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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 ❤️💯
I went to Steven Papageorge like 6-7 years ago
I had the best educators like Carol , leticia , Lourdes, analie and of course Steven Papageorge
They worked so hard... read more on me to be where I'm today I'm From Puerto Rico and they have class in Spanish and English
Love love the dedication they gave me , and I'm Very proud and happy to be part of the family Steven Papageorge love you and miss you all . Now I'm working on Michigan Ave and Walton st One of the best salon in Gold Coast
The harder you work for something , The greater you will feel when you archive it
Johnson S. 3/13/2018
Our whole family has been coming here and working with Lourtes for over 6 years and this place is awesome and everyone is so wonderful! We really can't say enough... read more good things about them!
We started coming here in 2010 before my husband and I got married and now we bring our whole family here including our 2-year old (boy) and our 4-year old (girl). My husband and I have been loyal customers for years; our kids also love coming here for their haircuts! They get so much attention from everyone and our daughter always gets her hair styled whatever way she wants! They are patient, take their time, and always make sure we are 100% satisfied! And you really can't beat the price!
I would highly recommend this place to anyone!
Fiona T. 7/16/2016
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!
Patrizia F. 11/16/2015
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
Choosing the right cosmetology school can be difficult. The moment I walked into Steven Papageorge Hair Academy, I knew it was the right place for me. The location was good,... read more the tuition was fair and the staff was very welcoming. I learned so much during my time at the academy. Steven exposes his students to the industry in such an impacting way from doing fashion shows, to behind the scenes at the American Beauty Show. I learned not only be a successful professional hair stylist; but how to reach my greatest artistic potential. Best investment I have made for myself.
Selena P. 9/16/2016
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
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
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
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
This school is great! My employer was delightfully surprised to know the techniques I knew were taught to me at this school. It's affordable, and the teachers really take the... read more time to answer your questions. I never felt stupid asking something I was already shown if it just didn't click, and they really make sure you know your stuff. Forever grateful for my time here!
Kate P. 3/14/2021
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!
I went to Steven Papageorge like 6-7 years ago 
Johnson S.
Patrizia F.
Tabitha R.
Selena P.
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.
Raymundo Z.
Amy K.
Kate P.
Yesy D.
Jade T.
