After graduating from Paul Mitchell, I can honestly say that my experience over the last year and a…read morehalf was one of the most difficult and emotionally exhausting periods of my life. What should have been an exciting time of learning and professional growth instead became an experience filled with anxiety, humiliation, and disappointment. Rather than feeling supported while pursuing an education I paid thousands of dollars for, I often felt disrespected, unheard, and emotionally drained.
Throughout my time at the school, I experienced what I believed to be sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, and repeated unprofessional behavior from individuals who were supposed to teach and mentor students. Instead of looking forward to class, I often arrived feeling anxious because I never knew what comments or treatment I would face.
One instructor in particular, Mr. Curtis, repeatedly made comments that I found deeply offensive and inappropriate. He made misogynistic remarks, commented on my body, and even asked me if I was a "transvestite." Those comments were humiliating, degrading, and completely unacceptable from someone in a position of authority. No student should have to endure that while trying to complete their education.
What made the situation even more disappointing was how my complaint was handled. When I reported Mr. Curtis's conduct, I did not feel there was any urgency to remove him from my learning environment or adequately address my concerns. From my perspective, the seriousness of my complaint was minimized. I was left with the impression that protecting a valued instructor mattered more than protecting a student who had reported sexual harassment.
My family ultimately felt it was necessary to mention seeking legal counsel before meaningful action was taken. Only after that was Mr. Curtis moved from the classroom I was assigned to, allowing me to continue my education without being forced to sit in class with someone whose conduct had made me feel uncomfortable. Students should never have to mention legal action simply to receive a safe learning environment.
As part of the resolution, Mr. Curtis and I were instructed to have absolutely no contact with one another. We were not to communicate, speak about one another to other people, or intentionally be around one another. Despite that directive, I experienced multiple situations where I believed those boundaries were not respected. I perceived repeated attempts to intimidate me, including an occasion where I felt he intentionally prevented me from exiting an elevator. I also became aware that he continued discussing me with others despite the expectation that neither of us would do so.
I chose not to continue reporting every incident because I had already lost confidence that additional complaints would result in meaningful action. Instead, I focused on finishing my education and graduating, even though I continued to feel uncomfortable. No student should ever feel that remaining silent is the safest option.
Beyond my own experiences, I witnessed an environment where students were publicly criticized in front of clients, belittled by instructors, and expected to tolerate disrespect from guests without adequate support. Rather than building confidence, the atmosphere often felt intimidating and discouraging. Although the school promotes a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and unprofessional conduct, that was not the environment I experienced.
I also do not believe I received the quality of education I was promised. There were times when students lacked supplies, consistent instruction, and adequate guidance. Students invest significant amounts of money with the expectation of receiving a professional education in a respectful and supportive environment. That was not my experience.
Looking back, what hurts the most is not only what happened but how the school responded after I found the courage to report it. I left feeling that my concerns were treated as an inconvenience rather than something deserving of serious attention. A school should protect its students, enforce its own policies consistently, and hold everyone to the same professional standards regardless of their position.
While I am proud to have completed the program and graduated despite these challenges, I cannot recommend Paul Mitchell based on my personal experience. I sincerely hope the school takes a hard look at its culture, how student complaints are handled, and the accountability expected of instructors and administrators so future students can learn in an environment where they feel respected, supported, safe, and heard.
