I have been coming to Avalon (Xenon prior) for over 2 decades now and I am always pleased with the caliber of students they have. Yes, there are an array of personalities ranging from more introverted to more extroverted. I have recognized that when I note that I'm donating hair, they will pair me up with a more confident student. What I mean is that for the newer students or for those who are not quite confident in their skills, a trim gives them practice that can build their confidence. But when you are donating 12" and choose a choppy A-line as your inspiration, it's definitely NOT textbook, so I feel like this would overwhelm someone who is still learning the basics. Last night, I went in to donate 12" and Noelia was so amazing!! She listened to what I wanted and asked her instructor if what she was thinking was how it should be done. When Noelia became stumped, she asked her instructors for guidance and intently watched them and learned new techniques. I even heard one of the instructors say "Well, this is one of those times where we bend that hair rule." My hair looks amazing and when I asked Noelia how to style it like my inspo pic, she was patient and explained in detail how to attain the look. She not only is a bright student who can learn, retain, and execute what she learned, but she can also teach back, which is the best demonstration of how wonderful of a student she is. Shout out to the instructors too who are patient and also allow the students to not fear asking questions or for guidance. They are really cultivating wonderful hair artists. And.. if you're lucky enough that an instructor decides to have a creative streak adding finishing touches to your hair, you get to see a hair master with scissors. I am amazed at not only the talent, but the speed in how they accomplish it. read more

Avalon Institute - Donated 12" of hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

As both a professional barber and a concerned mother, I feel obligated to speak honestly about my experience with Avalon Institute -- not only as a client, but also from the perspective of a former student(different school) who expected a quality education and professional environment. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing. The education students receive does not properly prepare them for the beauty and barbering industry. Many students are left teaching themselves instead of receiving hands-on instruction and guidance from licensed educators. While there are a few instructors who genuinely care ( felicia and toya), some teachers seem more interested in being students' friends than actually educating, correcting, and preparing them for real careers. Professionalism and structure are lacking in many areas. As someone already working in the barber industry, I can confidently say the training standards should be much higher. Students deserve instructors like felicia and toya who are engaged, experienced, and committed to helping them succeed -- not instructors who overlook important techniques, avoid accountability, or fail to provide consistent education. Another major issue is the lack of support and understanding for working professionals trying to better themselves through education. Being discriminated and looked over for employment opportunities because your child is a student at the institute was not okay. I know what I can bring to the education of beauty but got shut down because I have the same DNA as a student isn't ok Additionally, many students were not properly issued the materials and kits they paid for and needed in order to complete their training. Missing supplies, incomplete kits, and lack of proper equipment made it difficult for students to fully participate and practice the skills required in beauty education. When students are paying thousands of dollars for tuition, they should receive every tool and resource promised to them. Overall, Avalon Institute was not the supportive, professional learning environment I expected. Students deserve quality education, proper materials, professionalism, and instructors who genuinely care about their future careers. I hope this school takes these concerns seriously and makes improvements for future students read more

This was my first visit. I booked an appointment for a haircut. I waited under 5 minutes. The place is busy but the vibe is nice. $12 got me a shampoo, haircut, and blow dry. It has been a while since I've been able to do any self-care because things are so expensive. I was incredibly pleased with the quality of the service and the entirety of the experience. read more

I went in as a blonde w some grey..... I walked out with yucky brown but mostly silver grey all over. It looks absolutely awful. I now have more grey than when I started. The student took his time and tried. I was told the instructor passed by and looked while he was drying it but never inspected once the hair was dry. No one asked me my thoughts...... they refuse to correct this unless I pay for an appt w a student in a higher class. I understand it's a teaching scenario but the best way to teach students who have a poor color outcome, is to learn a lot more by correcting the mistake. read more

A year ago we had a poor experience here, in which we waited an hour and a half for our services. We thought we'd give them another try, but we ended up regretting it. I waited almost an hour for my service, because the student had gone to lunch. The student blamed the school, while the teachers blamed the student. The same thing happened with my son's haircut. (Which was a very poor job, even with help from the instructor.) This school needs to have better communication with their students, and they need to teach punctuality, especially when they're dealing with the public. read more

AVOID THIS SCHOOL AT ANY COST for ESTHETICIAN! This school is a scam. Here is why: They will sell you $2000 nonrefundable toolkit that you can literally buy it on your own half the price. They gave me a laptop that takes 100 minute to load a screen and charged me over 300$, YOU DO NOT NEED IT!!! JUST BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP. All other tools are almost half the price on Amazon and other websites. ALSO, THEY WILL MAKE YOU DO A JANITORIAL CLEANING DUTIES! in the name of esthetician required cleaning hours. Technically you are paying this school to learn how to wash microwave and clean men's restroom floor and trash. Absolutely gross!!!! if you refuse they will retaliate!!!!! ONLINE COURSE IS A MESS! You will be in class in hair students on some days, very unorganized and all over the place. IF YOU WANT TO WASTE YOUR MONEY GO AHEAD AND ENROLL!!! THERE ARE BETTER SCHOOLS WHO TREAT THEIR STUDENTS WITH RESPECT AND CARE. read more

Avalon Institute - your student station will be filthy - Hair Salons Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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So I had a great experience here with a haircut...the students and instructor here are so nice and sweet. I got an amazing haircut. Took some time to really get it perfected- and I appreciated that. read more

Timi did an amazing job on my hair! It was long, frizzy, and I needed a change. She gave me a gloss treatment and a beautiful hair cut. She was attentive, and very considerate through the whole process. Everywhere I go friends and relatives compliment my hair. I look forward to seeing her professional development in this field. read more

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This is actually a terrible school I went for nails and they liked to me about it and we only got one day to actually do nails. And then I dropped out because I wanted to do just nails and they said it would only be around 4-5 k to pay back but they lied about that also! So now I owe 8k they are just liars!!!!!!! read more

This was my 1st visit and was quite pleased with the outcome. I wanted a color and cut. Irma (student) was very professional and straight forward regarding expectations, which I appreciate 100%! This is a teaching/learning environment. The students were positive and the instructor on the floor was great in visiting each station and providing tips and feedback if needed. Prices are amazing and Ill be sure to return for various services provided. read more

Second visit with April and beyond happy with her work! Super talented. She's detail oriented and very talented!

I got a facial from Allison C. and it was absolutely amazing! I have never received a facial before and it was amazing for my first experience! She was very informative on the products she was using on my face and she knew what she was doing! her voice was very relaxing, almost asmr vibes! she let me know the next steps, she is amazing at the facial and scalp massage! i would most definitely recommend her to my friends and family! read more

Don't book a service online. I had a pedicure booked and right as I was about to leave the house I got a text that it was cancelled. Called and was told that they were not taking clients tonight. So my question is why was I allowed to book? As a licensed cosmetologist who was hoping to help others with their schooling by servicing clients, like others helped me, I recommend you don't allow clients to book a service if you aren't allowing services to be done during that time. Definitely a management issue, I am sure the students here are great. read more

Absolutely awful. I have come here two times before, both times having horrible experience. The first time I came I went to get my nails done, the girl did not do well and my nails were ugly and peeling off before I even left. I understand that these people are learning so I decided not to be too judgmental. At the beginning of August I decided to come in to get my hair done, I booked an appointment a week in advance, and the day of called to let them know that I would be around 5-7 minutes late. The girl on the phone was somewhat rude but I still came to get my hair done. When I arrived they told me it would be about a 15-20 minute wait. I sat in their lobby for 50 minutes waiting to get my hair done, until I saw the stylist that was supposed to be doing my hair leave. The manager pulled me aside and told me that they wouldn't be able to do my hair that day, even though I had already had an appointment booked and waited for almost an hour. A complete waste of time, and nobody seemed to really care or be apologetic. I understand that this is a school and that people are still learning, but service was still awful and the business does not seem to be ran well. read more

I have been going to Avalon back when it was Xenon and 15 years before that for color and I have NEVER been disappointed. The girls are wonderful but as soon as u find a favorite she graduates!! But I always find another favorite, but they're all good, friendly and welcoming also. U have recently been having my hair cut and am pleased. There are instructors to assist with students who have decades of experience. Love Avalon! read more

Sariah, Did an amazing job. I went in for a wash and trim. she was efficient and very polite. thank you for doing a great job! read more

I had lash lifting with Pegah in Avalon institute, she did amazing job, she was paying attention to what she was doing and going over every step with me, I had amazing experience with Pegah and I was very satisfied with my lash lifting results. read more

This place is amazing! Yes they are students and yes they are learning, but they are amazing! They listen to what you want, understand your hair on more than a surface level and the instructors do an amazing job at teaching and demonstrating without taking over. All while still making sure the client is happy and the stylist feels comfortable with the plan and process! I have been back multiple times and worked with both Torin and Guadalupe, they both did incredible work and I am so happy with the results! read more

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I enjoyed my haircut here. It took around 4 hours for a cut, color, and style, but in the end it turned out great! It was $75 before purchasing product, but my stylist recommended many kinds of hair care to me which added up to $40 more! Great place read more

I had a facial and it was an awesome experience, the students were all friendly and provided a professional and peaceful experience. It is a great opportunity to help the students hone their craft. My skin felt amazing afterwards, it also included a skin analysis and foot massage. You cannot be the price for the service you receive. I would recommend Avalon for Aesthetician services. read more

Don't come here. They miss up on student hours. They miss up on you grades. And they take forever to do anything about it.

My first review was removed. I enrolled and went to orientation for their esthetician program. They were only concerned about securing my financial aid and everything about orientation felt like a scam and red flags. I was told by the employee I talked to that if I didn't do their program right now I wasn't fit to be an esthetician. Extremely glad I left. This was in Jan 2023. read more

Can't comment on the school it self. However, I had a facial here today and my esthetician Sadie was amazing. She was patient, kind and made me feel comfortable before, during and after my facial. My skin feels great! & The front staff was very nice & helpful. read more

I wouldn't recommend this salon to my worst enemy the student who did my hair did a great job setting me up and communicating what she could and could not do. The instructor then came to cut my bangs and only cut one side of my head. the student noticed the bangs were not where I'd like them to be and said if I got home and styled them and they were still too long, to call back and I could come back in. I called back and asked to come back in since it looked like 0 length had been cut off my hair. the receptionist was rude and short and said I had to call the clinical educator and that they didn't have time to see me again today. the educator didn't pick up the phone so I had to leave a voicemail. I never heard back from her, so I went and got my hair fixed by another salon. I called the institute back and asked if there was anything they could do for me, and they said that they were planning on calling me to come in (just never did) and since I went and got my hair fixed somewhere else that there was nothing they'd do for me. I understand it is a school! I respect the students knowing their boundaries in what they're comfortable in, but the instructor massively messed up a simple bang trim and then their front desk said that since I didn't wait for the call that was "supposedly" coming even though they had already told me they would not see me again today, that it was my fault that my hair would not get fixed by them. don't blame the students, blame who's teaching them and running that institute. read more

Not going to name any people because they were all pretty friendly , umm my daughter got a good haircut I freaked out when I saw her because it was shorter than what I asked for but found out she asked for short so I guess they went with what she wanted , I went in with .... I'm just going to post pictures of what I went in with and what I came out with . The most horrifying experience I never thought I'd go through something like that but I did understand that it's all students they are learning ... I just idk I told the stylist there's no way I can walk out of here worst than how I came ... I was in for a surprise... when I walked in my hair had like light brown money pieces they were very thick so I wanted like a shadow root I just wanted dark roots and light ends .... That's all I wanted ... walked out with light roots and extremely messed up ends i don't even know what the color is . I still paid for the services of course , 22$ . 10$ for my kids cut and 12 for the disaster that is my hair . Got my hair bleached and damaged one more time just so I can go all black again it was so scary I appreciate how nice the girl was , poor thing started crying when she saw what my hair looked like but she's learning . Never going back , nightmare for me but this one girl that was next to me getting a balayage left with amazing hair so try at your own risk . read more

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I am happy to be a student at Avalon! My instructor Kahlie is a rockstar! Melody is really nice too! I would love for you to come visit me for a hair or nail serviceservice! read more

I'm a regular here. You can't beat an inexpensive haircut with great students and teachers. If you can find the same person to do you hair and keep going to them, you've landed a gold mine. Regardless, if it's not the cut you expected, it's no big deal. They will fix it to your liking, and/or you could come back in 5-6 weeks when your hair has grown out a bit. You should always come with a picture of the ideal cut so that the teachers can advise the student on how to cut your hair. Remember, these are students cutting your hair. Be patient, know that they are learning, and expect the cut to take longer than usual. Though not required, make sure to tip. 10-11 bucks + tip: for a shampoo, cut, and style...you can't go wrong! The eyebrow threading place I go to is 10 bucks + tip (and it takes less than 5 minutes). Put things into perspective, doesn't it? They are remodeling, so ignore the noise. I'll continue to keep coming here to get my haircut... and will look into seeing what other beauty services they provide! read more

My beautiful girl J. "Cookie" is fabulous!! Did everything I wanted and then some!! So excited and thrilled with her work! If you can... I invite anyone willing to do vanity color... she is the "GO TO!!!" read more

Brianna jo dis amazing on my red hair she was very pleasant to work with and I could not recommend a better stylist

I went in for a customized facial with student Nayelhi Estudillo. She did a wonderful job recommending a facial since I have complex combination skin. She took the time to explain to me what is best for my skin type and provided instructions for after care and next steps to get my skin tone even. I was very pleased with her service, and care for my face. I will recommend her to my friends. Cant beat the price elsewhere. My skin feels great! read more

Na I would do research and choose a different place. Was not real happy with the service, and the students don't seem content, just a real weird vibe there. read more

Vida cut my hair today at Avalon and did a wonderful job! I love the cut and she was very professional. This is the second time she has cut my hair and I feel like she has gone from a student to a professional! She is efficient and is open to suggestions. In addition, Michael, her instructor, was awesome also. He was so positive and gave just the right amount of help. A very positive experience!! read more

I was due for a haircut and I went in with dulce and loved her service and the friendly atmosphere inside their all so kind and friendly can't wait to go back for another service read more

Very upset with the service my daughter is receiving after going to school here for cosmetology. They promised her direction, and mentoring once completion of the program, and all they've done is turned their backs on her. She asks for guidance and doesn't receive. Please don't waste your time and energy here. There are more schools out there that offer so much more. These people are money hungry, they get you in the door and slam it right behind you. Please take your education elsewhere. read more

This place was the absolute worst. i came with a relative and i immediately got this weird vibe from the students within seconds of being there. they seemed really unhappy and i overheard a student talking about asking for help and another student told her no because then they'd get upset with her. they seem to care more about the money the students bring in rather than the students, which is totally not okay. pay attention to your students, care more about teaching them properly please. read more

Every time I come here I have a great experience! I've had my hair cut and colored here multiple times, and I love it every time. This past time, Jenn B. did a phenomenal job! My color turned out amazing. She had great customer service. The instructors are also always very kind and helpful. I will definitely keep coming back! read more

Please check out all you options on school before making this choice. This is not a safe choice. The school makes the students attend class in bad conditions. No A/C when temperature are over 90 degrees, if you get a note from your doctor saying you need to keep water at your station it is not allowed, they do not accept doctors notes, if you are is a car accident or late due to bad weather you are told to leave and then you are disciplined like old school and made to roll red rods for days. My observants was only certain students were disciplined if you are late or sent home. Not sure why the Teacher Adam has this control of picking and choosing who he is going to bully. He seams to just find one or two students that he doesn't like and then just picks on them. These students are adults and they should be treated as such. This school was a nightmare . I contacted the corporate headquarters and never had my call returned. read more

DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL! Much like the other students who attended this school, I chose it because they offered FAFSA. I decided to get my esthetician licensure in the midst of the pandemic. When I applied, of course I was shown all the bells and whistles. I was escorted through the modest school where the cosmetology students have the bulk of the space and the esthetician's are crammed into two rooms between the upstairs classroom and downstairs classroom. I walked through and briefly observed the current students working on their laptops, on clients, and each other. Everything was very quiet, zen, lovely. I applied to the school, was approved, and was told I was on the waiting list to begin my classes June 29th rather than the following class in August. I was never notified that I was in fact put into the June class until I called the Friday before and they said they forgot to call me to let me know. That should have been my first indication the communication there was not that great. However, they did make sure I knew, on several occasions, that they were in the midst of hiring on a new team of Esthetician teachers that was going to make my learning experience better. On day one, we were introduced to our teacher Ms. C only to find out it was her last 2 days. In the meantime we were to be getting an interim cosmetology teacher while they hired on a new esthetics teacher. Throughout that first day the director of the school interrupted the class a minimum of 10 times. For things that could have waited until the lunch break or one of the fifteen minute breaks the students get. However, he continued to interrupt us. I assumed it was because of the general craziness going on at the school with the hiring a new teacher and on boarding a new group of students. However, these interruptions would continue every single day we were on campus and it got to the point that while practicing waxing on each other, many of us were apprehensive about the practicing because of the relentless interruptions and infringement of our privacy. His response? "Nothing I've never seen before guys, let it go." The teacher that was brought in did not know what she was doing, or talking about. She would continuously say "we are learning this together". As it turned out, she was not a licensed esthetician and she was brought into the school as a teacher after she had come in to become an esthetics student. We spent the first 10 weeks arguing amongst each other, bringing this to the director to which we were never given a straight answer and the most common response was "Rome wasn't built in a day"... it took 3.5 weeks for us to get our skincare supplies. They were in the midst of removing Sanitas from their teaching skincare line to IMAGE, and now they're switching to Skin Script. There is absolutely no organization and no unity. The director is filled with sexist, sarcastic, anti-compassionate, condescending, attitude and since I attended last June they've gone through 3 esthetician teachers. The two that remain enjoy talking poorly about their students, fellow staff members, and each other. If you're a violent person, you are welcome to attend. A student in one of the classes I was a part of opted to divulge in the drama between a teacher who is still there and another that quit, and decided they knew what was going on when they didn't. They opted to barge into another class with clients being worked on in the room beside that class and begin yelling, threatening to beat people up in the parking lot, punching their palms, and my client heard everything. Was that student sent home? No. Because the teacher in charge that day favored that student and felt there was no need. In fact, that teacher was so inclined to help that student and had such disregard for the safety of the rest of the students that she opted to not inform the director of what happened. The director did nothing except lie to all the students that did go to him. He wrote up someone who wasn't involved, said he interviewed other students when he didn't. You're a $ sign to them. read more