Awful experience. Made to feel unwelcome and left pretty upset! I recently moved to the area and noticed the salon whilst walking to a different appointment. I popped in to inquire about my tape in hair extensions and when I walked in there was a lady (assuming the owner) with a client. Nobody else in the salon. Which looks very nice, clean and the kind of place I'd like to go to. I asked if she works with tape ins, to which she wasn't clear on answering, asked if I had them in and eventually said she can do them but that she was fully booked. I asked if I could book an apt online or call for another day to which she simply replied NO. She just said no I'm fully booked. Not 'no I'm not accepting new clients' or 'no the next month is booked out'. Just no. Why ask me about my hair in the first place? I felt sooooo uncomfortable and I'm sure her client did too. I'm not sure if it was the fact that I'm English or she just didn't like the look of me but I was very polite the whole conversation and just replied 'oh okay' and left. Way to make someone feel like she didn't belong. Really weird experience. I came in last Friday morning (7th) at 10.30am. read more

Tricia was wonderful! I had been really hesitant at first to come back since my favourite stylist Giselle had moved from this salon. Since I had such a great experience before I figured I would give it a shot with Tricia. I was sure to ask Tricia if she had experience with asian hair, as some stylists only tend to know how to work with their popular demographic. She assured me she could get the job done. After showing Tricia a picture of the layered short style I wanted, she asked questions and was prompt to ensure that she understood what I wanted. After an hour of wonderful conversation +shampoo/condition/blowout and straightening she gave me one of the best haircuts/styles I have received in my adult life. I'm so grateful to her (and her reasonable pricing!) that I can't wait to recommend and come back to her! :) read more

Avant Garde Studio - Tricia chopped off 8 inches into this layered style I requested! Thanks Tricia! - Hair Salons Near Me - Davis, California

See all

After accidentally burning part of bangs off earlier today I was in a serious need for help. I frantically began to pace the streets of Davis looking for a salon. This place peaked my interest since it had high ratings and was nearby but yelp said it was closed. Attention!! It is not closed Sundays!! I stopped by and Giselle quickly cut my half burned off bangs into an adorable blunt bang inspired by Zooey D. Not only was she super sweet and sympathetic of my burn accident she did a rocking job. Oh and someone mentioned here that bang trims are 20? Nope! Mine was only 5! I highly suggest stopping here, even if it isn't an emergency :) read more

Avant Garde Studio - Fresh cut bangs! - Hair Salons Near Me - Davis, California

I was looking on yelp for a stylist since my original one left out of state. I came across this salon and saw all the good reviews on Erica Massey. I felt confident walking into the salon asking for a hair color and a hair cut of short layers with a "V" shape. Sadly Erica cut more hair then I wanted her to and left me with no layers and still charged me 50$ for a cut leaving it bulky and ignored my request for layers. 50$ for a trim on length. I was hopeful in her coloring my dark brown hair to a blonde on the ends of my hair. The sides of my head came out very nice but the back felt rushed and barley lighten up. I was charged 200$ for a disappointing job. And to fix it is150$. I was really disappointed on my outcome. Sorry but I would rate 0 stars If I could. I nearly was speechless in the end, and walked to my car almost in tears. read more

See all

I'm sorry, I just did not have a positive experience here like everyone else. Having had really bad cuts in the past, I decided to shell out the big bucks and visit Roxie at Avant Garde. She's the owner, so what could go wrong, right? After a few visits, I can safely say I won't be back. I thought maybe my first bad experience might have been a fluke, which is why I kept going back...bad move. In this case, shelling out a ton of money doesn't mean you'll get a good cut, even if it IS from the owner. Over the 3 or so visits I made to Avant Garde, the following happened: 1) Walk in 10 mins before appt. time, no greeting or indication that they see me. Finally get started 20 mins. after scheduled appointment...no explanation or acknowledgement the entire time. 2) Roxie took cell phone calls in the middle of giving me a haircut. This happened on a couple of visits. She made no attempt to make any conversation with me...just everyone else. She talked to the patrons at the next stations over, made lunch orders with her staff, etc. but barely ever made a peep to me. In the middle of one appointment, she actually stopped cutting my hair so she could go over and mess around with someone else's. I don't consider any of this to be professional behavior that's becoming of a business owner. 3) Roxie frequently "passes off" patrons to her helpers once she's decided you're not worth her time any more. Seriously, we'd be in the middle of the appointment and she'd pass me off so she could get to work on someone else...basically juggling several patrons so she can fit as many appointments into one hour as possible. 4) Whenever I tried to explain to Roxie what I wanted, she kept cutting me off. Seriously, she just interrupted me with the rudest interludes: "That's ALL you want??" "That's so easy!!" "You could have one of the other girls do this, you don't need me." Yes, but I'm PAYING for you because you're supposed to be the best in the biz....now make it worth my money! 5) It's funny, cause even though she went on and on about how "easy" the cut I asked for was, it's not like Roxie discounted her insanely high rate. I think I paid something like $75 for a cut that took 20 minutes. With those prices, I almost expect legal advice while I'm sitting in the chair....but I would have settled for an owner that treated me like a human being. I might have put up with all of this if the haircuts were GREAT. But, they were just decent. Since there were no major hair catastrophes, I kept going back, thinking maybe Roxie just had a bad day attitude-wise. Nope, as it turns out my hair is just less interesting than whatever phone call Roxie's taking at the moment. I've moved onto someone who costs half the price and actually treats me like a real person when I talk to her...oh, and to add insult to injury, at the end of my last visit (after once again ignoring me the entire time), Roxie overheard that I have a family of a lot of women, then suddenly became all sweet and made pleasant conversation for the first time ever. She then asks me to recommend her to everyone I know, while passing me a bunch of business cards. Pffft, you think I want my mom, sisters, and cousins treated like this before you empty their wallets? Gimme a break. read more

Lisha! Ask for Lisha! Lisha has been my stylist for 5+ years and she continuously gives me what my friends call "magazine hair." She can seriously charge double what she charges because she is THAT good. I have long, thick hair and most places don't know where to even begin. When I moved out of Davis, I drove 2 hours to see her to get a cut and 2 hours back. Again, she's THAT good. read more

I have been a client of Marjan's for over 8 years now. I absolutely love her work. I have had cuts, color, gloss, threading etc from her and never had one complaint! Once she started at Avant I thought the studio was elegant but the vibe can get cold in there at times.. Marjan was always great at staying upbeat with me and involved. I am so happy to see she is STILL IN DAVIS AND ROCKLIN her salon's are beautiful and she is available for appointments. I love that I can call her directly I always refer her to my clients, family and friends and have ALWAYS received compliments on my hair curly or straight from friends and strangers. CALL HER THE MONEY IS WORTH IT, YOUR HAIR IS WORTH IT !! 530 220-5125 read more

I LOVE Lisha! Lisha has been cutting and coloring my hair for YEARS and I so love her that if she tried to leave Davis I would follow her anywhere. Anywhere. She also waxes my brows so it's a one-stop shop for me. She's incredibly talented. If you're looking to make a change, you absolutely MUST give Miss Lisha a try. read more

Lisha is the best! I always leave getting exactly what I asked for. She takes her time and gives an amazing shampoo too! She is completely thorough and precise. She gives the best hair tips and has a wealth of product knowledge! Lisha always has a smile on her face and is as professional as they come. I always feel like a million bucks when I leave her chair. You won't be disappointed! Well worth the 45 minute drive. read more

I'm definitely a fan of Avant Garde. The space is beautiful, really open and airy. Prices are pretty high, but are about average for the exorbitant costs of haircuts in Davis. I had a cut and color done, and got exactly what I asked for... and they succeeded in blowing my hair straight, which no one has succeeded at before! The stylist asked if I wanted it blown out, and I dared her to try. 10 minutes later I was eating my words. The receptionist needs a lesson in professionalism, but that doesn't change how happy I was with my hair. I'll be back here again for sure. read more

Avant Garde Studio - [photo courtesy of the Davis Wiki] - Hair Salons Near Me - Davis, California

Erica Massey is one of the best hairstylists I've ever found! She is a true gem. Not only is she an expert haircut-ist and stylist, she does some of the best color work I've ever seen. Her color is always very natural looking, yet bold when you ask for it. The best way I can describe it is that she colors like almost like a watercolor painting, which creates beautiful effects. Eric is an amazing hairstylist to go to if you want someone who will really listen to you and who absolutely cares what YOU want. She takes the time to listen to exactly what you are wanting, and she'll ask questions and make you really involved in the process to ensure that you're getting exactly what you have in mind. She also welcomes feedback! I hate hairstylists who get huffy when you say they aren't doing something right because "they know best". Erica will offer amazing suggestions (and she's usually spot on), but will ultimately give you exactly what you want with a smile and excitement. I went to Erica when I was in Davis and I've actually moved to Sacramento, but I still drive back to Davis just to go to her - she's that good! I always walk out of the salon with amazing hair. read more

I've been seeing Erica for a couple years & she always gets it right. Understands what I'm after, quick, friendly, clean, & always sends me out the door looking WAY better than when I walked in. (Long layers & beachy highlights with a balyage/ombré vibe) read more

Avant Garde Studio - I made sure to schedule an appointment with Erica a couple days before this photo shoot, & she delivered perfect color! - Hair Salons Near Me - Davis, California

I live in LA and was coming home to Davis for a long weekend. I had my hair done at my favorite LA salon the night before my flight, and my stylist COMPLETELY wrecked my color. It was orange and in patches, completely brassy and poorly blended. I called Erica first thing in the morning upon arriving to Davis and told her my situation. She was able to squeeze me in for a color correct (even on such short notice). Erica went through and added lowlights in the brassy sections, as well as did an all over toner. The result is EXACTLY like the pictures I showed her. I'm not trusting anyone else with my color now, and will be coming home more often to see Erica!! read more

Hallelujah, I can trust again! I never liked cutting my hair because I have this thick, poofy mane and stylists don't really know what to make of it. Then I came to Avant Garde and met Giselle. She spent some time understanding what I wanted and added useful suggestions. Then she washed, trimmed, blow-dried, straightened, and layered my hair. I was already satisfied after the first trim but Giselle kept at it. She said she wanted me to have a style that suits me. After she was done, I had a shoulder length bob with layered ends. I love it and I'm free, free, free from that heavy hair!! My cut was $55 (before tip) and absolutely worth it! The difference between a $12 salon and Avant Garde is that the stylists will strive to make you happy with your hair. Giselle gave me tips on how to maintain my hair and asked me to come back if I had trouble with my bangs. They don't get much better than this! read more

This place deserves 5 stars for having stylists that are clean, professional, courteous, quick, and great at what they do! (Plus they have an stylist for black hair!!) I've been looking for the past 2yrs for someone in Davis who can do black hair. No luck, and the last person I went to in Sac totally screwed up my highlights and now my hair is literally crumbling at the ends. My hair needed refreshing, so I called this place to see if they had someone who did black hair. Johnny scheduled me in the next day, and now my hair looks so good! I had my doubts because my hair is honestly curly, thick, and kinda ridiculous to manage. Just try this place out! I can't imagine you'll be disappointed. read more

Avant Garde Studio - Johnny is fantastic! I had my doubts, but he got my hair straight! The only professional I know in Davis that does Ethnic hair! - Hair Salons Near Me - Davis, California

First things first, I'm totally weird about my hair. I hadn't had a haircut in eight months because my old hair stylist moved away and I was scared to go to someone else who didn't know my hair. Finally, I decided to bite the bullet and look for one. A friend of a friend got her haircut here once and I decided to just call and see if they had a same day appointment. They did and I just went for it. The second I met Giselle, I felt completely at ease. I brought a couple of pictures that I liked, and they had a million magazines with lots of ideas too. I was there for a drastic cut, from long hair to very short. She was amazing! Everything from the moment I walked in, to the moment I left with a fabulous haircut was exactly what I hoped it would be - fun, professional, clean and affordable. Definitely a good place if you're in the Davis area and looking for a quality cut! read more

I've been going to cheap salons for a while now and wanted to treat myself to something nicer and heard nice things about this place. But it seems like everything I told Roxie NOT to do, she did. I even showed her a picture of what I wanted. I told her I didn't want U-shaped (short in front and long in back) and that's what I got. I said I didn't want long layers but my layers are like four inches. And now I have this very old hairstyle. She's a very nice person, but clearly she doesn't listen carefully to the needs of her clients. I'd go back but the only way to fix this hair now is to let it grow out. AND I paid $60 + tip for this. I guess it's back to my $20 haircuts. read more

My husband when I walked through the door after my appointment with Tara: "wow, you look nice..." My husband after I put my purse and keys down: "wow, your hair really looks great!" My husband after five more minutes: "Can I say something? You should wear your hair like that when we go on our trip next week! It really, really looks great!" read more

I've had Marjan cut my hair and thread my eyebrows, and both experiences were very good. Marjan really knows all types of hair and did a great job with my curly hair, and even pointed out that the last time I had it cut it was SUPER uneven. No worries, she got me all straightened out and it looked great. The threading is great too- I think she gets such a nice shape and its pretty past (not painless, but nothing is). Will return for sure. read more

Dear Tammie G. I have worked with Marjan for over a year at this particular salon. After reading your comments I feel as though you may have written your comments and rated Marjan and the salon unfairly. I realize you are entitled to your own take of a person or business but that is what it is an opinion and not the sole truth. You have the time to type up your issues on this site but did you ever call the salon and or Marjan to help you with your complaints? If you were not happy, you should have said so and guaranteed, you wouldn't have left unsatisfied or even have posted such a negative comment. Tammie G. instead of "hating" on people and messing with their livelihood and reputation they worked so hard to maintain and build up, you should be woman about it and come directly to the person you have problems with and not go behind their backs, on Yelp and talk crap. Hairstylists are not gods...we are human beings with flaws and feelings, with families and friends who try but sometimes fail to please everyone who we provide services to. Marjan has several satisfied customers and a very long list of clientele. Marjan is a licensed cosmetologist for over 8 years and counting. p.s. there is nothing wrong with using the Square! This particular app that is very secure and gaining popularity is not "sketchy". But of course you wouldn't take the time to ask, you still let Marjan swipe your credit card and you even signed it and completed this transaction despite you thinking it was "sketchy". Goes to show how Tammie G. says one thing in person but says total opposite on Yelp...now that's being "sketchy". Sincerely, Giselle V. read more

I came here a few years ago when I first moved to Davis. I am coming here to write a review because my experience was so terrible I still think about it to this day! I still have not found another stylist because I was so traumatized by the experience I have chosen to just do it myself. Because that is how I left, feeling like I could do a better job myself. And I did! And I'm not saying I'm great at it but I did better than someone who supposedly has experience. I think the stylists name was Trinity. I showed her a picture of what I wanted the end result to be. I wanted an ombré, I didn't know at the time that's what it was called so I just showed her the picture. She essentially gave me 90s terrible highlights. I was so pissed and she blamed the picture. She agreed to dye the top back close to my natural color to sort of fix her mistake. All she did was damage my hair! Then as she was brushing my hair, super aggressive, she said that I didn't tell her my hair had been died before and that my hair was already damaged (well she never asked and I didn't know I had to say that). I told her to stop and I would brush it. My hair was falling out! Being a good hairdresser means asking all the right questions, looking at the condition of my hair and making sure you are treating it with care to keep it healthy. She didn't offer to add anything to the treatment to help with that. And at the very end of all of this, she has the audacity to treat me like a little kid and said "now remember, next time to tell the hairdresser your hair is already dyed and very damaged!" All of this and I walked out paying $300 (she charged me for the extra dye even though she screwed it up) and I went to CVS, bought some box dye and fixed it myself without damaging my hair. I don't know what she did but she literally destroyed my hair and it has taken years to get it back to somewhat normal. DO NOT GO HERE. read more

Lisha is the real deal! I hadn't had a professional cut in about 9 months and I needed some help and advice for a new cut for my long but fine, curly hair. What I liked about Lisha is she listened to my all concerns/routines/etc, had a solid plan for the cut, and walked me through everything before she ever raised a scissor. She also has an amazingly warm disposition and demeanor, as well as tons of tips for maintenance and products. Awesome! I'm so, so happy with my cut and will be a repeat client. You never let go of a trustworthy hair stylist. read more

Justin is the best!! Ive been looking for a new hairstylist for years. Several of my coworkers recommended Justin. He absolutely delivered! I love my hair cut and will definitely return!! read more

Had my appointment with Roxie due to great reviews. She was late. Acted arrogant with me. Did not ask what color I wanted just took it out of her drawer and said that she suggests that one. I should have left right then, but I gave her a chance thinking she is a pro. End result: disaster!!! She cut my hair so badly, using those scissors with slits in my shoulder length, curly and thin hair. I could not stile it at and had to go to another salon to cut my hair completely off. This is for a more then 100 dollar service!!! Extremely disappointed. read more

I'm not sure why they filtered my first review, but I absolutely believe that this salon deserves 5 stars for so many reasons. This is the only place I go to get my hair done and I live two hours away. I have only gotten my hair done by Tricia, so I'm not sure about the other gals who work at this salon. Tricia knows how to make my hair look good, and that's a hard thing to do. She has cut and styled my hair a handful of times... and everytime, I'm impressed with her work. People compliment me on my cut, and they're always asking me where I get my hair done. She came up with a style for my big day, and people absolutely loved it. read more

For the price, this is an OK place. I have tried almost all thats available in Davis and I think I will settle for Avant Garde. Roxy is a good hair dresser and a very nice person to talk to. Do call in advance and get an appointment because the wait can the long. read more

Roxie is the best; I followed her over from David's Haircutting (used to be next to Sophia's Thai Kitchen) and she does the best haircuts and was so kind even to do a fixup trim on my hair the next day when I discovered there was a spot that I didn't like as much so her kindness towards me was much appreciated! The pricing is a bit high for hair since I'm a guy and usually I go to any old barber for a buzz and trim but when I have longer hair then this is the place I have to go since Roxie knows exactly how to cut and style it for me so I can look classy in my suit for business trips. Otherwise, I usually do hit up a barber for the monthly hair cut but for women, some swear by Avant Garde even at their price so hey, it works for some people! Overall definitely a great place but you'll have to try it for yourself to really know. read more

I was so thrilled with the cut and style that Giselle gave me the other day, I would recommend her to anyone! She is super sweet and listened to what I was looking for. She gave me some great suggestions and I ended up with a haircut that I absolutely love. I will definitely be back to Avant Garde to see Giselle in the future. read more

Paid $50 for a wash, cut, and style. Tricia was awesome-- flexible, friendly, professional, and skilled. The other ladies getting their hair done were varied in their age and style, and I think the other stylists did great work, too. read more

If you are looking to add some color to your hair, Antoinette is a pro at ombre. I wasn't very familiar with ombre highlights, so I did some research and showed Antoinette what I liked. She fully understood what I was looking for and clarified what would be best for my hair type. My hair came out exactly as I wanted, and was very pleased and impressed with how Antoinette was able to replicate the look I showed her. The color came out exactly as I wanted, and I love that she understood and was able to give me a new hair color that still looked natural on me. It's important for me to feel I can trust a stylist with color, and I can definitely trust that Antoinette knows what she's doing when it comes to ombre. She is also a very sweet person with excellent customer service and will go out of her way to make sure she understands the hair style you're looking for. Thanks! I will be looking forward to my next ombre! read more

Roxie cut my hair when she was still at David's Haircutting. She probably gave me the best cuts that any stylist ever gave me in my life. Four things that set her apart from other hair cutters: 1) her talent 2) her service, e.g. washing hair, using different kinds of nice hair setting gels 3) her willingness to listen to you about what you're looking for in a cut 4) her ability to do different styles of cuts based on what you told her. Good quality sometimes costs more to get. Unfortunately, on my budget, I just couldn't justify spending that amount to get my hair cut there every two weeks. Nonetheless, if you want a great cut, she's a very reliable and skilled stylist to go to. (I have not received a cut from her at the Avant Garde Studio.) read more

I love having long hair and just recently decided to have it cut for the first time at a salon close by, it was way too hot to have such long hair. It was one of the worst decisions I have ever made in my life, lol. My hair was butchered and flat, I felt like I had a watermelon on my head. The new haircut made me feel ugly. I tipped the lady 15$ and didn't want to complain, overall I spent about 50$. I hate being those uptight bitchy customers. On to the next. A week later, still unsatisfied with my hair... I decided to look for another salon. I came across Avant garde studio on yelp, amazingly it was opened on sunday and I decided to make an appointment. I was really queasy at first and did not want my hair any shorter than it was. Johnny gave me a call and next thing I know, Im walking to the studio at 1:30 pm. It was a wise decision. I came into the studio, it was cozy and had many stations. The music was chill and relaxing. It was not overwhelming since Johnny was the only one there. I got my hair cut and did not have to explain much. He knew what to do and knew what I wanted. Awesome cocky guy with years of experience. He is the real deal yall. I would highly recommend him. Overall, my hair cut was 45$ and I gave him a total of 100$. He deserved that 55$ tip for the amazing service, amazing talk, and amazing hair fix. Thank you avant garde studio. I bet all the hair professionals there are highly talented. I will post a pic pretty soon. read more

I see Erica at Avant Garde. She really listens to my requests. I am naturally red headed, and it has gotten progressively more dull through the years. Erica has a way of adding color to my hair, to make it look so vibrant, but still natural. The balayage highlights she's given me, look like highlights from the sun. She is a VERY talented colorist with a great cut to match! Erica is always professional, and prompt to return my calls. However, she books up quickly, so I advise calling in advance to get in! read more

Heidi is sweet but I am just crying over my cut being completely changed to a graduated shape when I had wanted a trim on my disconnected pixie. Should have known better than to try a random salon. I'm sure Lish at Space 07 in sac will fix it for me. Oh and worst of all it cost $50 to be sitting in my car crying over my ruined cut. read more

Ian did the most amazing job cut and coloring my hair!! I was a dulling blonde, and this was the first time I colored my hair. Ian did a fantastic job brightening my hair to its original natural color!!! read more

I haven't colored my hair in 3 years because every stylist I went to took forever only to mess it up. My stylist Jonny was absolutely amazing. I only had to give him a short explanation of what I wanted and I realized afterward that he knew more of what I wanted than I did. I've only done fails before this but he had a new French technique called balayage that looks way more sun kissed and natural, plus it compliments me incredibly. He was funny and nice and I felt totally comfortable in his chair. I have never loved my hair more and wouldn't dream of ever going to another stylist. Highly recommend him! read more

Years ago I had a great cut by a stylist named, Kelly, there . I loved it and she was very sweet. The best cut I've had at Avant Garde. I've been back four or five times and none of the other stylists gave me the cut I wanted or listened to me the way Kelly did. They charge too much for bad cuts. I'm happier at Great Clips! read more

No joke--Candace is the best stylist I have ever had. I am consistently thrilled with my cuts. I chose her based on a recommendation from a coworker, whose hair I've always adored. Candace does bangs and layers like no one else! My cuts always look young, fresh, and hip, and I'm frequently complimented on them. I hear she's great with color too. read more

I am EXTREMELY picky and a hard customer to please! Jose was amazing! He colored, highlighted and stlyed my hair. I rarely cut my hair and he cut off exactly what I asked and was understanding and gentle. I found him warm, gentle, funny, professional and handsome. I highly recommend him to anyone especially to those who may have anxiety around having your hair cut. My hair looked so great that my husband took one look at me and said, WOW you had your hair done! No small f read more

I followed Jennifer here. This space is big with tons of windows, and all the amenities you need. Jennifer makes me tea when I come in, I love it!! read more