Current student going through the program and may change rating based on ongoing experience. I started the program about 2-3 weeks ago, mainly because they recently began offering weekend classes, which worked well for me since I have a demanding full-time job. So far, unfortunately, my experience has not been great. I'm not sure if it's because the hybrid/online model is still new for them, but it really feels like they don't have the process fully organized yet. Most of the issues come down to lack of communication and unclear expectations for online students. Once I paid my deposit, I wasn't really guided through the next steps. I was briefly shown the portal we use for coursework (CIMA) and told to download WhatsApp because that's how we communicate with instructors. Beyond that, I pretty much had to figure things out on my own. I even had to personally ask questions in the group chat because I was confused, and it turned out several other students felt the same way. Eventually we found out there's an orientation every Monday, but nobody clearly explained that upfront. The virtual learning environment has also been frustrating. During online sessions, chats are muted and virtual students can't really ask questions because the instructors are focused on the in-person class. That honestly makes no sense to me considering online students are paying the same tuition as in-person students. It feels like the virtual students are an afterthought. Even submitting homework has been confusing. We use Dropbox, but I was basically just told to "download Dropbox" and had to dig through old chat messages to find the actual submission links and instructions. At this point, I honestly feel unclear every step of the way. I spend more time trying to figure out logistics, apps, links, and expectations than actually focusing on learning. The frustrating part is that these seem like very simple organizational issues that could easily be improved with clearer communication and better onboarding for online students. I'm still early in the program, so I hope things improve over time, and I'm open to updating my review if my experience changes. read more

I absolutely loved my time at KZ! Lalli, Pamela, Addy, and Evelyn are incredible teachers. They create a welcoming learning environment. I was brand new to the industry and they taught me everything they know. 5/5 stars! I recommend KZ to everyone I know wanting to break into the industry read more

Drove a hour for a 4pm appointment with Jamil. He walked in 5 minutes before and ushered his friend into the chair. Informed the desk attendant that I was going to quietly leave. She didn't seem at all apologetic for my experience. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

I've been to KZ Academy a couple of times as a model for a facial. The facility is very spacious with an area for students to cut hair, an area for students to learn theory in the back, and a private room for facials. Understand that this is a learning environment, so your experience will not mimic a spa. The instructors are there to supervise and ensure students are doing the required steps to give you the best facial as well as learn how to do facials on real people. It was a great opportunity for me to get my skin cleansed and help students practice for their state board. read more

This review is long overdue since I finished beauty school here last year and passed my esthetician exam on my first take. I love the environment here at KZ Academy, it felt like family and everyone was super welcoming. The esthetician teacher, Ms. Wong, is so sweet and patient with all of her students. The owner, Makara, is very friendly and makes sure to answer any questions you may have. Ms. Jen, who is usually at the front desk, is amazing as well. I learned a lot at KZ and never dreaded going to class because I had so much fun whenever I was there. What makes KZ stand out is their flexibility with students. When I started school here, I was a full time student at SJSU so it was important to me that I went to a beauty school that was flexible with attending classes. They are open on the weekends as well which is a HUGE plus for me since that was mostly when I had free time. They were incredibly understanding as well when I had to take a couple of breaks due to school. I was able to finish within a year and passed my esthetician exam on my first try. Thank you to Ms. Wong for your preparation and guidance! I've recommended so many of my friends looking to get into the beauty industry to this school. In the future I may possibly consider getting a cosmo license and will definitely be coming here again. Thank you to the whole staff at KZ for being so amazing! read more

KZ Academy - Passed my esthetician exam on my first try! Thank you to KZ and Ms. Wong :) - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Milpitas, California

Wow is an understatement. My wife and I moved back to the bay with her manicurist license in another state. I called around many places and Ms. Vu has been nothing but professional and supportive of our situation. She took time to listen and offer resources to help her change her license and take the test in California. She is well informed and all about creating successful students. Literally I spent several hours with her as she provided all the information we needed to apply for the exams. Step by step process and clear instruction with support. Other location that I have called will not even listen or do a consultation of our situation. I highly recommend anyone going into this industry to use KZ academy. They really care about the students and not just a money churning machine. We have experience this at other locations they take your tuition and immediately treat you like you are bothering them. I am confident in a place that focus on service and student success. Amazing place read more

Just got my lashes done by Haley at KZ Academy! She was super attentive when asking how I wanted my lashes length, size, volume, doll or cat eye style, etc. This was so helpful as this was the first time I went to her and she consulted me before hand by showing me photos of her work, the actual lashes with sizing, and was patient answering all my questions. Many technicians I have seen in the past rush through their work, but Haley took the full 90 minutes to make sure my lashes were flawless and I was completely satisfied - excellent customer service. Haley always works with me to fit my schedule, even calling and texting me with cancellations right away. I appreciated KZ Academy's owner, Makara, instantly greeting me with a warm smile when I walked in and giving me a tour of her school of cosmetology and barbering. I could tell she was really passionate and loves her work in advancing young men and women into a professional career. The salon itself is beautiful of course, with complimentary hugs and a quick photo shoot of the finishing product. I would highly recommend going to see Haley for gorgeous lashes that last and the KZ Academy for impeccable service! Thank you, Makara, Haley & KZ team! read more

KZ Academy - 12-16 for length & D curl - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Milpitas, California

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Place is trash no communication and barbers are always canceling appointments last minute

I did a lot of research before I finally enrolled here a year ago. True enough, KZ Academy made me become a Licensed Esthetician in one year of distance, self paced learning and some precious worthy classroom lectures and hands on training. Miss Nancy Ponce is the key to passing my Esthetician License Exam. I salute her sense of humor, wisdom, knowledge, efficiency and support to us in all the lectures, training and most of all the tips she gives you when you ask questions pertaining to your goals. Don't miss all her inputs. Miss Makara Vu is the owner and such a stunning beautiful young lady who is so responsive when you need anything or encounter technical issues on cengage, your supplies, buying supplies and she will help you apply for State License exam schedule which is a process. You can work on being a license esthetician here at KZ Academy with your full time job, busy schedule, while traveling, or on vacation in another country, all the flexibility you can get. I love KZ Academy! I am an educator for decades and I know amazing teachers and a school when I see one. Fulfill your dream of helping others to be pretty, lovely and radiant looking at any age. You will love KZ Academy with Miss Nancy Ponce and Miss Makara Vu's empowering energy! They are incredible! read more

Kz Academy is the best beauty school, I love every instructors over here, especially Ms Vu, she usually pretty easy on lecture but harder on the practice one. But she did a really good job on teaching and guiding through every single thing that I have to know. I really enjoy my class, and the people over here is really nice too from the front desk to the principal of the school. I will recommend this school to my friends or family whoever want to go to beauty school. read more

This is a really flexible school and good for people who want to pursue beauty but have busy schedules. I was in the esthetician program which is 600 hours to complete. Youre able to come on your own time although lecture is 10-12 So you dont want to miss that. Our teacher mrs. Wong is caring, enthusiastic and always looks to help us when we need it. You are able to take models to learn how to use a facial machine etc. read more

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I take the family here to have their haircuts done by our friend Phirun. He's going to school there and needs people to practice on. He's getting better so that makes us feel good about it. The academy itself is run smoothly and is clean and tidy. My wife is thinking about going there to add a barbering license to go along with her cosmetology license. We like this place because the hours are flexible. We have a family of six so this helps us immensely since our kids' schedules are hectic sometimes. The teachers are very attentive to Phirun when he cuts our hairs. From top to bottom, this is a great place to go to whether you're looking for a haircut or if you want to pursue a career. Thanks guys. read more

KZ Academy Beauty School is one of the BEST school In the Bay. The instructors are highly trained, knowledgeable, professional, and very thoughtful. I had learned so much going there. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who wants to be come a cosmetology. Join the team! KZ Academy- You guys are awesome!! Stacey N. read more

Was desperately looking for someone to do my lashes before I left on vacation and luckily I bumped into a professional! Adriana (@prettymamaslashes) did she's an amazing job she really delivered what I was asking for. I told her I wanted them to be big and full to where you could notice them from afar. She consistently asked me if I needed a break to stretch which helped me out a lot because I was getting tired of laying there. For such a beautiful set I paid $80!! It's a good price and it's good quality. I would definitely come back and book with her again :) read more

KZ Academy - done by insta @prettymamaslashes - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Milpitas, California

I actually found out about this place through my uncle and have no regrets. I get my hair cut, straight razor shave, and facials here now. Dani B. takes care of my hair cut and straight razor shave and couldn't be happier. A teacher is always on site to double check her work and to point out anything that needs to be touched up. I was hesitant getting a straight razor shave from a student, but when she started it felt very natural. What also helped was during the first time, the teacher did example shaves and asked her to recreate her work on the opposite side. Jessica L. is my esthetician at KZ Academy and I honestly just volunteered just because I had the time. From the beginning of the appointment to the end, it was very professional. They ask if you want the 30 minute or 1 hour spa treatment. I opted for the one hour spa treatment and was so relaxed, I actually fell asleep. She was very professional about the whole experience and was knowledgable in any questions I had. Of course there was a teacher in the room during the experience, but it was so soothing, I forgot I was at a school. If you have the time and can be comfortable with having a student work on you with the supervision of a licensed teacher, I highly recommend KZ Academy. It's a great deal and you won't even notice the difference between the work of a student or the work of someone licensed. read more

As a school- Exceptional curriculum, staff, and school as a whole. The staff is accommodating, intelligent, and goes above and beyond to make sure you are learning what's needed and feel comfortable and confident at the same time. It's an "at your own pace" program which is so convenient for a business owner like myself to find time to make it to class. I was able to finish my hours at my convenience, and always had a helping hand along the way. I can not recommend this school enough. As a salon- even thought it's a learning salon, there's always a teacher supervising. They are very professional and make sure only those who are able and confident are performing in clients. The salon is clean, has amazing services which are notable cheaper than most places but still worth it completely. I've had numerous services done here, and have been pleasantly pleased with all. Thank you KZ academy for helping me compete my hours but also give my the tools I need to succeed. read more

My daughter is in the Esthetician program and absolutely loves it. The instructor is helpful and knowledgeable and the students are really nice. There is a lot of flexibility for you to come in and complete your program. They don't put time restraints on you like other schools. We toured other schools and hands down this was the best for my daughter. They have classes in the morning that are repeated so it's ok if you miss one. You do get tested so it's important to study your material. It's not a program that you can breeze on by. One of the perks is that students can work on each other (facials or hair) to practice and there is no fee. read more

I'm a current student at KZ, I've been here for almost two months, and so far I've learned a lot from the other barbers and instructors. I was first doing cosmo at a different school, but I wasn't learning much so I decided to switch to barber and move to KZ. A friend of mine is a regular at KZ and he told me the barbers here are really good, and that I should check them out. In the end I can say I made the right decision in coming here. read more

Enrolled into this school. Teachers are very knowledgeable and teach in a way its easy to learn. Would definitely recommend anyone who wants to get their license. read more

I have been to KZ Academy on multiple occasions for a haircut, facial, and getting my nails done. The school is very clean and it is in a great location. Im always greeted very warmly by Jenn. All of the students are extremely hard working and the instructors do a great job at supervising/guiding during these services. I've also brought my mom here for a facial and she couldn't stop raving about how glowy her skin looked afterward! I highly recommend stopping by to check out the school! read more

I recently stopped by this place have a cut by one of the students. I asked for #3 mid fade with comb-over. After all, I did not get what I was expected. My nap and back of my head was not even. I did not clean up nice from straigth razor like other barber shop. When I talk to them on the phone, they said that the will finish with straight razor and details. But it turn to be different what they said, They let one of the amateur students to mess with my hair for more than an hour w/o any super vision. Look at the advertise pictures from Kz on google, the pictures are just phony or made from photo shop. I rather to go to the real barber shop where they show the real pictures that taken from their shop, where I can get detail cut with straight razor finish. I though I can save a few bucks but turn out I have to paid for another barber shop to fix my hair. So, waist my time and I would not recommended. read more

I completed the Esthetician Program at KZ Academy and can say 10/10 would recommend this school to others. The teachers are patient and you can tell that they love to teach so it's an enjoyable learning environment. They understand that people may have families and jobs so they offer a flexible schedule that can work with yours. read more

The programs offered at this school is amazing and flexible. I am currently in the barbering program and have learned a lot already within a few days. The teachers here really care about each one of us and also teaches us individually. The school is open everyday so you can just come in anytime you want to work towards your hours which is awesome. Everyone is super friendly and they make things easy to learn for you so if you want to become a barber or cosmo you should definitely check kz academy out. read more

I was a Barbering student at KZ Academy and enjoyed my whole time here. The teachers were kind, the students were nice and welcoming, the staff were always helpful, and I was able to learn and improve on many skills here. The school allows you to study at your own pace and teachers have demonstrations and hands-on practices for the students in every department. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a flexible beauty school. read more

I had my first facial here with Jessica and she was incredibly sweet. She was thorough and gentle through each phase of the process. It was a very comfortable experience and I definitely would go to her again. My only note is that there's a large print of a bearded guy that seemed out of place in the facial room that pulled me away from my relaxing facial. The academy itself is pretty nice. It was cool to watch the instructor teach as I waited for my appointment. read more

Aaron Beleno works his magic so if anyone dver needs a cut, Aaron is the man to go to. He's a bright spirited guy and there's absolutely nothing you can complain about him :) read more

I was driving down Calaveras and noticed "KZ Academy" and I thought it might be another learning center. I looked it up and found out that it is a new Cosmetology school in Milpitas. I have been wanting to get a hair cut and saw on Yelp that it has a 5 star rating and thought I would try it out. Today, I was a bit leary about going since it is a school and it would be my first time meeting the person that would be cutting my hair. I wanted to get a short bob haircut but decided on getting a lob with choppy waves instead. I figured that if, the person that cuts my hair messes up then there would be enough length to have someone fix it. I entered the school and checked in and was greeted by Makara Vu (instructor) and I believe the other ladies name was Jen. They were very welcoming. I didn't wait too long before being called by Aleena. As, I walked in and had a seat I was observing the salon area with hip hop music being played in their industrial salon setting. The environment made me feel at ease as Aleena began asking what kind of hair cut I wanted. She was very social as if I was already a regular client of hers. My visit was only about an hour which included shampoo, haircut and style. Aleena started to work as Makara would instruct her on what and how to get the style I wanted. She is very intricate and gets in the zone. I didn't mind that she stayed silent as she cut away almost 6 inches of my hair. When she was done I was very pleased with the work. I loved my new style it was exactly the look I was looking for. Highly recommend Aleena because I know she will do a good job being that she is focused on her work. Thank you KZ Academy! I definitely will be back. read more

I was a former student in the esthetician course and that's what I'll be reviewing. I was very disappointed by this school and it's inability to put students first. They inacted a new policy that requires students to pay to practice on one another which is completely impractical and pretty much unethical. They advertise as a cheaper option but they seem to make up for their profits in that way and by exploiting students into buying overly expensive state board kits. The teachers absolutely love their students and it's so easy to see that, but unfortunately they have no way to help. The kit that I and my fellow classmates received was nothing more than cheap makeup and a doll head and textbook. There were no products for us to practice with or learn about or really anything very useful or practical in the kit. They also advertise that you can make your own hours, but they only have theory during on time during the day. So if you can't make that time, you'll never get a theory. Also, after that hour of theory there is hardly anything left to do during the day so you're stuck waiting out the clock until you leave. It's an easy way to get a lot of hours in but very impractical because they won't be quality hours. Do your research and ask lots of questions if you're looking into this school. read more

I attended KZ Academy in the barber program, with the help of the teachers and other students I was about to pass the state board test and get my license! Makara and Hai are the owners and they show a great deal of care when it comes to the students and their learning. I highly recommend this school if you want to pursue barbering as a career and they can teach you a lot here! read more

This is an awesome new cosmetology school that is is offering FREE haircuts. It is a great and welcoming place. A very nice student Aleena cut my hair while her teacher carefully watched and gave tips throughout the process. It came out really nice and I would definitely be back again. I would recommend anyone to come in and give this amazing place a try! read more

I'm a student here, and im not exaggerating but i really do enjoy coming to school here. I went to a previous cosmetology school, and i didnt really like it at all. I love that the dress code is more relaxed (not dressy/all black, unless you wanted to). Your schedule can be more flexible compared to the previous school I went too and schools I toured. The teachers are great, Ive learned a lot more and faster compared to my other school, theyre very informative and they focus on what you struggle with and show you how to do it better or another strategy. The whole vibe of this place is just more easy going and relaxed, I dont think there is any student that doesn't like this school or dreads coming. Also when it comes to clients the teacher is watching over us and are there if we are a bit stuck or have a question and even demonstrate and correct us if were confused on something. Its a really good school, its new and well run. So if youre looking to get into Cosmetology, Barbering, or aesthetician, you should really consider this place ! read more

First time here and everyone was extremely nice. Federico did an awesome job on my haircut, the fade was well done and it wasn't rushed at all. Definitely going to reschedule with this guy next month. read more

This place is amazing I came here and got the royal treatment! I got a facial, haircut, mani, and pedi. Everyone was super friendly. My skin is glowing after the facial and I'm getting compliments from a lot of my friends that I look much younger! I would definitely recommend getting a haircut as well. The highlight was the mani pedi I've never had this done before in my life and I will come back again for sure! read more

I decided to get my haircut here knowing that students would be cutting my hair. While the lady cutting my hair and the instructor were very very sweet, it was daunting to know that the student cutting my hair had very little knowledge on how to actually cut hair. The instructor basically had to do the whole haircut, and the parts that the student did-she was only able to do because the instructor was telling her what to do. The times when the instructor would walk away, I had to stop the student from cutting my hair until the instructor came back because I had very low confidence and normally I don't mind that much. I've gotten haircuts at other beauty schools before, but the students are normally WAY more experienced and knowledgeable before they're allowed to cut a customer's hair. I would rather spend $15 (which is actually kind of expensive for THAT inexperienced of a haircutter) at Cali cuts or another local haircutting place that is the same price! read more

Nancy is extremely rude and clearly shouldn't be answering phone calls because her tone is very stuck up and not professional. I booked my appointment online Wednesday 2 days in advance. Today I called in (Thursday) and asked if there's an earlier time and there wasn't which is totally fine, but she was being rude and continuously talking to me like I was stupid for asking...as if no one has ever tried rescheduling their appointment. She then told me my appointment wasn't even there and then after telling her who I talked to she made me wait for 5 minutes and then said "oh yeah, whoops." I THEN get a call saying "We forgot to book an appointment in the system so now your appointment is rescheduled to a later time, after I specifically told her the first appointment was already pushing the time. Apparently my "priority is not their #1 at that time" so trust me I'm never going to go there ever. Someone who works at a hair salon shouldn't be talking to a millionaire like they're worth nothing. You just missed out on a nice tip (: read more

I want to start off with this, it really does pain me to give this place a 4 because I want to give this place a 5. The staff is super friendly as well as the students. You can see the passion the teachers and students have for what they do. The haircut can take a while and it's understandable since it's an academy but the price and quality greatly outweigh that. In a way your helping out a future barber or hair stylist. The only reason I'm giving this place a 4 is because I stopped in on Sunday and it was closed. No signs saying it should be closed that day. I came at 11am waited till 11:30 still closed. The door sign said they should have been open at 9am, yelp said 9am, their website 11am. Called no answer. But because they had good reviews on yelp I had to face the world with bad hair for one more day and decided to give them another shot the next day. I'm really glad I did though because I thought I looked liked the Asian Leonardo Dicaprio for a second, seriously. So a bit of advice call before you stop by. read more