The New You Starts Today!

Realize your dream and shape your future at Chicago’s leading Cosmetology School! With new classes starting every month, It’s never a bad time to kick start a career in this amazing industry. Sign up today!

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. 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.

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.

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Nanci LauniusNanci Launius
21:38 20 Jul 23
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.
Sefya ShaikhSefya Shaikh
14:38 31 May 23
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.
LongLong
17:25 23 Nov 22
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.
Meira SupersteinMeira Superstein
20:00 24 Sep 22
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 🎉🎉🎉
Tania SarceTania Sarce
03:06 20 Jul 22
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
EllieEllie
02:06 25 Feb 22
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!!
Kasandra NicoleKasandra Nicole
04:40 11 Jan 22
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 ❤️💯
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  •   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

    thumb Selena P.
    9/16/2016

      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

    thumb Jade T.
    12/20/2015

      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

    thumb Barbara B.
    9/19/2023

      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

    thumb Johnson S.
    3/13/2018
  •   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

    thumb Eduardo V.
    5/06/2014

      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

    thumb Romelia V.
    8/15/2020

      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

    thumb Yesy D.
    12/13/2014

      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

    thumb L P.
    7/19/2022
  •   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

    thumb 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

    thumb Jennifer K.
    5/11/2016

      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

    thumb Raymundo Z.
    3/22/2018

      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 🙂

    thumb Matti G.
    7/02/2021