I wouldn’t go to anyone else other than Meira. She’s so so amazing. I’ve never gotten compliments on my hair before she’s done color/toner for me. She’s extremely accommodating and really fantastic. Go to her!

Good communication is the key to getting the hair result you want and the students and instructors here are great at this! At every stage of the process both of the students who provided services were attentive and professional, and the final result was great, at a very budget friendly price. Highly recommend!

TL;DRFor an in depth, personalized, and truly local cosmetology education; attend this boutique school of Chicago.If you are looking for a hair school, look no further! I am a big proponent of shopping local, but for an investment like my education I was a bit nervous and did consider going to a big box school with more name recognition. But the level of personalized education you will receive at Steven Papageorge is better than anything else I have seen or heard from graduates from other schools in the area.When SPHA was recommended to me, flexibility was the main selling point and that highly appealed to me as someone that had to work and take care of 2 kids while in school. I soon learned flexibility is only the tip of the iceberg.Steven, the owner, is a caring and only wants the absolute best for his students. He is a constant presence at school and is always looking for new ways to practice our skills. (Hair cut vouchers with a local shelter, styling fashion shows, etc.) Alex works on the office side and will help with applying for loans or financial aid. How I was going to pay for school was never a worry.The crown jewel of SPHA is the educators. Not only are they masters of their craft, but are passionate about education. They are supportive, kind, know when to push you, and actually care about you as a person. Their goal is for you to create the best work you can. Each one is so special and truly has a gift for teaching.As for the state board, they make sure you are beyond well prepared. I am the worst, most anxious test taker you can imagine. They never made me feel bad about my practice scores and helped me focus on what I should study. Ms. Carol and Ms. Summer have made sure I am confident and I couldnt be more grateful.Lastly, it truly is a family. I love my instructors so much and the hardest part about graduating was leaving them. Sounds cheesy, but its true.Again, best kept secret of Chicago. If you want to learn hair, Steven Papageorge is the way to go.

I usually go to a professional salon where I pay $65+ for a haircut and style, & I received a better haircut from the student at Steven Papageorge. I think I paid $16 + tip. I let them know that I have curly hair and wanted bangs , as a previous hairstylist refused to cut bangs for me at a different salon because of my curls. The instructor and student actually listened to what I wanted. The student did her research and took time to cut my hair perfectly & the instructor kept coming to check on her and helped with the bangs. Both of them were very professional and friendly. The entire process was very professional and I had a better experience than with a full price salons.

I came here to have my hair styled for a wedding I was attending, as I hate having to deal with it myself for special occasions. Heidi was very attentive to what I wanted and styled my hair so beautifully. She was also very personable which made it an overall positive experience. I received what would likely be a $75-$100 appointment at most hair salons in the city for $25. Would 100% come back here again!

Highly reccomend! Extremely welcoming atmosphere and very flexible hours. Not only are all of the instructors tremendously talented stylists but the owner of the school is also very experienced in both cosmetology and business. The structure of the academy highly mirrors the work environment of a salon. Students are provided the knowledge that is necessary to become extremely successful in the industry. Enroll with confidence!

The best cosmetology school in Chicago.I was really lucky picking out this school. Great teachers, good program and excellent service!Thanks for everything Steven Papageorge Hair Academy.

Steven Papageorge Hair Academy has a very flexible schedule which is great if you have to work. The teachers are excellent and very helpful, Theyre also active stylists so you dont only get a teacher but you also get someone who is currently working in a salon as well. They were able to help me transfer my license from another state and are the only school who would let me attend for a specific amount of hours which were needed to be license here. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in becoming a cosmetologist to check out this school. It is an amazing experience and you will get the opportunity to work with amazing stylist and get hands on for special events.

Wonderful space, very kind people. Overall a great experience everytime I go :) always pleased with my results.

Great shop, students and plenty of teacher supervision. I went in for low and high lights as well as a cut, price was great and the compliments just keep coming. Will return and recommend.

Always have great experiences here. Students are taught well nod instructors are always close by to help.

After searching through many beauty schools, I came across Steven Papageorge Hair Academy. I made an appointment to talk with the owner about enrolling, Steven was very friendly, and he gave me a ton of options as far as how I would pay for the entire school experience. They are definitely accommodating for those with a strict budget. Enrolling was a piece of cake, and the staff is extremely helpful; they are always willing to answer any questions you may have. One thing I absolutely loved about this school was that they brought the best instructors from top of the line companies to teach us classes on how to transform clients into Hollywood worthy beauty. I had the best time learning at this school, and I am extremely thankful for all that I have retained to make me the best hairdresser I can be.Thank you Steven Papageorge Hair Academy!

The students want to learn there is energy and I love to see young people find their calling and passion and they do great hair.

After much deliberation with myself I decided I wasnt happy in my current career and that I would follow my true passion which has always been hair. After talking to my hair stylist she told me to check out Steven Papageorge Hair Academy. I am so glad that I did. The space is absolutely amazing and the program is very affordable compared to what different academys charge and applying for financial aid and grants was very simple with the help I received from Alex. The teachers here actually care and will sit with you one on one if there is something that you are having trouble with, that is very rare and almost unheard of at bigger schools. Mr. Steven is also there on a daily basis walking the clinic floor, checking in on students and helping. Show me another school where the owner of the school actually will be at the school walking around the clinic floor helping out and talking to students. That is EXTREMELY rare. We were also presented with so many opportunities to work on fashion shoots, fashion shows as well as had amazing classes within the school with top stylists in the industry such as Kris Sorbie of Redken. I was presented with an opportunity of a job at a salon even before I graduated which is amazing. Mr. Steven even has local salons come to the school to do interviews with students for open positions they have available. All the teachers are very helpful and you can tell they love what they do. Mrs. Carol teaches theory and handles the practical exams for students under 300hours. Mrs. Leticia is our cutting techniques teachers she also works behind the chair and is also on the creative team for TIGI. Mrs. Lourdes also teaches cutting techniques as well as hair styling. Mrs. Analie is our color theory and color techniques teacher, Ms. Naomi also teaches cutting and handles the practical exams for students over 300hours. All the teachers are amazing and I am so glad I had the privilege getting my education from them. I will go very far in my career with what they have taught me in my time at the academy. I would recommended the academy to anyone wanting to get into a career in cosmetology. I finished up my cosmetology degree and decided I will also be working toward getting my educator in cosmetology degree at Steven Papageorge Academy and have since began teaching at the academy since finishing my student teaching hours and passing my cosmetology educator state board exams. The opportunities for your future at Steven’s academy are endless.

Joining this school has been the best decision Ive ever made. There is so much opportunity available if you are willing to take it. Everyone knows the owner Steven, who is an extremely great mentor that strives for success for every student. Students are able to attend and participate in fashion shows located there at the school! Its great to have hands on experiences with models, clients, and other students as well. In the morning there is theory and afterwards you work with your mannequin. Specific days are dedicated for cutting, coloring, styling, makeup, etc. People from all over, and from different companies who are experienced and well known, come to educate the students. Its refreshing getting information from someone other than the teachers. Regarding the teachers, they are great influences as well. Each teacher is well-rounded, but also is an expertise in certain aspects. I really enjoy how helpful each teacher is, and how they are not only teachers, but they are also hairdressers as well. They are very educated and credible. The class size isnt overwhelming, therefore, each student can get undivided attention when needed. Next, we have a diverse crowd of students and not all speak english, so I think its extremely important that the teachers are able to communicate to others due to the fact that they are fluent in Spanish. Lastly, the school is overall a positive environment. Its in a great location with a lot of natural lighting and everyone is outgoing and open to new experiences. Every student works together and also they are friendly to one another. Its great to see everyone grow together. Overall, this school is the place to be. Like I said, its the best decision I ever made... There is so much to experience here; furthermore, I recommend it to anyone who seeks great opportunity and success with their future career :)

An exlence