REVIEW: Hair Services at Paul Mitchell The School

Paul Mitchell The School in Salt Lake City
(Photo obtained from their Facebook page)

A great way to get your hair done and not spend a lot of money is to go to a school and have it done. Paul Mitchell The School is a great place that offers most of the services that you can receive at a regular salon.

A few years ago my daughter and I went to the Salt Lake City location to have corn-rows and tiny little braids put in our hair before a week-long campout. Even though the students assigned to us had never done corn-rows and tiny braids before, they took their time, learned how to do it, and did a fabulous job!

I have had light-colored, blonde hair most of my life until about a year and a half ago when I went really, really dark (almost black). I have kept a variation of brown colored hair since then, and decided it was time to go back to blonde.

When I arrived, there was a little bit of a mix-up with my appointment. Another Michelle had an appointment the same day, and she called to reschedule. Somehow the person rescheduling her appointment moved mine instead. Regardless, they were really nice , apologized for the mix-up, and said they would work it out. I was sent over to the green couch to wait, and only had to wait about 5-10 minutes for them to find somebody to help me.

Jeanette (ID# 24) was the student assigned to me, and she was really nice. She listened to what I wanted to have done, and talked me through what I could expect. Each student has a “Learning Leader” that oversees the process every step of the way. The students at Paul Mitchell The School are divided into two different levels: Phase I and Phase II. The Phase I students are just beginning their learning, while the Phase II students have more hours and are closer to being finished. You will pay more money to have a Phase II student work on your hair. Because the Phase I students have a Learning Leader oversee everything they do, I wasn’t nervous at all to have a student work on my hair.

Jeanette and her learning leader consulted with me on what I wanted to do, and repeated it back to make sure they understood what I wanted. When getting your hair done, communication is definitely the key, and make sure that you both understand what each other is saying.

Because I had been dark for a while, and wanted to go drastically lighter, they informed me that it might not be possible to get the result I wanted all in one setting. Depending on how my hair reacted, they might have to do one step lighter now, and then come back in a few weeks to go another step lighter. I like that they told me up-front what to expect and what might happen with going lighter. They gave me different options such as highlights instead of an all-over color, or just going one step lighter. I decided to just go for it, and see what happens. Luckily, we got the result we wanted, and didn’t have to do it in more than one setting.

Because my hair was going to go through a rough time in the next few hours, they pretreated it with a conditioning treatment to protect it during the process.

During your appointment, one of the students walks around and serves as a concierge. They check in on the students and clients, and see what they can do to help. They provide services such as getting water for the client, providing product recommendations, and anything else you might need while you are there.

Paul Mitchell has an extensive line of products for all types of hair, and the student, along with their learning leader, will discuss your hair trials and difficulties to see if they can help you solve some of those challenges. I have naturally curly hair, so frizziness and dryness is always a challenge. They talked to me about a line of products specifically for curly hair, and what it does to help with those challenges. Because I was getting a dye job, they also gave me tips and pointers on how to keep my color lasting as long as possible, and how often I should come back for touchups. They recommended a line called “Forever Blonde”, which is a shampoo with a tinge of violet in it to help keep the hair color vibrant and not brassy.

Keep in mind that because you are going to a school, and not a salon, the students are there to learn. Because of this, plan extra time to get your services done. The students need to take time to learn what they are doing, and not just rush through to get your service done. The Learning Leader is there every step of the way to oversee the student and make sure you are getting the best experience necessary. My services were done at  Paul Mitchell The School in Salt Lake City.

A few booths over from where I was getting my hair done, a group of students were creating extravagant hairstyles and makeup looks. When I asked about it, Jeanette told me they get the chance to participate in competitions, and that group was practicing and creating looks for those competitions.

After your appointment, they send you home with an informational paper of what was done at your appointment, and the products they used on your hair. If you prebook for next time you receive a 20% discount. If you bring a friend, you receive 30% off.

More about Paul Mitchell The School:

• About the school
• Facebook
• Instagram: pmtsslc
• Twitter
• Blog
• Giving back to the community
• Schedule an appointment (801) 266-4693

Utah Locations:

• Salt Lake City
• Ogden
• Provo
• St George

Services available at Paul Mitchell The School:

• Cosmetology / Barbering
• Master Esthetics and Esthetics (skin treatments, speed waxing, customized treatment protocols, skin analysis, ingredient technology, makeup techniques, prescriptive retailing, manicures and pedicures)

I was provided with a complimentary hair service to write my review. I was not compensated financially for my review, nor was I required or persuaded to write any specific type of review. The opinions and views expressed in this review are all my own.