MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP PLAN I made an appointment on Monday for Friday at 12pm. I got there at 11:59 and the lady with short blonde hair darker skin said she was to about call me ... the DAY and TIME of the appointment to cancel and couldn't even give me a reason why. I've been reading reviews and their answers about becoming more communicative about appointments, obviously still isn't working. Came all the way there for nothing..Very unprofessional will not schedule again. read more

I was a student here just graduated today June 26, 2025! Run to any other school you will not be able to pass the exam all the teachers will show you different methods confusing you. Ms. Parks executive director and Ms. Candace are bias individuals so they select who they will help and who they will not! The rules are per person meaning they only apply or bend for certain people! They suspended me For telling another student "Don't take my clips" no confrontation took place. Today I heard Ms. Candace say "Thank God she is graduating" because she is rude and I filed several complaints on her! Furthermore, she says these things to other students creating a hostile atmosphere for me and other students like me! These women enjoy picking on and bullying their students and staff and this is why their teachers keep quitting! Ms. Candace also writes up her teachers for having family members come in to have their hair cut by students but yesterday had her own family member in there doing the same exact thing! They told students my business which was confidential information to add insult to injury! When trying to conduct a service with client teachers force their students to do it their way even if it goes against everything they taught us in the classrooms just to have a power trip or make you look like an incompetent stylist! This school was the worst experience ever and I hate that I have to pay a tuition after even on my graduation day having to deal with the hateful staff members! read more

Honestly- I really wanted to refrain from leaving a review. Because it's a beauty school, it's students, you are paying over 4x less in NYC for services for that reason- but there was NO excuse for this and now this has been festering in me and I'm beyond infuriated. I came here for a highlight TOUCH UP. Partial foil. That's ALL. Instead I walked out with my hair fried and pink. I signed disclosures. I knew it was a student and I was taking a risk. I also knew, as anyone would know with a pair of EYES how BOTCHED of a job was done. What I don't respect is 1) there are NO licensed professionals watching over or advising, contrary to the signs everywhere. They check in for 15 seconds like they are making rounds. They don't actually look or pay attention. 2) I still had actual BLEACH- as in developer and powder- in my hair that was never washed out. Had I not gone somewhere the NEXT DAY to get this fixed- my hair would've burnt OUT my head 3) forget a refund, as I'm sure this place has included in all their forms you sign that you won't see a dollar back even in the event if you go blind- so I didn't even bother going that route, I paid and even tipped generous, but no offer to attempt to fix the INSANE color and now completely damaged hair.. I'm not going to call out or backbite on the student. They were nice. I wish them nothing but luck in their career and prosperity. My issue is the student at a point was clearly just painting my head with bleach and struggling. No teacher stepped in. But they DID have the time to tell me I can't have my Diet Coke out. Oh ok.. but my hair frying off is totally disregarded ? Lol, got it! Don't come here unless it's for a wash and blow and MAYBE a basic trim. Don't put a price tag on your hair- because I'm paying now 3x what I would've to fix what happened here over the course of 5 hours. I won't come back to this location because I'm traumatized now but.. Really. You have no idea who you're getting, YMMV always.. They do not watch over students either. read more

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Pros: The girl who cut my hair on Friday was super nice, and the haircut itself was only $10 which is by far the cheapest haircut I've gotten in NYC. The location is really great right by the empire State building and I'm very pleased by their prices and the service range that they offer. I just came in for like a trim and refreshing my bangs and layers today. It came with a complimentary blowout. Mid: The haircut itself is ok, my bangs are a little uneven, and I only asked for an inch and a half or 2 inches off my hair and she took like 5 inches off my hair, so I guess if I was the type of person who would be mad about that then if be upset. (To clarify she originally thought I wanted just one blunt legnth, and I said no I want layers, and she's like ok the layers will start like an inch or 2 cut and then get higher from there and I was like yup. But all in all it's like probably 5 inches + cut off. ) Even though it's a lot shorter than I was expecting since I just really wanted like a trim in a refresh to the haircut I had already had my friends all say that it looks good so like fine Cons: I think the worst thing though was that the whole process took over 4 hours. I got there at like 10:50 and didn't leave until after 3pm. They were super particular and slow about the blowout. Tbh I have really thick hair but at this point it was just so uncomfortable sitting in the chair for over 3 hours. I had to cancel the lunch date I had set for 2pm (I had buffered in 3 hours after the start of the appointment but that wasn't enough LOL) Maybe I should have spoken up during the blow out and just been like don't worry about it and said I needed to leave but I just kind of felt like a doll that they were playing with... and at a certain time when the blow dry was done they were considering re blowing it to look different and I was like about to pass out from starvation and was like guys this is fine it's actually raining outside and I don't even have an umbrella so it doesn't matter and kind of made them let me check out by just taking off my bib and neck thing. then there was no one at the desk to process my payment so I had to wait another like 5-10 min while they looked for someone who was able to take a payment lol. So like ultimately it's fine, my hair looks fine and even if it's a little uneven it'll grow out pretty quickly. I've done a lot of beauty school things they do normally take like two hours in and out but like I feel like every time now is starting to be longer and longer to the fact where I literally can't do anything else on that day. I think for my sanity next time Ill just have to shell out for a normal $70 cut. I gave it a few days to wear in and wash it normally and am finding a few areas where the cut is uneven, like someone literally pointed out uneven part at the back at a party but the most noticeable is my side fringe/bangs where one side was cut like straight and the other side is a little longer so it's a little goofy when I put my hair up. So like I know this person is not licensed which is why I'm not mad mad but I think there should have been an instructor to check or instruct, and it shouldn't have taken 4 hours for a shoddy haircut . Really don't want to like rake empire beauty through the coals or anything but for future clients who are considering this was just my experience. If all you can afford is a $10 haircut and you have all day to do it go do it. read more

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Terrible educational services. The school is a mess. Personally went to this school for my cosmetology license and didn't find the education I was looking for. The counselors procrastinate as much as they can every time you asked for help. read more

My last haircut with Empire beauty school was about three years ago but because of the virus I was afraid to get a cut again but they spent 2 1/2 hours cutting my hair and three instructors came over to check and I got a beautiful hair cut layered and all read more

This was my first visit to a beauty school salon and I am very satisfied. For the quality of the service you receive and the quality salon products used, makes it so worth a visit. Styling natural coily hair is a difficult task. For years, I've searched high and low for quality stylists. I've been through about 10 different salons and stylists. I usually visit a salon in Queens and have been seeing private stylists who work from home over the past 5 years but recently my mom suggested I try the beauty schools where you get styled by students who do a great job for a fraction of the salon price. The ladies at the front desk greeted me when I arrived and discussed the service I was requesting. I came in for a wash, deep conditioning treatment, blow, Press and trim. Normally this runs me $80-$100 at a salon. The prices here are unmatched at $12.00. I signed the release and waiver forms and my student stylist took me right away to the sink. I was asked what products I preferred and was washed with Big Sexy Hair mango/coconut shampoo and conditioned with a Design Essentials Rosemary and Mint treatment. The whole experience was so relaxing. My student was definitely taught professionally how to properly massage hair when washing and not to abuse product. The products worked very well with my natural coils. My hair instantly felt softer and refreshed. My issue with many salons is the products are never consistent. For my blow out again, Design Essentials was used and Big Sexy Hair products. My blow out was smooth and sleek. Afterwards, two of the instructors Ms. K and Ms. Tiffany came over to my student's chair to properly oversee my hair cut. They instructed the student on how to properly cut my hair into layers, hold the scissors and cut according to my hair type and shape. I am pleased with the results. Miss Tiffany helped style me and I was out and on my way home with clean, shiny, bouncy and bodyful hair. I can tell the instructors here care about their students and they have a passion for teaching and professionalism. Thank You to Sophia, Ms.K and Ms. Tiffany for making my experience such a great one at Empire. I will definitely return. read more

Client and student beware! A new group of students and apathetic teachers has created a beauty nightmare when I came in for a "trim" last Saturday. The student whose name I will not reveal(he is a student) attempted to cut my hair in layers and what was done was officially the worst chopped mess of a hair disaster ever and I get my hair done alot. I asked for "long". layers. The student who did not know how to cut layers asked Ms. Long what to do on my "short hair", my hair is actually medium length. Without looking at my hair she told him to cut the layers at a 90 degree angle- Ms. Long was sooooooooo wrong. My hair is cut beyond repair and the student literally walked away when I called another instructor I know is a hair expert- she is Asian. Yes, this is a school, but hair is important so unless you know how to do a service like color or cut, ask for direct teacher assistance, or teachers do more than merely roam the floor waiting for your shift to be over! read more

If you're low on bucks and need some pampering, then consider yourself lucky. Empire offers salon services by student stylists for very affordable prices. For example, you can get a haircut and blowout for only $8.36! All services are provided with the supervision of their teachers, who are there to guide and help the students (so don't worry about getting all of your hair hacked off or something). Although this location can get very crowded during the midday or on Saturdays, it is typically not too crowded. I would say that the best time to go is Mon-Thurs, in the early morning... This location has an extremely interesting and diverse group of students, many whom are talented at what they do. If you're not picky about who touches your hair and are up for an experience, why not give them a try? Facials, manicures, pedicures, hair coloring, perms and relaxers are just a few of the other services that the school offers at discount prices. Many of the students are also talented braiders and make-up artists. While this location doesn't really make call ahead appointments, if you become comfortable with a certain student stylist, you can call ahead and try to schedule an appointment with that particular student. The school also hosts many events where they offer discount services sales on retail products. Other local branches include a Manhattan and Brooklyn campus...so again, for a really great and memorable salon experience....why not give them a try? read more

They open here at 9am on Saturdays, that means try to make it here by 8:30-8:40am as a line does form. I'd only really ever come here for a 'wash & style', unless you know someone and trust em'. Still, for all intensive purposes, a wash & blow for $5.23 is a steal - however prices went up on 4/22 to a whole $7 for a blow out, 7 DOLLARS!!! You should definitely tip with cash because every student I've ever dealt with work super hard and my hair is long (a little past my butt), curly and thick. I also suggest that you arrive here with plenty of time to spare. Most places take 30-60 minutes for a proper wash and blow out - however here they've taken 1.5-3 hours...the time I spent 3 hours though I also had a 30 minute deep conditioning where they sat me under a dryer with a plastic shower cap thing, lol. If you allow the time, make it VERY clear to your student stylist what look you are trying to achieve (I often times use celebrity photos as a concrete, visual example as I feel that photos work better than words) and have REALISTIC expectations (ie. If you have hair like Kirsten Dunst, don't expect to walk out looking like Lily Aldridge) then you'll be fine here. They also provide other services such as manis, pedis, skin masks/treatments, etc. All cheap, all no frills, but NOT unsanitary - I'll give em' that. Just as with everything here, make sure you've got the time to spare and patience is a virtue. read more

Because this a beauty school, I may try again some other time for any service that isn't cutting hair, because...$8 for a wash/cut/blow dry may be amazing, but only if the student you get doesn't pull at your hair so much you're wincing, and then get your hair stuck in the blowdryer (all the while pretending nothing is happening). If something attached to my head has been sucked into the vacuum end of a device that blows searing hot air, TRUST ME, I'll notice. The woman I had was close to graduation and was sure to remind me of this several times, perhaps to assure me I was in capable hands? My best guess is that she was overconfident and under-talented. In general, I don't trust my own kind with my hair, as I've yet to have a good experience. She discovered that I speak the same language she does, and then at one point remarked, most certainly not in English, "Yeah, over here I'm considered a master of haircutting. They give me the most haircuts out of everyone else." It's a school, darling. Maybe it's because you need practice. The teachers completely ignored her station, so even though I'd wanted more than a quarter-inch trim, I didn't trust her hands to do anything beyond what she already thought was an amazing job. In the end, she'd blow-dried my hair into Mary Tyler Moore's circa 1960. Uh, thanks? My friend (whom I later took here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/jessie-hair-salon-new-york#hrid:2qrA_ITLnR1PK6XOjGS7pw) had once had a great experience with a student who has since graduated, but even the woman she had this time was more interested in what she thought she could do with/for my friend's hair, than what my friend actually wanted. Her cut was visibly uneven, but not wanting to sacrifice more length, she's waiting for it to grow out before getting it fixed elsewhere. read more

Went in because I wanted a quick style for my all natural hair. First had the chemical test done the day before then came back for what I wanted done to my hair . None of the stylists was greeting or making eye contact so I said red flag because usually when I have visited I was met with hellos and how are u. I guess no one wanted to be bothered with all natural hair. The receptionist that was at the desk act like she didn't see me at first. I went up to desk for the second time now she notices me lol . Then she is trying to find a student to do my hair when there are no customers so 80 percent of the students had empty seats lol. So she found a student after asking her if she had an appointment lol she had no one in her chair lol. The student proceeds to ask me what I wanted done I told her . She went to the back to look 4 hair color that I wanted before she can come back the floor supervisor says on the open floor no more hair colors are being done smh a waste of my time and gas remind u sessions start at 6:00pm I was there at 5:55 pm smh . I will just try another empire beauty school. So my friend told me she called Empire Beauty School to see if she can make a appointment for services.The receptionist said we don't take appointments cause we are a school.Im sure it was the same receptionist that was asking students with empty seats do they have appointments when it was time to get my hair done.So unprofessional. read more

Well I decided to pass by to give my twins a hair cut and get my hair dyed. I had to have a patch test done and come the next day which was fine by me. However, one twins hair was horrible cut and very uneven. Thankfully I said only one inch. Won't be coming back here for cuts, nor hair dye. read more

I have been coming here for about 8 years and I'm very satisfied with the service from students. They might not be perfect as to what some people expect from them but usually they do a good job. The most I have got done is a manicure pedicure, wash and blow, highlights, deep conditioning and Permanent curls. That being said I had been most satisfied with permanent curls & wash & blow. Keep in mind they are still students & might not be up to your expectations but for the money you pay is just fine! The bad part is time consuming. I love coming here because it's so close to my home, affordable, the people who work there are amazing! read more

I have gone to this Beauty School two times. The first time I had an "Okay" experience. Nothing to recommend to others. However, I decided to give it another chance. I can't speak for the quality of the other students there but I can speak to the particular student who did my hair. I was very happy with the student who did my highlights and cut. She did an outstanding job, especially for being a student. I felt as if she was a professional. She was attentive and did an excellent job listening to what I wanted. Her name is: Joanna Bernard. I would highly recommend her. read more

I called Empire this morning asking for an appointment. The response I got was 'you don't need an appointment and we don't do them, if you get here before 11am it'll be no problem'. I got there at 10:30 and the receptionist told me they're closed. not worth the price if i'm going to be jerked around like that. read more

I had the best experience thanks to the caring staff. I have arthritis and have difficulty washing my shoulder length hair. Mega kudos to Christina Delgado, the trainee assigned to me. She is sweet, patient and gentle. Many thanks to educator, Ms. Lazarus with the magic fingers. She personally washed my hair a second time to get rid of the dry scalp. Another educator, Ms. Davis, patiently discussed my request for a shorter, more manageable hair style. Ms. Davis spent a great deal of time with Christina and myself to ensure a great hair cut. I also had a deep scalp conditioning treatment which felt wonderful. Also, Christina is great at waxing and shaping eyebrows. I didn't feel a thing. I left feeling like a new person. My praises to the staff and especially to Christina who is sure to become a great stylist and hair dresser. Blessings to all and a happy holiday season. Isabel L. read more

Thank you very much to Jerica. Yesterday I went to get my highlights done. I had a wonderful experience. Jerica is very professional and friendly. She did wonderful work on my hair. The school is nicely set up and has a great atmosphere. I would highly recommend them. You have to keep in mind that this is a school and the students are learning so if you are a inpatient person, this is not the place for you. read more

I always thought how hard is it to cut hair? So I said let me try a beauty school... It's a lot cheaper.... and i would be helping a student. Horrible mistake. The student I got was a black female. I am a white female with pin straight hair. I learned from conversations she was having over my head with other students that she had never cut a white womans hair before. which already was making me uneasy. For the next two hours I sat in her chair her cutting strand by strand .... she finally called over her teacher who said it looked awful and taught her how to do it right for 15 minutes while the student was consistently sighing and not really paying attention or trying to learn from the teacher and said to redo it. The student was clearly upset and now agitated. another half hour passed and she called over the other teacher to check. The other teacher was not happy and started to try and fix it. The student got so upset said "this is bullshit" and walked away. The teacher tried to fix it, but it was too late for my experience. AWFUL. Now not all of the students are ridiculous divas, but beware you get what you pay for. Anyways at least I learned to respect hair dressers. I then immediately went up steinway to natura spa and got the best haircut of my life! read more

Ok.. yes the prices are decent. But the unprofessionalism of the students are horrible. They may be students, but aren't they learning how to go out into the real world? To work as a professional at salons? Or to own their own salons? There is alot of back-biting. Students taking each other's clients, gossiping about clients and each other. Disrespecting the teaching staff, when told to do something. Students sitting around in the salon, doing their own hair or on cell phones. Unprofessional and rude... Then there are some students who should be back in the classroom as they don't have a clue as to what they're doing. I shoud know because my sister's hair was burnt out in some places. This may have been a wonderful institution for learning all things beauty. But now it is sadly becoming a joke. read more

I went to that school today. I wanted to take a nail technology class.they did not told me that they only offer the cosmetology program. I dont want to take that course. I dont understand why they did not tell me that before i went to the interview. I wasted my time and money for nothing and i did not like the girl who was giving the interview. She could have apologized but instead she tough i did not understand her and went to get someone who can translate. I will never go there again. read more

i decided to take my daughter here and treat her . she had her hair straightened and had her nails done looked amazing and she was happy ... i thought with straightened nothing can really go wrong .. here my son whom loves his hair, he only needed a tape up. i explained to the guy what i wanted him to do, so i went to check on my daughter by the time i came back the guy explained to me he cut my kid ear am like what had a shocked look i wanted to scream but i tired to be cool for my kids .... i stop the guy and took my kid while the guy went to get badge to put on my son ear .. we waited till my daughter finished her hair .. while we left home with my kid hair cut on one side and the other side wasn't .. i told my kid i want to take him to another place to do his hair the poor kid is so scared he said he would rather have his hair like this then go cut another ear ... yet the lady charged me for both my son and daughter i dont think they should of, yet she didnt seem concerned the my kid ear was cut the size of a pea .. dont take the boys your my just lose a whole ear read more

Great place for jobs like basic coloring and highlights where you don't have to spend so much. I went to a salon for highlights and they wanted $80.00 and this was supposed to be an inexpensive salon. Other places charge $100. The girl at Empire was really professional, sweet and patient. She was very cautious not to mess up my hair. The only drawback is that prepare to spend more time there than at a salon. The best time to go is when evening classes start 5:45. It took 3 hours to do a full head of highlights but hey for $20.00 only, I wouldn't mind it. As far as haircuts, I would probably spend a little more at a salon. I looked around at what other women had done like hair straightening, hair relaxing and just basic curls. Not bad for a fraction of the price that salons charge. I have an extra $80.00 in my wallet and I'm happy with my new harido!!! read more

I got my hair done by one of the students and it was great!!! She did a wash and set, blow dry and drop down curls. It looked good and cost me very little. Pleasant experience. I wouldn't recommend getting your hair cut by a student for obvious reasons. However, the services are great!!!! read more

I went to Empire for a trim last week and it was a very good trim. However, when I went to pay for my trim the supervisor/manager thought I was paying on my credit card and I paid cash as I paid the supervisor/manger they were two (2) women and they took off their badge so I would not know their name. These ladies thought i was going to pay with my credit card well they tried to short change me and were trying to put extra money as a tip in their pocket until i approached them on how to give change back to customers. They are VERY unprofessionally and they train their students to be late from their lunch break they are suppose to return back from lunch at 2PM and the students are suppose to be calling out names for their haircuts I arrived at the school at 12:55PM waiting for OVER one hour before and when the student received my name it was 2:20PM it took forever and they are extremely SLOW. They teach their students to be SLOW and to LIE to customers I hope Empire Corporate is reading this and they try to put extra money as tips in their pocket and both Manger's/Supervisor were very RACIST towards me I would not ever go back their again they show their true color if they do not like people especially when they were trying to pocket extra money from me. read more