Empire Beauty School — Local services in Lower Paxton Township

As a current student at Empire Beauty School, I mostly enjoyed my experience and would recommend it to anyone serious about a beauty career. If you're on the fence, consider signing up for a shadow day.

Pros: -The educators are fantastic and genuinely care about the students' success. From the directors to the substitutes to the student teachers, they all take the time to thoroughly explain concepts. -Ms. Stacey, the admissions specialist, is like having your own personal cheerleader! -We get to attend virtual visits from major industry brands, which adds to the learning experience. -Career days provide great opportunities for networking and future job prospects.

The Cons are mostly universal for all private, for-profit schools so I only removed one star. Still worth noting however as something being commonplace does not mean it should be overlooked: -Due to various accreditation procedures, the dress code is overly strict which feels at odds with hair stylists' creative nature. -The school doesn’t supply enough products, especially in the presalon phase, and the products we do use aren’t the best. Most salons don’t use Matrix colors, and there’s a reason for that. (Not a direct fault of the local school, but certainly the Empire brand. Perhaps allowing each individual campus to decide which products they use based on demographics and local availability would help with national supply chain issues.) -I wish there were more chances to attend hair shows and expos as a group to broaden our exposure and learning opportunities. (Not necessarily a reflection of Empire as much as the beauty industry as a whole. However I believe Empire is in a position as a large cosmetology school chain to push for and sponsor more of these kind of events)

Overall, attending Empire Beauty School was a wonderful choice. I've found my passion, made what I hope to be lifelong connections, and learned a lot about the industry as a whole and not just how to cut hair. Just like all formal education, you truly get out of it what you out into it. Empire has room for improvement, but as a large network of beauty schools, I hope they’ll lead the way in pushing for positive...

To any up and coming cosmetology students. I was enrolled in the Harrisburg Empire Beauty School program. I am writing this review to inform any individual who is looking to attend here. Let my mistake be a lesson to all of you. Unfortunately, throughout my time at empire which was a little over a month time frame. I had decided it was not for me. For the many reason of doing hair was fun on me but not doing it Day in and day out on someone else. I was neglected to be informed that I’d be placed into collections for a few THOUSAND dollars while I am currently still at a university in a full time program. I went to the school to inform them that even though they accept financial aid like every other university why they don’t have the same regulations of helping young adults that are still in college wait to pay their money 6 months after the student graduates. I was told by the finance department “You owe Empire money and they are owed this amount.” Empire does not care for people getting ahead. They care about staying afloat. I’m not going to sit here and say the other negative things about the institution, particularly Harrisburg, because it comes with the territory of the location. But I will say BE WISE when you make your decision to attend here because it is A LOT of money for a 9 month program and for a career you may not do your...

They ruined my hair, so I don't let them cut it anymore. I like the color they use, so I was letting them color my hair. Last week I called them to make an appointment. They told me that they don't make appointments anymore, and to come in at 6:30 and someone will do my hair. I got there ay 5:15. I didn't see but one student. The teacher told me the student was on her way. Then she went into the classroom where they were having some kind of party. I didn't mention that I am I a wheelchair. I must use a walker to get to the car and then back to my apartment. Finally at 6:45 I was told the student wasn't coming in and so I couldn't get my hair done. I was very disappointed. I asked her if she knew how much trouble it took to get me there. She replied it wasn't on her. I don't think I'll be going back after going there as long as I have. I suggest going back to making appointments so that this doesn't happen to others as well as me. I want to get my color done, but I can't take a chance of having to sit there for as long as I did before being told there isn't anyone there to do my hair. How do you suggest I do to get my hair done? I feel like I should be compensated for having to sit there an hour and a half. I miss Joanne. She never would have let it go on...