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Your search for excellence in learning the art and craft of hair design is over. With guidance and expert instruction as well as the highest passing rate at the Illinois state board cosmetology license test, Steven Papageorge Hair Academy will train you to become a leading and cutting edge Hair Stylist and Beauty Professional. Furthermore, we are one of the elite beauty schools in Chicago.
Your journey to become a celebrated hair stylist begins with gaining an education from a leading cosmetology school in Chicago. The Steven Papageorge Hair Academy cosmetology program is only 10 months to a year for full-time students. In addition, classes start the first Tuesday of every month.
Your search for excellence in learning the art and craft of hair design is over. With guidance and expert instruction at one of the best cosmetology schools in Chicago, the Steven Papageorge Hair Academy will train you to become a leading and cutting edge Hair Stylist and Beauty Professional.
I highly recommend SPHA to everyone. The BEST hair academy in the Midwest!! Professional, comfortable, clean setting w/a welcoming friendly staff. Manager Summer is outstanding in every way. Her phenomenal skills are unmatched. She treats me like family and is an amazing asset to the Academy. I've been a loyal client for many years and will never leave. Compliments to Steven (owner) for his amazing business, for both clients and students. Summer, I'll see you in a few weeks for my hair. Love you.
My name is Sefya Shaikh and I graduated from Steven Papageorge hair academy in March this year and I’m in training to become a colorist. Steven Papageorge and the instructors have prepared me for great success to come. I can honestly say that this is the best school in the state of Illinois. For them, they will train you to always put quality and heart into your work as a stylist. They did such an amazing job preparing me for the rest of my career to come from employee training and business advice, to to properly training me on highlighting and coloring and styling. They prepared me for any obstacles that could possibly come my way and they hold a special place in my heart. Steven Papageorge himself is extremely helpful and educated in his field of business and the teachers and extremely kind and supportive. The teachers helped me in every step along the way in teaching me directly. Any mistakes that you make, they will work with you improve at it. They did an excellent job teaching on color theory and familiarizing with different brands of color to get you prepared for life outside of school. They helped me land an amazing job at Salon Buzz in Delaware street in downtown Chicago. It’s one of those places that you miss to go back to visit when you have time.
I absolutely loved my time here at Steven Papageorge. It’ll always be my 2nd home as I visit it from time to time. I really love Mrs. Carol and Summer, as they’ve really built the foundation of basic hair cutting and coloring for me. I’m so much more out of my comfort zone than I was ever before as being around people has really improved my social skills. The contests that Steven hosts will always have a special place in my heart, because those were the highlights of my time here - I was able to bring out my creativity with them and they were so much fun. This place is such a hidden gem, that I highly recommend it to anyone whose looking for flexible schedules and caring teachers.
Had an amazing experience attending Steven Papageorge Academy. They taught me everything I need to know to feel prepared to go out on the floor as well as for my state boards. I’ve met some of the most amazing future stylists as well as life long friends, educators and professionals who’ve come in to show us what they do. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I love hair and I love the people at this school, they inspired me daily and never let my dreams die out. Here’s some photos of the work I’ve done thanks to my amazing teachers for training me! Love you all ❤️❤️Update: I’ve taken my state boards and passed and could not feel happier and felt soooo prepared for the test that it was a breeze! Thank you to the amazing teachers who helped me achieve my dream of becoming a cosmetologist 🎉🎉🎉
Steve Papageorge hair academy is the best in the whole Chicago area . I have had so many talented students coming from their academy educated and trained to enter the real world of high end salons in Chicago.I’m beyond thankful to their staff and how they educate and train their students.We are high end salon and spa in Lincoln Park area , we serve only very high end clientele.Steve Papageorge academy prepares and trains the student ready for big tickets hands on cutting/ coloring and styling. I only trust them for a good licensed student in town. Our apprentice program runs very well based on their education. We expect nothing less but the best stylist in town. Im very thankful to be working with a such a good school that really cares about their students, it only helps all of us all around.I highly recommend this academy just because I know there will be very good talented students coming out of it… whoever is ready to take the next big step on going to cosmetology school! I highly recommend this program.You get so much support from the owners and the staff that you will never find anywhere else in town.Lincoln Park Hair Salon & Spa
I absolutely loved my time here. It taught me so much and prepared me for my career in hair. The teachers are very nice, Alex and Steven are so kind and helpful, and my classmates really made school so much more fun and educational. Cannot recommend enough!!
Best hair school experience, ever. Meira is my go to hair stylist here and her skills and talents are beyond any hair professional I have ever experienced (including celebrity stylists I go to in Los Angeles). Summer does an excellent job running the program. And thank you Steven for providing the community with your amazing hair academy ❤️💯
As a former student, i am extremely happy with my experience not only are they amazing instructors they also taught me everything i needed to be a competent hairstylist. I... read more enjoyed every moment i was there and every opportunity the school offered.
Raymundo Z. 3/22/2018
It's a beauty school, so things may go slowly. The students work on you, but they're constantly monitored and may just take longer because they're discussing things with their teacher.... read more If you don't mind that, it's a really good way to get an inexpensive haircut. I just wanted a basic trim and clean up on my very long straight hair, so I called them and found out it was going to be just $14 for shampoo, blow dry, and trim. $14 seems to be the standard price for most basic women's haircuts. I think it's $9 for basic men's haircuts. Not bad at all.
Amy K. 1/27/2023
I wouldn't be where I am today without Steven & Analie at Steven Papageorge Hair Academy! They are the most advanced in the cosmetology school industry! They provide excellent education... read more in hair and are constantly bringing in educators from the top beauty companies (i.e. Schwartzkopf, loreal, Joico, and Oribe) I can't thank them enough for preparing me for my career! It's also located in a wonderful area! Right by the EL Stop! Couldn't have been a more perfect fit for me
Jennifer K. 5/11/2016
TL;DR For an in depth, personalized, and truly local cosmetology education; attend this hidden gem of Chicago.
If you are looking for a hair school, look no further! I am a big... read more proponent of shopping local, but for an investment like my education I was a bit nervous and did consider going to a 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 you 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. I took it as many times as I needed and had their constant support until I was receiving near perfect scores. Ms. Carol and Ms. Summer have made sure I am confident and I couldn't 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.
Tabitha R. 8/18/2020
This is one amazing school. They make sure you have the fundamentals to move on forward with your career. They will not let you fail. They prepare you for the... read more state board exam and also for classroom tests.. They will work with you one on one if you need to. These educators are awesome. Mrs Carol is amazing at what she does. I wouldn't be where I'm at today if it wasn't for her. Mrs Analie is a badass. Her color education is spot on. I understand it better because of how she taught it. All of the educators work with you on the floor to learn the cutting techniques or the foiling techniques. This is definitely the school to go to. Give this school a try and I promise you I won't be wrong!
Christina B. 8/26/2016
I was a salon owner for about 4 years before deciding to go to cosmetology school. I started at Pivot Point in Evanston but never felt the school cared for... read more me as a student and so I transferred to Steven Papageorge Hair Academy - it was the best career decision I could have made!
The teachers at Steven Papageorge Hair Academy are very knowledgeable, patient, and truly care to teach (plus some of the teachers are still working stylists, and speak Spanish). The school uses professional hair salon products, teaches the latest cutting and color techniques, and always had professional guests going in to teach and inspire us! The school always had enough clients going in allowing the students to get all the practice necessary to apply everything learned!
Steven Papageorge Hair Academy is very involved in the hair industry as the owner, Steven, has several hair salons throughout the city, actually oversees what goes on at the school and has been in the hair industry for a long time! The school also had a flexible schedule which allowed me to continue working all along.
I have been a salon owner for 12 years now, have worked with my stylists from all cosmetology schools in Chicago, and still believe Steven Papageorge Hair Academy will give you the best education for you money! This academy will give you all the tools needed to expand your creativity, technical skills, and prepare you to pass the State Board Exam in order to get licensed!
Eduardo V. 5/06/2014
If you realize it always grows back and don't mind sitting in the chair a bit longer than at a full service salon, this might be the place for you.... read more Your visit helps the students gain experience but you need to realize perfection takes lots of practice. Be sure to bring CASH for a tip since they won't add it to your card. Prices super low. Conveniently located across from the end of the brown line at Kimball.
Barbara B. 9/19/2023
I had a great experience, they worked as a team and gave me exactly what I was looking for! And the scalp massage was everything! Went in for a... read more balayage and is so pretty!
Thank you!
And using all protocols for COVID
Romelia V. 8/15/2020
Caitlyn and Noelani SNAPPED !!!! I came for a blonde root touch up and they got my whole head to platinum!! It looks so bomb and my hair still feels soft 🙂
Matti G. 7/02/2021
So a couple of years ago I decided I wanted to make a drastic career change. I was in a rut and I knew I wanted to do something creative... read more with my life. I realized I LOVED to do hair so I decided to go to hair school. I went to Paul Mitchell, Aveda and Mario Tricocci and I was very disappointed. While doing research I found Steven Papageorge Hair Academy. I had never heard of this school but I decided to make an appointment. At the appointment I saw that this was a boutique school. One of the major reasons I decided to go to this school was because of the teacher Mrs. Lourdes. She is an overachiever that expects nothing but the best from all of her students. She told me while I was trying to decide if this was the school for me that this was the school she received her teaching certificate and she told me her experience. Her honesty is what made me take the plunge and choose this school. When I started school I love that teacher and then I fell in love with Mrs. Carol! Seriously the student teacher ratio is amazing and the educational opportunities are abundant. I have worked on commercials, paid photo shoots, short films and even a tv show thanks to this school. I recommend this to anyone looking into an amazing hair school.
Yesy D. 12/13/2014
I have platinum blonde Asian hair that requires monthly maintenance (double process + toner). I've gone to other salons that charge me upwards of $400. No joke. That's more than... read more half my rent!
I went to Steven Papageorge Hair Academy several weeks ago for a haircut. The instructors encouraged me to return for color services because they thought my hair was very damaged and poorly bleached.
I went on Tuesday morning and brought a drink, lunch and reading material. It takes at least three hours every month to bleach and tone my hair. I always come prepared! I had a student work on my hair under the supervision of several instructors. After a few hours, my hair came out a silvery gray with absolutely no brassiness, breakage and damage!
The cost for double process plus toner was $60. Amazing!
Everyone at Papageorge Hair Academy is super sweet and the instructors are very knowledgeable. I will definitely return later this month for a touch-up!
Jade T. 12/20/2015
Absolutely love getting services here. I've been here for a balayage as well as a cut. Services with a student may seem intimidating but at this place there is no need to... read more fear as there are amazing teachers always supervising. It is a learning process for them so please budget some extra time and patience but get ready for the best deal and beautiful results. I tend to panic when it comes to doing much of anything with my curly, unruly, fine and generally annoying hair, especially since it takes FOREVER to grow due to a thyroid condition. The phrase "it'll grow out" may be true for some people's bad hair choices but mine stick around for a lot longer. That's why I'm so happy I found this gem and am so thankful for the wonderful care and coaching the teachers give their students so that everyone feels confident and happy with the results!
As a former student, i am extremely happy with my experience not only are they amazing instructors they also taught me everything i needed to be a competent hairstylist. I... read more 
Raymundo Z.
Amy K.
Jennifer K.
Tabitha R.
Christina B.
Eduardo V.
If you realize it always grows back and don't mind sitting in the chair a bit longer than at a full service salon, this might be the place for you.... read more 
Barbara B.
Romelia V.
Matti G.
Yesy D.
Jade T.
Patrizia F.
