Aspen Beauty Academy-Laurel — Local services in Laurel

Hello Hunny Bees!! 🌻🐝 👑 💛💕It's your girl Hunny back with a review of another local small business.

READ YOUR CONTRACT! If you have a learning disability or issues taking exams please have a tutor outside of the school or a state appointed person to assist you. You will not be able to pass exams or get a license if you have a learning disability without assistance.

I enrolled with Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel because their website was very informative, the degree plan included makeup, their classes have a diverse staff/students and they have plenty of knowledgeable instructors ❤️. I was so excited to start my journey that I didn't read my contract. Let's keep in mind that school is a for profit 💵 business so its totally my fault that I didn't read and understand what I was in for. My way of thinking was I'm paying for school so I am the customer. I didn't ask the right questions so a lot happened and I had to learn the hard way. I also signed up for a 4-5 day schedule I can't remember because I was trying to finish in 11 months.

My personal issues: I have health issues I got really sick 🤢 and had to miss almost 2 weeks of school 🏫. I came back to a letter of reprimand for missing more than 75% of school 😡. Again it was in the contract that I didn't read 😤! I wasn't reminded of the provisions (i.e. leave of absence, schedule modification) needless to say at the time I was pissed. So I got sick again and was out for over a month!! Again my 300 hours are closing in and that's when I was reminded of the provisions such as schedule change and leave of absence. Finally I got better 250 hours later!!! I came everyday!. The Director was gracious checking on me when I was sick, giving me cosmetology trinkets for being on time!!! I love gifts 🎁

School: The school has a refrigerator but no microwave or cafeteria. You also cannot eat in the building. The school doesn't have lockers so you must carry all of your belongings back and forth everyday. The contract states you are only allowed to be absent for 300hrs. Your contract also states you can take a leave of absence at 14 day increments. There are no excused absences. You will enter into the curriculum during whatever subject they are on at that time and they don't start from the beginning (no hair school does). The Logic is the beginning will come back around. So for someone like me that has never done cosmetology coming in on the last part of long hair design nothing made sense. The flow of the school weren't explained. The instructors would show a video, PowerPoint lecture, and then you would write in notes into your notebook. It's your responsibility to study, practice and teach yourself. Take your exams for every section when it is given do not wait!!!

The school has a really good tool kit and mannequin heads. However, there is a lot that you will have to supply. Such as The MD State Board exam Bags, unopened orderless monomer and polymer for the nails. If you are not working or don't have income this will be challenging. The school gets a lot of textured hair clients so you will need to invest in a wide tooth comb adapter for your blow-dryer.

The instructors are very knowledgeable, patient and professional. It is your job to be on time, prepared, practice, ask questions. I have so many wonderful memories, built lasting friendships, Networking opportunities and overall had a wonderful experience.

The school does a wonderful job of bringing in local and national professionals for hiring and teaching. They held Job fairs, had local salons come in to hire, held award ceremonies, healthy competitions and did a wonderful job of building moral by bringing in hot coffee and hot chocolate during Christmas. My most favorite holiday!

Cosmetology school is what you make it. Preparation is key! Being on time is essential to success. ❤️ Go for...

As someone who has visited Aspen a few times, I have had various experiences with the local hair school. My initial visit was pleasant, and it made me return a few more times because the school is very convenient. As a busy mom, I appreciate that the school can accommodate me whenever I have free time.

However, during some of my visits, I had less than pleasant experiences. Nevertheless, I decided to give the school another try, and I'm glad I did because my experience today with Alexus was by far the best one I've had so far.

I want to take some time to review four ladies who worked on my hair ( and my mom's) at the school and share my experiences with them:

On March 19, 2024, Alexus did a fantastic job. I was worried about trusting someone new with my hair because not everyone is gentle with it. However, Alexus handled my hair with utmost professionalism and gentleness. She took the time to examine my hair and gave me tips on making taking care of it more manageable. She even suggested a future style that would suit me and my hair type. Throughout the entire experience, she was pleasant, engaging, patient, and gentle. I genuinely enjoyed it. I was skeptical at first because of the unpleasant experiences I had in the past, but Alexus truly made my day. My hair feels great, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled stylist.

On December 18, 2023, Malis was lovely and eager to style my hair. I have thick 4C hair that can be intimidating for some black hairstylists, but Malis was patient and gentle. She asked me what I wanted and took the time to understand my hair type before starting. She completed the style with the help of her teacher, and it turned out beautiful. I was pleased with the result, and I appreciated her care and attention to detail.

On September 29, 2023, Amaka was very experienced and gave me beautiful cornrows that were too cute to hide under a wig! She was quick and professional, but I wish she had been more gentle when blow-drying my hair. Overall, everything else was great. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a fast and quality service.

On September 29, 2023, Virginia styled my mother's hair and did an amazing job. She was super gentle and sweet, and my mother was pleased. Virginia managed to grab the shorter strands for a professional cornrow style. She was patient and took the time to work with my mother to achieve the perfect result. We were both delighted with the service and would highly recommend Virginia to anyone looking for a talented and patient stylist.

Overall, the school serves its purpose and I appreciate the convenience and pricing. I'll be back and hopefully, my next visit will top today's...

I came in for a wash, rinse color, blow dry and trim. The student washed my hair and put the rinse on. I noticed it wasn’t taking that well, but thought it would be ok. In the process of the applying the rinse to my hair, the cape became soaked with the products and ended up dripping onto my pants and shoes. I had to ask the student for a new, dry cape. She obliged. The student begins to blow dry my hair and it’s taking a really long time. She kept stepping away...I’m not sure why. I finally mentioned that I had to leave soon. It was going on 3 hours that I had been there. The student then mentioned to me that she had to leave because she was an 830-5 student and someone else was coming in to finish my hair. This was very upsetting to me. Although I do have a lot of hair, 3 hours for a wash and blow dry is just ridiculous. I think the student was really struggling. The instructor walked past atleast 4 times and never offered to step in or assist the student. The new student came to take over and was literally ripping through my hair. The instructor finally comes over and asks if the first student put the rinse on. I nodded my head yes. She asked because it looked like the rinse was never even applied. My bleached tips were still as bright as they were when I walked in. The instructor told another student to take over and reapply the rinse. I came in at 317pm. It was now 6pm and I told them I didnt have time to have the rinse reapplied. This new girl. I think her name was Nadia. Also starts ripping through my hair. And barely blow drying it. I dont know what technique she was using. It seemed she was moreso trying to de tangle or something. I dont Know but when I left My hair was still wet and felt disgusting. It was really dry feeling. No one ever put any heat protectant or any type of product in my hair besides the rinse that was poorly applied. I mostly blame the instructor for not stepping in and assisting. I know that I was At a hairschool but a wash and blow dry is the most basic of services. The owner did refund me for the trim I never got (somehow everyone kept forgetting I was supposed to get a trim) and the rinse that was ineffective. So I’m grateful for that. Will never return. I typically Go to Paul Mitchell hair school in jessup and it’s always very professional...