Paul Mitchell The School Rhode Island

This place, while a bit too noisy for me, offers excellent haircuts at amazing prices. I’ve gone twice and gotten personal attention and great cuts from both new and more seasoned students, always overseen by a wonderful teacher. I highly recommend this place.

Love this place-​great prices and services. I will always come here to get my hair cut and styled!

My «future professional» was very nice.
However my services (cut and color) took about 4 ½ hours… and at the end neither was what I asked for. When I asked about the color the «learning leader» told me it was just the lighting !!! And I should give it a day… Well the next day I was still dissatisfied unfortunately.

This school is state of the art. I have worked with students straight out of graduation and it’s always a great experience. This students are taught well and are ready to enter the profession after finishing there year of training.
I attend pro classes there a few times a year and I’m always greeted with a smile which is always important in this profession.
The salon part of this school is beautiful. Organized always clean. It’s so important when you walk in and look around and feel that the surroundings your in are safe and comfortable. It’s a place where clients should relax and feel confident that there being treated with TLC.

Prices
The prices online are different from those posted in the school. Online, it indicates that a basic manicure is $ 5. In the salon a polish change is $ 5 and a basic manicure is $ 15. $ 15 is more than it costs for a manicure at my local nail salon!
The «Manicure»
Granted, I knew this was a school when I booked my nail appointment. The student I was working with (and I forget her name) started by asking the shape i normally like and filing my nails. She thought the shape was good and didn’t do very much filing. Then she squirt on the cuticle softner. This was an awkward process because the bottles they are given aren’t very easy to use. Once this was done, she used an orange stick and pushed back my cuticles. That was it. There was no trimming or anything you would expect from a normal manicure.
Nail Polish application
To get my ‘manicure’ for the online posted price of $ 5, I had to select my polish color from a basket of off colored/​last seasons polishes. I made my selection and the polish was somewhat thick which made the application tough. The student put the polish on VERY thick and tried to tell me that traditional nail polish takes a full 24 hours to cure. Sure, if you put it on an inch thick. I do my nails at home all the time and that is just not true. There are no lights or fans to dry your nails. With that said, my nail polish was smudged as I was putting my jacket on to leave.
My friend came with me and opted for the gel manicure. I’m not sure what her student did incorrectly but it came off the next day. I also felt like the receptionist was trying to get us out the door. I didn’t feel welcomed. I would have thought with this being a school they would impart on the students that without clients, they have no business.
Based on the points mentioned above, I would not go back to this school for services.

Great place of you need an inexpensive beauty fix. Students take longer, so expect a longer appointment. I’d plan ahead and book one.

A SIX HOUR ORDEAL!!!
I’m giving this experience two stars because my daughter’s hair does look nice. That being said, we made an appointment for a cut, deep conditioning and color. We arrived for the 10am appointment and were greeted immediately and off she went with her student stylist. I left to get coffee as I knew it would be at least 2 – 3 hours. Boy was I wrong. We did not leave the school until after 4pm. SIX HOURS!!!
When I returned for probably the 4^th time to check on her progress, my daughter informed me that the leader had left for the day and the student had «gone to lunch». Seriously??? I inquired with three people before someone told me that they had to perform an additional process that took an extra 35 minutes. Somehow this information was supposed to make the 6 hr appointment acceptable. And when it was all said and done, they charged me an additional $ 20 to the price I had paid in advance with a Groupon for the service. Never again!

I went to this school back in 2013 and I am giving it 4 stars because my experience had its ups and downs. The environment was most times motivational and positive. Most students were in it to win it and worked hard for their success in school. However if the passion isn’t there and you are looking for something fun or easy to do, look else where because losing hours or dropping out isn’t cheap.
The director, Melissa Rock, is an amazing and inspiring person. Her presence got me through my journey. She is always looking out for her students and does everything possible to accommodate them and make them feel comfortable. I wouldn’t be where I am today without he help from her and Steph Ballestrini.
As far as learning what you need to to pass state boards, I learned as much as I needed to in the 11 months I attended and passed my boards with flying colors. My favorite part about attending this school was the friends that I made and morning pow wows. Whether I was having a bad day or feeling unmotivated, someone was always there to bring me back up. Morning pow wows & theory with Kara and her great sense of humor got me through my days. I made some really amazing friends whom I am still extremely close to and hang out with to this day.
A good portion of the teachers were absolutely amazing people and stylists whom I still look up to (marissa, sharon, jay, Kara, Annette, cheryl, tanisha, steph b, to name a few). The other half could be very nasty at times and though I wish I could, I can’t lie and say that I had a great experience with all of them. There is drama of course, but what can you expect when you put 150 females primarily the age of 18 – 20 years old in one building. People were mostly very friendly and kind.
The school is 1,500 hours and you can either go part time or full time. There were always many events being planned, special days, and exciting things happening that really kept everyone going. The students really became family after a while and it was a rewarding experience all in all. If I could go back and do it all over again, sure I’d be a little wiser knowing what I know now, but I wouldn’t have rather gone any where else. Shoutout to all the amazing people who I spent those 11 months along side, I couldn’t have done it without you guys. –kat 118

I have been coming here for almost 2 years and have yet to have a bad experience. Whether a hair cut or foil/​color treatment, I always leave with a great look. Because this is a school some services take a bit longer than they might in a salon. Regardless it is worth it. The students and professional staff are fantastic. Throw in the Paul Mitchell products and it’s the perfect spot for a regular cut or if something is needed for a special occasion!

This is my new spot for when I have a special occasion to look nice for.
I’m notoriously bad at doing anything with my long, thick hair (I only wear ponytails…), so when I wanted an updo and makeup for my bachelorette party, I called them up. Why I did so initially is because I knew one of the students and wanted her to work with me, but since she graduated I’ve continued to go back because they all do such a great job!
You can select students from 2 phases… phase 2 being those closer to graduation and therefore a bit more expensive. Everything is clean and bright, everyone is friendly, it’s run efficiently, and an instructor checks in throughout the process to give suggestions and make sure you like the end result. After numerous trials and hundreds of dollars for my wedding hair and makeup at a professional salon, I’d take the quality here over the price there in a heartbeat. They really do a great job, the price is great, and I love supporting these lovely students!

bad manicure. Basic manicure. I realize it is a school, however, it was bad. Shouldn’t the manager walk around and/​or check on the quality and process? I became concerned when my manicurist had to look at the steps on a sheet taped to the wall. Maybe three swipes of a nail file to each nail. no shaping. Bad polish application. Basic manicure on website was 5 w no explanation but 15 in the end. I can go anywhere and pay 15 for a GREAT manicure. Bottom line is make sure our students are doing a decent job. You are the ones training them.

Bait and switch on the price! They told us one thing at a consultation and then increased the cost by $ 30 for the same service when my daughter was in the chair. Beware!

This was my second time getting my haircut at a beauty school. The first time I went to a different one down the road from PM and it took 4 hours just for a cut (I wish I was kidding.) I was hesitant to ever try a beauty school again, but my coworker got a fab ombré there so I knew I wanted to come for cut and color. The girl I had was very sweet and attentive, the teachers all came over and were hands on. I showed them a picture of what I wanted and they said it would be hard to lift the box dye I had used previously and suggested I wait to do the ombré, which I appreciated their honesty. However, somewhere down the line it went horribly wrong and I didn’t realize until two days later one side was drastically longer than the other. I suppose from it being styled and curling it myself I hadn’t noticed how different it was until it was wet and brushed straight. Unfortunately I went out of state so it was past the 24 or 48 hour policy they have of fixing it. Also, I did pay extra for the phase II stylist so I was pretty annoyed I ended up having to cut the other side myself. I suggest only going here if you are willing to accept that there may be mistakes made. The saying isn’t always right «you get what you pay for» because I spent $ 65 and I expect to get at least a proper cut. If you hear about a great hairstylist, make sure you get their student number and be aware there’s a lot of risk of getting your hair cut at a beauty school.

I am officially breaking up with my 50 dollar haircut habit, my hair gets pulled into a pony tail every morning before I go to work, so it isn’t worth it anymore. I also don’t make dramatic changes to my hair very often, so this place fits my needs for simple haircuts.
I had my a-​line bob turned into a regular old bob here, and the student did a good job. The instructors seemed really involved and invested in their students. I was checked up on at least three times before I left. The teacher also reviews the cut after the student finishes to make corrections as needed. The instructor did make some improvements to my students cut, but by the time I left I looked pretty good and the student who cut my hair learned something new. A win win.

too wild of a card for me — sometimes it’s great and sometimes it’s bad… when it was bad, it was awful ;)

$ 6 dollar haircut?
don’t
mind
if
i
do
Well this experience was everything I thought it would be + MORE.
Here is whatcha need to know:
1. you can make an appointment
2. get on the email list– that’s how my fellow Unilocaler Aly K + I got a $ 12 haircut for $ 6
3. yeah you can valet your car. that’s right.
4. you best set aside AT LEAST 3 hours for this lil diddy
5. this salon is for students trying to LEARN so be patient… they want to get it right for both your hairs sake + theirs
6. there are instructors walking about giving advice + fixing form… again be patient
7. who knew there were options for conditioner… yep find out what kind is best for you + they will use it during the shampooooosesh
8. layers take tonger
9. they will not only wash, cut but dry+ style. awesomesauce.
10. they do makeup, manis + more!
The lovely girl who did my hair was Holly #112 + she was so much fun. We chatted away for 3 hours why she took her time to cut my long layers to perfection. She was so sweet + professional– girl’s gonna do a great job when she graduates! She was so fun + the 3hrs it took to do my hair really went by fast + was really relaxing!
i’ll be back, a lot + I’m bringing friends for realz.
if you need to keep it classy fo cheap, this is your kinda place.

I have been going to Paul Mitchell The School for years and love it! They recently moved to a way more convenient location, although finding it can be tricky (hint: it is down the hill from Shaw’s near Garden City.)
They have valet. You read that right. Drive your car right up to the front to get that $ 12 haircut!
I always bring in a picture and the students almost always get it right! They have a teacher supervising them and if they have questions, they always ask. The teacher checks in every couple of minutes so you will not end up looking like a hot mess.
I have gotten my hair cut and highlighted here and all were awesome experiences.
Other reviewers have said this and it is very true: this is not a quick haircut. A trim will take at least 40 minutes.

You have to go in appreciating and understanding that a student will be offering you service. Students are learning and are, therefore, more than likely going to work a little slower than a professional with experience. This is not a place to go when you have to be somewhere in a jiffy. You can go and NOT break the bank.
The students are supervised by a teacher, who may take over, if the student needs the help.
A very economical way of supporting someone’s education.

One thing you can say about me is that I do not have my priorities straight. I will pay $ 5 for a latte, $ 10 for a drink, $ 50 for a used alleged designer shirt… but I balk at the idea of spending money on my hair. Something I wear EVERY FREAKIN DAY!
Because of this deep character flaw, in college I had a variety of terrible hair colors my roommate and I concocted over boxed wine. When I was 20 (boxed wine what?) I finally realized this had to stop. I made this brilliant decision because I dyed my beautiful (ish) blonde hair an unflattering shade of blue tinged matte black. Of course, because I was 20 I was pretty darn broke. So I ran to Paul Mitchell Hair School and begged them to fix me. Three years later, I am a loyal follower.
Pros: You can walk away with foils, hair cut, blow dry and style for around $ 50. Your hairstylist (officially titled your DayMaker) does NOT want to screw up, so they try harder. The daymakers are trained on trendy cuts and colors so you’ll become a little fashionista. They will fix your box dying disasters for cheap.
Cons: You will spend over three hours here and your hair stylist will be at least 15 minutes late for your appointment. They call the hairstylists Day Makers… creepy. Reminds me of Day Walkers. Students graduate in 11 – 12 months… and don’t really start doing hair for the first three so you won’t be a regular for long.

I thought I’d give this place a try after seeing it endless times from going next door to El Tapatio’s. Did a little research and found out the students are not left on their own, instructors are there every step of the way advising and correcting.
I went in for a cut and color and couldn’t be more pleased. Haley (#203) was my student and while she took over 3 ½ hours for the entire process, the results were well worth it. Plus for both, I paid only $ 38 (not incl tip)! a massive bargain. Especially considering I had a master stylist right there advising Haley — although Haley didn’t need much help — her instinct about a batch of color that didn’t look right was dead on. Thanks Haley for taking the time to prevent purple hair!
Speaking of purple hair, this place is fun because the students are mostly younger and LOVE to experiment on their hair and each others. I saw every shade in the rainbow and for the most part it looked well done (just not something I’m into! lol).
The atmosphere is not one of serene quiet luxury. This is a working school and the amenities are rather bare bones. For me, I don’t care. I’ve been to high end salons, paid 3x what I did here and wasn’t nearly as happy with my hair. So yeah, I’ll take the great hair over some foo-​foo decorating and music. Oh, they also had some killer bargains on products near the front door. Not sure if this is there all the time, but great deals!

Just did my waxing here. These people are very very professional. Too bad they are closing the skin academy. Gonna miss them. :(:(