card has expired (it's been 5 years) and they cannot honor it. You'd think they would be more flexible with someone who had been understanding in the past - but NO! read more

Great place! wished I found it sooner. I've always had good experiences there. Couple times I was there, the student did some mistakes with my hair but it's ok cause they are students! That's what the teachers are they for to not only fix but also use to it as a teaching moment. As long as I walk out WITH a good cut I don't care what happens in between. Only gripe is perhaps the cost. They are pretty much the same price as 'outside'. I feel that for a school their haircut prices should be much lower than actual salons. read more

Awful experience at the hair salon. I thought I would try it out because I've had several facials and always have a wonderful experience. Tamia-The girl that did my hair scrubbed my head so hard it was uncomfortable. She was scrubbing my head with her fingernails and after I told her that was uncomfortable she continued to do so. She also shampooed my hair twice and was combing it with shampoo in, which was causing my hair to have several knots. When she cut my hair she asked me to stand the whole time...She told her supervisor she was not going to cut my hair straight across (which is what i suggested since i have long hairand no layers) When I went to check out no one asked how my services were. Awful!! I will never go back to the hair salon portion again. read more

Crave has been my place of style and haircare for about 10 years now. Been through a number students and instructors. For the past 3 months my stylist has been Gab E. Gab E is an amazing stylist! She is so young but an "old soul" as far as hair stylist. I can't say enough good about her. Today my experience at Crave was awesome! Color was just right and cut was perfect. Gab gives a totally good reason for continuing to go to Crave. I appreciated the new instructor as well. Sorry but I do not remember her name. She was very gracious. read more

This place was the worst nail place I've ever been to. I was really looking for a treat, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I decided to give Xenon a try. I knew that the it was a school and the students were all learning, so I was very patient and lenient. When I got there, it took about 15 minutes for my girl to come up and greet me and take me to my chair. She then had me put my feet in the water (which was ice cold). She then informed me that it was her last week, so I got very excited (at least I wasn't stuck with a brand new student). So then she started doing all the normal stuff ( trimming my nails, cuticle treatments, etc) She made my cuticles bleed. The paint job was the worst I'd ever seen (my husband could have done better). Worst of all, it took almost three hours for a basic manicure/pedicure. I ended up going home and taking off the nail polish and painting my own nails. What a waste of time and money. :( read more

The place has gone downhill...don't know if it's new management or what...instruction, or lack thereof, the students are really on their own. This last visit, the instructor suggested a color & she was so off! Not going back...I'll spend a bit more elsewhere & get professional work. read more

I was very surprised at the lack of instruction given. I went in for a partial perm - 'partial'! The overall time I was there was close to 5 hours! The student admitted it was her very first time doing a perm on a human - so one would think that the instructors would be close by giving pointers - no!...I even stated that I did not believe the rods were in very tight - mostly the very top ones - was told by the student she thought it was correct since it was a spiral perm. I asked for her to check with someone - she left and came back saying it was to be loose - no one EVER checked the rods. The first solution she put on my hair I commented that she did not use very much - I would say 1/10 of the bottle was used. During the forever rolling of a partial perm - I asked about trimming my hair at the end - was told that was part of the process with a perm. Well after the perm and 5 hours I was told that it would be $10 more and she would need to check on the TIME! - I just told her to skip it because I needed to get to work - and who knows how long a trim would take with this girl. I have had partial perms multiple times - usually once a year. No one would EVER know I had a perm - I think the top of my hair is actually straighter than before I went in. I could not believe the lack of direction by the instructors. During this day event I overheard the student close by tell a customer that she would be graduating the following week. Well, an instructor actually went over and ended up correcting the cut at the end - so to have to correct a cut from a student that would be on their own the next week was alarming. I would not recommend going here. read more

I had an awful experience here. Let me just start off by saying that I went for a color appointment, and I was there for 6 HOURS. I showed the student a picture of what I wanted, and I trusted her with my hair. As she was applying the parts that would be highlighted, I noticed that her technique was way off. I am an aspiring cosmetologist and I teach myself many things, and I know that the technique you use for highlights is painting the section of hair with the highlight color in a V. She painted the whole section and stopped at a certain point, which I knew would make the highlights very choppy. I let her go on even though I knew it was wrong. Doing the foils alone took 2 1/2 hours. She then rinsed me and we came back and I looked at my hair and it was almost black. I asked for chestnut brown. I was p**sed. I had a skunk stripe of highlight right down the center of my head, and the "highlights" were YELLOW. Her instructor came over and started gawking over how great it looked, meanwhile I'm sitting there looking p**sed and wanting to cry. She then proceeds to tell me that we can't tone it, that I could come back another day and have it toned. She expected me to walk out of there with black hair and yellow highlights. I wasn't having it. So she and three other people started working the toner into my hair at once, yanking on my head and my neck, giving me the worst migraine I've ever had. Moral of this story is, don't get your hair done at a school unless you know the person and you trust them with your hair. Because now I have to go get it professionally fixed, for possibly over $200, because obviously the instructors are not teaching their students correctly. Very, very disappointed. read more

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I've been to Xenon several times now and have used many of their services, and I've always had a great experience. From the receptionists at the front desk to the students, as well as the instructors on the floor, I was impressed with their professional attitudes and the friendliness they showed me. I've had my hair cut, colored and styled, and I've been extremely pleased with the results every time. I've also had a facial which was relaxing and made my skin look so much better, as well as a pedicure. I can also pick up any products I need while I'm there. I will continue to come back again and again, as the price is so affordable. read more