Nova Academy of Cosmetology — Local services in Rochester

I went to Nova Academy Of Cosmetology on July 22nd 2025. I had the student Gracie W. I came in wanting blue hair with a short women's hair cut. They did not listen to what I was wanting; my hair color was not the correct shade, and it was patchy with green and different shades of blue. My hair cut was uneven, and choppy. I called the school to reschedule a re-do and the receptionist was very rude, I asked if I could be put with a different stylist because I was unhappy with the result. The receptionist said, "well, she did it- so she can correct it." without giving me the option of having a different stylist. I came back in today for a redo on July 23rd 2025. I came into Nova Academy Of Cosmetology, and they put me with the same stylist. My staff came with me, and asked if she could sit next to me and Gracie W said that, "well, usually people's guest sit in the lobby." I personally thought that was rude and unprofessional of her to say that because three other people were also sitting with their friends/family while getting their hair done. My staff just stood there and waited until the instructor came over and asked if she could sit with me and she said: "yeah, that is okay." Gracie W seemed to have an attitude during the whole process while doing my hair. She put the color on and never came back to check on me until it was time to wash the color out. She washed the color out, and we came back to the chair. She blow dried my hair, and the color was a lot better than it was yesterday. She touched up my hair, and I asked my staff's opinion of it and she said that it still was uneven. Gracie said, "well, it is an uneven hair cut already." internally, I was like well isn't this a place to get your hair done, so why are you going to give me an uneven hair cut. She clipped the sides, and it was not blended correctly, I also wanted some hair taken off the top as well as getting it a little textured- she did not even touch the top of my hair.... She said I was ready to go, she left me with hair color stains all over my hair line and did not bother to get it off, as well as hairs from my hair cut all over my face, neck, shirt, and back. The instructor did not do a final check of everything either... I thought this experience was terrible, and will not ever...

In the past five times I've been to Nova I've loved it, but yesterday I went in and had a terrible experience. I ended up being there for a total of six hours. They tried to do a balayage in my hair and it ended up being like chunky lines of blonde all over it. It was patchy and they tried to fix it. I understand it is a school, so I know these things happen. The part I was extremely dissatisfied with was that the instructor never offered advice or critical feedback to the honors student who was doing my hair. She obviously needed help with it, but neither of them seemed like they knew what they were doing, they just were guessing and then tried stuff. This was 12 days before my wedding! I was nervous about the way they were acting like they didn't care too much about my hair! My hairdresser also did not know how to keep track of the time. She would tell me the color had to be in for 5-10 minutes, and 15 minutes later I had to get up and search for her because I didn't know where she went. They ended up coloring and washing my hair three times, and every time my hair had to process my hairdresser just deserted me and never knew how long it had been in when asked by the instructor. Apparently the instructor had no problem with this. Then, at the end, the back of my shirt was ruined because it got bleached by my hair. I have long hair and the hairdresser did not know how to care for it. She brushed it very roughly when it was wet three different times. I felt like it was breaking off all over again right after they had cut off the...

I have always had more than positive and professional experiences here. I go for chemical peels and have found the students and instructors to be incredibly knowledgeable. I get great advice and (non-soliciting) product recommendations that have greatly improved my skin.

They only use high quality products for the procedure that are either medical grade or from a higher end all-natural brand based on your skin needs. They’ve even switched out products for me last minute so I could see how they felt before making a large purchase. Now they’re also giving samples of wonderful brands to take home following a peel.

They also give the option to have a relaxing experience and not talk during the procedure, making it more spa like. You definitely don’t have to talk or get recommendations if you let them know you just want to relax.

Overall, Nova is by far the best deal I’ve found for regular chemical peels. I’ve been to expensive and mid-grade places which have always been 2-4 times the cost - many times with less recommendations, little to no control over products, and once I was burned. Nova may have less frills, but they are affordable, friendly, knowledgeable, and use...