My experience here was the best because it is the best hair salon I've ever been to. It's a great atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and socializing. I was super hyped about all the music that was playing in their store. Everything from Franz Fernindad, Jet and Crystal Castles! I replayed my favorites after I left. I was there for a bleaching + toning + treatment service with Nicole. You can view her work through her Instagram page "hairbyniky" and schedule an appointment ASAP. She was helpful and responsive and I was able to consult/book an appointment/service with her in the span of just a few days. During the service, Nicole was very patient with my hair and made sure my scalp felt fine during the bleaching process. Which wasn't bad at all. She answered any questions I had and made sure that I can reference her whenever I needed to. In conclusion my with experience with Nicole was great she is a sweet person and I would recommend her to anyone. She is a true artist Avant Garde has their own instagram page too it's "avantgardesalon" this is where I first saw their work and messaged the business to book an appointment with Nicole. Also very helpful and responsive to my goals from their services. My overall experience was amazing. I couldn't stop looking at how my natural brown hair just changed to a beautiful silky golden ash blonde color. I was like wow! My boyfriend FaceTimed me and was like wow too! lol. It's been a few days since Friday and everyone who has seen the change so far think it looks very nice! Some say it brings out my skin tone even more and that is coming from an esthetician! Look forward to my next visit here. Thank you Avant Garde Downey. **Also pricing is sooo reasonable if not even better than reasonable. Book an appointment here no regrets. read more

Came here for the first time today and I absolutely loved it! Bethany took care of me and thoroughly explained to me that what I wanted for my hair will take about 2-3 sessions and communicated so well with me. She is a breath of fresh air and made me feel super welcomed. I for sure will be coming back and strongly recommend this establishment! read more

Update 2: So it happened again. I live in Orange County now so I went to a stylist local down there to get some highlights to bridge the gap between my previously highlighted hair and grown out hair. I talked with the stylist about what I wanted, and how previously I had someone put in a ton of little highlights everywhere and how I hated it. Stylist said she understood and got to work. And then the stylist did just that. Put a bunch of babylights EVERYWHERE. And it looked terrible, as it does on my hair. Because my hair is fine, stylists always want to a) cut my hair blunt and b) put babylights in, regardless of what is asked for. So...I contacted Avant Garde salon to see if Patty was available to AGAIN fix it. Thankfully, she was able to squeeze me in today so that we can get it fixed in time for a few events I'm going to next week. She added a root melt, and lowlights to cancel out most of the babylights throughout my hair with a darker shade similar to my natural base color, and then left a couple stands of hair with highlights to give me the highlighted look I was originally asking for. The end result looks great, and is a lot closer to what I had actually originally wanted. Thanks again Patty! She is so awesome and patient and will explain to you what she's doing and why so you can talk through it and she can give you the look you want. If you want to get your hair colored, balayaged or highlighted, you definitely can't go wrong with her. Next time I plan on just saving myself a lot of money and driving up here. read more

So it's been 2 weeks since my review and I have an update of the quality of work. It's a hack job. I will say Lisbet screwed up the cut.. the highlights and left ridiculous amounts of dye on my face.. i'm still trying to get it out. Horrible horrible service cut and I warn anyone getting an appointment with her to stay away!! I wish there were 0 stars read more

My daughter had her hair and make up done here. The Stylist and make up artist were very pleasant, professional and patient. Her hair and make up looked amazing...excellent job We both have had our hair cuts here as well...such a great job, that we had tons of compliments. Thank you Nicole! read more

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Went to go cut my hair, it was awful. They person who cut it literally just chopped it. I asked for layers and she left it looking so bad. Won't be going back like ever... read more

$60 for a blow,Dry if I can call it that! Curls fell 1 hour later totqp time at salon 4 hrs had to do my hair by myself should have Gone to Drybar Thus place not good at all -0 read more

Made my appointment at 10am but I guess they prioritizes certain clients over others because the hair stylist was 40 minutes late for my appointment in favor of the client she was working on. read more

Love love, love love, love love my salon. A great team with a great leader. Ms. Sylvina always a class above. Always treated with love and care. Moved away from Downey, but would travel any distance to get the service and the top notch care I get here, and no where else. read more

I have visited this salon 3 times now and even got my mother going here! I have been styled both by Lisbet and Melissa and they were both great! They really listened to my preferences when I was describing how I wanted my hair cut, they asked questions to make sure it was right, and they made suggestions without being pushy at all; Just informative! Every time I've been visited Avant Guarde I've come out loving my hair cut. I also love the head massage during the wash and even started getting scalp treatments just to extend the massage! read more

I've been coming here for years. The place is nice and clean. Selina is my go-to hair stylist. I tell her what I'm thinking of doing and she'll tell me if it's possible or not. She doesn't sugar coat anything and gives me exactly what we agreed on. I always leave happy. Oh and best part is Selina is a part time baker and makes desserts and brings them in for everyone. I can seat in that chair while she works magic on my hair, while I'm eating cupcakes. It's what every girl dreams of. read more

Nicole does an amazing job she put in my extensions and it looks absolutely amazing and natural. She was super fast and friendly. I highly recommended. I'll definitely be coming back here soon read more

Avant Garde Salon - Nicole you did it again went from black to bright red in one shot. I absolutely love it - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

okay I loved going here and niky did my hair and it was amazing. I was planning on making an appointment and everything was going good. She just stopped responding and I texted her again and then again stopped. I did say sorry to her because I did text late and it was rude of me. But she did just stopped responding twice. But sad about that :( she is great at cutting and styling. But I won't be going to her again because it's unprofessional. Loved the cut though. read more

I went in with my dark ass latin hair and I wanted grey with dark roots. Sylvina and Reylene double tagged me and I walked out like a freaken rock star. after two bleaches I had no breakage. And my scalp is was not oozing with blisters. I am definitely happy with my experience ... no buys remorse here. read more

Avant Garde Salon - This is me after one month - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

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If you have a vision but don't know how to verbalize it, don't worry Nicole Belanger will make it come to life for you! Super nice and very patient each time I sit in her chair. I went on a recommendation and she did not disappoint! Each time she has listened to my desires and not only been honest but extremely accommodating with my hectic schedule. And if you want extensions that look like they are you hair, She's your gal! She's seriously the best and she blends and colors them to match your Hair perfectly! Super grateful I was able to find a great hair stylist ‍like her!!! read more

I absolutely love Adriana. She is a genius when I it comes to blonde hair. I asked her to get me to platinum blonde and I was originally a balayage reddish brown and she told me it might take a while but it would eventually get there. Sh works so hard to get to where you need to be meanwhile making sure that you're stays healthy through the whole process read more

Adriana has been doing my hair for years now, she dyes it, cuts it, styles it, you name it she can do it. She uses the best products and gives helpful tips on how to keep your color at its best. Anytime I have an event to attend she's the one I go too and I always get compliments! She's super friendly too which is a plus. She saved my hair years ago and I've trusted her ever since. I highly recommend her for all your hair needs read more

if i must start, here i go I had shaved my head to get my hair bleached by a licensed professional. after a year and 6 months i decided it was time for me to get my hair done. i googled best colorist reviews and even myspace the spot and concluded this would be the best choice; plus i knew the area well since i would do laundry next door. being said, i did a walk in and Sylvina, great experienced hairdresser did a beautiful job, she knows what shes doing! she made me a blonde! not yellow, not orange nor dry color she made me blonde. this cost me $245.00 plus $20 dollr tip. i bought a shampoo conditioner , hair serum, and lusterizer. i decided to come back for a retouch in one month. i had asked her how much were retouches since i saw the sign said $110 and she said she would help me out depending how often i would come by for my retouch. i scheduled my app and a month came by i walked in and sylvinna said she couldnt help me today, she said she had a great colorist who would, who knows what shes doing and how awsome AMBER was. OMG worse decision ever. AMBER did my retouch leaving me with yellow roots this cost me $65 + $10 tip. i didnt complain. i felt maybe my hair was to dark and it was my fault my roots came out yellow, although sylvinas results didnt leave me with yellow roots. so i scheduled another app in exactly a month. the following month i came in and omg worse decision ever, she did my retouch and not only that SHE OVERLAPPED THE BLEACH, WAS NOT CAREFULL AT ALL, AND SHE LEFT THE BLEACH N FOR AN HOUR, AND RETOUCHED AGAIN AND MY HAIR FELT A TOTAL MESS WITH BLOTCHES OF BLEACH ON MY HEAD DRIPPING ON THE SIDES OF MY EAR. Whatever, so she washed my hair after reapplying twice and after 3 hours when she washed my hair she complemented on how resistant my hair was. i remember asking her before my procedure began if she could please try getting rid of the yellow and i guess she understood wrong. so she applies the toner and omg total fiasco she leaves me YELLOW ROOTS, and platinum blonde hair. HORRIBLE! so i got upset and i told her if she can put a darker toner and leave me atleast a darker blonde even color. so she uses a tigi according to her 9/02 over a 9/0 0/22 tigi color leaving me as an ashy blonde with still yellow roots. after 5 hours i payed $75 plus i tiped her for effort $10. in the salon as they swiped my card i checked in the mirror and let me tell u i was bleeding from my scalp and the side of my front hairline. i even have it recorded on camera. any who, i went home because my head was itchy and washed my hair and OMG MY HAIR STARTED FALLING OUT, AND I MEAN IN BETWEEN AS I COMBED MY HAIR JUST FELL OUT IN SHUNKS! I BROKE DOWN INTO TEARS. my husband found me crying i blew up, he hugged me and said give me the salon number, i grabbed my machine to shave my head and he said stop, dont do it. i didnt, i blow dried my hair went on ebay and started searching for tigi products for chemically damaged hair for porus and bleached hair. i came across WONDERFULL TONIGHT $56 AND THE BALANCE BOOSTERS $25 BY TIGI AND HAD THEM SHIPPED OVERNIGHT. The next day my husband called the salon and asked to speak the the salon owner, and she said she would offer a refund. my husband went got his refund and was given the tigi sfactor sulfate free shampoo and conditioner 8oz each for free, and she also included 4 small balance boosters, i mean i still felt that wasnt enough, my hair was nasty frizzy, yellow, patchy, FALLING AND DAMAGED I asked myself why didnt sylvinna do my hair. i know i could i won a lawsuit, but i didnt seek legal action ANYWHO, do not let amber do ur hair and if u come here ask for sylvina silvia or nency, they are pros! In all, i got my hair fixed by my sisters mother in law and let me tell you she got rid of the yellow patches, uneven tones and trimmed my hair in between so it wouldnt look like my hair fell out. She also used tigi bleach, developer 30, tigi 9/02 mixed with tigi 100/73 and left me an EVEN blonde like holly from hollys world with a little ash. She explained why she left me yellow roots and as she stated she didnt take small strands to retouch and might have done a fast job to get it out of the way. total waste of money and regret read more

Avant Garde Salon - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

All I can say is that Amber did a great job with my impossible horse hair! When I got there the receptionist told me the cut would be $20. I later found out that it was to be $25 but Amber told the receptionist to charge me only $20! Wow! Now that's customer service! Amber spent a good hour styling my hair. You get the works. She shampooed and conditioned my hair. She washed it once again after she finished. Her work is pretty meticulous. She is very charismatic and energetic. She's got the gift of gab and it just makes the time go by fast. When she finished I was very satisfied. Men's cuts are between $25 and $40. Parking is no problem. They have a small lot. read more

Not the best expireince. 9 months later and about $1000 spent my haircolor looked the same from the first time i walked in. Either its a way of scaming people to keep coming back and charging $180for each sessions of bleach and treatments or they really have no idea what their doing. I recently whent to a new place and within 2 sessions and $200 later my hair is the color ive been wanting. Just saying if you dont see a difference its ok to say something or find somewhere else. read more

After many frustrating years and disastrous hair experiences, I finally came open a true professional who knows exactly what I need: Nency of Avant Garde Salon. For the past three years now, Nency has been my stylist and she has truly revamped my hair from dry, short, and limpy to long, healthy, shinny hair, even after many years of bleaching! Nency, is always flexible and makes sure you get what you need. What I truly love about her is that she will not just give you what you want, if she believes it will not look good on you and because of that I will be a loyal customer of her's for life! If you are looking for a place that is cheap and quick, than look else where, however, if you are looking for a place that is going to give you exactly what you pay for than Avant Garde Salon is your place! read more

I asked for an ombré but got charged for an ombré color and cut not okay I guess it was because the person wanted more commission or whatever the case may be I also don't think it could be a mistake because I saw my dresser talk to the girl the girl in the cashier I heard her say what did she get done and then my cellphone rang so I answered and stepped outside when I came back inside they said the total and I was like ok and paid . I just feel it is unfair to you are paying for something you didn't get done . I only received an ombré I never got a haircut or color maybe the color can be justified I guess but the cut come on . In the end I was tired because I was at the hair salon for a while and we finished late in the evening so, I didn't even look at the receipt in details until the next day . Plus my ombré was nothing special I wouldn't recommend it or come back . read more

Avant Garde Salon - The detailed receipt that says I got color and cut - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

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I have been going to Avant Garde since it's inception and have been with Sylvina for even longer. I can't imagine going anywhere else. Sylvina is an expert in all things hair. I love how she explains everything she is going to do before she does it and why. I always feel at ease with her and know she is going to make my hair look great. Although I only go to Sylvina, all the other stylists are just as great. They provide a friendly family environment instead of a stuffy snooty salon. I would feel comfortable with any of the stylists. Seeing their work on others is amazing! If you want great hair that is perfect for you, I highly recommend any stylist at Avant Garde. You will not be let down read more

Although I haven't been able to go here anymore due to my grad student budget, I had been visiting Sylvina for almost 10 years (whoa!), and she is just AMAZING. I have a LOT of hair, and my hair is thick, but she always knew how to make my locks look great. I went to her for both haircuts and color. She definitely knows her shit. Whatever work she does on you, rest assured she will explain the science and reasoning behind her decisions so that you know every step of the way what she is doing to your head. Some people like it, some people don't--but I always appreciated learning about the art of styling/cutting/coloring from Sylvina. She also has a great sense of humor, so since I would spend HOURS there because of all the hair on my head, it was always a blast. They also always had snacks and drinks or would do a mini-food run for you if you were there as long as I was. Overall, Sylvina was my first stylist ever--and all the great work she did on my hair all those years will never be forgotten! Once I can afford her again (i.e. when i graduate!), I am definitely heading back to Sylvina! read more

Sylvina, YOU ROCK! I had desperately been searching for a new Hair Stylist/Colorist and I checked out Yelp. I had my hair colored on a trip to Colorado. I needed to find someone who could keep up the color/highlights that I loved and when I read the reviews for Avante Garde Salon they mentioned SYLVINA's Name and said she was a color PRO. I trusted the reviews and made my appointment. This was in August 2010. I've been back several times and have NOT been dissapointed. I have found my Sylist (SYLVINA) and I Love her! I went back recently the 1st week of January and darkened my hair. I told her what I did and didn't like about the old color and she gave me EXACTLY the change I wanted and expected. She's also cut my hair once (5 stars). I have thick unruly hair so she knew exactly what she was doing. She's also trimmed my bangs 2 or 3 times. (I can't remember) and I give her 5 stars for that too. I've been meaning to put this review in for awhile now, but I'm glad I waited because I am able to tell you that I have not been dissapointed once on any visit to see her. BTW, her assistant is Awesome as well. She does a great job and gives the best Head massage. The Front desk is professional and everyone there always makes sure you are doing ok. They are constantly asking if I need or want something to drink or need a magazine. I feel this is the best Hair Salon I've been to in Years! read more

Nicole is a game changer when it comes to the vision I had for my hair. I literally was one appointment away from giving up on the blonde life because It kept turning out like Lassie, the golden dog. After an embarrassing year of spending $186 each month and constantly hearing, "Honey, your natural base is so dark that it's gonna be a process." On my first appointment w/ Nicole, I bluntly asked her, "Am I being unrealistic?" It was so refreshing to finally hear, "Not at all. I got you!!" Nicole color corrected the burnt orange mess on the first sitting. I honestly had tears in my eyes. Admit it or not, your hair IS a determining component towards self esteem. As a woman, to not radiate from the inside out on a daily basis is unacceptable. With all that being said, Thank You NICOLE! FYI she lifted all my hair without having to trim off any damage. It feels healthier now then when I first walked in read more

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Very pleased. I found this place through yelp and saw pictures on Instagram of the different stylists. Also checked out their website and it gave a background. Every stylist has their specialty, and I went to slyvina, she specializes in color correction but I went in for a hair cut. My hair is super curly and most people butcher it, but I'm super happy with the results. She saw my hair was really dry and gave me a mini hair treatment which made my hair super soft. I had ombre hair and wanted the ends (blonde) to go away, so she precut it then washed my hair then cut it again. She also teached me some things about curly hair I didn't know. Overall I was happy with the results, I will be coming here again for my trims and might try the Brazilian blowout next time. read more

I love love love Avant Garde!!! My friends had been telling me to go to this salon forever and I finally went. Upon my first visit to Avant Garde I was a hot mess lol emotionally. I really needed a new look to revamp my life. I took one look at Sylvina's hair and I had to have what she had. It really pumped me up. I have been going there for about a year now and it has been the best experience ever. Sylvina is amazing. She always knows exactly what I want or need. I rarely ever have to tell her. Even if I can't quite describe what I want Sylvina gets me!!! I have tried so many different shades of red and now purple almost and Sylvina has been a part of my not being so fearless anymore with my hair. The salon has a cool atmosphere and everyone is very attentive and welcoming. I swear it feels like home. I love being there. Amber gives awesome massages when she washes your hair!!! Love it!!! I think I have finally finally found the salon for me. I love my stylist, SYLVINA YOU ROCK!!!! I am very satisfied with the service I have received from Avant Garde!! I refer everyone to Avant Garde and my friends and family are loving it as well. : ) read more

Love this place have been going here for almost 5 years Lilly has been going my hair since then and I love it . She uses the best products and makes sure my hair doesn't get damage to make it even better she makes the time pass by quickly . Everyone here looks like they enjoy their job and based on what I have seen they all do. A great job with their clients read more

Avant Garde Salon - Lily work - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

Avant Garde is simply the best! Every single hair stylist knows not only the science that goes into gorgeous locks but they exceed any expectations you may have before coming in... I came to Sylvina after my boxed dye "blonde" and I never thought Id get away from my golden hair until she worked her hair guru magic. After a few trips to the salon that included delicious cups of coffee and fun conversations, my hair is the perfect ash blonde and it feels healthier than ever! Just amazing. All of the assistants are great as I have received plenty of wonderful shampoos from a few of the staff. If you want a quality hair experience and the best results, you will make the trip out to Avant Garde. read more

Adriana Lopez does an excellent job in platinum hair. I get compliments daily on how nice my color looks and how healthy my hair looks. Price is not a concern when you have someone.that uses good quality product and takes her time to make sure your happy with the results. read more

Avant Garde Salon - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

Nicole is the best!!!! (714)209-8667 I always leave loving my hair. She is willing to do fun colors and delivers Pinterest style results. She trained with the master TG colorist Sylvina whom I have been seeing for 17 years...and she really knows her stuff. Lavine and her talented team never disappoint. Weather you want your color and cut on fleek or some styling or movie quality makeup done this is the ONLY place to go! read more

Avant Garde Salon - Hocus Pocus a Pumpkin Spice by Niki - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

This is the only salon I will go to ..for years I was always jumping from this hairstylist to that hairstylist.. but it's been about 3 years now that I will only go to Avant Garde.. Silvina is awesome and will make you look like a million bucks!! I like all the stylist ,but my hands down favorite stylist is Selena.. She always gets my color and cut right.. My hair has looked thicker and healthier since I started coming to Selena for my touch ups and hair cuts..Selena rocks!! If you live in Downey or anywhere close, I suggest this place...Lavine takes care of all the salon stuff and she's always super nice to me.. offers drinks and everything.. :) You will not regret it.. read more

So I'm just gonna say this. I'm pretty sure I've had everyone at this salon take care of my hair and have my hair looking absolutely fabulous since day one when I was 17 years old. I'm 26 and I wouldn't dare go anywhere else but this salon. Everyone is professional, extremely sweet and accommodating. I've been obsessed with Lily's work more than anything recently and she's always on top of it, always giving me advice on what products to use for my hair type, what colors would go well on my hair, and she's also super funny and makes time go by super fast while I'm on the chair. The receptionist is also super sweet. Everyone there always remembers me and keeps up with my life haha. It's always a good, fun time going to this salon. Thanks for everyone working here, I've recommend the salon to so many of my friends. Thumbs up. 5 stars all the way keep it up ladies! read more

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I had a great experience my haircut was done by Jackie she greeted me and made me feel welcomed I liked how my haircut came out over all it was a good atmosphere thank you read more

Amazing Salon! Absolutely love it. I was going to a salon in south gate where they terribly messed up my hair and i was in need of my hair to get fixed by a professional and a friend recommended Avant Garde Salon it was the best choice ive made to go to that salon they work great the staff is super friendly it is clean and the results are amazing!! i have told friends about it and they love it! it is worth every penny and they explain exactly what they will do to your hair and how to keep it healthy and products work great for your hair. I Absolutely recommend to anyone who wants to go to a very good salon. read more

Patty C. Did my hair. Color and Brazilian blow out. I was blown away, I have spent all month walking on a cloud. I feel so confident and my hair is still so soft 4 weeks after seeing her. I'm never letting anyone touch my hair again read more

Avant Garde Salon - I couldn't help but start showing my hair off ASAP! Thank you, Patty C - Makeup Artists Near Me - Downey, California

In response to your comment yes I have left perhaps negative reviews but I also leave great ones when deserved. Reylene did explain it was a process with which I was happy to take my time but that does not include more damaged hair. Perhaps I too should of waited longer to do my hair again... Had I expected this outcome for 200.00 I would not of done it read more

I went in for a haircut and I love it! They gave me exactly what I asked for and left my hair feeling super healthy! Everyone that works there is also super nice and welcoming :) read more

Called in for an appointment first time there with this stylist for simple root touch up. In spite of my appointment I waited about 25 minutes for Nicole Belanger (stylist) until she was finally done with previous client. So I tell her what I need - "root touch up" and she says I need a toner for all my hair in an ashy base to which I replied I don't want green hair. Of course not she replies in a loud and rude tone. So she proceeds with color and in the middle of my appointment another customer comes in and she sends me off to the dryer dismissing the fact that I had an appointment and did not need to be waiting for her to attend another client for over 45 minutes. My face was flushed and red from extreme heat in the dryer being neglected by this hair dresser so I asked another gal to please take it off which she immediately did and apologized for the incident and agrees I had been left there too long. After the distressful event Nicole yells for me to come over to her station and I was in utter shock when I saw my hair go from platinum blonde to vivid green with shreds of ashy uneven tones. So I express to her my concern to which she reacts in complete rage and anger and goes off in a loud scandalous way with psycho gestures as if she was gonna strike. I honestly felt scared and bullied to the point of going into shock and not saying one more word as I felt so embarrassed and shamed as if it had been my fault. It was truly the worst experience ever. I was treated with the utmost negligence and complete disrespect making me fear for my own safety. I remained in total disbelief of what I had just gone through. The lady was crude, violent, unprofessional, poorly groomed and unhygienic. Seriously has a mental issue which the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology -should be made of aware of her inappropriate and uncontrolled schizoid issues. read more