I got a full color correction from a messed up box dye and it was amazing. The way the color lifted 10/10 experience. Ava was very informative about each step of the way so I felt comfortable and confident in her abilities the whole time read more

The salon is professional, inviting, and amazing and making sure I look and feel good. The service I always receive here is unmatched. Ava is so talented and provides the perfect level of hair care, so I know my hair is in good hands. I honestly drove an hour to get to the salon and it's worth it every time! Thank you for always making me look amazing! read more

Ava Karl Salon - After Ava worked her magic! - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of my favorite quotes - "At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." When I moved back I struggled with finding the right salon for me. Experiences are highly important to me and like many others I've had my fair share of diversified experiences. Since my first appointment Ava has been genuinely kind & gracious. There's a peacefulness there that allows me the chance to be relaxed & digress after a long work week or work trip. In a city full of noise & chaos it's a place that consistently makes me feel feel gorgeous inside & out! That's what brings me back each time. read more

New Year, new hair. Or so I hoped... After a thoroughly lackluster but nauseatingly expensive ($225) 'curly cut' by She Who Will Not Be Named the end of September 2021, come this January I was dismayed at how frowsy I looked but I was also feeling very distrustful of letting any more curl "experts" get near my head. My choices were to cut it myself (been there, done that), fly back to San Francisco to let Rafiki at Pastel Salon do the deed (not really practical for any number of reasons) or find someone closer to home (Center City). That is how I found myself and my curls at the Ava Karl Salon. I was early for my appointment with Ava Darling but she greeted me warmly, took my coat, got me draped and seated and chatted briefly about what I was looking for. She was finishing up with another client and gave me a timeline when she would get started with me. Since I always travel with something to read and the salon's atmosphere was calm and relaxed, it was no sacrifice to sit and zone for awhile with the latest New Yorker magazine. There was music playing but it was so unobtrusive (which is always great), it simply added to the 'ah, now let's just slow down and take a breath' ambiance. Ava is a lovely, courteous, softspoken Scorpio who works very hard at stellar customer satisfaction. She is an excellent listener and best of all (to me), very visual. When I told her what I was looking for in a cut, she immediately got out her phone to show me pictures of what she felt I wanted. She explained that it was important to her that both she and her 'guest' were on the same page and pictures were the best way to assure that. Absolutely! My confidence in the outcome of this cut instantly went to 100%. As she did the dry cut, she explained everything she was doing, answered my questions and asked good questions regarding my likes, dislikes, and lifestyle-as in-how much time and effort did I want to put into a style. It was reassuring to me that I was being treated with so much intentional, individual care and not just getting a cut/style that she wanted to do. After the dry cut, where I exclaimed that I looked 1,000 times better already as well as 10 years younger, I was shampooed, given 2 separate treatments, one to brighten up my color, the other a deep conditioning. Both were part of the cost of the cut but they made me feel like I had booked a spa day as I relaxed under the dryer. Again, with every product she used, Ava explained what she was putting on my hair, why she was doing it and what the outcome would be. At no time did she push me to buy any product she was using or invest in a particular product line. Ava is not 'just' a DevaCurl stylist. She provides full service, so if you are looking for color, any kind of cut for any kind of hair or anything else that can be done to your tresses, she's the woman for you. She constantly checked in with me throughout the 2 hours I was there and I felt very much seen, heard and cared about. When blowout/diffuser time came, Ava again took her time to make sure all the lines of the cut were in accord with each other and that I was satisfied with her work. I was astounded at what she had been able to get my hair to do in what seemed to be an effortless way. I asked about the DevaCut 3 month rule for the next appointment, and she said to see how my hair was growing out, what and where I wanted to go next with it (my first thought was curly mohawk) and asured me that it was fine to wait until Spring before I came in again. In the 7 years that I have been back in Philly, this entire hair affair, from making the appointment and pre-paying online to having Ava help me into my coat as I was preparing to depart, was, without a doubt, the easiest, nicest and most satisfying haircut/salon experience I've enjoyed. I can say with a big grin that I will be most definitely back again! read more

I have been to Ava Karl several times and received fantastic haircuts from Karla. She can work me into the schedule with no problem and her professionalism shows through. I would recommend Ava Karl to both men and women for any hairstyles and any kind of hair treatments. They are in the Center City area and are true professionals. Jim read more

It's easy to find a hair stylist that meets your basic needs. But finding a unique stylist that is skilled and talented enough to work magic on all hair types is rare. Ava, at The Ava Karl Salon provides guests with an elevated salon experience. The care and attention she gives to my hair is exceptional. Congratulations Ava on the opening of The Ava Karl Salon in Old City Philadelhia!! read more

Listen!!!! I was in town for a couple events and made an appointment for me and mom to get my hair done here and the owners are absolutely incredible. I'm big on finding a salon that does your hair the healthy way and both Ava and Karla were the best. They were friendly, professional, and made us feel like the best versions of ourselves. Honestly, if I lived here this would be my go to salon. read more

Ava Karl Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Love Ava Karl Salon! I go every week for a bombshell blowout by the fabulous Karla. If Karla is not available, the equally talented Ava comes thru with her special touch. Both do amazing moviestar blowouts! I always get compliments on my hair with it's a cut, color or blowout. They are both so personable and always try their best get me in, even for last minute requests! Highly recommend. read more

Ava always keeps my hair so healthy and gorgeous! The salon is top notch, from the time you step in you are greeted with kindness and no long wait time. Super friendly salon. If you go to Ava Karl Salon ask for Ava! I promise you will be happy with your service you get done. read more

I've been going to Ava for over 20 years. Even when I lived in Maryland I would drive home to get my hair done. She is excellent with hair care, on the cutting edge with new techniques and can work with different hair textures. I love her present salon. Do not hesitate to book with her. read more

Just had my first haircut with Ava and it was amazing! I have longish curly hair, which is prone to falling flat. Ava did a dry cut, taking her time to ask what I want, explain what she is doing, and check in with me throughout the process. She then washed, conditioned and diffused my hair and made a few recommendations (without pushing anything). She does a mix of Diva and Rezo cut. My curls are now popping and happy! read more

I was a previous client of Karla's and was thrilled to hear that she and Ava were opening their own salon. Karla literally saved my hair. For about 15 years, I regularly had my hair straightened at various salons with both keratin and Japanese thermal reconditioning. When I went to Karla, my hair was horribly damaged, broken, and lifeless. Karla showed me how to embrace my curls with DevaCurl products and brought my hair back to life with Olaplex. I cannot thank her enough for giving me my hair back! When summer hits, I look forward to getting a SAFE keratin treatment with her to tame the frizzies. Ava and Karla are welcoming and warm and make you feel right at home. I can't imagine going anywhere else and would recommend their salon to anyone. read more

Karla, Karla, Karla! I have been going to Karla for 2 years now and she works her magic every time. I first went to her to help fix my hair (because another hair stylist burned my hair with harsh chemicals and the color was off), but she figured out a way to fix it and make it beautiful. She knew exactly what to do and how to repair it. I then go to her each time for a slightly different look (similar color but sometimes lighter, sometimes darker) and she makes it look beautiful every time. I HIGHLY recommend coming here. To add, Ava is fantastic as well. She's an incredible host and I feel so warm when I'm there. I love chatting with the both of them. Very easy going atmosphere. I attached a video of my latest hair style - I wanted to go a bit lighter this time and it was done exactly how I wanted it! read more

I highly recommend this salon for all of your hair needs. The stylist are very friendly and helpful. Although the salon is located in Old City they offer diverse hair styling needs and products, which I love!! The salon is so nice and comfortable inside. I loved my stylist (Ava) and my hair!!! I am definitely going back to get my hair done again!! read more

Ava Karl Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Run don't walk to get to Ava at her salon! Especially if you are a curly girl! She is Deva certified but uses all kinds of great products for curly girls if you don't want to use Deva products. She can do it all though! I would give more stars if I could! read more

Ava and Karla are awesome! Friendly staff, clean, organized, and knowledgable. Definitely give them a visit.

I booked an appointment for a wash and blow out for a wedding I was attending in Philadelphia. Ava did an amazing job. I got so many compliments!! I wish I lived in Philadelphia to go back to this salon! Thank you, Ava!! read more

Wonderful job. I am loving my new blonde 22 inch hair extensions. Great job with the base color platinum blonde to match. If you need a place for extensions and/or A-list work for blondes in Philly I highly recommend this place. read more

I HIGHLY recommend this business. The vibe is so upbeat & inviting. Whatever style or process I've asked for, I've been beyond pleased with. Ava is a true professional that caters to her clients. Located in the heart of the city WITH street parking. Can't get any better than that!!! read more

I first got my haircut by Karla in 2021, without knowing that my now husband would be proposing to me later that day! I had such a wonderful experience that I've been going back to her ever since, including getting my hair cut, glazed, and getting a Keratin before my wedding. Karla really listens to what you are looking for and makes sure that she gets it right. When she reached out about her new salon I was so thrilled for her!! She is incredibly professional and meticulous - and always takes the time to share new tips and tricks for keeping my hair healthy. Karla's the best - highly recommend! read more

Karla has been doing my hair for years so of course I followed her to Ava Karl Salon. she always does such a fantastic job and makes sure I'm happy. She and Ava are so kind and friendly and create a wonderful environment. read more

The staff is great and very accommodating. Great options and styles for all types of hair.

This is the salon experience I always wanted! I have been to many perfectly lovely places and walked out with haircuts that were just fine, but I always get up from Ava's chair feeling SPECTACULAR! She has amazing skills, but more importantly, she just immediately got my vibe and styled accordingly. Very safe space for LGBTQIA+ folks. read more

I have been coming to see Ava for 2 years and she really cares about my hair! it has grown significantly since seeing her and we love changing up my look with her variety of services! read more