wanted to find a spa package for the "Works". The Marvel College offered a great value package so I booked an appt for a mini pedicure. I am glad that I did this so I didn't waste my money for a full package. The student couldn't have appeared more disinterested ~ the towels were gray and old. This was not even a professional atmosphere. I could hear the students talking about the problems in the next room. She did not even finish in the 1 hour I had available. I would not recommend the college. read more

This school is very clique like. So many people disrespect everyone. There are only two instructors that actually compliment you on your work. They don't show leadership, honesty or even equality. Not only has one teacher royally messed up my hair she messed up my clients hair and I lost her. I never feel proud of myself at this school. read more

I am not speaking on other Marvel College Locations, as I do not know about them. I am only speaking on the Edmonton Location. The College is completely GHETTO: Some of their hair sinks have been broken for YEARS!!! The ceiling tiles are missing. Their pipes are constantly leaking. The elevator was broken for over a half year. One of the instructors become locked in elevator - lol. The stylist chairs don't go up very high because they purchased low end chairs so the students are constantly bent over. The Heating System is critically bad, Their Cooling system is defunct. THERE IS NO AIR VENTILATION. The students are trained to work at Supercuts and not a decent salon. There are so many color mistakes it would be laughable except the clients end up looking horrible. Sanitation is hardly ever spoken about in the classroom, and even more rare on the floor. This is a different school than it was 10 years ago. The manicures and pedicures are laughable. If you are thinking of attending this college as a student - DO NOT! If you are going their to have a service done - BUYER BEWARE! read more

I love the feminine, textured style and length of a haircut that Tetiana (of Ukraine) gave me this afternoon. Although it took longer than average time, my hair wash with shampoo + conditioner, cut, style and blow-dry treatment I got from this MC student was excellent and worthwhile. I received a courteous, friendly and respectful service from this young lady of whom I would like to congratulate in advance of her graduation. Blessings and thank you! read more

Came in for a simple haircut that I've been putting off for years. Kellie was very nice and was careful and thorough at every step. I love the curls she did with a straightener! They lasted much longer than any curls a curling iron has done. The instructor checked up on me on every step. My only gripe is that after I washed my hair a couple days later I noticed that the layers that the instructor did in the front of my face were a bit uneven. I chalk it up to the fact that it was busy and there were only two instructors on staff, so she was probably just rushing. I would still come back in the future as I just can't beat the cost of $15! read more

Just got my nails done, good and quick service very nice people, would recommend to some people!

Wow! First, a sparkling diamond-bright welcome by Dragana at her friendly MC Reception Desk (including $20 off with a 100$ certificate I bought! ) and an invitation to enjoy a delicious, hot coffee. Next, a second warm welcome by the talented stylist Rio Rah who treated me to the best hair color experience I've EVER enjoyed in my whole wide life! Amazing that her expert cut was included in the mere $40 total fee! Rio, also an Esthetician, very graciously allowed me to ask her skin care questions - and reminded me that Thursdays are 20% off days for seniors at Shoppers. So grateful! Finally, a warm welcome by Maurence Lyson whose meticulous pedicure, inspected by her Esthetics Instructor, Judy, left my feet feeling so much better. Instructor Judy also provided me with some much appreciated foot care advice which I began to put into practice today. I'm a committed fan of MC now - and know that my daughter will greatly enjoy her experience too, once she fishes that gift certificate out of her holiday stocking. I noticed, as well, that for such a busy salon, a quiet air of professional focus was highlighted by exquisite politeness, kindness and warmth. Thank you so much to all at MC College! See you in 8 weeks! read more

MC College accommodated my 2 and 9 year old grandchildren on short notice. The hairstyling students demonstrated great patience with a restless young girl and quickly warmed up an apprehensive toddler, while the instructor carefully consulted and monitored every step. The results were first-rate, despite the challenges of working on moving targets. Thank you to Jenny, Kristy, Lucy, Jessica, and Cynthia for a pleasant afternoon. read more

THIS PLACE IS A DISASTER I went for a basic acrylic nail application. First, making an appointment was a pain. The girl on the phone was rude, and had me go through a dozen dates and times before telling me that there was only one opening available. When I asked about specific location and parking, she gave me a street address. She could not be bothered to let me know that the spa was on the third floor, or that they had no customer parking. When I was sent in with my student, she commented on how early I was (a whole 5 minutes) then told me she was not comfortable performing the service and advised that I go to "one of those Chinese places, they are good". Obviously, after taking an afternoon off work to accomodate their appointment time, I wa unhappey. The "manager" came to speak with me, told me thet "it is not my fault, this is a school". Quite frankly, it is her fault, since it is her job to ensure that these students have the training and confidence to perform these tasks on a client prior to booking them one. This woman was argumentative and rude, and apparantly thought it was funny that I was upset by their incompetence, even joking around with a student about it. I realize that she most likely has limited education and a low salary, but the level of unprofessionalism was shockin. Having recently lost a very close friend (a few days prior) I did not really require any additional stress. This person as a role model really explains all the crappy service out there. I contacted the school director and the corporate office, though I doubt that there will be any follow through as that kind of culture comes from above. I WOULD NOT RECCOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE read more

I had a great experience at Marvel. When I went, most of the students were in a demo, so it was very quiet and peaceful in the salon. I am not sure if that is usually the case. The stations were very clean and tidy. An appointment obviously takes a lot longer than usual because they are students and go very carefully. I was there for 2 hours for a wash, cut, and style. My hairdresser really took her time and made sure I liked what was going on. The supervision did my bangs and cut them a little too short which I really didn't want to happen, but that wasn't my stylist's fault. Also, since April is student's month, the entire thing only cost me 8 dollars (and I have long hair!) Amazing, would recommend. On a side note, my stylist was graduating in a month. So maybe if you are picky about your hair (like I am!) you can request a senior student. read more

I've been here twice before to get my hair cut and dyed and I really like it because its super cheap and the 2 students that I've got were very good at styling and coloring my hair. The only thing I didn't really like is that the teachers talked down to the students who were working with me both times (loudly and in front of others too). I was talking to one of them about it afterwards and they told me that since there's so many students they all don't get as much catered attention as they need so they have to learn a lot for themselves. Since there are so many of them it's crowded in there and the sinks and everything are usually full or not cleaned afterwards. They need to get approved by the teacher before they can move on to other parts of the haircut process which is a good thing but I ended up waiting about 20 minutes for the teacher to come by so I could leave but he had to get approval before I could even though he did a perfect job. They should cut down the amount of people they're taking in in order to better train the students I feel very lucky that I had received 2 people who were good at what they were doing considering their circumstances. read more

Let me tell you something about this beauty school. As soon as you enter the doors, you get to see the students through a clear window in action, working hard. My first thought was I was instantly impressed. The place was buzzing with chatter, a total upbeat, and comfortable vibe. I was helped quickly and met my stylist within minutes of my arrival. After headache after headache with a different beauty school salon here in Edmonton (bad service, over priced, rude and pushy with up-selling), I came into MC College for highlights on my golden blonde hair, and I was pleasantly surprised when the stylist Haleigh understood exactly what I wanted, explained what the process would be step by step and after checking with her teacher Brandy, a wonderful woman with a vibrant personality, began working on my hair ASAP. The conversation was delightful, the environment is definitely welcoming and the prices are unbeatable, especially for the high-quality services and level of professionalism. I highly recommend this establishment for their services, their prices and the staff. My hair turned out fantastic, the student stylist by the name of HALEIGH H is the girl you want to book with. I was so happy to finally walk out of a salon with my hair done, no excuses and exactly for what I paid for. I don't have a single complaint. Bravo MC College, I will definitely be sending business their way and continue to book my appointments there. & thank you Haleigh H, I couldn't have asked for a better stylist. read more

AS A STUDENT All is well until they get your last payment, which lets just say is more than hefty. They're nice to you, accommodating and make you feel like your education and the means of it are their main concern. Then when the last check is through, you cant make any meetings with head office to discuss any of the many issues going on in the school. To name a few: gossip, indiscretion when it comes to personal issues, bullying (from teachers more so than students), a complete lack of care for the student future and well being. It seems that since it is a school full of woman, the girl on girl drama does not end with your peers but you get it from the instructors. Being belittled, and just generally treated poorly without any real concern or belief in a students problems. There is one instructor in particular who's had multiple complaints and nothing has been done. I haven't been the only student who's left the school crying from the general lack of respect and embarrassment they seem to purposely bestow on you. I have taken out a lot of money in hopes to go to a school where id be seen as an asset, someone to mould and help, not a pay check. I love hairstyling and this is what i want to do with my life. It just breaks my heart that i have been let down, intimidated, bullied, disregarded, cut off, ignored, and humiliated. I sunk so much into mc based on the reputation of this school thinking id learn and be comfortable at school. But i absolutely hate being on campus, and most of all i absolutely hate that nothing is being done. I feel as if I'm wasting my time here, and if not my time then all of my money. The worst is i don't even show up now due to the fact that the school makes me feel so uncomfortable i cant be in the building. I would give 0 stars if i could. These people are frauds. read more

I go to Marvel for hair. Their prices are good and they take their time on customers' hair, and is supervised by their teacher.

Absolutely love, love, love, my hair . Went from having received an awful cut and colour from my usual salon; which I hated and was talked into despite my strong objection. I hated it. So much so I actually cried when I left the salon; if you knew me you would know I have never been that type of person. So yesterday, having put up with my shit hair for 2 weeks, I arrived in Edmonton (Canada) and found this amazing hair salon school @mccollegegroup. The team were fantastic, so welcoming, and managed to fit me in at the last minute. I had the pleasure of meeting Maja Hogan who is a stylist in training. Maja was so lovely and friendly, and literally a miracle worker (who definitely had her work cut out). Had I not have been told Maja was in training I would never have known. Her creativity and attention to detail was flawless. She listened to what the client wanted, also suggesting colours and styles to suit during a 5-10min consultation. What was so incredible was how utterly humble and incredibly talented this beautiful lady is already; she really has no idea how good she is. I spent an amazing afternoon being pampered, with lots of laughing, and interesting conversation (and recommendations on where to visit during my stay). I am absolutely thrilled with the results and can honestly say that I have never felt so amazing . I urge everyone to visit this salon and to let these very talented individuals loose on your hair. It is not an appointment but an experience, so allow yourself the time to fully enjoy yourself. You will not regret it. I wish Maja (and the team) all the best and hope that all your dreams come true. I will be looking you up again when I visit in the Autumn. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU! P.s. Pretty please consider setting up a school in England read more

I never pamper myself but i had a co-worker suggest i go to MC to get my hair coloured as salons could be pricy. It was my 50th Bday. I sat in the chair for 6 hours to have my hair coloured orange. I advised them during the process that I believe the student was doing something incorrect...they ignored me. The place was closing and they needed payment prior to closing, i paid them prior to discovering that my hair was orange as it was still processing and covered. Once the all the rods came out we discovered this. I had to come back the next day to sit in a chair for another 6 hours (on the day of my 50th bday where my husband planned a surprise bday party for me) for them to fix the orange hair. They stated they couldn't give me my money back but they will fix it, they stated that "well, you know they are student learning"....but they did give two small bottles of product - wow...really? My hair was fried and dry with all the stripping they unnecessarily done...and this is how they compensated me. Save yourself the agony...don't go. I really kept my cool during this whole process, but looking back...I am not sure why they could not have reimbursed me my money when asked for it. Sure they fixed it, but is has been 3 months and my hair is still dry and damaged. They accept any person with or without talent and with little or no training to work on a person's hair....All they care or want is the money. This school's priority is not to educate, it is ALL about the money. read more

this is a review for people planning to study at MC College. I have recently graduated from the college, so I hope this will be helpful. I am a mature student (went back for a trade after 2 university degrees), and like many people who decide to train in hairstyling thought this was going to be a "piece of cake"...well not so much. The course at MC College is very intense, 1400 hours of training, 6 textbooks and many hours of practice on the clinical floor. We learn everything about cosmetology, hair, sanitation, anatomy, electricity and chemistry! The course is excellent! Of course you will find the serious student who will most likely excel as a stylist on the salon floor, as well as the barely passing student, who will leave customers with a bitter taste in their mouth! Most customers do understand that we are students and still in training...I personally always had wonderful customers during my salon training...some even brought me gifts ;) The teachers at MC College are super friendly, helpful, professional and encouraging. The director of the college is very committed in involving students with community services, like free haircuts for Operation Friendship, Hair Massacure (for breast cancer), women rejoining the workforce and many many more. I have been able to do 2 weeks of work experience with a very high end salon and I have been hired on the spot! I would highly recommend the college for training! read more

This is in reply to Carols review. I believe Marvel is a great place to go if you have a small budget. I do realize that you had a bad experience but that can happen anywhere. I am sorry to say. When you go to Marvel all of the students are taught proper care when it comes to keeping the salon and their tools clean and believe me the instructors are after you for this. It is one part of what you get marked on so it is in the students best interest to keep their station clean. From your one bad experience there are one hundred good experiences, just like anywhere it is all in who you get to preform your service. I have known many people who have had nothing but good experiences from there, some even better then at a professional salon. This brings me to my next point. When you finish your hair styling diploma at marvel you are not licensed and just free to go off and do what you want, you still have to do 1400 hours of apprenticing so the students at marvel really are just that. When you go for a service at Marvel you are asked to sign a form saying that you are aware that you are having your service done by a student, so you knew when you went there that anything could happen. I am all for supporting students in their experience to become professionals. There are many passionate students there who not only love what they are doing but are amazing at it. Unfortunately you had a bad apple. read more

I know this wouldn't speak to all of the students and staff, but I was overall pretty disappointed with the last appointment I booked at the spa. To start, I sent an email to make an appointment and didn't hear back for four days (I ended up calling in as I was hoping to get in sooner, but received a response ironically after my appointment was finished asking when I would like to book. I did take into account response within business days.) I went in for a leg and bikini wax. I didn't anticipate the private waxing room to be anything special, but it definitely could have used a little more maintenance (the white walls looked a bit grimy from stains). What really disappointed me though was the lack of customer service from my aesthetician, who was openly reluctant to perform the service and also bad mouthed the school and her instructor (who was apparently a stand-in). While the wax itself was alright, I was honestly so uncomfortable by the lack of professionalism from my aesthetician I don't think I would recommend the spa services to anyone. I had hoped to talk to instructor privately following the service, but they didn't appear to be around. read more

Getting a student to do your hair takes a long time - but if you have some time and patience you really can't get a better hair dresser than a student! Students are eager, they try harder and they care more then most regular hair dressers I've known. The teachers at marvel are great at guiding and every time I've been here they have eventually gotten the exact colour and cut I wanted. My first visit ever they couldn't get the right colour and they re-did it the next week without charging me again. No ordinary salon tries this hard IMO and I will give MC College 6 hours to do my hair because they do it right! read more

I've been going to MC College for probably about 10 years now (in Calgary and Edmonton) for both esthetics and hair. I have probably only ever had a handful of bad experiences in 10 years. I think the best way to have a good experience at MC is to 1) understand your service is being provided by students. This means they may not be as smooth, efficient and fast as at a normal spa or salon but for the most part they are trying and learning. 2) Don't expect it to be a normal spa and salon experience like you would have at Evelyn Charles or a hotel spa. Space is tight and you're service is most likely going to happen in a room with other people where the only divide is a curtain. With that said, prices are quite a bit cheaper than at a full salon or spa (ex. $10-15 for a ladies hair cut, $25 manicures, $35 leg wax), you get a discount in the spa if you check in through yelp and they usually have monthly specials like 50% off of perms or colours. So if you have time and don't care so much about the spa and salon experience compared to the final product then I would recommend giving MC College a shot read more

My sisters and i came here thinking it would be a fun way to all get our hair done together. But noo. you really get wht you pay for. . biggest waste of time.. first..walk in say we are here for our appt, front girl just says ok.. doesnt direct us to have a seat in either direction.. i had to ask where do we go now? then when calling to book perhaps when they ask what are u comming in for and u say color. then ask have you had a reaction to dye before? cuz if so we will not do your hair at all. i understand they are students and they are learning.. but one of my sisters had a reaction 4 years ago when she was pregnant and since then had dyed her hair many many times and its been fine.. no stand test was done to even see about the color the girl was rude and just said im not doing it. that was the main reason she drove in from wetaskiwin was to get her hair coloured.. i understand there policy but it was so long ago.and if the student dint feel ok with a strand test go ask the instuctor she just kept refusing. that student was also super rude the whole time to her, she ended up gettin a cut that was ok she felt like it was a bit hacked. isnt customer service something these people learn while going to school. my other sisters color was nothing like what she pointed out or explained i know cuz i helped pick the color out, you couldnt tell she got her hair done at all... it was like dyeing brown on brown it was suppose to be a deep burgandy red. noticable.. ive gotten my hair that color before and it is do able from a brown. . as for mine. my girl was nice, but was more interested in chatting to all her class mates around me about getting drunk that night and all weekend.. dont they practice socilizing with there clients or focus on the client at all. . ? we got there at 2ish and got out when the place was closing down, i get it takes twice as long cuz they are studdents.. but really i had 2 big chunks of blond no cut or anything.. simple ud think.. mine took the longest.! they had to do my hair twice first time shes like oo looks great! and nooo sorry we need to re do it. . my blond was a yellow copper colour.. soo we did it again and once again shes like ohh so much better.. but noo it was still kinda cooppery and the instuctor even helped her.. by this time it was closing time and they said you can come back in 2 weeks to get it re done if you dont like it. as if im waiting 2 weeks and walking around with orange hair the rushed to clean up and i left with wet damp hair cuz they were in such a rush. soo with that said. im sure there are some really good students that just have it..and others may need to work a bit harder. read more

Went to MC College numerous times in Winnipeg and never had a poor experience. Went once here in Edmonton, and only once. Appointment was late to start, school was dirty and loud, receptionist didn't seem like she wanted to be there. The cut took a long time, even though I was used to Winnipeg's timing for the last 4 years, and was mediocre; teacher was not attentive or helpful, and seemed dismissive of her student. Student was pleasant and tried though, but didn't make up for the rest of the experience. I was surprised that the price was higher than their other location as well. read more

Flat out worst place you could ever get your hair done, I had this problem a few days ago I had bleached my hair 2 months prior and it was a light yellow blonde. It wasnt bad but I wanted platinum so ofcourse I go to this school where they have students do hair. That's where I made my mistake. I had really bad roots so I had them bleach it and they were white and the rest of my hair was kinda yellow which wasn't bad but I was still thinking they would lighten it a bit. So what this lady does is put dark blue toner in my light hair which I knew was a bad idea but I thought they knew what they were doing so I said nothing. As they were washing it I noticed the two people washing it looking at each other nervously that's when I knew some thing was up. I swear after they washed my hair it was white,blue and purple and I started crying, and no one was answering me in why they did this. Not even a sorry I had been there for 7 hours because they had no idea what they we're doing they kept saying wait until it dries and I saw and it was even worst I can't even explain I was so mad and the so called teacher had the ordacity to ask "what's wrong with it?" because they think I'm retarded well I know fucked hair when I see it and while I was walking home people agreed that it was the worst hair job ever and they should be shut down, and none of them could comment on I it because they knew what they did. So now my hair is an ash blonde which I did by myself and for your safety you should do research on people before they do your hair or your fucked. If you do go there keep an eye out for a Indian and Asian instructor. Because if they don't like you they will do anything in there power to get you and take no responsibility for it. Fuck this place. I could have done what they did myself. Where's my 89$ back?. Don't bring your. Service here your better off going to sallys and doing it yourself. Seeing the reviews here they should be shutdown. read more

My aunt goes here all the time so I thought I would give it a try. Had no problem making an appointment. When I got there, I checked in and the girls at the counter were very friendly. My stylist came up and while I found her a bit abrupt she was nice. I had to remind her I signed up for the scalp massage and treatment which ended up being so relaxing. I explained to her how I wanted my hair cut and she was fine. She did interrupt a few times and I had to stress what I wanted. When she went to style it, she did it super high...which I hate. Why do hairdressers want to give you such high hair all the time? Anyway, I told her I didn't like it and she claimed everyone asked for it that way which doesn't matter to me, it's my hair. She did do a pretty good job and although I wanted it a bit shorter in the back, overall I really liked the cut. I will definitely go back but not to the same stylist...she needs to work on her people skills before going out into her own business. read more