Bumble and bumble University Model Project

My experience as a hair model for the Razor cut Bob class was Fantastic! Nicole, my stylist, really took the time to evaluate my hair and my concerns. With expert supervision, she fixed the damage past cuts had done to my hair (altered natural part, shoddy layers, etc.). She listened when I said I still wanted flexibility with my hair, and was friendly and passionate about what she was doing. The salon is clean and relaxed, and the whole operation is extremely efficient. The cut I received was adorable, trendy, and very easy to work with! I am returning Tuesday for my second modeling session, and I could not be more excited ! :)

I have wanted to be a part of the Bumble and Bumble Model U. Project for the past seven years. When the new product line for curly hair was released I knew I wanted to do it. I have done 4 curly hair styling sessions and 1 hair cut. All sessions have been amazing! The cut in particular is the most stylish haircut I have ever had. Everyone there is so pleasant to work with and the free products are a major plus. I know more about my hair and how to style it thanks to them.

Over the past couple of months I have had another great FREE cut (longer curl cut) and color (Single Process with Signature) at BBU. If you have not participated in this program yet, get signed up for the model call so you can be evaluated. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
My most recent experiences were on par with all of my past experiences. I walked out with great new hair and was impressed with the quality of the cut and color — which includes free styling at the end of the class as well. This is a huge bonus as I generally have to pay for the blow-​out &/​or styling in addition to my cut or color if I have it done anywhere else. The only change at my recent appointments was that MAC has taken over half the space so the BBU is now only half of the floor space but this has not changed the quality of the experience.
The only bummer I have to note is that Missy, the incredible coordinator who keeps everything running smoothly, was away on the date of my last color appointment. Missy is so genuinely sweet and incredibly knowledgeable about everything Bumble. I missed getting to see her because she is the one who always makes the experience feel very personal. Danny, her new «side kick» was out as well. I look forward to having the both back as part of my future experiences.

I finally joined the Bumble model project and I am so glad I did (and so glad I was accepted!). After getting a great cut in February (below the shoulders razor cut), I also just got a fabulous color job last week (I was a standby model for the single process with signature treatment and got in when another model didn’t show up). As other reviewers have mentioned, this is not a great program if you are super picky about exactly what you want done to your hair. You need to come to appointments with an open mind and a creative spirit. Personally, I love great stylists to suggest cut and color ideas and I am very open to changing my hair, so the program is great for me. That said, in both my recent appointments I was never pressured to do something drastic or crazy that made me feel uncomfortable. My hair looks natural, sophisticated, and super easy maintenance. It looks as amazing as my single best appointment in NYC when I paid over $ 400. So walking around with FREE $ 400 hair is an added vanity boost. I am a college professor, and mom of two young kids, and the instructors and student stylists (who are all full-​time professionals, not newbie students) made sure I left feel glamorous and confident for my very crazy life.

After being a hair model for the Short Layers class for years, this last time I was scheduled, I was told my hair was too long and therefore dismissed from the class. The young man spoke to me in a less than respectful way. As I left I saw a lot of women waiting after most of us had been seated. Not sure if that was a factor.
That was the first week in February. I went to the corporate floor in the building and spoke with someone who assured me that I would be contacted. I emailed. No response.

3.5 stars, but bumped up because FREEEEEE.
You join their e-​mail list, attend a model call (ATTEND. Or else you get no appointments. They will book you for a VERY long time later, so make sure it is a day you can do as their no-​show policy is extremely strict) and based on your hairstyle/​length, they mark you down for whatever criteria/​class you fit.
I only fit in Current Class, but I get decent haircuts without any cost! It is a hassle to schedule an appointment, make sure to attend it, so it may not be worth it for everyone. But my favorite part is that I’m actually unsure of what I want in a hairstyle and different specialists trying out different things on me lets me figure out. For people who have certain criteria of how to cut their hair or people who don’t have midday/​flexible schedules, I wouldn’t suggest this program.

This is hands down one of the best services that NYC has to offer! The bumble&bumble university model project is unlike any other ‘student’ cosmetology services. Here, all ‘students’ are actually working professionals in salons nation wide.
I have had the privilege to take part in many services, color, styling sessions and cuts. I have to say that everyone of my hairdressers I have had for each service has done such an exceptional job! My last hair color that I got with them was honestly my favorite I’ve ever had. My only regret is that I did not write the formula down so that I could continue with that color.
Just earlier this week, I got a mid length hair cut and LOVE it! My stylist Brandon did such an amazing job. He was so friendly and ambitious. He gave me one of my best cuts to date and I wish he was in NYC!
This program is also FREE!!! Five stars all the way and I will forever attend as long as my schedule allows! It’s a great way to experiment with new trends and current cuts and styles!

Always love the service and the care that the stylists put into my hair.
I love the bumble and bumble project, as it is a free service with perks! It is a great place to get my hair done for FREE!
The great thing about this place is that trained stylists work on your hair. You service as a hair model is for the purposes of professional development for these people. Pretty great deal!

I have been working with the BBU Model Project for over a year now and it has always been a really lovely experience. The staff are great about communicating before the appointment and answer any questions that I have. I get a regular (yet not annoying) stream of emails with the upcoming session offerings, which always include a description of the class and the hair type that is desired. I’ve only ever had one time that they didn’t think I was the right fit (hair was too long) but they were really accommodating and helpful to get me scheduled for another more appropriate session.
Normally I would be worried about having a different person each time I got, since it is nice to have someone know your hair, but each time the stylist has been confident and made really great suggestions for styles, cuts and even products and I felt confident and happy with the result. I really like the Rx they give at the end, so I know what products were used. I have even referred several friends to participate, it is a great way to get totally free cuts, styles etc from really talented stylists.
So many wonderful things to say about this program, I’m glad to be a part of it.

I’m part of the Bumble and Bumble University Project that offers free cuts and styling to hair models. First you have to register online for a hair consultation so they can assess your hair type. Then you sign up for a cut or styling session. Cuts last close to 3 hours and are done by professional hair stylists who attend Bumble and Bumble to learn new techniques. I’ve had great results and it helps that it’s a free service. I would highly recommend trying it if you have time during work week.

This is the only place I get my haircuts. Since 2008, I’m fo’ serious. Why, you ask? Because I’ve paid for haircuts that were no where near as awesome as the ones I get here. And on top of that, you don’t pay a penny! You don’t tip, you just get your hair done, feel beautiful, and walk out.
So why is it free? Well, it’s a learning environment. These aren’t your run of the mill students, they are seasoned stylists. They are professionals who already work in salons, who are already licensed, and already get paid to do what they love; they are just trying to learn a new technique.
Now keep in mind, since 2008, the word has spread and this place is really popular, so it can be hard to book a haircut. But you have to qualify first, honestly it’s no sweat. Basically, if you want to be part of the cool club, you call and ask to be evaluated. Then you show up, they touch your hair for a few minutes, and then… You are a model! Now you can put that on your resume — hair model. BOOM!
Ok so now you are a model and can book a haircut. You’ll have to book months in advance, but hey, it’ll be worth it. Just be patient, or get a trim in between if you really need it. You have to be willing to lose about 3 inches at least. So keep that in mind. And they have different cutting styles (classes) to choose from, which is selected when your hair is assessed. But you do have an opportunity to switch to a different class in the future, so don’t worry, you aren’t locked in. Oh and the haircuts are only offered during the week, they have a specific schedule, and they last about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Besides haircuts, they also have styling sessions, in which they practice a certain style (updo, fashion week, etc). That means you don’t get a hair cut, but they just give you a new style. You get points for that, discounts on the products they sell in the store. Ehhh I’m not a fan of the styles too much. And the reward doesn’t seem all that to me.
Anyway, everyone likes free stuff. Go try to get yo’self a free haircut!

I have had two FREE haircuts here and both times I have loved them! One was a curl cut (not scheduled very often), and the other BBX (i.e. what you want)
The process takes time.
First, you have to go to a model call… where they assess your hair, and then you wait (especially if you are like me and want a curl cut) months and months for your appointment after booking. I had one appointment in early May 2014 and the other appointment in late Sept 2014. My next appt is next week, and I’m going in for a long-​layers style.
So you have your appointment during normal business hours. you need to arrive about 15 – 20 min early, and then plan to stay for 1.5−2 hours for the cut. You will need to come in with clean hair, as they often won’t wash it (2^nd time they washed mine!)… you will have a chance to talk to your stylist about your ‘hair habits’ and hopefully they’ll be able to meet your needs and theirs, as they are learning a specific cut for the class. Enjoy!!!
p. s. the view is great!

Have been getting great and FREE haircuts for years through b&b. They always look wonderful and I get compliments each time.
For anyone worried about having a rookie mess up your hair, fear not! They have great trainers overseeing everyone’s work, and if anyone screws up (which rarely happens) they swoop in and fix it. It’s the best deal in NYC.

I have been a client at Bumble & bumble for over 5 years now. I’ve participated frequently in their BbU classes, worked with apprentices at the uptown salon, and spent the big bucks for color and cuts downtown, because once you get a taste, you can’t imagine going elsewhere. Being at Bumble is an experience and a privilege. Their talent is some of the best in the world, which is why students fly in from across the globe to study here. The receptionist’s, educators, stylists, and employees are like a family, and really do want the best for everyone who walks through their doors.
I would highly recommend signing up for some of their BbU Model Project classes, which you can do via their website:
. This is a great way to get a taste of the salon, a free style, and points towards products. You also learn so much just from being in the room, I’ve taken many style tips home that I’ve implemented into my own hair routine.
I also couldn’t live without their products. They work/​layer together in the most incredible ways. It’s more chemistry than just product. My new favorite is the Pret a Powder, if you think dry shampoo is cool, wait til you give this a try!

Get free cut, color and/​or style @Bumble U. You also get credit towards Pritchard purchase. Cool.
I had been a razor cut (so-​so results), a blow out (very nice) and a styling model (most fun/​creative).

I signed up to be a hair model here years ago but only got my first haircut recently. First of all, I want to say that if not for some complications that are unrelated to the haircut quality itself I would give them 5 stars. The cut is completely free and so much better quality than Aveda school for example. The sucky part is signing up. You need to come in for a model open call session and that takes at least an hour just waiting. They do a brief hair assessment if you’re eligible then you wait for the next scheduled cut. Another inconvenience is that the cut is scheduled during the day and you’ll have to get one of their signature cuts. But if you manage to work with that they give you a really good cut and I loved mine! I got a short razor bob with some fringe and it’s perfect for the summer! I don’t even need to blow dry which I love.

Marilyn A.
Well I have to say that Bumble and Bumble has literally changed my life. I have been a client there for ~5 years and the experience has been amazing. Can you imagine, getting your hair styled on a regular basis, get products (free when you accumulate enough points), or at a discount on a product at each styling session.
When my hair looks good, I feel good, and the flat and round brush stylings along with great products have changed the texture of my hair, which used to be on the dry side with an outer layer of frizz on humid days. I feel beautiful when I leave there with my smooth hair styles, and now I have a better chance of replicating these styles, by using the Bumble products.
I also get long layer razor cuts 2 – 3 times a year, and that saves me a bundle! I addition, the staff at the desk is welcoming and helpful in selecting products. Although the model school is a teaching setting for stylists who want to learn from the experts, you do not have to worry, as the professionals are there to fix any hair problems. I am a doctor with a busy schedule, but I manage to carve out the time 1 – 2 times a month to get my hair done. I leave feeling like I have had a therapy session, without the fee. And the compliments I get make the experience even better!

Once you have the «initial assessment» which is a pain — you wait in line for 45 minutes to get 5 minutes of chair time and make an appointment for some months down the line — the rest is pretty straightforward.
I’ve had 2 cuts by them (razor and graduated razor) and both were pretty good. The graduated razor was uneven at the bottom, which was unfortunate, but I didn’t catch it until a few days after the cut. Both stylists who cut my hair had 5 – 10 years experience and were lovely gals.
Aside from the feeling that you are being herded like cattle for a haircut, the experience is exactly what you would imagine it to be.

It’s easy to get in.
You go for the model call. They assess your hair. It takes about 2 hours to do so. Then you get approved and you make your appointment… for 4 months later.
You confirm.
You wait.
Finally! The day comes. You are to get a razor cut. Huh? Yes, using only a razor to cut your hair… so healthy. But whatevs. It’s free.
You get a random trained stylist. It takes about 1.5 hours for the whole thing to be done. Mine came out okay. It was literally just a hair cut — my hair was shorter than 1.5 hours before.
No, they don’t wash your hair or give you a massage or give you a blow-​out (unless you are signed up for the blow-​out class). BUT YES, IT’S FREE.
I think I’ll go back to Chinatown and pay $ 40.

I’ve had the razor bob, graduated bob, and a styling session (round brush) throughout the years I’ve been with Bumble and Bumble.
The good: it’s a free hair cut or a styling session. The stylists are watched closely so that your hair isn’t botched, and I’ve always had really great experiences.
The bad: they use a lot of product (I think it’s partially cause they have to and they’re also selling Bumble and Bumble items). As someone who doesn’t usually any product on my hair, it feels weird having a lot of hair spray on the top of your head. Another con is that you have to keep going to the model call if you want another specific cut. I got approved for the Razor/​Graduated bob, but recently I wanted long layors, and I had to go in for another model call. Understandably, they can’t have someone with really short hair going in for a long layers cut.
The long layers cut gets booked early if you want it make sure to call months in advance. The next available ones are in January and they find out the dates in October. They usually have openings for graduated/​razor if you call a couple of weeks in advance. If they have any opening spots and they are missing people, they will email everyone on their list serve to possibly come and you might get a free product out of it.