Update: After the event that took place, I contacted the director, Brad, who took the issue as seriously as I would hope any business manager would. The problem was resolved, the offending person was spoken to, and I will happily be going back. I gave them five stars instead of four because the issue was handled in a five star way, and the services are really very good. Much better! (previously one star) Ive been going here for a long time, but recently they got new front desk personell. This has happened twice with Alyssa (the new front desk person). The first time was a Valentines day massage. I sat and waited for over an hour after I checked in for my appointment. When I went to ask why, she said it was my fault and that I was too late for my appointment and would have to reschedule. What?? The second time was the other night when I went in for a facial. I sat waiting for 35 minutes when I went to ask about what was going on, and she said it wasn't her fault; and that I was supposed to go and notify them myself, after the fact. Where? how? Why didn't you tell me this at the beginning? And to top it all off, she went in and told my provider that I had blown up at her. I was irritated at best. So, bottom line: If you want to go somewhere with apathetic and catty coordinators who expect to be baby sat in order to get your service, go here. otherwise, the prices aren't good enough to put up with that in my opinion.

The instructor was rude and condescending....he wasn't following the line of cut I came in with it was a simple bang trim...when I said that is not the technique or way my hairdresser cuts...he said "We teach the right way," well she has done hair for over 30 years I just wasn't in the area at the time. He then said well if you aren't happy then go to your hairdresser..well of course I am..I just stopped in for convenience sake. He cut my bangs into a straight bang..not a curve on the side like I came in with..hew chopped it up...that grows back but his rudeness and sarcasm is not called for.

I had an appt on Monday for a Body Massage Massage..10:00am,As I understand it Mondays can be made a makeup day for students. Needless to say the girl didn't show up, I drove 20 miles and left my home to do other errands on the the way...They offered me an 11:30am appt..Now what was I supposed to do in the meantime. Since the girl had a make up day to do, she didn't show up on a day back when she had to do a make up day, saying she isn't a responsible person and everything else that goes along with that. Is is the students who make the school known, not the administration..when you have unreliable students what does that say for the administration. Needless to say I was very disappointed and left. I used to go there for color treatments, and they won't allow you to sit under a dryer to bring up the color faster...they would put a toner on it...I don't mind waiting 40 minutes if it will bring up the color. I don't like toners.

I have been going to Bellus Academy Poway for years and have had a mixed bag of experiences but most very good. When you use an academy such as this you have to keep in mind your service is by a student. Nothing is guaranteed but their instructors are oustanding. My comfort is in the fact that they are closely supervised and if I am ever in doubt, I can always communicate with the student and ask that they consult the instructor. The instructors come right over and provide top-notch guidance. So while I have had some not-so-good experiences, I have had far more great experiences. It's a learning environment and you must be patient both time-wise and experience-wise. Just keep in mind the instructors really are amazing. And no they didn't tell me to write this review...it's a sincere assessment.

I had a very personable polite stylist named Autumn. She did a great job with my hair cut, deep conditioner, and pedicure. I would def go back :)