The Salon Professional Academy

I was sick of paying outrageous prices for my short hair --color, cut and highlights, plus tip. But the worst part is that no matter what I paid, I never liked my hair. I read the reviews here and decided to give SPA a try. I was a little anxious and so I did ask for a more senior stylist. She was wonderful and my hair looks the best it has since I moved here!! I highly recommend Salon Professional Academy to anyone who is sick of paying huge prices for mediocre hair. If you are nervous about getting someone without much experience, try the more senior stylists. I sent a firend in and she used someone without as much experience, but was still VERY satisfied. Also, the Redken products ROCK. Give SPA a try--I think you will be very pleased.

Pros: Nice facility, great stylist, Inexpensive!

Cons: If you like hoity toity salons, this is not one (yeah)

Posted 11/17/09

I went in for a haircut I thought I had scheduled yesterday, but it turns out I didn't have an appointment. The staff at the Salon Professional Academy were kind enough to get me in a chair with a hair stylist in less than 5 minutes! And it was one of the best haircuts of my life. They are consistently friendly and professional.

Posted 10/21/09

I am new to Nashville and needed a haircut and color. After reading the reviews of TSPA on here, and needing to save money I made an appt. My student, Kierra, was awsome. She listened to what I was asking and did a great job, I love my highlighs and my hair style. I have thick hair and she was able to work with it.

Pros: good service for good price

Cons: none

Posted 09/11/09

I have been coming to TSPA for over a year, and have received a number of hair services by various students. Overall, the quality of work is outstanding, with the instructors nearby to assist whenever required. Yesterday, I was fortunate to have my hair cut by Shawn. I don't think I've ever had better treatment. The haircut was exactly like the photo I'd brought along. But, for me, the highlight was THEE head and neck massage I received during the shampoo and conditioning! Wasn't sure if I could even get up and walk to the chair, once he finished the conditioning!!
Shawn was very professional, witty, and entertaining while cutting my hair. I have booked a color and highlighting appointment for next week with him, and am confident that he'll be every bit the Redken professional that I experienced yesterday.

Pros: Professional treatment from start to finish

Cons: None really....Just plan on each service taking longer.

Posted 09/09/09

WOW! I could not be any more surprised than I was after a day of beauty at this school. I went in for a cut, color, mani-pedi and brow wax. I got the "works" in 3 hours time and the price was right. $68.00 Less than a 1/3 of what I paid the last time I was in a salon.
The students were great, the instructors were helpful, and the front desk was friendly. I pre-booked my next appointment and was entered in a contest!!!!!

Pros: Professional Students, friendly, priced right

Cons: takes a little longer because it's a school

Posted 05/20/09

Both my mother and I went there. My mother got a mani and pedi for $30 and they didn't cut cuticles or anything professional. They pretty much just painted her nails. I went there for color and cut. I spent $101 and got the same results I've been doing at home. I was very unsatisfied.

Pros: Nice building (on the inside)

Cons: Too expensive for students cutting hair.

Posted 05/19/09

I am new to Nashville and needed a hair salon. After reading the reviews of TSPA on here, and needing to save money I made an appt. My student, Mary, was fabulous. Everything needs to be checked out by a teacher before the student does anything, so no one should worry about what they are going to get. She explains everything that she is doing, and seemed excited to show me how to style my hair how I was describing. I am going to take her "lessons" and attempt to recreate the style at home. I was amazed when the price for partial highlights, a cut, style, and service was one $42 total. She is graduating soon, but I feel comfortable going there to get my hair done again.

Pros: cost, staff,

Cons: none

Posted 04/25/09

In order to save a little cash, I decided to try SPA for a Mani-Pedi instead of my usual salon. TWO AND A HALF HOURS later, I left with bubbles already forming in the nail color. Although OPI products were used, the top coat & base coat were old & sticky/string-y. The color had already chipped the following day, but I couldn't go back for a correction because I was going out of town. In the end, not worth the $8 savings.

Pros: Friendly technician

Cons: SLOW, poor products, not as inexpensive as expected

Posted 04/22/09

I went to TSPA last night for a haircut. Jada was my stylist and did a wonderful job. I requested a rather difficult cut and she did an excellent job. I highly recommend going here. They offer a wide variety of services at great prices. All of the stylists are supervised by the instructor who was walking around to answer questions, etc. I have to say it was one of the best cuts I have had in a long time and only $10. I have already booked my next appointment with Jada.

Pros: Great prices and great services

Posted 02/10/09

I went in for a color and cut last night, and was beyond satisfied. I described what I wanted, and my student stylist delivered exactly what I wanted. It may take a little longer because they are students, but the service is excellent! I was told step-by-step what she was doing, what products she was using, and why she was using it. She even helped me pick out a new haircolor that looks amazing on me. I can't be happier with my experience at TSPA and will ben returning soon!

Pros: great prices, excellent service, knowledgeable staff

Cons: takes longer than regular salon, limited hours

Posted 01/13/09

If you want to attend the best hair school ever you should definitly check out the TSPA school of Nashville! It opened in September of 2007. They offer job placement and tons of Redken artists come to the school for educational classes from all over the US. The instructors are phenominal and so is the education. TSPA is a Redken endorsed school as well which was voted in Readers Choice the number one hair color in the country! So give them a call and set up a tour to check this new school out!

Pros: The costs and quality

Cons: It may take a little longer b/c they are students

Posted 12/28/08

I went to the Salon Professional Academy with a group of friends for a girls' day out! We had an excellent experience there! We did not wait long for service and the technicians did a great job! It was a very relaxing day and we had a great time! I highly recommend the Salon Professional Academy to anyone who is looking for a wonderful Spa experience in the Nashville area.

Posted 12/24/08

After reading other positive reviews on citysearch, I decided to give Salon Professionals Academy a try. I have been to quite a few high-end Nashville salons over the years, paying anywhere from $50-$100 for a cut. Sometimes they have been wonderful; sometimes they have been disappointing. I read about SPA and thought, "You sure can't beat the price...why not?"

SPA is a Redken training academy. Students train for ten months, and receive placement assistance at a Redken salon. They are graded on several criteria for each service they deliver.

My student-stylist, Mary, had been training for four months. I showed them a photo of a style I liked, Mary and her instructor discussed how to best approach the cut, and the instructor left us. At the end, the instructor came back to check Mary's work, made a few minor adjustments, showed her a few techniques, and we were all done.

Mary took great care to make sure the cut was just as I wanted, stopping several times to ask my preferences about various things. From start to finish, it took about an hour and a half...a little longer than typical, but for my part I would much rather have someone who is taking time and putting a lot of effort into getting it just right.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with my cut and the entire experience. The cut is every bit as good as some I have paid very dearly for - better, in some cases. I will definitely go back. In fact, I am considering making an appointment for highlights.

Pros: Unbeatable price, great cut, easy to get appointment

Cons: Takes longer (not really a "con" in my opinion, but if you're trying to work it in on your lunch hour, plan accordingly)

Posted 10/23/08

I finally called SPA last spring to get my hair cut, after driving by there after work many times. My stylist/student was Leigh who did a wonderful job. I don't know hair cutting terminology so never really know what to ask for. But Leigh and her instructor discussed what to do and with my simple instruction of "I just want it shorter", I came away with a great cut. The $10 charge also includes shampoo and style. You can not beat this! I made several other appointments with Leigh through the spring and early summer, until she graduated mid-summer. I have my next appoint ment this afternoon, with a brand new student! Can't wait to meet her or him!
A gentle reminder to customers who are pleased with the service they receive at SPA and any other school-----PLEASE TIP YOUR STUDENT STYLIST! These are students who are cutting your hair, doing your nails, etc. so they are not getting paid for their work. But their tuition is not cheap. If they do a great job, please encourage them, both with words and a nice few $$. Also, because it is a school, they can not add tips to your credit/debit card. So, make sure you have some cash on hand for the tip. The charge for cutting, nails, etc. CAN be put on credit/debit card.
Yes, it does take a little longer than in a normal salon because of the instruction the student is receiving, but I took that hour I'm at SPA as a chance to sit back with my eyes closed to relax!
Thanks, SPA
LaRose in Hermitage

Pros: Professional atmosphere, friendly, great value

Cons: Can't think of any!

Posted 09/17/08

I have been getting my hair done for years at pricey Salons that whisk you in and out and sometimes leave you mildly satisfied. But for the past 10 months or so I have been going to the Salon Professional Academy in Nashville. The teachers take ample time to consult every student before they begin working on you. You leave totally satisfied and pay a quarter of the price of the Pricey, Snobby Salons.

Due allow ample time, because this is a teaching school it takes a tad longer than you are used to.

Pros: Atmosphere, Week Night appointments, Staff, Teachers, PRICE!!!!

Cons: Takes a little time.

Posted 06/14/08

I just had my jair done at SPA and I love it! I went from having hair down past my shoulders to having a short, inverted bob and I had it colored also. I got all that for $32. You can't beat that price. The only negative is that I was there for a long time (3 hours) but it's because I was getting a cut that had to be very precise so it's understandable. People who were getting less "involved" cuts and colors got out in good time. The student who did my hair was great and the instructors really made sure that you were getting what you wanted. I'll definitly go back! Next time I'm having my nails done.

Pros: Price, atmosphere

Cons: Takes about twice as long

Posted 06/12/08

My husband and I both went on the same day, hoping for the best, and we both came away with perfect haircuts! I saw Samantha, who listened to what I wanted (less layers, more body, slightly shorter, but not too short), consulted briefly with her teacher, and proceeded to do EXACTLY what I was hoping in about 40 minutes! My hair cut is adorable, and it only cost $10! Basically, the students listen to what you want, tell their teacher what the plan is, complete the plan, and then the teacher comes to make sure it was done right. In my case, Samantha's teacher used my painfully straight hair to teach her a couple of tricks for cutting straight hair, and then I was done! My husband's haircut also took about 40 minutes, cost $10, and turned out exactly how he had hoped. I already have my next appointment set up in six weeks!

Pros: Great cuts, the teachers will make sure you leave satisfied (just in case), very professional and hip atmosphere, crazy cheap

Cons: couldn't think of any!

Posted 05/16/08