I really like this place. Didn't even know it existed until my friend went to school here and I went in so that she could give me a hair cut. The prices are reasonable to say the least, and they offer a lot of services. I thought they just did hair, but they do manicures and pedicures, as well as facials. honestly this could be a one stop shop spa day for anyone who had the time and was able to get back to back appointments. Yes, the technicians are students so you won't be getting a Paul Mitchell haircut or anything, but they do a good job here. When you're inside one of the instructors is walking around and supervising in case a student has a question or needs help with something. And they're all there to learn so they try harder to give you what you want than a "professional" would because they know that people will probably critique them more than someone from Super Cuts or somewhere. It takes a while for a haircut because, like I said, they take their time to make sure that they get it right and give you what you want. I would rather the student cutting my hair take their time and also ask the instructor for tips if they feel uncomfortable rather than going into a salon and telling them what I want and then have them give me their interpretation of it that I end up hating. Definitely want to come back and try out their other services. read more

RCC Cosmetology - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

I had a fantastic experience getting my nails done by Elizabeth. My nails turned out perfect! I'll definitely be coming back to her. Highly recommend!" read more

RCC Cosmetology - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

Great city college, highly recommend. Graduated in 2022, enjoyed my educational experience.

My 1st experience in April was amazing. I went back in june for a trim, and theybwere closed. They have limited hours during the summer, which is understandable, but please update the phone recording, and please place a large notice on the doors so we dont have to park in the sun & walk up, only to see that summer hours are very limited. Thank you!! read more

I love supporting the students at RCC Cosmetology School. I have gone several times for a haircut. I have never left without feeling happy. I highly recommend coming in and have the students play with your hair. Or get a facial, manicure or pedicure. Don't be too judgmental, they are students after all. I got my long locks cut off into a cute summer style. read more

See all

Nice place and service. Do not expect perfection, the students are nervous and take longer than usual, which is understandable because they are learning :). Be prepared for extra time. Be polite and again, do not expect perfection. One thing I didn't like is that you have to make appointments on certain days, which is normal, but the bad thing is that they don't announce it on the website or anywhere else. In many cases, they won't make appointments for the same day. Note: They do not accept cards, it's cash only! read more

Yes, I like coming here very friendly girls had my hair done multiple times and they did a great job. Reasonable prices

I know a lot of people who have came here and gotten great hair done. But I have called multiple times and left messages to schedule an appointment but no one has called me back. Also I can never reach a person through the phone, I am always directed to voicemail. I have heard from friends who have came here before that scheduling an appointment is best because of long wait times (I understand since students are taking their time since they're still learning). Keep in mind this place is cash only and that the hours on yelp are incorrect. They are only open Wed, Thurs, and Friday from 8:15am to 2:30pm and 5:45pm-9pm. And if you plan on getting your hair colored that you need to come in the day before to get an allergy test done also or else you can't get your hair colored. read more

RCC Cosmetology - Hours - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

I couldn't type all that I wanted here, so I decided pictures would be better. I really hope this helps clear some things up, I know it's a lot of information and a lot of rules, but we follow all the same guidelines on a daily basis and we do so for client protection and safety, not just for fun, I promise. If you can't see them attached here, check the photos and videos and find the first page and scroll. read more

See all

I like your Rcc cosmetology Center I went today and I did the European facial/w Massage and I did a haircut. I show the picture to the cosmetology student for haircut and they did it I'm very proud to the Rcc Cosmetology. My haircut looks like I'm a K-pop‍ read more

*DONT let them touch your hair!!!!!! If I could give zero stars I would!!!!!! Initially I was excited to get my hair done here...maybe save some $...especially since they had some really solid reviews...Don't trust those reviews!!!!!! My sister went there to school and I had been a practice model for her...she never messed my hair up!!!! So I thought it would be ok to give them a try. NO!!!!!! Here's a list of the issues I had with this place... 1. From the moment I arrived the woman at the front window where you are supposed to check in was very, very rude to me!!!! 2. No one ever told me that it was cash only!!!! Even though I had several conversations with them before arriving!!!! It would have been nice to know ahead of time!!!! And the woman at the front desk refused to take any responsibility for the fact that no one warned me about the cash only policy!!!! She said in a very snarky tone "well I'm sorry...there are signs on the wall!" How the heck do signs on the wall help me...when it's my first time there in many years?!?!?! So I had to leave to go get cash before they would even let me check in for my appointment!!!! I should have NEVER gone back because the girl who did my cut totally F*cked my hair up!!!! 3. The back of my hair was a nightmare!!!! And the instructor came by and checked the cut several times!!!! For some reason the instructor seemed to think it was fine to let me leave like that!!!! I cried when I got home and saw the back!!!!!! I had to go get it fixed because it was soooooooo bad!!!!!! *pic of my hair read more

RCC Cosmetology - My horrible haircut!!!!!! WTF is going on here?!?!?!?! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

Poor customer service. Will not service with any acception unless they wash and dry. School rule. I walked in with freshly washed hair and apparently I might be homeless so they wouldnt help me. All just for 1 french braid, waste of time and energy. If you have a preference of hair products dont come here. If you have sensitive skin or love your hair pass on all rcc services. And everyone is treated as if they are homeless!! read more

Excellence ... I've colored my hair here a number of times. NEVER disappointed. Always exactly how I'd like it. The flatiron and curls are the best too. Every student is exceptional. Bravo to the instructors. read more

I go and get my hair conditioned, haircut, washed and blow dry. I also get facials, manicures, and pedicures. I can not wait till next month to get my hair colored and highlights. read more

I'm writing this as a client at the salon: I love going here! Not only because of the prices but the service!!! I get my haircut & hair bleached there. I love it! All the students are super profesional & nice! I highly recommend it. Only down side to this is you can't be on your phone, but there's times when you don't even need to since the hairstylist is engaging in conversation with you! I always get a new student every time and not one time in ALL the times I've gone have I've been disappointed. read more

A year ago I would have agreed with every bad review on yelp, but after pushing myself to the program I've become a bit more understanding. Yes, you will get clocked out. You will get clocked out for not having your equipment. It's a huge adjustment coming to this school, but if you stick it out and follow the rules- you're going to do great here. They want to see you do your best and it wasn't until I got into my third semester that I started to realize this. What was once hard and frustrating, comes very natural now. Be prepared for a world of hurt your first few semesters, but know that you're going to be learning from some of the best teachers you could ask for. I attend night classes and I wouldn't trade my school for the world. They have taught me so much and I have seen clear differences between my education and some of my cosmetology buddies. I can't tell you how many times I've been caught talking about things that most people aren't taught in cosmetology school. This school will prepare you for the real world. It's cosmetology boot camp, but you'll do amazing if you stick it out. Be patient and realize your new at this. Listen to your instructors and trust them. This school is amazing! There's a reason they have such a great reputation. :) read more

I was a little nervous to get my hair done by students but I had a great experience!! Friendly staff. My stylist was David and he really took his time to do the highlighting process and make sure I was happy with it! My color and style came out great and was exactly what I wanted. His instructor was also great and frequently checked his progress- And you can't beat the price! I will add photo soon- I also appreciate the fact that it is a community effort with the clients helping with their training, and the students helping us get great color/style for an awesome price! read more

I've been going here through the years, having lived in Riverside most of my life and had quite a few friends and family and loved ones go here. Now I go here almost exclusively. I don't know their official prices or anything, but last time I went it was a $1. I just show up every six weeks or so and plan on spending about $10 (give these people a tip... Everyone who tries starts on the bottom somewhere!) Everyone that I've ever had cut my hair have done a great job, and more often than not an exceptional job. Really, once you get the hours down and go a few times, I can't imagine going anywhere else. I feel good, they get experience-- it's all great for the community in a huge win-win. Just ask about hours and prices the first time you go in, as well as discounts available. I don't qualify for any, I think, but you might save a bit. I'll have to come back and post them after my next visit as well as the hairdressers. ***Update: I went in and was charged $10 last time, so the dollar thing must be a thing of the past. ***Update: The $1 is kind of a random promotion, around mostly on Thursdays I guess. Either way, do your community some good and help some young professionals train! read more

I never do reviews on places so to get to post this really says something. Today I went in for a full weave and walked out more than satisfied. Alex and Ashley did a TREMENDOUS job on my hair absolutely in love with it! Exceeded past my expectations. They truly are talented. The prices are great as well. Definitely coming back in the future! read more

The students at this school beats any professional for a fraction of the price! Kate rocks!!! I had a balayage done at a professional salon and they messed up my hair twice, went to see Kate at RCC and she not only was able to correct it but have me what I wanted and more! I recommend this place over any professional salon. Hands down! read more

RCC Cosmetology - Kate rocks! She fixed the horrible balayage that a professional salon tried to do twice! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Riverside, California

Ok you must be patience and have time but there Wonderful !! Everyone is kind and you save a lot of money plus you look Fabulous when you leave . And the receptionist is Amazing ! She be there for years and she so nice . And Seniors get half price my mother in law had a perm for 12.50 wow !!! She use too pay lots ! And if your a RCC students you also get a discount so check it out . But remember you need time . read more

This was my second visit at the Salon. Madison was as professional as one could be, even Giselle found my dry humor funny. I explained my needs and the Hair Cut was performed with care and precision. read more

Ok, so maybe it is a testamony to how cheap I am, but I can't believe I'm the first to Yelp about Riverside City/Community College's Cosmetology Department's salon. Maybe people don't know that you can go there to get everything from a scalp massage to hair relaxing for basically pennies on the dollar. RCC students and seniors get things for half off, and considering your standard hair cut and style is around $10, that makes things a really good deal. Of course, we are talking about student work here, which will probably scare most people away, but I go back over and over again for cuts and colorings and have never had a problem. The girls are excited to try their skills and the instructors hover like hawks, quick to fix anything that looks like it might go awry. My favorite thing to do is jump in a chair and say "ok go for it,' because you know you're not going to get some standard cut that is about two years out of style because the stylist has lost all their flair. For people like me, who aren't interested in style and fashion enough to shell out the big bucks, but still want some compliments every now and then this place is a perfect change of pace from the World's Fantastic Sams, Great Clips, etc. There are a few downfalls: First and foremost: The place is old. Some things don't work and it is in a basement. This isn't anyone's fault but RCC's. They have a great, popular program that they obviously overlooking so the salon is calling out for a makeover of its own. Second: Scheduling an appointment is tricky. There hours are regular but not abundant, and if you want to do some coloring, you'll have to get tested for a skin reaction first, every time, cause rules are rules. I would go more often, except for this part. Third: The students are slow. Really slow. If you're an impatient person, don't bother coming here because it will frustrate you. I generally block out two and a half hours for an appointment. Still, it is a nice to be a little pampered and then look great after. I've never been disappointed in the final product and the students are all really attentive and excited. Not always professional, but attentive and excited. read more

I wanna give a one star so bad because of this!!!! I don't understand how a receptionist that rude is still working there and it's a school! She who is maybe in her 40s blonde doing reception work should be a role model for these young cosmetology students. Not be arguing with clients who clearly come for the students not for an argument! I'm not a student there but I come to get my hair done and nails done which come out phenomenal thanks to the ladies at RCC!!! But the receptionists girls she brings the rating down because come one she is the First Lady we see we need to get a good impression of the school!!! Clearly she doesn't know how to do her job the right way! My first time I was ignored, I wasn't told how the prices worked, Nothing all she asked. What do you want done? Clicked a few keys. Name please? Gave her my name. Handed me a ticket! REALLY????? At a salon in riverside I would've never gone through this!!!! I TAKE THIS PLACE SERIOUSLY AND SO DO THE STUDENTS HERE!!! Please go somewhere else with your rudeness because you just ruin all the good TALENT that is in this place with it!! TALENTED LADIES WORK HERE PEOPLE! You won't get disappointed!!! Don't mind the receptionist. Just get your hair and nails did!! RCC Cosmetology students here have raw talent and are always wanting to work on someone! Love it! Love supporting my community this way! Girls keep up the good work!!!! read more

I agree, I've been there several times and the receptionist is rude and very unlike able, it's like you get treated bad because you are not paying full price. How come they haven't fired her????? read more

I am a graduate of RCC Cosmetology Program. I highly recommend the program. FASFA helped me pay my tuition since it´s a public school and not a private school like Paul Mitchell etc. So I payed $38 a semester and payed for the kit which was $1200. On top of that I got a $6000 grant so I ended up graduating with my degree without debt. If you cannot get into the day program, try for the night program. You´ll most likely get accepted and the girls in the night program are a little older and work during the day so I found the girls a little more serious about the program. The teachers here are top notch and as I´m in a salon currently working I find myself using tips that I learned in school. I also found that just a recent graduate my work was better than some other graduates from other schools or people who have been in the profession for a while. RCC cosmo program is a hardcore program but like anything, show up on time and prepared and be committed to finishing and you won´t have problems with any of the teachers. 5 semesters seems like a long time but it goes very quickly and you get college credits towards earning your Associates. The state board part was very easy and all of my class passed the first time. You can pay $25,000 and hope you pass or you can pay $1200 and know you´ll pass, I guess the choice is up to you. read more

If you're are thinking about going to school here, DON'T! Seriously just don't even consider it. Especially if Cosmetology isn't your first choice of career because you won't last, I promise. I have always known I wanted to be in this field and I choose RCC because it was affordable, convenient, and has. a 99% pass rate on the state exam. But had I asked around I would heard nothing but negative, I'm sure Here's some reason NOT to go to RCC: 1) You will grow to HATE school. Dread going EVERY SINGLE DAY. Now that's no one to spend 1600 hours 1 year(day) and 1.5 years (night). I would say at least 80% of my classmates feel the same way. 2) You are only allotted a certain amount of absences, tardies and leaving early is counted in that as well. Which in theory is a great idea, BUT and onto #3 3) BEING CLOCKED OUT! This is the most detrimental thing of all. Although this has not happen to me, I see the effects it has on others more. And I am frustrated for them. You can be clocked out for ANYTHING. Which last I checked we are here, and paying for our education and that is being taken away for... The list goes on and on but some ridiculous clock outs I've witnesses... Coming into the parking lot too early, forgetting something you need BUT it's 100 yards away in your car, coming back just seconds late from a break, leaving the classroom without permission (yes, you have to ask permission EVERY time you leave the class), wearing the wrong socks, striped black and white instead of plain (and we wear pants), not knowing the answering to a question (hello, you're the teacher!), being on your phone, drinking water in class, having hair in your boxes or on your setup, not having things labeled properly, etc... I could go all day. 4) After you pass your allotted absences, you are no longer in the class. Meaning you have to start the class all over again the following semester, if there is a class. AND you receive an F on your transcripts even if you make it to the final day and go over. Waste of time, waste of money, waste of energy, waste of resources, waste of your life!!!!! 5) OLD, OUTDATED, DIRTY, SMELLY, NOTHING WORKS! 6) Grading Scale- if you're like me and you'd rather have all A's on your transcript, be prepared! To get an A you need 95% and above, B 88% and above, C 76% and above, then everything else is a Fail! Miss a homework assignment, or test, you are definitely looking at a B. With the amount of homework and studying time needed to pass the class, might as well quit your day job. 7) RCC's main strength and weakness is their rules and strictness. On one hand it is great that they have the rules they have, it provides a structured, professional environment unlike most cosmetology schools. But on the other hand, they take it a few steps too far. They make students fear and dislike school. It makes for a negative environment for both students and teachers. It's no wonder students flood the toilets,among other gross things to try to get the day off without the absence. I've considered it many times. I, like many other students, have reached my breaking point with RCC. If I didn't wanna do this as a career, I would have left a long time ago. But my passion for it has kept me here. After months of sticking it out, I'm moving on to bigger and better things. RCC has almost drained my desire to pursue cosmetology all together. A new school has been a breath of fresh air, and relight my excitement for learning and reaching my goals. read more

I walk in and the lady at the front desk is too concern with whatever conversation she was having with her colleague. I continue to stand there waiting to be helped, she can see me standing there but doesn't seem interested to help me. She finally makes her way to her desk and I tell her the reason why I'm there, because she doesn't bother to ask me. She says they are closed to services because the students need to clean up and get ready to leave at 4. I know the students don't leave until 4:30. Whatever the truth is with the hours I don't know, however, all I can say is that there is no need to give people crappy customer service, if you don't like your job then you have no business being there. You are the front of this establishment, and whatever first impression you give off, will be what people take with them. Would it kill you to be pleasant for once? Well, that's all on my first experience. Ps. If you want to be serviced be there before 3pm. I hope this helps others. read more