The New You Starts Today!

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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!

  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.

  The BEST Hair Academy in the Midwest.  Manager Summer has skills and techniques that are unmatched. She treats me like family. She is a massive asset to the Academy.  I... read more have been a client for many years and have always been greeted with a warm friendly hello.  I highly recommend SPHA to anyone (client and students in training)  I am beyond grateful that SPHA was recommended to me by a friend, when they were on Belmont Ave.  Such a high end salon with reasonable, affordable prices and phenomenal results each and every time.  Summer, I love ya and will see you in a few weeks.
Steven, Thank you for your hair academy!!!  I will continue to promote SPHA to everyone I know.  Thank you also, to Miss Carol...such a warm beautiful person. Blessed to call SPHA my #1 salon.

  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

  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!

  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... read more 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 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

  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!

  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.