I walked in and was greeted by a very friendly receptionist who checked me in. Then one of the professors came over to let me know my stylist was getting ready and would be with me shortly.
Nice start!
A wonderful young woman named Lavencia H. came over and brought me to her chair. I never expected to be cheering her on throughout my haircut, but that's exactly what happened! We had great conversation, and she was kind, courteous, and friendly. She talked with me about my hair, was eager to learn, and genuinely wanted to do a great job.
The professors were right there to support both her and my nervous self, I hadn't had a real haircut in ages other than trimming my own bangs and ends. Their guidance made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the experience.
I highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back for my next haircut!
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This is the first time I have come to the school since a change in administration and I can honestly say the instructor Mrs. P is FANTASTIC. The students all respect her as a mentor and she encourages them throughout. I spent approximately 5 hours for my appointment and during that time I did not see one negative interaction between either students or between the teacher and students. Everyone was praising one another's work and truly making it a peaceful environment for all to not only learn in, but for clients to be in as well. My level of calm was to the point that I fell asleep in the chair multiple times!! Haha My stylist was Jessica R. And this is BY FAR the nicest my hair has ever come out out of all the times I have come to Digrigoli over the years. To say I am satisfied would be an understatement. Definitely salon quality!! Super happy!!
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I completed the Esthetics program at DiGrigoli, and while I did graduate, my overall experience was far from what I expected. This reflects my personal observations and opinions during my five and a half months there.
Curriculum:
The curriculum was manageable, but missing industry‑standard services like eyelash extensions and dermaplaning. There was a significant amount of theory, book work, homework, and class assignments, along with a decent amount of hands‑on practice. The main esthetics instructor was dedicated and reliable, though classroom dynamics sometimes felt uneven.
Administration & VA Benefits:
Administration was the weakest part of the school. Communication about school hours, logs, and processes was consistently slow and often felt dismissive. Policies were enforced inconsistently, and student accountability was rarely prioritized, which contributed to an environment that felt disorganized and unprofessional. My VA paperwork was mishandled, and I didn’t receive payments until my third month, causing unnecessary stress and requiring me to fix issues the school should have handled. Based on my experience, I certainly wouldn’t recommend this school for VA students or anyone seeking a more organized and professional environment.
Uniforms:
Uniforms were required, yet I didn’t receive mine until two to three months into the program, leading to inconsistent enforcement of dress‑code expectations.
Closings & Communication:
There was no proper system for notifying students about delays or closings. Updates were posted last‑minute on Instagram, sometimes less than an hour before class, and often contradicted West Springfield weather guidance, which the school told us to follow.
Policies & Structure:
When I first enrolled, I was not informed of all the school’s policies. Policies changed multiple times throughout my time there without clear explanation, creating confusion and instability. Some students were excused from policies while others were held to them strictly, which created tension and unfairness.
Classroom Environment:
Many days felt chaotic, with students running the classroom more than instructors. Constant distractions and loud conversations made it difficult to learn. Drama among students was not handled appropriately, which made things awkward and uncomfortable.
Facilities:
The two‑stall gender‑neutral bathrooms were often overcrowded with groups of students vaping or hanging out, making the space feel unclean and unprofessional, which did not match the appearance of the outside.
Promises & Opportunities:
Throughout my time there, the school mentioned potential opportunities and future possibilities, but there was little follow‑through, and dependability was lacking.
General Student Feedback:
While everyone’s experience is different, I personally did not encounter many satisfied students. Many shared similar frustrations about the administration, the classroom environment, and the lack of structure.
Graduation & Post‑Grad Support:
Graduation felt rushed and impersonal. My exit interview felt like an afterthought, and I didn’t receive the same acknowledgment other students did. Post‑graduation support has been minimal; I’ve been trying to resolve a VA issue for two months with little response or initiative.
Overall:
Administration, communication, professionalism, and curriculum completeness left a lot to be desired. I encourage prospective students to ask detailed questions—especially about policies, administrative support, curriculum content, communication systems, and VA benefits before enrolling.
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