Rylie cut my hair she was awesome. I got more compliments than with any other haircut. She gave me tips and information on what shampoo and conditioner works best with my hair type. read more

Avalon Institute - Haircut - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I worked for Avalon in both admissions and leadership roles and ultimately left because the organization's values no longer aligned with my own. The most significant challenge was what I perceived as a disconnect between leadership expectations and the realities of campus operations. Admissions teams were often expected to meet aggressive enrollment goals while managing constantly shifting priorities, limited resources, and inconsistent communication. Much of my role involved translating unclear or reactive direction into something representatives could realistically execute. In my experience, enrollment volume was prioritized more heavily than retention, student preparedness, and long-term student success. This created confusion around performance expectations and what outcomes were truly valued. I observed situations where high enrollment numbers appeared to receive greater recognition than efforts focused on retention, student readiness, and long-term outcomes. I also observed inconsistencies in recognition, advancement opportunities, compensation practices, workload distribution, and communication that negatively impacted morale. Many talented employees worked extremely hard to support students and improve operations, but feedback and recommendations from frontline staff often seemed to go unaddressed despite recurring challenges. Another concern was the culture within leadership. Rather than fostering collaboration, there were times when competition, poor communication, and uneven information sharing created unnecessary tension between teams and departments. This often resulted in employees acting as intermediaries rather than being empowered to work together directly and effectively. I frequently felt that organizational decisions were driven more by enrollment growth and financial objectives than by educational outcomes, student preparedness, retention, or long-term student success. I also felt that the perspectives of employees with direct experience working with students and campus operations were not given sufficient consideration when key decisions were made. I also experienced and observed workplace interactions that I perceived as insensitive and, at times, discriminatory. As a biracial woman, there were comments and situations that made me uncomfortable and caused me to question whether all employees were being treated with the same level of respect and professionalism. These experiences negatively impacted my sense of belonging within the organization. Additionally, I had concerns regarding how employee complaints and sensitive matters were handled. In my experience, confidentiality was not always maintained in a manner that fostered trust, which made employees hesitant to raise concerns or provide honest feedback. While I cannot speak to everyone's experience, I personally experienced interactions that I perceived as dismissive, demeaning, and unprofessional. Over time, this contributed significantly to my decision to leave. I genuinely care about career education and the students these schools serve. There are many dedicated campus employees throughout the organization who work hard every day to support students and help them achieve their goals. However, I believe the company would benefit from placing greater emphasis on student outcomes, retention, employee development, transparency, accountability, and stronger alignment between leadership decisions and campus realities. Pros: Dedicated coworkers, meaningful work with students, valuable admissions and leadership experience. Cons: Heavy emphasis on enrollment metrics, inconsistent communication, frequent shifts in priorities, limited recognition of employee contributions, concerns regarding workplace culture and confidentiality, and a disconnect between leadership and day-to-day operations, main focus being securing the 20+ grand from students for tuiton and not actual education. read more

Visit Institute for discount services cosmetics. They are very friendly despite being a little self for the student status. A very informative and helpful reply read more

Avalon Institute - me getting my haircut - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Students are frequently expelled, yet the school requires that you pay the full tuition costs. The classroom environment is stressful and toxic where instructors play favorites and treat everyone else with contempt. My daughter went there and was expelled just weeks before graduation, and they're seeking payment. Considering the unusually high expulsion rate, this operation almost seems like a racket. read more

My appointment was at noon.! Waited til 12:30 for Jasmine to do my retouch! She did not look like she wanted to be there. I was there for 3 hours! When she washed my hair her long hair was over my face! Gross! Then when time to blown dry she stop half way! I ask her if she was done? She replied yes, look like you are in a hurry to leave! So i cancel her my hair cut! When I told the teacher, she replied this is a school, not a professional business! She did not even offer to help fix my hair! My retouch was darker than my original hair! When I call i quoted $30 but charged $35! Never again coming back here! read more

Kevin did my hair and was awesome! He was super tedious and took great care of my hair. Will definitely go back to him and highly recommend him! read more

I was in on the evening of 5/7/25 with my daughter and we both wanted acrylic nails put on before going out of town for a graduation. I made an appointment for us ahead of time. I was called twice on the day of the appointment to ask if we could come in earlier and I still don't understand why. When we arrived for our appointment there was some confusion as to what we were doing and if it could be done at 6:15 pm. Olivia did my nails and she did a great job. Two weeks later they are still hanging on. She was professional and very friendly. If this review was solely based on my nails and Olivia I would have given a five star review. My daughter had her nails done by another student who right off the bat told her that she was supposed to have gone home already. This explains why she rushed. She failed to properly prep her nails and therefore the very next day (Thursday 5/8/25) my daughter had nails that were loose. By Friday a couple fell off and most of the other nails didn't make it the rest of the weekend. I called when we returned to town (Tuesday 5/13) and was told that a form was filled out and that I will receive a phone call to reschedule an appointment for my daughter. The call didn't come so I called again and was assured that I would receive a call. I never received a call. This seems like a very disorganized organization with little care for the skill of their students. I would not recommend attending this school based on that and unless you can have Olivia do your nails go somewhere else. read more

"Let the buyer beware" Why, you ask? Well, I'm the parent of a student that went through the program. My child only qualified if I did the Parent Plus student loan. So, I was responsible for approximately 35% of the loan. There's a whole contract you sign when getting the finances squared away. They give you a dollar value that you are responsible for. Don't believe that amount. It's going to change. See, there's a sneaky little clause in the contract that states "multiple loans can be made under the same master promissory note (MPN.... Which is your contract). Even if you ask, because that concerns you, they say "oh, don't worry about that. That's if YOU need additional resources for supplies and whatnot". And, without even attempting to contact you for approval or if you can't afford more debt added onto you, they go ahead and add loan(s) onto your debt WITHOUT CONSENT, NOTIFICATION, ANYTHING. You find out later when you make a payment and go from a happy "this is my last payment" to now owing an additional 30% and are back to making payments. And you're screwed. They have the sneaky clause they lied about on top if the amount you owe they lied about. So, if you're OK with that, go ahead and sign up, being separated from way more of your money than you were told or were OK with. Totally unethical. That's just like buying a car and being ready to pay off the loan after years and the dealership saying "well, that model car goes for $10,000.00 more than when we sold it to you, so we're adding $10,000.00 onto what you owe". Horrid, decietful practice that they get away with because they can. My advice is to find a more reputable cosmetology institute and if you know other people who are considering this place, let them know that's what they do. read more

I admit that I was looking for a cheap place to get a full set of acrylic nails, pedicure, and eyebrows done the day before a business trip. I accepted a certain amount of risk, though I found this place when a student advertised her services online. I should of known I was in trouble when eyebrows took 30 min, and a couple of checks and guidance from a teacher, but I was patient. I was set at ease when the girl told me she loves nails and plans to open a nail salon after graduation in June and that she has over 900 hours of practice. For t he next 3+ hrs she worked my nails. I must admit that she tried, but they were simply terrible. She used enough acrylic for 3 sets, it was bright pink, not properly cured, and when the school didn't have the color I asked for she told me she had a plan and proceeded to mix two colors. The paint job was also terrible. They were closing and we never made it to the pedicure after 3 hrs and 45 min. Probably a blessing. Felt bad for the girl who shared that they didn't make anything for their services, so I tipped her anyways. The instructor came over looked at my nails and smiled and said. That's why she's our nail expert an proceeded to stamp her page. It was so bad that the next day, in another state I had to pay to have them removed and a new set done...and was the comedy of the whole salon that afternoon. Feel bad for the students, they are paying to be there while the school is profiting off clients and students and they have to supply their own materials and really receive no training, correction, or guidance. Would not recommend or go back.​ read more

I found out about Avalon just by driving by and was curious about their services. I called and booked a blowout shampoo hairstyle and let me tell you it was amazing!!! Kathy was my stylist and she was phenomenal, I loved how she did my hair. This hairstyle was perfect for a night out. I am definitely coming back for another blowout and maybe some highlights as well. I definitely recommend Avalon the students are amazing and the prices are great read more

Avalon Institute - Prices - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I went in for an acrylic manicure last week (Wednesday). While the nails didn't turn out how I imagined, I was okay with that since I had full knowledge a student was doing them. I had no issues with the student. However, the staff and teachers were no help. The teacher came around maybe twice and barely said anything to the student, just looked at my nails and left. After two days, my nails started fall off and by Saturday, they had all fallen off. Because I was out of town for a graduation, I called back this week to schedule an appointment. They told me that I would have to come in within a week to get them redone. I told them that was fine and they took my number and said they would call. By Wednesday (one week later) I never received a call so I called them back early in the morning. They said they would give me a call back for a scheduled appointment and I never received a call again. Very unprofessional. I will be going to other cosmetology schools in the future. read more

It's cheap and it's giving the students experience doing fun things. I had a great time. I got a flash facial as an add on service! 10/10 I've never had one before and it was done greatly read more

I started going here over a year ago for root touch ups and trims. I have had good experiences every time. I have always been scared to do anything drastic since I am a brunette. Today I went for a root touch up to get rid of the grey, partial highlights and then purple added to the highlighted hair. Monique was professional and very sweet. She followed the process and did an excellent job. You can't beat the price of $75 either. I will keep going here. The downside is they graduate and you start all over with a new student. She will be here until June. Try the school if you are on a budget and want to do something different with your hair. Remember to bring cash for a tip. If you pay with a card even a debit card they don't give cash back or give them a tip read more

Avalon Institute - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

My teenage daughters have had their hair done here for a couple of years. They have gotten pink, blond and highlights. Every visit has come out fabulous. Highly recommended and don't forget to tip the students for a job well done. read more

Ayat was really amazing she is so professional and sweet this is my first time getting a facial and she went over and beyond for me she made this a really great experience for me I walked out of there with a glowing face my face never looked better it felt so smooth and clean definitely will be coming back :)) read more

I have had 2 wonderful balayage colors here in previous years. One for myself, the other for my daughter. The service was full highlights, and as you can see from the pics, the left side of the head has more highlights than on the right side. The instructor (male w/bleached blonde hair) worked on the left while the student worked on the right. Also, highlights were higher to the top of the head on one side and lower started at ear level on the opposite side. When I told the instructor Jody after completion that the head has more blonde on one side than the other, she told me, " Just don't part your hair in the middle and part it on the side so the color is on that side." I couldn't believe that was her professional resolution to the uneven color results. Jody finally agreed that we could return the next day for one foil on the right side to correct the uneven color. The instructor Jody was very rude when I pointed out the flaw. No apologies. Just didn't even want to acknowledge there was an issue. Be prepared to state your case when your hair has uneven color and blotchy spots. In this environment, the client is never right. I won't be returning. read more

Avalon Institute - Left side more highlights than right. - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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I was nervous about getting highlights in my hair only because everywhere I had gone before, I ended up with bright orange hair. The 1st time I came in, Dominique recognized that i had damage to my hair and expressed her concerns of more damage, that i wouldn't get the desired look I wanted. She suggested that we cut some length off and start the recovery process of health hair (hair mask) before any highlights were done. Two months later, it was time to do a test strand, and even though my hair could have used more time to recover, i couldn't wait any longer. Dominique really took the time to understand the desired look. I was going for. (noticeable but subtle and no Orange) My hair feels the healthiest it's ever been, and the compliments on my hair have been endless! I highly recommend making an appointment with Dominique at Avalon Institute. read more

The students provide good basic hair service. However, after several visits this year, I do not plan on going back because the students do not know how to interact with guests at all! They barely greet (if at all) their scheduled guest, only ask "what do you want" and then never speak or interact again, not even saying good bye. Obviously they are not taught how to to interact with their guests, or why it's important. They only interacted with their classmates while providing services, ignoring their guests. The instructors weren't much better, so obviously this poor attitude starts at the top. When they graduate and work in real salons with this poor social behavior, they are going to find their clients won't rebook or leave much of a tip, if any. The leadership at this institute needs to address this training deficiency and instructors need to be better role models. read more

Nice place. Took my adult daughter for a haircut and the experience was excellent. The prices are right and the staff is very welcoming. Keep in mind these students are still learning so plan accordingly. The average time may be increased. I'll be back next month for a haircut myself. Maybe even a color. :) read more

I have been going here for Decades. Once upon a time it was Earls Academy of Beauty. Now it is an upscale School ; really nice teachers and staff as well. Call them and the receptionist will match you with someone who fits your needs and set an appointment for you. IMHO, This is the best way to go, although they take Walk-ins no problem. Leslie did a great job today and I made an appointment to go back to see her soon. And the prices are very good, just sayin'. read more

I have been going to Avalon for haircuts for many years and have never had a poor experience until today. While I do fully understand they are a school and the students are given opportunities to learn under instruction, I walked out of there in tears today. My student was extremely quiet, timid and very unsure of what she was doing. I thought I had explained what I wanted my haircut to be, one instructor came to talk to us, gave her some basic intruction and it began. I have fairly long, thick hair. At the shampoo bowl, unless I lifted my head from time to time or uttered a word, she was not getting water or washing it underneath. We got back to the chair and she sectioned off my hair to begin cutting the length. When it came time for the layers, she again got an instructor because she was completely unsure of what to do. The instructor was kind and calm, showing her what to do, but she was still having trouble. The appt took longer than it ever has; i was nat asked about how I nomrally style it or how I would like it; she barely had time to blow it dry and it is not cut evenly. read more

The school is shitty but Paulina is amazing!! She graduates in October so come see her and see where she'll be working outside of Avalon!

My first appointment at Avalon was today and it was beyond perfect! I was looking for a place to go to for body wraps and this place was a perfect find. The staff, instructors and students do an amazing job making this place a very friendly, welcoming, positive and accommodating place to go to. This is a place that I will definitely go back to for body wraps read more

If you are considering enrolling at Avalon in Mesa you should consider a few things. If open communication, professionalism and accountability are important to you and your education, look somewhere else. The Dean, or ex-Dean, Adam was as catty as his students. They were unwilling to work with my daughter on attendance when they recommended she take a couple days off because she was feeling overwhelmed. Her teacher, Brianna, was a horrible communicator and even set my daughter up to fail on her highlights practical with my coworker. My daughter missed her required hours due to those 2 days off and a doctor's appointment that they would not excuse nor let her come in an hour and a half late. The entire class knew she was going to be dropped from the program before she found out because the teachers discuss students circumstances with other students. We could have fought it under the Disability Act but quite frankly they killed her passion for it. read more

"Wow", I had the most amazing experience with Pegah at Avalon Institute she took her time and knew exactly what she was doing pegah walked me through each step making sure I understood everything even if there was a mistake she fixed it right away after her treatment my skin feels incredible And so much healthier it's like I have nothing on my skin pegah paid attention to her detail it is impressive and I love that she even brings someone to check her work I would give her a perfect 10 out of 10 because she truly does an outstanding job thank you Pegah for your expertise and dedication. read more

I've mad it 51 years with only trying to color my hair once. One of the students advertised needing "virgin hair" to be a model for hair color and I had started get more gray than I wanted and responded. The original student already had a person but another student needed someone. So I met Maddie when I showed up. She was super nice and talked me through the whole thing. I was so nervous about the whole thing but not after 5 minutes with her I was actually so relaxed I was falling asleep toward the end. I learned about what to do with me hair and loved the color she helped me pick. My hair looks super healthy and shiny and my husband really likes it to. All the ladies there were nice and so were the teachers that supervised. I think I finally found a place I feel comfortable enough to go to and get my hair done. Give them a chance. I am super happy I did! Thank you again Maddie! read more

Went to this location for the first time yesterday. I had Bri, who was great. She did highlights in my hair and gave me the best color ever. Thank you Bri, I will be back. Great experience! read more

Every single time I call I have to call more than 8 times just for them to answer the phone. The girls upfront need to do better at answering the phone. It's annoying. read more

My daughter wanted a perm she was a bit nervous But Halah made her feel so comfortable. She's incredible. The place is busy busy so book an appointment and if you want to support someone with a huge dream(the only way we should dream!) see Halah Can't wait to be back. Your talent shines. read more

the Experience was poor. The staff was delusional. I would have fired a couple of teachers if I could have . I would never do it again but thank goodness its been a year and I may have healed from that one. read more

DO NOT GET A PEDICURE THERE. They're literally students & most of them are there for hair, not to be professional nails/pedis so it's a waste of $20, they just paint your nails, there's no luxury or relaxation. The girl was so sweet tho & I get my hair there all the time & that's a much better experience! Salon quality at a big discount that's supervised by an educator! So hair yes, nails NO. read more

Avalon Institute - Pedicure - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Great service 3 times for color and shampoo with PEOPLE NEAR GRADUATION. DONT accept appointment with novice. My novice left me alone 45 minutes. Never even started. Excuses and ignorance. read more

I received a facial and eyebrow lamination by Roz who was amazing and did such a great job. She was very knowledgeable about the skin care products and my skin felt flawless afterwards. I also loved the eyebrow lamination they came out just as I wanted. Highly recommend seeing her she's does great work ! read more

Had cut and color with Charlize recently. After many years of coloring my hair and not finding someone who could do a really good job, it was amazing to have her fix so many problems! I was shocked that someone starting out could be so successful in solving so many problems: eight months of covid-hair, horrible roots with tons of new gray, and old brassy color that looked awful. Charlize was incredibly patient and really listened to understand what was going on. I told her to do whatever she thought best to fix the mess. The results were beautiful, bright and blended. Just outstanding! read more

I am a current student and i'm yelling you DONT GO HERE. I'm waiting until I graduate to explain why and i'm going to write a LONG review but literally just take my advice and take your money elsewhere to get trained. Don't even go in to check it out cause all they do is lie to try to get you to attend. read more

Not that anyone that matters that works here is going to read this but I want this to be out there for others. I am very upset and disappointed in this location. I have gone here for a few years and always had an appointment at 6:30 to have highlights done because of my work schedule. So I set my appointment up a week ahead of time and get a call the day before saying that I need to come in at 6 :00 which I then say I can't do because of my work schedule and she says okay. Then later that evening I get a text to confirm my appointment I confirm and then 25 minutes before 6 on the day of my appointment I get a call saying that I need to come in at 6 again which then I say I can't because of my work schedule. Then we hang up and I get a call 15 minutes before 6 saying that I need to come in at 6 because they don't do chemicals after 6. I ask since when because I have always came in at 6:30 to have highlights she informs me that it has always been that way and says I can talk to an instructor I am like okay please. So she gets on says she will have an instructor call me back okay no big deal it is only 10 minutes till I am off work and I should be working but whatever if I can figure out what is going on and my manger was understanding, So I get a call back and who calls back??? Not an instructor just another person saying the same thing and I ask to speak to one she puts me on hold comes back and says something about they can't come to the phone and I still have no answers of when this changed and my appointment is canceled because I can't make it in in 5 minutes. Needless to say I WILL NEVER go back and I want everyone to know how this place is!!! Maybe others have better luck with them but as far as me I will tell everyone and I will NOT go back. Oh and some how I posted this once and it was deleted so hoping this review stays this time. read more

The perfect summer bob , Love my hair thank u gabby ! U did this style girl. It amazing. read more

Avalon Institute - Gabby hooked it up at avalon today ! - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

$20k later and you cant teach or prepare us for state board. there is no education here. no instructor gives a crap if u know what you're doing or not. all this school cares about is money!!! go to any other school besides this one. i know i should have. waste of time and money. the mentally draining manipulation is not worth it. look into a million other salons before deciding this awful place that will prepare you to fail! read more

I made an appointment for a color touch-up. The first thing I noticed when I entered the school was the professional appearance and how happy the students appeared to be. It feels more like a beauty salon, than an inexpensive place to get your hair done. Also, there was music playing, but it wasn't obnoxious or loud. The student was friendly and professional. We talked a little bit, but she was able to read my cues that I wanted to take care of business on my phone. She gave a nice head massage while washing my hair. The results were beautiful. The color is rich and my hair was left shiny and healthy. All of this for $20 + tip? YES, please. This was a great first impression. I will definitely be back. read more

Cierra did an amazing job coloring & cutting my hair. This was the first time in nearly a year my hair had been touched. I was nervous choosing a fun hair color. I landed on purple and it looks great. Very happy, energetic and friendly stylists. I'll definitely be going back!! read more