Great products + relaxing ambiance + great stylist = a winning hair pampering experience I found this salon about two years ago when I was looking for an Aveda salon. I had a lot of requirements out of a new salon and this fit the bill: My salon requirements: 1) I was only looking for an Aveda salon because of their products and their philosophy. I love the Aveda products - they are not harsh on hair and are made with botanicals, many of which are certified organic and are ethically sourced. I have been going to more green and natural products lately and Aveda products are healthier for me, my hair, the environment, and the world, I hope, so there wasn't any other salon I was considering. Plus, they use recycled packaging and manufacture with 100% wind power. They also give back to causes I believe in such as their Aveda earth month campaign where they raise money for clean water and other causes. 2) A stylist that was skilled at doing blonde coloring. In going to different salons over the years, it seems that there are quite a few people out there that aren't great at executing blonde coloring - I have had my hair break off, have had it turn out slightly green or orange - it seems that there are a lot of things that can go wrong. I haven't had the problem at slightly pricier salons, but it is definitely something that I look for when choosing a new stylist. 3) Not too expensive. I previously went to the Robert Crommeans salon downtown, which was a beautiful location and they did a good job, but I hated the products, the services were very expensive, and the hair color was very harsh on my hair and kept it from growing. While I wasn't looking for a Supercuts, I was looking to pay less than I was previously. And I can't even believe it, but after years of it not growing past a certain length, it has grown several inches. 4) A stylist I enjoyed getting my hair done with. It is always difficult to change salons because picking up a new stylist is like finding a new friend - you want someone you enjoy speaking to and that you get along with. I was lucky to find Shiva who is so nice and so funny and who really listens to you and does a good job. I like how my hair looks and feel like I have a new friend at the salon. I also started getting my eyebrows done for the first time ever since I started going to this salon. I was previously scared, terrified even, of getting my brows done. Not only am I not very pain tolerant - I can't even pluck a single hair off my brows - I didn't want to mess my brows up and have them look funny the rest of my life - I have seen too many instances of that and who wants to mess with that? Plus, I have blonde hair and for the most part, blonde eyebrows, so I didn't think I needed to really get them done. Shiva suggested it one time, and I am so happy I got it done. I can't believe what a huge difference it makes to how you look! I am probably preaching to the choir to anyone who is reading this, but I seriously can never go back now. However, I will still be wary about finding a skilled brow-master if I ever have to leave this salon. So I am very happy about choosing this salon and think Shiva is a wonderful stylist. There isn't anything I don't like about the salon. read more

See all

I like this place so much that after going regularly, Mary and Vida inspired me to become an esthetician and join their team. I no longer do skin-care or even work in the beauty industry, but I drive from downtown to have Vida do my color and cut. I love that Mary and Vida often collaborate on their clients and will ask each other's opinion on color. They are both geniuses. If you live in the area you should definitely try Aura. Vida and her sister Shiva grew up in their mother's beauty parlor in Iran and they both know how to thread (the best hair removal). I'm in love with my color today. Vida used three different colors to give me what I want. I needed low maintenance low-lights because I can't go there every six weeks. I go only once a quarter now because I am a new mom and I can't sit in the chair for three hours perfecting blonde highlights. What I love about Vida is that she won't cut your hair if you don't need it nor will she color it if she thinks you still look good. She's turned me away a few times, telling me my hair looks healthy and that I shouldn't mess with it. I am friends with these women because I was first a client with them and just love being around them. That's how I've always been with my hairdressers and if I move to a new city, finding their replacement will be difficult. read more

Mary does a nice color and cut, but the best part of the experience is the neck and shoulder massage! I agree with the reviews that indicate that the salon is pricey, but I also agree that Mary will swing a deal whenever possible. If I had more time, I would love to try their day spa. I welcome the excuse to go back, so expect another review soon... read more

Yuki is amazing! My hair has strange curls in it and is difficult to style if it doesn't have a great cut. She listened to what I wanted and modified my style to perfectly suit the shape of my face, then added beautiful wine colored highlights that complement my skin tone and natural color. She was fast, friendly and offered advice on hair care and styling--a perfect professional. She had my hair looking stunning for my upcoming presentations and I will go back to her for all my hair needs. Thanks Yuki! read more

Love this place! Mary is amazing when it comes to customer service and she always does an amazing job with my hair. if you haven't tried this place yet I would highly recommended you try this salon with Mary. read more

Aura Salon Day Spa - Mary did an amazing job coloring and styling my hair - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Diego, California

Mary (the owner is awesome)! It is pricey but you are very attended to and as she gets to know you, you may get some things comp'd.

I was referred here by my boss for an eyebrow threading. I never get them done anymore because everywhere I go, they can't seem to do what I want. My bosses eyebrows always look amazing so I asked her where she gets them done and ended up here. Vida did an amazing job on my eyebrows and took her time with tweezing/threading. She was very nice and obviously knew what she was doing. I would highly recommend her for future clients and I will definitely be coming back! Like I said I have never been satisfied with any other salons work and now I have found a salon to go to! read more

I came here for the first time a year ago because I wanted healthy color and saw a coupon in the paper somewhere. Vida does my color now and every other trim... its $55 for me here just for a trim, so although I am in love with Vida's haircuts sometimes I have to go elsewhere for the more fair and standard price of $15 for a trim. (Apparently they don't differentiate between the price of a trim and a full-on haircut... seems weird and unfair to me but oh well.) I was once unhappy with a new color we tried, and went back and she fixed the color for me no problem, no hesitation, no attitude. That means a lot to me! She doesn't talk a lot which is awesome when you want to pamper yourself and relax. Vida is very gentile, I like her hair washes but I wish she would let my conditioner sit longer before rinsing. Once after the shampoo and neck massage, I was so relaxed that I slept through the blow-dry and style! I always think its important to have a stylist who's personal style you like... and I always find myself telling Vida, "I want my hair cut like yours, lots of subtle layers. Ooh and I love your color too! Can you do something close to that for me?" She is very sophisticated and elegant, and I have noticed that her clientele walks away from her chair looking the same way. Mary seems nice enough but she makes me uncomfortable because she is the type that will compliment you on anything just because she likes to talk... if she compliments you chances are its not genuine so watch out and make sure YOU like it, don't take her word for it. All in all, its a great quality hair service salon. Try it especially if you have a coupon. But if you really can't afford it, be careful and be prepared because you may fall in love anyways and just have to break the bank (and coupons are for first-time clients only). If their prices were more reasonable, I would be a much more frequent client. read more

I was hoping to give this establishment a great star rating but I never got the chance the experience a service from Aura Salon Day Spa. I called this morning and spoke to someone to arrange for Reflexogology for four friends. I was told she would call me back with a confirmation but never received that call. I called back later that day and was directed to voicemail. I left a message to have them call me back and you guessed it...no call back. How disappointing especially since I was on vaction and hoping to drop $$$. Too bad I can not give them zero stars for customer service. read more

Very friendly staff. Will do their best to fit you in. It's a very relaxing atmosphere and I never feel as if they are rushing the work they're doing. Both my wife and myself go here regularly. Very zen like environment. read more

Vida is like a hair savant. I've been a client of hers for about 10 years now and even though I've lived in Miami and OC throughout that time, I still found myself waiting until my next trip to SD to get my hair done. She does a great cut on my wavy hair and has excellent color choices that match my personality and take the least amount of upkeep. Yes, it's a little pricey, but when it comes to my hair, I don't want to go cheap. Even other hair stylists that have cut my hair have complimented my color! Doesn't get much better than that! read more

I love everything Aveda, and I'm glad I was able to find this salon. I made an appointment yesterday, and had my appointment this morning and I am so pleased with my hair. My hair color, went from "blah" to "wow". Vida was the one who did my hair & she is amazing! And Mary, was so kind! read more

Vida is my savior. I went to so many places before this and it was always so nerve-wracking to get a cut or color and just hope for the best. Now I love going and trying new things because I know it will look great! read more

Snobby, pretentious staff that don't know the first thing about customer satisfaction. If you're spending money at a salon, you want to enjoy the experience and interact with generally likable people. Everyone I met in my 3 visits were rude and unhelpful. I've finally given up. read more

Excellent service .I love how they style my hair . I have been visiting this salon from last 3 years for cut and color on different occasions .I have been happy with their service. The salon is very upscale and they use great quality products for the price they charge ( they charge $55 for cut and if you color it comes up to $100+ or so ) . Recommend this place highly if you are looking for a great ambience , great style and great service . read more

I came here because of the amazing reviews for the salon and for the stylist. Also because to salon is listed as an Aveda pure privilege location. I came in with photos of the front and back for how I wanted my hair including showing how long I wanted it. I also needed a root touch up. I was a little annoyed at the fact the stylist put nothing on my skin to keep the color from staining my forehead and ears before starting the color. The color was good, I liked the results. I did not like the color stains on my skin. Then the haircut started. I am a very particular person so I was very VERY specific at how I wanted my hair cut and how long I wanted it. Well, needless to say, my hair was not cut as I requested, instead of a bob with longer in the front and shorter in the back, it is All One Length. When it was over, I looked at the back with a mirror and noticed I did not see the hi-lo effect I described or showed on the photos I brought. I mentioned the singular length and was asked if I wanted to go shorter in the back to create the difference. Too Late Now, I did not want to go shorter at all. The blow dry was good and my hair was shiny and soft, but I was deeply disappointed in the cut despite reading everyone else's rave reviews for this stylist. She was very sweet but I will not be going back. Another bummer, they are actually not a Pure Privilege location so I didn't get my products. I really wanted to like this place, guess I'll have to keep looking for a good hair stylist. read more

Being a part-time resident of San Diego, I've found it difficult to find a stylist that I've liked and who really seems to understand my hair. Mary at Aura is someone I'll be going back to for years. She truly gave me the best haircut I've had in recent years; she listened carefully to everything I wanted (as opposed to the experience of some of the other reviewers, apparently) and I walked out of Aura salon looking fabulous. She was recommended to me by a neighbor and we both love our Aura experiences. read more

Mary is the best!!! I can not say enough good things about her, this salon, and the experience here. She gave me the best hair cut I have ever had. I won't go anywhere else ever! read more

Just got a facial and my eyebrows done by Bernadette and she is lovely and very skilled. I was so relaxed and her voice is so soothing and the music was perfect. Her use of hot stones and body massages really completed the experience! She has been practicing for more than thirty years so she really knows her stuff. She is appointment only! Highly recommend! read more

Mary is a godsend. I've gone to her throughout my moves over the years and the commute is well worth it. I think it's been 7-8 years now?! I tell her to do what she wants and it always comes out great. I get 2 tone highlights, layers and angles and she does a great job. I've sent 4 friends and all of them had an amazing experience. read more

Do not be tempted by their online coupons. In the past I have had great luck trying different aveda salons as they usually have excellent service & are pretty consistent , etc... Not this salon. The stylists were nice enough but did not listen to what I wanted done. I walked out of there looking like the bleached blond stylist after I specifically requested that my hair stay brown. I ended up going back to my old salon to have them fix the damage. On top of that, they are VERY overpriced. My cut & color were more expensive at aura WITH the coupon than other aveda salons without the coupon. I will not be back. read more

I called in the morning and got a same day appointment for a cut & color, with Mary. The salon was a bit overwhelming with all of the jewelry and clothing that was in full display in the waiting area. I expect to walk into a salon, not a jewelry/clothing store with a side room for the actual salon, as if to say, "by the way, we do hair too." A little uncomfortable for me. Besides that, the salon was very clean and quiet, and Mary was warm and welcoming. She did a fantastic job on my color and cut, and took the time to explain the products she was using on my hair. Also enjoyed the lovely neck and shoulder massage. I found the salon pricing to be on par to what I usually pay when I drive to Hillcrest for my hair appointments. Since I was a first time client, Mary gave me the online coupon deal, in which the haircut was free. It was nice to take a chance on a local salon and have better results than I expected. Well done:) read more

I was not impressed with the Salon. The staff seemed friendly enough, but my stylist, Mary, did not follow through with the style we discussed. She tried to talk her way out of the mess, but it was obvious she knew what happened. She was extremely fake to the point that I felt very uncomfortable. I believe she was the owner or manager in charge. There seemed to be a lot of tension in the salon (which is actually quite beautiful), and I believe I was EXTREMELY over charged, as well. read more

Mary is the best. I've sent 4 friends and all of them had an amazing experience. I've been going there for years! -Jessica

Loved this place! I don't typically get my hair cut or styled, never received highlights or anything. Due to this I usually pop in a super cuts every once in a while to get some cheap services but wow the difference from one visit here! Yuki was so great! Wonderful costumer service, great recommendations, and not pushy to buy products on display. My hair looked and felt great afterwards. I will 100% be back for my next cut. read more

Finally, the color I asked for! I stopped by on Friday morning, a bit desperate because I was overdue for cut and color - Mary made an appointment for me later that day. They called a couple times to ask if I could come in earlier, but my phone didn't receive the messages until that night. When I came in the salon they graciously didn't even mention it. Shiva took the time to find out just what I wanted and then amazingly gave me the exact color I have been trying to achieve elsewhere for a very long time. It's a beautiful blend of shades that is my natural color, minus the "wisdom hairs", as Shiva put it. She also softened the layers of my overly severe cut and showed me two ways of styling it (in a hurry and taking my time). I appreciated the gentle shampooing (no dagger fingernails in my scalp) and neck/shoulder massage. There was no pressure to sell products, no add-on services. Absolutely thrilled with my hair and the whole experience. So happy to discover this salon! read more

Nice staff, nice quiet location, and I love love love Aveda. Good facials, and hair color from Aveda isn't as damaging as other products. There are 2 sisters who do hair here, and they are both great! read more

Yuki is great at her job!! She is a pro at cutting hair.. I have curly hair and she is really patient and does a great job. Mary does amazing facials!! read more

The salon is great! All the ladies are very friendly and welcoming. I have had many services at this salon including a facial, waxing, hair cuts and color, every experience has been wonderful. The environment is relaxing yet social. I would highly recommend Aura salon for any of the offered services. They have consistently gone above and beyond my expectations. read more

I decided to go to the Aura salon because I live in the area and a family member had a great experience with Shiva there for a short haircut. I thought I would give it a try. I am a busy woman juggling work and home responsibilities, and proximity to my house was the key. On my first appointment, Shiva made me wait for an hour before doing my hair. Granted, she did apologize telling me she called me, but I never received a phone call. My second and third appointments went pretty much the same - waiting for almost an hour, then finally getting to my hair, and my last haircut was rather substandard. I was thinking that for the time and money I spent I could have driven elsewhere. Shiva is nice and courteous, trying to facilitate everyone, and probably great with color. I did not need the color, just a layered haircut on my medium length hair. However, during all these appointments, I watched Mary working with her clients - fast, efficient, great long layered haircuts. I felt this is exactly what I need. Enthusiastically, I called for my next appointment and booked it with Mary. Within next two days I received multiple phone calls from Shiva and another lady telling me that I have to re-book my appointment with Shiva because I am her client. I could not believe it was happening to me. I did not enter into exclusivity agreements for my haircuts. I was just looking for what works for me -- the best customer service for my time and money. I wanted to try a different stylist by observing her work. I insisted on keeping my appointment with Mary. To make a long story short, my appointment with Mary was cancelled not once, but twice citing various reasons. I began to think they were doing this on purpose. My recommendation for this salon - pick your stylist carefully if you end up going to Aura or you will not be able to try a different stylist in the same salon. read more

I recently moved back to San Diego from San Antonio, Texas. I would have never guessed that Aveda salons could be so different from salon to salon. I used to go to 2 different Aveda salons in San Antonio and always had a very good experience - KCharles and Folawns are awesome! Aura seems to be a pseudo-Aveda salon. They never stock the products I use, so I generally get them at the Aveda store at North County Fair. They seem more interested in selling accessories and clothes rather than hair and skin product. I tried them when I moved back to San Diego after being gone for about 9 years. I tried to like it and give it a chance, (went there 4 times), but I just can't go back. My color is not what I asked for and I now have bangs when I did not ask for them. I was also "parked" under a hair dryer without being combed out while my stylist took other clients, which left my hair in knots. I understand trying to fit clients in, but I sat under a dryer in a hot window, sweltering, while my stylist took other clients. And they rarely turn on the A/C, which is a big problem if they are going to leave you to sit in the hot sun. Sorry to say it...but they seem like nice people, and the location is convenient for me, but its just not for me. For the price, I think I can do better.... read more

If you value your time/hair/mind/money and over all well-being, don't consider this salon! Chances are you won't get the opportunity to book an appointment as there is no receptionist staffed to do so nor to take a follow-up call from a client. My experience was a disaster. I walked out with undesirable black hair (I have light to medium brown hair) and 4 inches cut-off my hair (I only wanted about an inch cut off) as a Mullet hair style would have been my only option otherwise. The stylist (artist as she referred to herself) wanted to send me home with foils in my hair as a solution! I had been at the salon for 3 hours for all over color (no highlights) and a cut and needed to leave to pick-up my children from school. Highlights would not have been the solution. I needed to have the black color deposits removed. She told me that it would wash out over time and that I should wear it up in a ponytail for my shoot scheduled in 3 days from that date. I have contacted Aveda several times and while they cannot enforce the salon reimburse me, they CANNOT make contact with the salon either! Though I have been a long standing devoted Aveda client/enthusiast, I WILL NOT EVER GO BACK TO AURA SALON and if you value yourself, you WILL NOT either!!! read more