1. Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

0

Costa Mesa, CA

Cancel

Open app

Search

Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

3.3 (492 reviews)
Open • 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

By appointment only

Updated 2 months ago

Services - Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

Color only

Cut and color

Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa Photos

You might also consider

More like Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

Recommended Reviews - Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Connie Y.

This is a school that has the best instructors for the art of hair cutting. There is a discounted price for cuts here and on top of that you get 1/2 off the school prices on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's located in the SOCO shopping plaza where there is plenty of parking. You might get a different student every other year but the instructors over see everything so you always end up with a great haircut. They also sell their Paul Mitchell hair products here and sometimes you get a discount after your cut. This is my favorite place to get a cut and color. Happy Yelping!

Before
Kimberly L.

Booked for a full foil and she only did my crown. Came in with 6 inch roots and left with 6 inch roots and she didn't fully wash out the product. I had to go home and wash my own hair and now I need to go to another salon to get it fixed. I've been here 3 times and it will be my last. The girl said that she was about to graduate and she was clearly not ready. They offered to fix it but I would have to pay for the product and had to go the next week. I got my hair done before a big event and didn't have availability to come back. Super disappointing experience.

One side of a very large salon.
katherine ..

This school has been such a gift to our family. We bring our senior mom in regularly, and every visit feels thoughtful, patient, and genuinely caring. The "future professionals" take their time and are so attentive. It's reassuring to know they're being carefully guided and supervised by licensed stylists every step of the way. It is a training program so keep that in mind when you set your expectations. If something doesn't feel or look right at the end of your appointment, speak up rather than just writing a negative Yelp review. It helps on both sides. We've found that the students are all ready and willing to make adjustments if asked. Our mom always leaves feeling beautiful and confident, and the savings make her even happier. The 50% senior discount on hair services is so generous and says a lot about how the company values that demographic! Extra special thanks to Michelle at the front desk, who keeps everything running smoothly. She's organized, kind, and sets the tone for such a positive experience every time!

I'm really not picky at all! And I still tipped $15 to support the Phase 2 student, but I didn't realize how choppy and uneven the cut was until I got into my car. One sideburn is non-existent TT__TT The overall cut is way too short compared to my reference photo. My hair is naturally wavy (Pic 4 is an older picture), but now it's too short to hold a wave. I came in with a short bob and just needed the sides and back trimmed 1-2 inches for shaping. I did ask about debulking my hair after the service, but the student seemed confused and only did some point cutting, then texturizing when I pressed this issue again. The instructor actually suggested coming over later to demonstrate debulking with a razor, but ended up not coming over? The student even remarked on this but didn't request help. At that point I just decided to leave since my hair seemed too short and top-heavy and there was no point in asking for a fix TT__TT It's fine! It's just hair and it'll grow back in 2-3 months and look semi-presentable. And I totally understand that students are learning. I just hope students can be more proactive in clarifying with the client and seeking help from their instructor. It also seems like the instructors are stretched thin helping students.

Brian W.

My wife came back for her root touch up and she was happy about the outcome, I personally liked it too! Sam did a good, neat job and she was so patient enough to deal with my wife's thick hair. Despite the long hours, my wife was comfortable enough doing the whole process and the staff were accommodating too. I guess we now have our go-to salon. :) Thanks to Lucas too, for helping Sam! :)

Getting ready to be groomed

See all

Photo of S H.
54
37
16

4 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

26 days ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

28 days ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

24 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of A M.
0
86
161

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 3
Thanks 3
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 1

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 2
Love this 4
Oh no 1

1 month ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of j b.
1
32
0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Love the price and every time I go it is well organized and excellent service. The stylist are friendly.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

4 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 2

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Rhiannon B.

Rhiannon B.

Helpful 13
Thanks 1
Love this 6
Oh no 3

Page 1 of 13

Ask the Community - Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

Do you do straight razor headshave?

We definitely can. When you schedule a reservation just make sure to let our Service Desk team know so they can help get it scheduled correctly.

Do you do extension removal? Specifically I-tip extensions

Hi Samantha! We do not at this time.

What's the difference between phase one and phase two?

Phase two appointments are appointments with students who are more experienced and close to graduation.

Do you do Brazilian blow outs?

Unfortunately we do not offer them.

Do you offer weave installation? Or wig installation?

Unfortunately we do not.

What's the average wait time to get a haircut once you check in?

5 min. max. I have never waited longer

Do the instructors ever use models for teaching new techniques?

Thank you for your question! They do not use outside models for teaching.

How much is a hair cut for women? Also how much for hair color?

A haircut and style in Phase One is $12 and $17 in Phase Two. If you receive just a basic all over color in Phase One it starts at $30 and the haircut with that is $8. In Phase Two it starts at $35 and the haircut with that is $12.… 

Do they do men's hair cuts (I'd like to get a fade). Also how much would it cost for cut and color on short hair?

Yes we do! We have excellent Barber Future Professionals overseen by their Learning Leaders. They are $12 except Monday before 3:00PM they are $7 and Tuesday after 5:30 they are also $7.

View All 12 Questions

Review Highlights - Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa

“Phase Two has pushed me to step into a higher level of responsibility and creativity.”

Mentioned in 86 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Beauty By Fox - The Best Training in O.C.

Beauty By Fox

4.5(40 reviews)
4.1 mi

I have personal experience with both the owner Ms. Maritza Fox and the business…read more I have had my brows done and had body contouring treatments at Fox Academy, and I felt the need to update my review because I was shocked to see a recent review that seems very untrue, because I have only experienced the best quality treatment and customer service from Ms. Fox! She is an exceptional brow artist because she is careful, thoughtful and caring and skilled. I was also assured to know that she is an experienced permanent makeup instructor of over 10 years and I have seen her classroom. I was able to trust her to do my permanent brow makeup and she did an excellent job and I am forever grateful that I have beautiful brows now. I have also come to know that she is a caring and wonderful person and a delight to interact with during my treatments. I understand that some people may be interested in enrolling in the academy and are interested in a quality education, and I absolutely recommend it. I advise whoever reading my review to be very discerning about where some negative reviews may be coming from and what their intentions may be...because I have experienced nothing but the positive with both the owner and the business, and I'm speaking from personal experience and I am a satisfied and loyal client.

I wish I had chosen a different academy, and I encourage others to do thorough research before…read moreenrolling. The true character of a business is revealed when concerns arise and mistakes happen, and based on my experience, Fox Microblading Academy fell short in several key areas. From the start, I felt pressured to leave a positive review before even receiving what I paid for as a student. After looking further into other reviews, I noticed that I was not alone in this experience--several others have shared similar concerns. The sign-up process is handled by Alan, the business owner, but once payment is made, all communication is handed off to Maritza, who oversees the training. Alan's role is mostly limited to IT matters, meaning there is little long-term accountability or direct support from him. This structure left me feeling misled about the level of involvement and guidance I would receive. The training itself was extremely disappointing and did not provide the hands-on experience I was expecting. While I anticipated learning practical skills, Maritza controlled most of the procedure on my model, leaving me with very little opportunity to gain real experience. My role was reduced to filling in a few lines, which did not give me the confidence I needed to move forward in this field. Additionally, my model was unhappy with the final shape--something that was outside of my control. We are looking for removal which is an extra cost to fix the problem!!!! Maritza's teaching approach did not align with what I would expect from a professional instructor. When I raised concerns, I did not feel I received constructive guidance. Instead, her responses came across as defensive rather than supportive. In my experience, a great educator should help students grow, but I did not feel that level of mentorship in this program. After multiple attempts to address my concerns through email, I received no response for over two months. When I eventually disputed the charge with my bank, I was shocked to see that in her response to my financial institution, Maritza characterized me unfairly, making accusations that I believe were completely unjustified. Another issue I encountered was the discrepancy between the advertised learning environment and the actual setup. The academy has since moved to a much smaller location, but their promotional materials still depict a more polished space. This difference was disappointing, as it did not match my expectations based on their marketing. For $2,499, I expected high-quality education, mentorship, and ongoing support. Instead, I left feeling underprepared and unsupported. **There are many other academies that provide structured training, hands-on experience, and continued mentorship--essential factors for success in this industry. For anyone serious about microblading, I strongly recommend researching other programs to ensure you receive the training and support you need.

Photos
Beauty By Fox
Beauty By Fox - HUGE difference!!!

HUGE difference!!!

Beauty By Fox - Our new classroom is as clean as cozy as our previous one was

See all

Our new classroom is as clean as cozy as our previous one was

Topline Beauty College - The students were super sweet & instructor Cindy helped them throughout the process.

Topline Beauty College

4.3(35 reviews)
3.4 mi

I am a student on a budget who still wants nice lookin nails. I decided to go to Topline Beauty…read moreSchool to get my nails done by practicing students. A gel mani was only $15. I love my nails. Monica, my nail tech, was very sweet, personable, and she did a great job. Her teacher came by to make some edits during the process which I thought was neat because they were ensuring my nails looked just right. A downside though is that the place is a bit run down, so the ambience isn't too great. But hey, my nails look bomb and the people were nice, which is more than I can say compared to a few higher-priced salons I've been to! If you're looking for a gel mani and you're on a budget, give this place a try!

Học viên đến trường nghề với mong muốn được học tập, phát triển kỹ năng và xây dựng sự tự tin trong…read moremột môi trường hỗ trợ. Thay vào đó, nhiều người cảm thấy bị áp lực, e ngại và không dám lên tiếng. Một môi trường học tập nên khuyến khích và hỗ trợ học viên, chứ không phải khiến họ cảm thấy sợ hãi hoặc lo lắng. Dựa trên trải nghiệm của bản thân tôi và những gì tôi đã nghe từ nhiều người khác, tôi không thể giới thiệu ngôi trường này. Bầu không khí tiêu cực do một số nhân viên tạo ra đã làm lu mờ những gì lẽ ra phải là một trải nghiệm học tập tích cực. My experience with Top Line Beauty College was extremely disappointing, largely because of one staff member, Kim. She often acts as though she runs the entire school and creates an uncomfortable environment for students. Over the years, I have heard similar concerns from numerous coworkers, classmates, and colleagues who felt they were treated unfairly or disrespectfully. Students come to beauty school to learn, grow, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Instead, many feel intimidated and afraid to speak up. A learning environment should encourage students, not make them feel fearful or anxious. Based on my experience and the experiences shared by others, I would not recommend this school. The negative atmosphere created by certain staff members overshadows what should be a positive educational experience.

Photos
Topline Beauty College
Topline Beauty College
Topline Beauty College

See all

Golden West College

Golden West College

3.2(105 reviews)
5.1 mi•Edinger

My husband and I brought our 6 year old daughter to Science Nite. It was awesome! She made slime…read moreand polymer worms to bring home. Upon entry, we were given a ticket for a free hot dog. She devoured it. She earned all her stickers and was rewarded with a popsicle. We were provided safety goggles for some of the activities. The college students and professors were amazing. They were patient and generous with their time. We're looking forward to attending this event next year. I'm looking into the possibility of taking classes here.

To start off, I was excited to begin at a community college. It wasn't my first choice, but it…read moreworked with my schedule for the Esthetic program. When it comes to communication between teachers and students, it hasn't been very consistent. One instructor will say one thing, while another says something different, which makes it confusing. The grading is also inconsistent, as each instructor seems to grade differently. At the beginning of the semester, we weren't given a clear rubric for how we would be graded. Now that we are close to graduating, points are being taken off for very small details that were never emphasized before. For example, labeling the cups for the products we use--this is now required in abbreviation form, but we were never taught how to do that earlier in the program. Usually, the dispensary person would take care of that. I hope the program can become more organized, with clear expectations for both day and night classes. Right now, it feels like the night class does not receive as much attention or support. Overall, I hope things improve. However, if I had the chance to choose again, I would consider a different school because I don't feel like I learned everything I needed to know.

Photos
Golden West College - Golden West Football.

Golden West Football.

Golden West College
Golden West College

See all

Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa - cosmetology_schools - Updated November 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...