Came in the evening and got taken care of straightaway. Nice massage with the shampooing and the cut took a little longer than a typical salon, but everyone was very nice and welcoming and I thought it was definitely worth the $9 especially because I got a blow dry too. It's great to help students and a fantastic value. They are moving locations soon so the venue will probably be a bit less barren.

Approximate cost: $9

The Australian Academy of Hairdressing trains students by giving them opportunities to "practice" their skills on the general public. Although the prices are VERY cheap (ladies cut: $8), it is a shame if you get a student who's not very confident or good with the scissors. In this case, the mentor will have to take over and finish off your haircut. The atmosphere is quite nice, everyone is bustling around and for $8, i would definitely come back. When you go in, you are given a sheet to give to the student who is doing your hair, and he or she will fill that in according to the length, texture and the general appearnace of your hair and things related to that... :) When going the The Academy, it is important to keep in mind that different students are in different stages in terms of their "training" so if you are willing to be patient, they would appreciate it very much. Overall, The Academy offers great opportunities for those who want to train there and it also provides cheap but satisfactory services to customers.

Approximate cost: $8 (for a ladie's cut)

I do think this place needs a revamp. The offices are ancient and have teddy bears in them...it's really quite strange. The prices have gone up but the students could be training on you for their first time which is unnerving. Its rather loud aswell and supervisors hard to find as I had to wait around for a hair up service...Just needs better supervisors, prices kept low and interior revamp!

One of the first things I looked for after arriving in Melbourne was to find a hairdresser to trim my hair for not too much money. I discovered the Academy by accident when visiting a nearby shop. They charge $8 for a haircut. A student will perform the service overseen by an instructor. I was happy with the trim I received. It does take a long time so only go if you're not in a rush. When I got my hair cut the student had to wait quite a long time to get the teacher's attention at certain stages. (The teacher was rushing around overseeing students). Also the student did take a long time doing the cutting which I would expect from a novice. She was very nice and apologised for the wait. I got my hair shampooed and blown dry as well.

The ambience is not very peaceful - it's like sitting in a busy noisy warehouse - but for $8 I'm not complaining.

I'm planning to go back - basic facials are only $12! They do beauty treatments too.

I would suggest ringing them to book; they only do certain services on certain days. I went at lunchtime Tuesday and just walked in and got seen within 10 minutes.

Hairdressing Hours
Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 2.30pm
Fridays 9.30 to 10.30am colours
Fridays 9.30 to 11.30 cuts, sets, blowwave
Thursday Nights 5.30 to 9pm
Saturday 10am to 11.30am

Sample prices:
perm with cut and style, long hair $36
Foils, full head $50

Beauty Salon Hours 10.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday
Facials - basic $12, deluxe $18
Manicures - basic $12, deluxe $18
Pedicures - basic $14, deluxe $18
Makeup - $18
Gel/acrylic nails - $22
Brow/lip/chin wax - $5
Back shoulder neck massage - $25

For appointments phone 9329 6781

Approximate cost: $8 for a haircut