Beware of the Salon Professional Academy / Beauty School

[AngieT2]

Sorry to have to write this post, but I feel I must, in case it will save any fellow Villagers heart ache and wasted time.

I moved here from San Diego in June. I first visited the Salon Prof'l Academy for a Manicure and Pedicure. I checked in for my appointment and waited approximately 15 minutes (no apology was given by the student who performed the services nor the front desk staff). The manicure was the 'Chellac" manicure that is supposed to last 2 weeks (minimum). Well... my nails started chipping after two days. Ok..whatever... life was busy and I moved on.

A month later, I decided to give the Academy another shot. This time, another 15-20 minute wait was encountered and I kid you not... One of my nails had chipped within 4 hours of returning home. I called and was told that I could come back in for a complimentary manicure with a different student. Very nice offer and I took them up on it. The 3rd manicure was better and last about a week...no complaints. Also, got to wait for at least 15 minutes for this appointment, too.

Most recently I had a scheduled appointment for a manicure/pedicure at 12:15 PM. At 12:46 PM, someone finally came over to the waiting area and told me that the student I had specifically made an appointment with, was not there and that someone else would be assisting me (keep in mind that they have now left me sitting in their lobby for over 30 minutes!!).

I told the lobby host that I wanted to talk to a manager to see what type of credit would be offered for my inconvenience / wasted time. I would have been tickled pink with a $5.00 credit just a gesture of goodwill. NOPE! "Mrs. Carlson" (as she curtly introduced herself to me) gave me some long, lame story about how she drives to Gainesville to get her teeth cleaned and that she has had to wait up to three hours! Huh? What does her absolute low value of her time have to do with this shabby customer service that I have now experienced three times at her salon/school?

She flat out told me that I just have to understand that appointments are not firm and that wait times must be expected. I told her that of course, I understand that sometimes, 'Life happens' and I get that...BUT, each time I have visited her salon, I have gotten to wait and wait AND wait.

Honestly, the services are cheaper, yes...but the work is CHEAPER.... Couple that with the worst customer service I have experienced in this wonderful, special place (The Villages) and NO THANK YOU. I will do without, go somewhere else, whatever....

...and just to put the perfect ending to this story... When I left the salon, with no manicure or pedicure, I drove out of the parking lot, and at the employee picnic table were no less than 12 students, all standing around smoking. Nice touch... No one can help PAYING CUSTOMERS sitting in their lobby in a timely fashion, but they can stand around out back and smoke in a large group. Nice, Salon Professional Academy...nice....

[jblum315]

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

[Uptown Girl]

If you want to do this school a favor, send notice of your complaint to the head of the company. (You may have to research that, but I believe it's worth it.)

I would imagine they would want to be made aware of the mis-management of whoever is in charge of the floor AND- the "teeth cleaning' remark.

Even if the policy is that you must wait your turn (that is, no set appointments)
often done in schools where the students may take longer to finish a customer,
it is appropriate to call the kids off 'break' when there are customers waiting-
or at least tell you, " some are at lunch presently, but will be returning in __ minutes, are you able to wait?"
THEN, keep track of the customer's wait time, set them up at a table and give a head's up to the next student.

I am a retired registered Barber/Stylist. I taught at a Barber school for a few years before owning my own salon.

These kids are only going to be as good as their effort to emulate what they are taught- and will only learn business integrity if shown by example.
That includes work ethic and customer service. The example from the floor staff of the school must be exemplary.
You have my permission if you'd like to share MY words with them as well.

As to getting a manicure, or any service from a school goes- you understand that you are their practice models. Hopefully, they do the best they can each time. You are experienced enough at getting manicures to know how they should be done. If steps are missed or done badly, raise your hand in the air and ask for an instructor BEFORE you leave the table.

I would expect that all work is being watched (at least peripherally ) by the instructors as each service is being done.
I would expect that all work is checked (by an instructor) before the customer leaves.

If that is not happening, the owners should know.

[graciegirl]

If you want to do this school a favor, send notice of your complaint to the head of the company. (You may have to research that, but I believe it's worth it.)

I would imagine they would want to be made aware of the mis-management of whoever is in charge of the floor AND- the "teeth cleaning' remark.

Even if the policy is that you must wait your turn (that is, no set appointments)
often done in schools where the students may take longer to finish a customer,
it is appropriate to call the kids off 'break' when there are customers waiting-
or at least tell you, " some are at lunch presently, but will be returning in __ minutes, are you able to wait?"
THEN, keep track of the customer's wait time, set them up at a table and give a head's up to the next student.

I am a retired registered Barber/Stylist. I taught at a Barber school for a few years before owning my own salon.

These kids are only going to be as good as their effort to emulate what they are taught- and will only learn business integrity if shown by example.
That includes work ethic and customer service. The example from the floor staff of the school must be exemplary.
You have my permission if you'd like to share MY words with them as well.

As to getting a manicure, or any service from a school goes- you understand that you are their practice models. Hopefully, they do the best they can each time. You are experienced enough at getting manicures to know how they should be done. If steps are missed or done badly, raise your hand in the air and ask for an instructor BEFORE you leave the table.

I would expect that all work is being watched (at least peripherally ) by the instructors as each service is being done.
I would expect that all work is checked (by an instructor) before the customer leaves.

If that is not happening, the owners should know.

Well said.

The place is a school. It takes forever to get things done and mistakes are made. I have a friend who posts on here who had her hair colored and had to hide until it grew out..or wear a wig. It wasn't fixable.

If we want professional services we need to go to those already in the profession who have graduated from Beauty School.

I go all of the time to those in real business and they are professional beauticians and so far none of them have made me look younger or beautiful. It doesn't help to ask for your money back.

I know these things.;)

[buggyone]

Mrs. Buggy always goes to Tuscany Spa in Lake Sumter Landing for her manis and pedis. The Shellac treatment always lasts about a month.

Costs more than Salon Professional Academy but is a relaxing atmosphere rather than a cavernous building with loud music.

Anyhow, did the OP say she returned to Salon Professional Academy time after time after not being satisfied? If I was not satisfied with their service one time, I would not return. Remember, these are students and you are the live subject.

[LuvlyJubly]

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

I agree with you, you do indeed get what you pay for!

Once I am there in TV I shall be looking for a good salon.

Cheers for the heads-up!

[DandyGirl]

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

:agree:

[Uptown Girl]

I respectfully disagree.

Shabby haircuts, bad coloring and less than perfect manicures/pedicures can come at a pretty high price from some 'professionals' in this business.

I OFTEN made many a new and long term client, (male and female) by fixing hair disasters created by others- usually ridiculously high end salons.

Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Or talent either.

[Schaumburger]

Mrs. Buggy always goes to Tuscany Spa in Lake Sumter Landing for her manis and pedis. The Shellac treatment always lasts about a month.

Costs more than Salon Professional Academy but is a relaxing atmosphere rather than a cavernous building with loud music.

Anyhow, did the OP say she returned to Salon Professional Academy time after time after not being satisfied? If I was not satisfied with their service one time, I would not return. Remember, these are students and you are the live subject.

I have been to Tuscany Spa in LSL several times while visiting TV; it is a very relaxing place! I may go back to Tuscany when I am in TV next month. Tuscany is not a cheap place but I am worth it.

[LuvlyJubly]

I have been to Tuscany Spa in LSL several times while visiting TV; it is a very relaxing place! I may go back to Tuscany when I am in TV next month. Tuscany is not a cheap place but I am worth it.

It is good to hear someone's recommendation, Tuscany Spa sounds a very nice place and I too shall give it a go when we are there (hopefully by November). I do not mind paying for quality and I am sure it will be much cheaper than the prices I have been paying here in the UK. As you said...... "I am worth it", me too!
Counting the days, cannot wait!

[kittygilchrist]

Going to a school to have services should imply that one is willing to be a test case. If you have pennies to spend and don't mind having someone learn from their mistakes on your head or toes, this is the place for you.
If you want flawless great service, pm me, I've got a winner of a salon and fabulous hairdresser.

[Golf View]

I too have experienced the arrogance of the manager of the salon school. I wasn't unhappy with my service but very concerned about the extremely loud noise and the impact on the student's hearing over time. Told to mind my own business and he didn't want to customers to hear the exchanges between teacher and student!

[dillywho]

I respectfully disagree.

Shabby haircuts, bad coloring and less than perfect manicures/pedicures can come at a pretty high price from some 'professionals' in this business.

I OFTEN made many a new and long term client, (male and female) by fixing hair disasters created by others- usually ridiculously high end salons.

Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Or talent either.

You are so right! Thank you. Price and/or "professional" does not equate to quality. Some of the best I ever had was at the beauty school back home. Some of the worst I have ever received was here at a totally ridiculous price.

[asianthree]

a gell or shellac polish requires, a base, color or not, top coat, with a led light of 30seconds to 2 minutes per coat, and a swip of polish remover at the end...if this process was not used its not gell or shellac...there is a new polish called CDC that totes the wear of gell or shellac without a light...i have it, used it but does not last more than regular OPI for me...So if the student using the product that is supplied to them is using the product with the requirements for application..it is not the fault of the student maybe bad product..have had it happen with a bad base coat...but if you are being told its gell or shellac and there is no light involved...than its only going to last as long as regular polish does....

[Lynn222]

Went there once and never again. The wait was unbearable just for a haircut. Every snip of the scissors had to be approved by a teacher.

[DougB]

Sorry to have to write this post, but I feel I must, in case it will save any fellow Villagers heart ache and wasted time.

I moved here from San Diego in June. I first visited the Salon Prof'l Academy for a Manicure and Pedicure. I checked in for my appointment and waited approximately 15 minutes (no apology was given by the student who performed the services nor the front desk staff). The manicure was the 'Chellac" manicure that is supposed to last 2 weeks (minimum). Well... my nails started chipping after two days. Ok..whatever... life was busy and I moved on.

A month later, I decided to give the Academy another shot. This time, another 15-20 minute wait was encountered and I kid you not... One of my nails had chipped within 4 hours of returning home. I called and was told that I could come back in for a complimentary manicure with a different student. Very nice
offer and I took them up on it. The 3rd manicure was better and last about a week...no complaints. Also, got to wait for at least 15 minutes for this appointment, too.

Most recently I had a scheduled appointment for a manicure/pedicure at 12:15 PM. At 12:46 PM, someone finally came over to the waiting area and told me that the student I had specifically made an appointment with, was not there and that someone else would be assisting me (keep in mind that they have now left me sitting in their lobby for over 30 minutes!!).

I told the lobby host that I wanted to talk to a manager to see what type of credit would be offered for my inconvenience / wasted time. I would have been tickled pink with a $5.00 credit just a gesture of goodwill. NOPE! "Mrs. Carlson" (as she curtly introduced herself to me) gave me some long, lame story about how she drives to Gainesville to get her teeth cleaned and that she
has had to wait up to three hours! Huh? What does her absolute low value of her time have to do with this shabby customer service that I have now experienced three times at her salon/school?

She flat out told me that I just have to understand that appointments are not firm and that wait times must be expected. I told her that of course, I understand that sometimes, 'Life happens' and I get that...BUT, each time I
have visited her salon, I have gotten to wait and wait AND wait.

Honestly, the services are cheaper, yes...but the work is CHEAPER.... Couple that with the worst customer service I have experienced in this wonderful, special place (The Villages) and NO THANK YOU. I will do without, go somewhere else, whatever...

...and just to put the perfect ending to this story... When I left the salon, with no manicure or pedicure, I drove out of the parking lot, and at the employee picnic table were no less than 12 students, all standing around smoking. Nice touch... No one can help PAYING CUSTOMERS sitting in their lobby in a timely
fashion, but they can stand around out back and smoke in a large group. Nice, Salon Professional Academy...nice....


You wanted a $5 credit for waiting a couple minutes? How much of a credit do you ask for after waiting an hour to an hour and a half at the doctor's office?

[Villageswimmer]

Went there once and never again. The wait was unbearable just for a haircut. Every snip of the scissors had to be approved by a teacher.


I went once for a haircut. Didn't have to wait long, but had the same experience--a very long and drawn out haircut. I made the decision on the spur of the moment and should have realized I would need to devote more than 2 hours. It was irritating, but, again, I should have thought it though. This is how these students learn.

The cut itself was ok. What I had the most trouble with was the constantly blaring music and the noise bouncing off the high ceilings and black walls. Not exactly the environment one might expect with an establishment serving primarily seniors.

I didn't really save any money. I felt sorry for my student (she was young with several children) and I tipped her way more than the haircut cost.

I haven't returned. Life is too short.

[kittygilchrist]

I had been to the Gainesville salon a few times so knew I didn't have the patience to be a practice client. It's just not for everybody, especially not for ladies who want a luxurious experience.
Flip side, this is a serious technical school with federal financial aid. I would encourage anybody who finds affordability of services a consideration to have a service done for next to nothing. No one will be offended if there is no tip given.

[bkcunningham1]

The ladies' salon at Big Al's, across from The Markets at Marion, gives free haircuts on Sundays. Now that is a good deal and they have decent stylists.

[big guy]

Sorry to have to write this post, but I feel I must, in case it will save any fellow Villagers heart ache and wasted time.

I moved here from San Diego in June. I first visited the Salon Prof'l Academy for a Manicure and Pedicure. I checked in for my appointment and waited approximately 15 minutes (no apology was given by the student who performed the services nor the front desk staff). The manicure was the 'Chellac" manicure that is supposed to last 2 weeks (minimum). Well... my nails started chipping after two days. Ok..whatever... life was busy and I moved on.

A month later, I decided to give the Academy another shot. This time, another 15-20 minute wait was encountered and I kid you not... One of my nails had chipped within 4 hours of returning home. I called and was told that I could come back in for a complimentary manicure with a different student. Very nice offer and I took them up on it. The 3rd manicure was better and last about a week...no complaints. Also, got to wait for at least 15 minutes for this appointment, too.

Most recently I had a scheduled appointment for a manicure/pedicure at 12:15 PM. At 12:46 PM, someone finally came over to the waiting area and told me that the student I had specifically made an appointment with, was not there and that someone else would be assisting me (keep in mind that they have now left me sitting in their lobby for over 30 minutes!!).

I told the lobby host that I wanted to talk to a manager to see what type of credit would be offered for my inconvenience / wasted time. I would have been tickled pink with a $5.00 credit just a gesture of goodwill. NOPE! "Mrs. Carlson" (as she curtly introduced herself to me) gave me some long, lame story about how she drives to Gainesville to get her teeth cleaned and that she has had to wait up to three hours! Huh? What does her absolute low value of her time have to do with this shabby customer service that I have now experienced three times at her salon/school?

She flat out told me that I just have to understand that appointments are not firm and that wait times must be expected. I told her that of course, I understand that sometimes, 'Life happens' and I get that...BUT, each time I have visited her salon, I have gotten to wait and wait AND wait.

Honestly, the services are cheaper, yes...but the work is CHEAPER.... Couple that with the worst customer service I have experienced in this wonderful, special place (The Villages) and NO THANK YOU. I will do without, go somewhere else, whatever....

...and just to put the perfect ending to this story... When I left the salon, with no manicure or pedicure, I drove out of the parking lot, and at the employee picnic table were no less than 12 students, all standing around smoking. Nice touch... No one can help PAYING CUSTOMERS sitting in their lobby in a timely fashion, but they can stand around out back and smoke in a large group. Nice, Salon Professional Academy...nice....
I am now in the habit, when I make a hair cut appointment, of asking where the stylist was trained. If the answer is, "in Florida", I take no chances and book my appointment with someone else. They learn poor work ethics and very little about cutting hair. They never check a haircut and my hair was always longer on one side than the other. I went to Salon Professional Academy once and was shocked that a student could complete a service without the instructor checking her/his work. After visiting many salons at all prices but never a good haircut, I now go to Victoria's Salon on 466 and have gotten the best haircut since coming to Florida 6 years ago.

[CFrance]

You wanted a $5 credit for waiting a couple minutes? How much of a credit do you ask for after waiting an hour to an hour and a half at the doctor's office?

Hmm... I won't wait that long at a doctor's office. Really. 45 minutes is my limit, and I have walked out. of course, usually when you tell them that they'll stick you in an examining room for the rest of the wait! So bully on me!:cryin2:

[buggyone]

" I would encourage anybody who finds affordability of services a consideration to have a service done for next to nothing. No one will be offended if there is no tip given. "

The hair and nail services at the Salon Academy are less than at beauty parlors or the day spa - but next to nothing is quite a statement. There is no requirement for a tip but how cheap would a person have to be not to give a tip for a hair styling or nail job?

The students have to pay to attend that Academy. They have personal expenses. They are training to be productive workers.

Now, just a comment - nothing pro or con about it. Has anyone noticed all the tattoos that the majority of the students at the Academy have on their bodies? One that was really comical was on a young lady's forearm from the elbow to wrist. It was a cartoon giraffe done very artistically and was cute. However, I do have to wonder how many young people think 40 years plus into the future when getting a tattoo and how it will look with saggy skin, wrinkles, and maybe a few pieces cut out for skin cancers.

[kittygilchrist]

" I would encourage anybody who finds affordability of services a consideration to have a service done for next to nothing. No one will be offended if there is no tip given. "

The hair and nail services at the Salon Academy are less than at beauty parlors or the day spa - but next to nothing is quite a statement. There is no requirement for a tip but how cheap would a person have to be not to give a tip for a hair styling or nail job?

The students have to pay to attend that Academy. They have personal expenses. They are training to be productive workers.

Now, just a comment - nothing pro or con about it. Has anyone noticed all the tattoos that the majority of the students at the Academy have on their bodies? One that was really comical was on a young lady's forearm from the elbow to wrist. It was a cartoon giraffe done very artistically and was cute. However, I do have to wonder how many young people think 40 years plus into the future when getting a tattoo and how it will look with saggy skin, wrinkles, and maybe a few pieces cut out for skin cancers.

Dear Buggy,
I guess I don't understand your comments. Do you think the services cost too much or too little? Do you think customers should pay a tip when tips are for excellence, and the school makes clear the customers are there for mutual benefit of those not yet excellent? What is the relevance of tattoos?

[CFrance]

Dear Buggy,
I guess I don't understand your comments. Do you think the services cost too much or too little? Do you think customers should pay a tip when tips are for excellence, and the school makes clear the customers are there for mutual benefit of those not yet excellent? What is the relevance of tattoos?

Kitty, I think the tattoos were an add-on to the poster's comment. However, it's an interesting topic for debate. (I'm going of topic) Tattoos are certainly becoming more common, and even in beauty pageants they have been accepted. Would make a good new thread for debate. I know several people my age here in TV who have gotten them.I'm tempted but chicken.

[kittygilchrist]

Really, CF, I'll get one if you will. or we can just talk about it. I'd hate to think I coulda had a tat and died without one, wouldn't u? maybe a girls day at the tat parlor?

[SpicyCajunPugs]

It is very apparent that a teaching salon is not the right place for the OP to go to if she wants immediate service and a luxury experience. But I think these places are perfect for people on limited budgets and who don't mind the wait or environment. I really don't understand where the tatoo comments come from unless she has a prejudice against them, but that shouldn't be used to judge a salon's services, IMHO. "you get what you pay for".

[DougB]

I am now in the habit, when I make a hair cut appointment, of asking where the stylist was trained. If the answer is, "in Florida", I take no chances and book my appointment with someone else. They learn poor work ethics and very little about cutting hair. They never check a haircut and my hair was always longer on one side than the other. I went to Salon Professional Academy once and was shocked that a student could complete a service without the instructor checking her/his work. After visiting many salons at all prices but never a good haircut, I now go to Victoria's Salon on 466 and have gotten the best haircut since coming to Florida 6 years ago.

You sure the hair is longer on one side? Maybe your head is just larger on one side.

[CFrance]

You sure the hair is longer on one side? Maybe your head is just larger on one side.

I had to click on this, just to see what you would possibly say!!!

[CFrance]

Really, CF, I'll get one if you will. or we can just talk about it. I'd hate to think I coulda had a tat and died without one, wouldn't u? maybe a girls day at the tat parlor?

Now you've thrown me into that nether land. I so want one, and I'm so chicken.

[CFrance]

Now you've thrown me into that nether land. I so want one, and I'm so chicken.

PS: I want the one Anthony Bourdain has on his shoulder.

[Villageswimmer]

PS: I want the one Anthony Bourdain has on his shoulder.

Do tell. I know..off topic..but I never saw Bourdain's.

[jannd228]

If you want to do this school a favor, send notice of your complaint to the head of the company. (You may have to research that, but I believe it's worth it.)

I would imagine they would want to be made aware of the mis-management of whoever is in charge of the floor AND- the "teeth cleaning' remark.

Even if the policy is that you must wait your turn (that is, no set appointments)
often done in schools where the students may take longer to finish a customer,
it is appropriate to call the kids off 'break' when there are customers waiting-
or at least tell you, " some are at lunch presently, but will be returning in __ minutes, are you able to wait?"
THEN, keep track of the customer's wait time, set them up at a table and give a head's up to the next student.

I am a retired registered Barber/Stylist. I taught at a Barber school for a few years before owning my own salon.

These kids are only going to be as good as their effort to emulate what they are taught- and will only learn business integrity if shown by example.
That includes work ethic and customer service. The example from the floor staff of the school must be exemplary.
You have my permission if you'd like to share MY words with them as well.

As to getting a manicure, or any service from a school goes- you understand that you are their practice models. Hopefully, they do the best they can each time. You are experienced enough at getting manicures to know how they should be done. If steps are missed or done badly, raise your hand in the air and ask for an instructor BEFORE you leave the table.

I would expect that all work is being watched (at least peripherally ) by the instructors as each service is being done.
I would expect that all work is checked (by an instructor) before the customer leaves.

If that is not happening, the owners should know.

I taught technology at a regional technical school on Cape and in Canton. The department chairs, both of them, also owned their own salons before becoming teachers for this department.

One woman revamped the ENTIRE program and now when they offer services (a few days a week, you have to CALL to make an appointment) they are booked the minute the phone is turned on by the school. These are high school students, the juniors can wash, the seniors, with supervision, do manicures, hair cuts, etc.

As an educator who had the students in my class I often was a "customer" before paying customers came in. I have to say I had better manicures from these young men and women than I have recently had at a "pricey" salon where I live. They also have an evening school now because the program is so successful.

They can't improve if the leadership doesn't understand the issues. Send them a nice letter outlining your issues.

[twinklesweep]

Really, CF, I'll get one if you will. or we can just talk about it. I'd hate to think I coulda had a tat and died without one, wouldn't u? maybe a girls day at the tat parlor?

I was once in the audience of a cruise ship comedian—an older, heavy-set, very funny Australian fellow who had come onto the stage sporting what appeared to be an inappropriate pierced earring. He told us about his fourteen-year-old grandson who had gone to his Mom and asked her if he could get his ear pierced, to which she replied, at several decibels higher than conversational tone, "You can get your ear pierced when your grandfather does!!!" Though the fellow was hilarious in his routines, one got the distinct impression that this part of the story was true! Off topic, yes, and agreed that things like this may be worth their own threads....

[kittygilchrist]

ROFL! that's hilarious! I already started the thread for tats before I read your post! great minds with little to do...

[CFrance]

Do tell. I know..off topic..but I never saw Bourdain's.

I'm looking for a picture of it. It's a circle of some sort.

[bkcunningham1]

I'm looking for a picture of it. It's a circle of some sort.

It means, "I suspend judgement." What Does Tony's Tattoo Mean? (http://www.travelchannel.com/video/what-does-tonys-tattoo-mean)

[bkcunningham1]

Ohhh, on his shoulder. A snake devouring it's own tail and also, a skull. Miami Ink - Anthony Bourdain - YouTube

[CFrance]

It means, "I suspend judgement." What Does Tony's Tattoo Mean? (http://www.travelchannel.com/video/what-does-tonys-tattoo-mean)

That's not the one on his shoulder. See my post in Kitty's tattoo thread. I posted a picture of it. But I think I like the one he's getting on his arm better.

[deltaguy]

Caveat Emptor
You get what you pay for.
There is no free lunch.
Etc., etc., etc.

Agree! It's a school, not The Ritz. You need to set your expectation level very low if you choose to go there and take advantage of their "student" rate structure.

[rubicon]

Well now you all spoiled my plans to get the $7.00 child's cut at the Academy

[DougB]

PS: I want the one Anthony Bourdain has on his shoulder.

Why not just get Anthony Bourdain tattooed on ya?

[CFrance]

Why not just get Anthony Bourdain tattooed on ya?

Because he might sag or his face get wider.:D