Waste of time and money. Website clearly says 1:30 - 4:30 pm when booking. It took one hour alone for them to move the 20+ people from the reception area to the actual styling floor. When I tried to confirm the finish time their staff refused to acknowledge that the information on the website is misleading and instead insisted the actual finish time is 5:30 pm. Apparently this is written somewhere in the fine print. They did not cut my hair and refused to refund the charge for a service they did not provide. read more

I went to the academy as a model for a complete colour change. They did such a fantastic job. I have been box dying my hair dark brown for the last 10 years, my natural colour is much lighter. I had layers of different colour browns, my hair was a mess. They lighted my hair and the colour is great, a coppery dark blonde, it exceeded all my expectations because how dark my hair was. They were so professional and attentive. The student who did my hair was so proficient and made me feel very comfortable. read more

I went today for an appointment and my hair feels and looks great I was open minded as I hadn't had a hair cut in 2 years my hair was fairly long but was happy for them to do what they wanted aslong as it wasn't a Bob. My trainee hairdresser was very professional and done a very good job I always say everyone has to start somewhere. I was there for 3 hours in that time she had to style my hair to pass an exam which I hope she passed she washed my hair gave me a head massages cut and blow dried my hair and there was a nice atmosphere watching all the trainees working hard. Thank you so much read more

I haven't been here in 5 years and now I remember why. I have never left a hairdressers crying before until today. I said to them very clearly what I wanted and had three reference pics, and ended up with something completely different. when I told them it wasn't what I had asked for I got blamed by the supervisor for not knowing what the word rounded meant in reference to a bob, and he blamed me for not having photos of haircuts that showed the back. I was very very clear that I wanted it to be cropped at the back with length around my face and he gave me what looks like a bowl cut for a Lego character. I have Random harsh square layers and bits that stick out at different angles. it's long at the back and extremely short around my face. He tried to fix it but by then the damage was done. When I reminded him I wanted more length he shrugged and said 'I can't make it grow, I can't add more length' I know it's cheap and I know that you might not end up with an amazing professional cut but I've always gone to student places and never ever had a 'bad' result like this. I came here to save money and am now making a last minute urgent appt at a local salon, paying full price and I missed half of my day for the privilege. They don't listen to you and will try and act like nothings wrong when I know that no hairdresser would look at my hair now and think it's acceptable. I even said I'd go somewhere else to get it fixed so I didnt have to waste more time there and they insisted I stay so they could fix it....but just kept taking more hair off and it doesn't look any better. I am never coming back here. read more

I know these guys are learning but 6 hours + for half a head of highlights is crazy. I wouldn't have been so upset if it looked ok afterwards. somehow my hair is now darker then it was before. I was also upsold a product I didn't need for extra £. and the front section is patchy. don't be tempted by the cheap price. not worth it at all. read more

first of all time managing problem which was supposed to be starting at 1:30 but started 2:30. secondly my booking was balayage and I am sure because of the rest of time was not enough the teacher suggested that they can not do balayage and did colouring with little high light. the learner attitude was not friendly I tried make him friendship also was language barrier and he even did not ask me what type of hair I want Curley or straight. I was as a model in other branch and companies even free of charge but when the guy was drying my hair, he tried to put minimise using product which was not enough for my hair. It was my first time feeling so restless at Tony and Guy read more

My hair was exceedingly long. Some might say exceedingly lovely. Full and thick and shiny and curly. It was a length of joy. A tousled delight. And so obviously I decided to get it cut. I went to Toni & Guy thinking 'they're cool young hipsters, they'll give me some sexy sassy coiffure'. I told her I wanted it no shorter than shoulder length. First up she hacked off the bulk and then washed my hair. At this point I fell in love with her. It is difficult not to be enamoured by someone rubbing your head. It is a wonderful sensation. Then she got down to business and I rapidly began to fall out of love with her as it became apparent that 'no shorter than shoulder length' translates as 'shoulder length at the longest point'. The bits of my hair that tumbled over my face and slumped forlornly on my lap were longer than the bits left stuck in my head. They collected around me like beautiful autumn leaves, except they looked up at me with big sad curls asking me 'why? why? We did so much for you! Remember when you put those ribbons in us? You'll never be able to do that with what you've decided to keep!' And I tried to look back at them imploring that this was evidently not my choice and they should blame the girl with the scissors and lack of basic communication skills. And as it went on my reputation as a stoic was being severely tested as it got worse and I could only hope that it would look better when she had finished/when it was dry/when it was styled/when it grew back in several months. Generally I don't make a fuss about these sorts of things. I take what I'm given and deal with it in private. But I was so disenchanted with how I looked that I actually couldn't not say anything and each time she asked me are you alright? my face instantly lit up bright red and it was obvious that fine meant, I truly resent you for what you have done to me. It is the ugliest haircut I have ever been the sorry recipient of. And it is so short I can only wait for it to grow out. I left the hairdresser's and stepped out onto New Oxford Street and bawled. I tried to tie it back but it's too short to do so and I bawled again. I went home weeping and sobbing each time I caught my hideous reflection. I woke up the next morning, saw myself in the mirror and relived the entire ordeal and cried again. Now, I'm not a vain person. I've just got really shit hair. And a few days ago it was really nice hair. I am genuinely devastated and will be for approximately the next four months. The moral of the story is: go here for a free haircut but be IMPENETRABLY clear when telling them what you want. read more

+ Budget haircut (5 pounds) with a trainee at the academy + All process monitored and supervised by their instructors + Level of experience seems to vary between trainees Tony & Guy Academy on New Oxford Street offers a super cheap haircut with their trainees. I have been here twice so far and both times I was quite satisfied with the quality of cut. I thoroughly recommend this place if A) you are short on budget and B) have time and patience to sit for 3 hours. I was really apprehensive at first because you know, it's a school. But I was a little short on budget at the time so I decided to give this place a go. But the whole process is monitored and supervised by their tutors. So it feels fairly safe. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that, it takes a lot longer than a normal haircut at a professional salon because they stop at each step to consult with their supervisor. Both times it took about 3 hours and a bit. The person who did my hair in my first visit said he worked as a hairdresser before but was in some sort of retraining. The trainee from my second visit had, however no working experience. So the level of experience seems to vary. So here's how it works. You make an appointment via phone. I believe they run these haircut sessions on weekdays. Show up on the agreed time and date and part with your fiver at the reception. An advisor will consult briefly with each person asking what kind of haircut you would like. They will then place you into different rooms where the trainees are waiting. You meet the trainee who will be doing your hair, and discuss in detail what kind of haircut you would like to get. The instructor will advise the trainee on technical aspect on how to achieve what you want at this point. Once all three parties agreed, they do the shampoo and the haircut begins. The actual cut is fairly standard except they stop at each step to consult one of the instructors to check they are doing things right. I've been satisfied with the quality of cut both times I visited here. read more

Very unprofessional - from the Tutors down to the students. The tutors are extremely rude - smirking and talking about clients behind there backs. Very silly really considering the place is full of mirrors so everyone can see them laughing. After leaving I had to have my lovely long hair cut as they had dyed it a brassy ginger colour leaving it dry and damaged which is exactly what I said I did not want. And I had beeb assured this would not be the case. An all round horrible experience. read more

I'm surprised at all the bad reviews of the training salon! I went late last year with my partner and we both were quite happy with our haircuts! To be honest my hair was cut a bit shorter than what I had wanted, but really it wasn't a huge problem for me. The downside of it is that it takes FOREVER, but we went in expecting that to happen. Considering we're both very poor students, we wouldn't really go to the actual salons, a fiver is enough ;D read more

Worst hair cut ever - I've been in tears since yesterday. Asked for a long shoulder length bob and she cut a classic bob with straight lines right under my chin even though I stopped and asked her to make sure my side was hidden. This is the 2nd experience at T&G which has been dreadful. They teach 5 cuts without any concern for the texture of the hair. I now look like a LEGO HEAD. read more

This is perfect if you want the latest cut or colour (or both), but your skint and you've got time to kill. All students are constantly supervised (hence the long time). Go for cut and colour as then you will get the most for your money and time. usually £5 for a cut, sometimes the same for cut and colour, sometimes £20. If you are having colour, you must go for a skin test at a toni & guy salon and bring the card with you to your appointment (it only takes 5 minutes in any salon). I have come out of here with some wicked cuts, although occasionally there have been a few misses, but never badly done. I last went for a colour correction which took a mammoth 6 hours but only cost £20 and looked great. At the end of it I was asked if I wanted my hair cutting for free in another student's class but by that point I had a numb bum! read more

Unlike others who have reviewed this salon I had a pleasant experience when I went there last Friday. My boyfriend had been the week before me (also successfully) and had been asked by the trainee if he knew any girls with bobs. Luckily I was visiting a love a free haircut so I went along. I was probably lucky with my trainee as she obviously took her training very seriously and was also very nice. She asked what I wanted and did not give in and do what other trainees and the teacher assumed she would do. She gave me a lovely new haircut which I'm very pleased with. I would say that to go to this salon you have to be very open to change and don't mind losing a bit of length. I love having new and unusual styles so it suits me, but for something very basic such as a trim I would recommend looking elsewhere. There are other salons that do cheap and less inventive haircuts in London! read more

Do you like the idea of a free haircut? Well if you have a few hours to spare, this is the place for you. Students training as stylists for Toni and Guy give free haircuts during the week. It takes good three hours, but it is well supervised (there is a teacher who checks all main steps and is present throughout) and refreshing to get something for nothing in London! That said, if you are incredibly precious about your hair, rather pay the £50 to have it done by a fully paid professional! read more

I had a haircut yesterday and I am so happy with it. The trainees name was Junayd and he was so polite and careful. The whole process was great and he took pride in his work. Thank you so much. read more

Total Disaster! Don't come here! I can't remember the time I was this unhappy with my haircut! The cut is expensive even at £5. They should be paying you instead. Oh, and the cut takes forever. The reason I gave 2 stars is because the instructor made an effort to clean up the student's mess. You get what you pay for and turst me, I wish I had paid more somewhere else! Avoid! Avoid! Avoid! read more

My hair has never received this much love and attention EVER! Yes, you're there for about 3 hours. Yes, you have to be open to suggestions and deviations to haircuts. But it's absolutely worth it because the trainee and trainer make sure that each step of the way is approved, perfect, and agreed upon. The academy has a morning session at 9:30am and an afternoon session at 1:45pm and you go in with about 8 others at the same time. I went for the 1:45pm session, waited in a line with others for a bit while they asked what each of us wanted, then depending on what the training group needs are, they send about 8 at a time (or so it seemed) to the session. My hairdresser in training was Fraser and absolutely amazing. He asked what I wanted, what my usual hair care is like, provided some suggestions on what he thought would look good, consulted with the trainer who quizzed him how he was going to go about the process and then began. Literally, after each major "part", the trainer would come by to check everything was still perfect. And mine was. My hair's never looked this beautiful. Especially not for £5. I walked out around 4:30pm, but didn't mind at all as I knew this was what I was in for. I hope Fraser makes it big! read more

Just had my hair dyed here this morning today! I am so pleased! So I replied to an ad on gumtree where a Toni & Guy Academy student named Chloe was asking for hair colour models. We emailed back and forth a couple of times and then it was all booked and confirmed for today. When I got there it turned out she had accidentally double booked me, so I was handed over to a lovely student called Tom. We spent a long time discussing what I wanted for my hair and what could be done, and of course he had to check with the teachers, he actually changed what he was going to do to my hair 3 times before we started. I wanted to get my hair back to black which is my natural hair colour (as my hair was dyed brown in January) and then either a blond ombre or balayage - basically blond at the ends. He explained there was no point dyeing my whole head black and then blond on top as the ends wouldn't lift it would be too dark. In the end I believe he did a gloss over the top part of my head so my roots and the middle where dark like I wanted, and the ends of my hair were balayage. He also explained that since my hair was dark it may not turn out blond but he would try his best to get it as light as possible. The end result looks sooooooo amazing! The ends aren't blond like I wanted they are a sort of golden brown but it looks beautiful, and I am so chuffed with my awesome hair! I am so happy with my hair. Tom was an absolute star, kept checking with me to see if I was on board with what he was doing and made sure the teachers checked everything as well; and I liked that he said it may not be blond but that he would try his best and that's all I can ask for. The balayage looks beautiful, the colour just blends with the rest of my hair, I am so happy! He even blowdryed my hair to make it look all wavy and bouncy! Tom was so nice and friendly and did a superb job with my hair. On the whole it took about 3 and 1/2 hours but it takes ages at any hair school/academy plus the hair colour was free! Yay! I will definitely be going back to Toni & Guy Academy! read more

I went to the 1:45 afternoon session at the academy and left with a wonderful haircut. I wanted my hair to be lighter so the colour teacher suggested a blonde ombré which I was apprehensive about but agreed to. The room had around 8 other hairdressers with both a cut and colour specialist as well as a couple of other teachers. The whole process was extremely thorough and included the best shampooing experience of my life. My hair looked gorgeous with 3 different tones running through it and a wonderful haircut. It wasn't luxurious and it took 4hrs but I left with wonderful hair for a fiver. Totally worth the sore bum and I feel very triumphant with my savvy new hair. Defiantly would recommend! read more

I honestly had the loveliest spanish young man called Robin fix my dreadful orangey/yellow hair that went wrong when I dyed it myself. It took him a very long 6 hours to fix my hair but I am beyond grateful! He is very precise, conscientious and hard working student that was always willing to learn from his tutor. He didn't complain one bit and started work at 9 and didn't finish my hair until 3pm (without a break or anything). I am beyond grateful and his tutor was fabulous! I really hope he and his tutor get the recognition they deserve! read more

Hit and miss. All depends on the skills of a student. Over the last 10 years I have met a lot of bright, obviously gifted trainee stylists there. But last time .. a girl could hardly handle scissors and I ended up with hair 6 cm shorter than what I asked for:(. And it took her 4 hours! My only consolation is that hair will grow out eventually and it cost only 5£. read more

Great haircut! I scheduled my appointment with the hairdresser directly rather than through the academy, so I did not have to wait in a line which was nice. Chris, the hairdresser, was lovely - he listened to my ideas and gave his professional opinion, he was very patient, thorough, attentive to detail, accommodating, and just very lovely to chat with! His supervisor was also nice and professional. They discussed every step of the process among themselves but also with me, and it was great to be involved in the process and feel my hair was getting good quality care and attention. Definitely pleased with the result - my hair simply looks very, very professionally cut and it is the exact length and shape that I wanted. The reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is that the chair was very uncomfortable: I kept sliding off and there was not enough back support so my back got quite stiff towards the end. Perhaps I shouldn't complain about this considering the haircut was free! Would definitely go again. read more

If you have read the bad reviews you Have to bare in mind that these stylists are trainees, and your free haircut is practice! I went in for a trim and ended up getting a free colour as well. Another thing to bare in mind is that these stylists need to try out radical styling/colouring as well as technique, however the trainee will not start cutting/colouring your hair before you have spoken to one of the tutors (who are always on hand through-out) and they will ask you what it is you want. As soon as you maybe notice that your hair is starting to look shorter than you wanted then don't be afraid to speak up, remember this is a learning experience so if you don't say anything to them how will they learn what they need to. I got exactly what I asked for; there were moments when the trainee/stylist seemed unsure but his tutor kept coming to check and it came out very well. All in all it was a really good experience and will definitely be popping back next time! read more

It was my second visit to the academy but the first time a student cut my hair. Jessica was lovely! She did a great job cutting and drying my hair! I'm the type of person who hates cutting my hair with a passion, and every visit to a hairdressing salon usually finishes with tears but today I couldn't stop smiling! I loved it!!! read more

I went to Toni and Guy Academy for the first time to get highlights. I have heard that it's quite a steal by London prices a haircut for £5 and highlights (half head) for £25, full head color will cost you £30. I had an afternoon slot and once I got there, I was ushered to one of the study rooms where I had a student assigned to me. I never done highlights before so I brought some pictures of what I wanted to have done and showed them to headmaster. Once we discussed that with her, it was time to do the same with the student. Mind you, it's a learning process so it's takes a bit longer than in a salon (my appointment took 3.5 hrs), but I was never bored watching students around the room. I was nervious at first to trust my beautiful locks into the hands of the student, but the headmaster was always around checking, asking questions and advising the student. I got really nice highlights and I was very pleased with the end result. I can't wait already to go back and try something else, may be something bolder next time! read more