I had not been here in years, but decided I wanted to get eyebrow lamination. I've never had a bad experience here so that's why I decided to come back. This school actually used to be a movie theater decades ago they've done a really good job turning into a beauty school. I want to say it's been around maybe at least 15 years if not more. When I walked in, I was greeted with a smiling receptionist asking my name and then getting me to fill some stuff out while I waited. I visited the bathroom and got me some water. They also offer tea I believe. If you're going to get a facial, they usually give you a robe and slippers, but since it was just brow lamination, we didn't get any of that. They did bring us to a waiting area that was dark and had peaceful and relaxing music on. While I was sitting there, a young blonde came in and said my name and I said that was me and she led me down the hallway into a room with a massage table I laid on. She did do a patch test first to make sure I wouldn't be allergic to the ingredients to get my lamination done. After the past test was over, she began her magic. She told me she will be graduating in June. I am going to try to make an appointment to get a facial before she graduates. She was very personable and professional The one thing I find weird is you cannot add a tip when you're checking out you have to either give them cash or cash app or Venmo I was able to give her cash. The receptionist called her back upfront. And they do have a teacher come check out before and after your service. I will definitely be back here sooner than later I love that there is plenty of parking here. read more

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I'm not much of the makeup type so I'm one to pay someone else to do it when certain occasions arise. I wasn't in need of a professional MUA for the event I was attending, but I was in need of someone who enjoys this craft to assist me. My appointment started a little later than scheduled, but the individual who performed my service was great. Very personable, talented and transparent about her strengths and weaknesses beforehand which I appreciated. Honestly the best $20 I've spent. She accomplished elevating my features without going overboard. Perfect for my friend's mother's 60th birthday celebration. I'll be back to get a facial after another prescheduled event that will require another makeup look. Highly recommend scheduling a service here. They offer waxing, hair services, facials, make-up, etc. Pricing varies. You can see pricing on their website under "guest services" and book an appointment as well. read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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I have been to Aveda Institue for salon services many times over the years they have been in Birmingham. The good news- It's affordable! The bad news- it's hit or miss, as it depends on the student you are working with. This visit, I was very fortunate to have Emily as my stylist. She provided an outstanding experience, includingwash, special hair mask and blowout. She was efficient and professional. Sadly, as with most students, they graduate and move on the new ventures. Emily is on her way to The Collective. Although the lobby (product show room) and reception area are quite nice, the ambiance in the salon are in need of a serious update. Additionally, many students are sitting around doing "nothing" (talking, on phones, etc) which also takes away from a typical salon experience. I personally had a great experience at Aveda Institute this time. Try it and let me know what your experience is like! read more

I wanted to just trim up my dead ends, fix up my layers and face framing(including my CURTAIN bangs). The student who did most of the work did amazing, she was kind, sweet, very understanding throughout the whole process. Im very happy with her, and how i could help her learn. You can see the reference picture, beautiful layers, great face framing. I wanted all of that, which i already kind of had. I really like my curtain bangs. I usually trim them myself. However this one really rude teacher ruined everything. Everything was awesome, especially my layers which i love, with the other teachers. UNTIL, the one who came over and did my face framing. She sucked. She has ruined everything. I explained how i like my "bangs", i grab a triangle in the front, part in the middle and start at my eyebrow and go down to my lower cheek to get the look i wanted. Did she listen, NO. she heard "i start at my eyebrow" and ran with it. Didn't bother looking at the picture i brought, didn't listen to me nor stylist. She did what she wanted and made my sweet stylist cut STRAIGHT bangs. WAY TOO SHORT. I run track, how will i not have this short hair in my face? I DONT KNOW MAYBE I SHOULD ASK THE SASSY WOMEN WHO DID THIS? i NEVER EVER said fringe. Whatever that women's name was that starts with an L, too upset to even remember her name. Spent two years looking for the right style and type of bangs that fit me just for an ignorant women to do whatever she wants because she just wanted to move on. Also i have a track meet at a college soon, hopefully it isnt against their guidelines to wear a headband there or unless i wasted my energy. I soon payed and just wanted to leave, i was in tears. Keep in mind i am a minor, underage. the cashier asked if i wanted to speak to a manager and i said yes. Getting a refund in the process i guess Got a bunch of mini samples, and they said my next cut will be on them. Do i wish to return? ABSOLUTELY NOT. as long as teachers don't stress out stylist and just do what they want. which apparently will be never. Also while i was talking to the manager, the teacher was EXTREMELY rude and not helping at all. She just made me feel worse acting like she doesn't care. vibes 10/10 at start until that last instructor, she killed every once of joy during that haircut. DO NOT RECOMMEND AVEDA. might follow my stylist to wherever she ends up at a salon, she was really sweet, listened to me, actually did what i wanted while she was in charge. read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed the service here! I was taken back quickly to consult about the type of haircut I wanted, and the stylist spoke with her teacher about how to go about it. My stylist was a little unfamiliar with the type of cut, but another one came over and helped her figure out how to do it. My stylist and the one helping her were both very friendly. It felt very inviting stepping into the space. The only complaint that I have is the receptionist didn't tell me where to wait, so I kind of just wandered around until someone came to get me. Also, there should be more than one teacher on the floor on a busy morning. My stylist had to keep waiting (which I do not fault her at all for) on the teacher to come check her off on steps. read more

Title: DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY--This Place is Filth, Literally and Figuratively I genuinely don't know where to begin, so let's just start with the obvious: This school is disgusting. And I mean disgusting in every possible way--physically, professionally, and educationally. If you have even a modicum of standards, keep scrolling and find a school that actually values cleanliness, competence, and, oh, I don't know... teaching? First, the facility itself. It's beyond unsanitary. The carpets? Stained and grimy. The walls? Absolutely repulsive. The spa bathroom, which is supposed to be a place of cleanliness and relaxation, looks like it hasn't seen a disinfectant since the early 2000s. And don't even get me started on how students are "taught" to clean the machines. Spoiler alert: They're not. It's the kind of negligence that makes you question whether they understand basic hygiene--a critical aspect of this industry, might I add. Now, let's talk about the instructors. Because wow. Just... wow. Not only do some of them have actual body odor issues (and I mean, we are in the business of beauty and self-care--hygiene should be a bare minimum), but they also give out incorrect information like it's their job. Probably because they don't actually know what they're talking about. One instructor is so emotionally unstable she has meltdowns in front of students, and another one can't even manage a classroom. The result? We sit around for hours doing absolutely nothing. Imagine paying thousands of dollars to sit in a dingy, dirty room, inhaling funk, and learning nothing. But the absolute worst part? The way they treat students--specifically, anyone who dares to speak up. They have one lady in our class who had the audacity to advocate for herself and others, and the way this school has retaliated against her is beyond unethical. It's illegal. It's incomprehensible. The level of unprofessionalism and targeted harassment is genuinely disturbing, and it speaks volumes about the kind of operation they're running. If they'll do that to one student, imagine what they're capable of doing to you. This place is in dire need of new leadership, new instructors, and a serious deep clean. If you value your time, your money, and your ability to get a real education in esthetics, I beg you--GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. This is not a school; it's a scam with a tuition fee. Final verdict? Zero stars if I could. read more

I went to Aveda and had a 1 hour facial with an eye treatment add on. The student that assisted me, Leiandrea did wonderful. She was very kind and friendly. She and her instructor Ava were both great! The vibe was relaxing and calm. I would recommend this to anyone who needs to do some self care but doesn't have $100s to do it with. Since this is a teaching school, guests need to be patient and kind to the students providing the service they are learning. read more

Jennifer did an amazing job on my facial. Very professional and explained everything. Left feeling relaxed and pampered.

It was great! The director was very informative because of her hands on I decided to book an appointment

A student of mine gifted me a gift card for the end the school year for Aveeda. When I looked it up, I was not aware it was so close! 3 weeks ago, I set up a request online for an appointment. In the request, I stated I wanted a master level student and I wished to have my blond redone. Between then and my appointmebf time, I received 3 calls notifying me that the young lady to whom my appointment was with was no longer available and did I mind "so-n-so" I didn't care, I told them, I just wanted a master level student. On the last phone call, I requested to move my appointment up. I was told that was no problem. My appointment was set for 1130. At 1205, I inquired as to when I would be going back. They apologized profusely, and I went back a few minutes later. I'm still not really sure what happened, I was told something about call center and that the students were at lunch at the new promised time, but the call center folks didn't know. Anywho, on to my appointment. I had my hair dyed blond about 8 months ago, and my request was to have it redone. I showed pics to the stylist and her "teacher" on what I was looking for. About four hours later, we were finally done! I won't get into my frustration at how long it took because I realize the girl is a student and I do have it of hair. Now to speed up the process I told her I didn't need it styled once it was done, just a little product and maybe blow dry a bit so it's not dripping down my back. 2 things 1. one of the "teachers" proceeded to take a BRUSH to my naturally curly hair and brush the tangles out. I don't know what type of training "this teacher" has had, but that really infuriated me. If you don't do anything else... brushing curls is not okay. 2. The product that was put in my hair was gross. It didn't do anything for my curls and left it sticky and frizzy. Aveeda needs to go back to the drawing board on their curl products. Last, my stylist was Emily. She was amazing. So patient and very diligent. There were two different teachers, one had dark brown shoulder length hair and she was great and very attentive. The other... I think she had blond hair.. the one that put a brush on my head, I would NOT recommend her. I posted 2 pics. The first is what I showed the stylist. The second is today. As you can see, my roots are still super dark. Now, the overall color is pretty, however, I kind of feel like I wasted my money because you really can't tell a difference because my roots are still super dark. read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Example - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

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I made an appointment for the first time here for my 11 year old daughter last Saturday. She loved getting her hair washed by someone and then the cut of course and ending with some cute simple braids. Katrina was our stylist and she did a great job. Shelby I believe was her instructor and she was also great. Yes it took a little bit more time than a normal salon but we were in and out in an hour. We had a fantastic experience and would recommend. read more

Don't do it. Just.. don't. If I could give 0 stars I would. I went in for a simple hair cut and after 4 hours left in tears because the girl absolutely butchered my hair. I'd very specifically said it all needed to be able to be pulled into a ponytail and she cut the front so short it can't be. I asked for a little face frame and she basically gave me a bob in the front and left it long in the back. It's absolutely absurd that she thought it was okay to chop it up that much without a supervisor helping. I was unaware you could a choose your level of stylist until now and can't believe someone with so little knowledge is able to perform cuts on actual people's hair. I've never seen a cut so bad. read more

I came in today for a new cut and a partial color and left feeling amazing! Sadie Nolan did a wonderful job! I observed the teaching and mentoring provided to Sadie and the other students around me and it was such a pleasure to see the time and attention that the staff spend together with their students. Also, the front check in and out gals were super friendly! read more

I was coming to town for work and decided to make an appointment for a Aroma Body Polish Treatment. According to Aveda's website it's "Aveda Aroma Body Polish Treatment Full-body exfoliating treatment featuring customized Aveda body care products and aromas. Includes scalp and foot reflexology techniques." $55 for 75 minutes. This is not my home Aveda that I frequently go to for services. I am aware that the services are conducted by students. I never go to Aveda in a hurry. I was in the spa and back to the front in 45 minutes. 10 minutes of that involved rinsing my self off in the shower between the scrub and moisturizer part. Another 10 minutes was me alone in the room get undressed and dressed. There was no scalp touching at all and the only foot touching was rubbing the scrub on and moisturizing afterwards. When we were done I walked out and was told the instructor would be in to talk with me. She asked me about my back facial. That's a 60 minute session but clearly the instructor didn't even know what was going on with the clients. I had a hair appointment booked for after my body polish Treament that I was now 1 full hour early for. Thankfully the student who was assigned to do my hair was available so I didn't have to sit and wait long. The lady at check in went back to ask the instructor about my spa service and I was told they took me back 15 minutes early so I got the full treatment. I'm no genius but I can tell time. Still charged full price. I didn't get what I paid for. And being a frequent Aveda school services client I know that. The student asked during the consultation about my stress level and where I carry stress. I was hoping this procedure would be relaxing and de-stressing but it wasn't at all. Only up side and saving this review from being a 1 or 0 was the fabulous hair cut and styling by Megan. read more

I absolutely love this place. The service has always been excellent. I prefer to use a higher level student, but not too far along so I can see them 2 or 3 times. I then have them recommend the next student. My hair color formula is on file so there so the color is always perfect. You can't beat the price especially when you need hair color every month. read more

I have been getting my hair styled, cut and highlighted for the past year! I love to come here and I'm always pleased with whoever cuts my hair! I have never had to wait over 5 minutes! I just wish they were open everyday! I get my nails done elsewhere though-my hair is a lot more healthier than it used to be using their products-always get my hair conditioned too! read more

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I love the Aveda Institute! I've been going for haircuts, scalp and hair treatments, and various facial/spa treatments for over 10 years. I enjoy being a part of the students' journeys! They have always made me feel welcome and try to ensure an excellent experience. The educators are great about assisting them throughout. Obviously this is not a place to go for a quick experience or perfection because they are learning, but that has never been my expectation and it certainly hasn't taken away from my enjoyment! I love the products as well! I highly recommend Aveda! read more

Always a wonderful experience with both the staff and students! Both spa and hair services are part of my regular routine :)

Fantastic, relaxing, environment. Over-the-top care and concern. I felt I was truly part of my skincare program analysis and thoroughly enjoyed the facial I received. They also carefully and thoroughly helped me with my haircare and style needs. I'm looking forward to my next appointment! read more

I love the 90 minute facial. It's such a relaxing way to spend time after a stressful work week.

I was in town for work for two months and needed a hair cut and always look up Aveda shops because I know the training they receive is always excellent. And with this being a school I expected the same even though the hair stylist were being trained. I was very disappointed not only with the cut but the teachers did not seem to have the skills I would expect from Aveda. I will not visit this salon again and would not recommend. read more

I have never been a fan of going to get my haircut. I always viewed it as a mundane chore that I usually put off until my Mom said something to me about looking too shaggy. I would always stop by your run-of-the-mill, no appointment needed, quick cut shop. I'd leave with a haircut and experience that weren't great, but hey, it only cost me $15 and hair grows back, right? One day, a friend told me about the Aveda Institute and I decided to do some research and eventually scheduled an appointment online. When I first got to the Institute, I was offered water or tea while I waited for my stylist to get ready. When she was ready, II was taken back to a large room filled with 50 or so haircut stations. The place was packed with men and women getting their hair colored, cut, curled, and anything else you can imagine. (They also have a full spa that offers massages, manicures/pedicures, waxing, etc.). The student first asked me what kind of cut I wanted and explained to me that she needed to get an "educator" to sign off on her cutting plan. After her teacher signed off, I was given a scalp massage and a shampoo (both were very relaxing). The haircut took a little longer than a normal haircut, due to the fact that the student had a few questions about technique (I have super thin/fine hair and it can be difficult to work with sometimes), but her teacher came over and answered her questions and showed her what to do. I never felt like my stylist wasn't qualified to work on my hair (like a lot of students there, she worked at a salon already and was getting her Aveda Certification).After the cut was done, the Educator came and looked everything over and I was sent on my way. My entire cut & simple style was only $12, which was more than reasonable for the relaxing experience I received. I love visiting the Aveda Institute and actually look forward to haircuts now! Edited on 7/3/18 to update the average cost of a haircut/style to $18. Still a great deal! read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

I am in love with Aveda products and I have had mostly good experiences at other Aveda schools, but this time it was pretty bad. If you have what they call "ethnic hair" you may want go somewhere else. While they have some familiarity with it, they have little to no experience working with it. However, my experience to day was crazy. I wanted a very simple low cut (It was almost a shaved head style). They charge $75 for a relaxer, which is more than some seasoned salons charge. (Apparently, they went up on their prices) After my relaxer, my stylist cut my hair only to find that the relaxer did not get my roots which were now exposed, because of the cut. They offered to rerelax my hair, which I declined. I am now natural on accident and I ended up with caesar style cut to even out my hair (check my profile pic) I love short hair and I have been natural before so I'm confident enough to rock it, but it is completely different from the picture I showed them. Not only that, but I ended up being there for almost 3 hours for a hair cut that could have take 30 minutes tops. The customer service at Aveda is the only reason they have two stars instead of one. They apologized, didn't charge me for the service, and offered to reschedule an appointment with an Aveda stylist to fix it. Remember that although sometimes you get a good price for the service (not relaxers), you are taking a risk to go there b/c ultimately your stylist is a student who is still learning. Depending on the luck of the draw you may end up with a great stylist or you may not. Whatever you do, try to keep it simple so you don't end up with a shaved head. read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

Went about a month ago for a hair color and hair cut. First, I said I wanted just a little bit darker than what I currently have.....ended up almost 2 shades darker. Second, I said I wanted one inch off the back and sides.....probably 2 inches were cut off the back and at least 3 inches off the sides. Definitely must have had a beginner. Lastly, when she was parting my hair to color the opposite side she flipped my hair in my eyes and got hair color in my eyes. Not good! Called my eye doctor who told me to go get eye wash and flush it out. Spent the whole day and half the next with a red, hazy, painful eye. Yes, these are students and they have to learn on us but we need to be happy with the results, so be VERY specific on what you want done. Make sure you watch what they are doing at all times to make sure its what you want. If getting a color make sure you approve the color before they start putting it on your hair. If they are cutting reiterate how much BEFORE they start cutting. And make sure they are being careful with not getting the color near your eyes! read more

Aveda is a good place to get your hair cut on a budget. Its definitely better than those chain, strip mall places, in my opinion. I rated it 4 because most of the time when you call to make an appointment you have to fit in around the students classes which is understandable. But trying to fit it into a workday can be difficult. I got there and was greeted and offered a cup of the Calming Tea (which is amazing stuff!). My appointment was at 2:45 and I arrived about 10 min early. I wasn't seen until 3:20. But luckily the haircut and the friendliness of my stylists (student and instructor) made up for it. They listened to what I wanted, heard me when I said it was too thick and heavy (my hair went down to my waist and I have a LOT of hair!). I was out of there within an hour. I do recommend this place, just make sure you have a couple hours free! read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Hair cut and thinned out - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

I have been going to the Aveda Institute since March 2018. I moved to Hoover from the MS coast in early 2017, but could never decide on a salon that felt right & was in the right price range for me (since I'm a young adult with limited funds). I've gotten my hair done here twice & have left extremely happy both times! I get my eyebrows waxed here pretty frequently as well. The students here are amazing & the atmosphere is very positive. I also love that I get to have a new master student work on my hair every visit, so they can give me a fresh perspective. Also, you can't beat the pricing here! I will say that it does take longer than an average salon visit since the educators check the student's work, but I don't mind getting some extra pampering time at all! Hope this review helps! read more

Horrible experience- I still left with split ends after I specifically requested my hair be cut off 2 inches to get rid of them. They also kept trying to sell me a lot of products I didn't need read more

I never knew Aveda existed until my workplace had two events there in the span of a week. Both of our events went very well thanks to the staff at Aveda. They were so helpful and just so lovely! Whatever we asked of them, they went above and beyond to make it happen. They even gave us a view vouchers for a free service which brought me back the following week to enjoy a manicure and pedicure. Making an appointment for my mani/pedi was easy enough. I just called them right up, told them what I needed and they got me scheduled rather quickly. I was asked a few questions so that they could set up a profile for me to make scheduling easier the next go around. I arrived about ten minutes early on a Wednesday morning. I went right up to the front desk, checked in and waited maybe five minutes before my lovely Aveda student greeted me and brought me back for service. My mani/pedi was just the relaxing experience that I needed and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I will remark that this isn't your usual experience because of the students not being able to clip your nails or cuticles but that doesn't take away from the services whatsoever. I left feeling pampered with fabulous fingers and toes. I also really like that they let me keep my fingernail polish, buffer and nail file. My services would have cost $30 but with my coupon, I just paid for my manicure which was $12. I can't wait to come back again for a facial! read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Complimentary Hot Tea - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

Came in for a haircut and simple style and left with my hair complete opposite of what I asked for. My stylist was super nice however that does not excuse the face that she left random chunks of hair at the length I came in with. To start off when asked what I wanted, I replied a trim to my previous layers and some bangs. When asked what style I wanted I replied a straight blow dry. Everything was going great at first until I thought I heard her mention 3 inches and maybe that was my mistake but it was unclear because we had discussed 1 inch just to remove damaged ends. She had my back facing the mirror so unfortunately I couldnt see how much she was actually cutting. My back was to the mirror about 90% of the time so when styling I didn't dealing she had curled my hair until the end. As for time, she took over 2 1/2 hours for a simple trim and blow dry??? Although they make you sign a liability form, I highly do not recommend coming no matter how much of a save it is. Unfortunately now I have to spend more of my money at another salon to fix what she did. I understand the stylists are students however the educator approved her work when she was also there when we discussed what I wanted done. Absolutely ridiculous. read more

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Birmingham - Why is there longer pieces in random places??? - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Hoover, Alabama

I 'm a spa stalker visiting Birmingham from the SF Bay Area. I know my facial treatments, from the bliss of Bliss to the zen of Epi Center and more. This was definitely as good as it gets for a student service.. and really really good for any service. Hillary, you are a goddess, and ready for the big time. read more

I just left from getting a facial from Kacie D. WORDS can not describe My absolutely fantastic experience with her. She was generous, Kind, Caring and gave me her full attention. She was dedicated to satisfying me as a Client. She made sure that I was happy, comfortable, just wow. I believe I have found my Facial person. We talked about me coming back soon to see her again. I can not wait. I wish she would be at the institute longer. But I am so happy that she made my day brighter. I have so much more to say but Kacie was impressive, magnificent, splendid, dazzling, sensational, remarkable, outstanding, memorable, unforgettable all the words for Spectacular. not bragging JUST FACTS! Customer for life! read more

I'll be honest, I went into the school expecting the best experience of my life. As someone who once wanted cosmetology as my career until retirement, cosmetology was the dream. Aveda was the dream. That big, big amazing name I wanted under my belt. Until I attended. Your first day, if you aren't in a clique of some sort you might as well welcome high anxiety into your life. Grown adults ranging from mid 20's to early 30's are the worst gossipers. Once you leave methods ( second round of 10 weeks in the classroom) if you don't understand something you get belittled by the instructors. They'll tell you you're disastrous even when it's their fault they failed to teach you. I cried every single day on my car because I knew the harassment not only from the people who were supposed to be my peers but my instructors would have me so anxious I could not think straight. Also if there is something wrong with any of your children while you're there, you're not supposed to prioritize your children. My daughter had a 103 fever back in November along with history of having femoral seizures when she gets too hot from fevers and I got suspended for prioritizing my daughter over my client. I don't care who it is, my kids come first. I would have given this school ZERO stars if I could. I will never recommend this place to anybody. The anxiety I developed from attending here will never go away. Stay away at all costs if you cherish having any sort of mental stability. Totally not worth it. I did not learn here ; I lived in high anxiety here. read more

The Institute in Birmingham is awesome I utilize the services for my routine facials and have always been very pleased. The staff work hard to make sure everything is perfect every time! read more

I had a great experience here. She asked me at CiCi's pizza while having lunch with my little boy if I would like to participate in model day at Aveda. I agreed to do it and got a cut and all over color by Brittany Godwin. It was obvious that she has a passion for making people feel great about themselves and loves what she does. She did a wonderful job on my hair! I was completely satisfied. Her teacher came by and checked to make sure she was doing everything right many times. It took a while, but I expected this at a place where they are learning and training. And it takes time to do things right! I will definitely go back. read more

I'm pregnant and passed out while getting my haircut. The staff handled it remarkably, and even finished cutting my hair in the lobby before I left. They gave me snacks and didn't make me feel embarrassed. I also really enjoy their facials as they do a wonderful job. I've been using Aveda for 8 years now and will continue because of their service. read more

Another great experience here at Aveda! I love their products and staff is always nice and very knowledgeable about the products. Today I came for a haircut and added an extra botanical conditioning treatment. My hair feels and looks so much healthier. This is a great place if you have the time to sit and relax. They are students performing the service and are looked over by an educator. So a typical haircut May take about an hour vs 30 min elsewhere but for the savings it is well worth it. I will continue to use the school as long as I have the time. read more

Was skeptical at first since the students are practicing and still learning, but gave it a try and now I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Great experience read more

I often get my hair cut and permed at two different schools for cosmetology in Hoover, AL. This morning I had the privilege of getting a spiral perm at Aveda. The student who was assigned to me had NEVER rolled a perm. The Learning Leader ADAM was not helpful to the student at all. First of all his choice of clothing for the day was a tie-dyed oversize shirt with a tie-dyed long skirt. He was creepy and told my student to read the directions for the perm box and follow those directions. Fortunately, for me, my student went to get another Learning Leader, Ms. Anna. She has over 40 years of experience doing hair. She was so helpful to my student and walked the student through each step of my perm. Because of her,​ my student was able to learn the proper way to give a perm and I was more than happy to be the first person my student had ever permed. If you are going to go to Aveda make sure your student is not working with the wrong Learning Leader. read more

A coworker and I went to Aveda Institute for a $15 manicure and neither of us was impressed. I figured it wouldn't go well when I saw that not all of my old polish was removed. It was pretty noticeable but but the nail tech proceeded with the rest of my manicure. The next issue was that my my nail tech didn't have all of the supplies she needed. My nails were a little longer than average and I told her I wanted them cut short. I expected her to cut then file my nails but she attempted to file my nails to the length I wanted. After realizing she was actually going to do that much filing I suggested using a nail clipper. She fumbled around in the tupperware container they use for manicures and announced she didn't have one in her kit then picked up the nail filer and went back to work. No, you didn't miss anything. She did not offer to go get one. I had to ask her to. Low and behold there was one in the building! It didn't bother me at all that whoever prepared the kit didn't include a nail clipper, but I did have an issue with her not having the initiative to go get one when one was obviously needed. LAZY! I opted for clear polish and the bottle she used must have been old because it was dry and was left brush streaks with each stroke she made. Since she had already made a run for the nail clipper, I knew she didn't want to have to get another botte of clear polish. I hinted that it was old polish but she stated she could get by with it . For whatever reason, I decided to let that one go. The Aveda Institute claims that all work by students is supervised by an instructor. I didn't see the instructor until my manicure was complete. The instructor came in and glanced at my coworkers nails then headed for me. I made sure I held my hand so that she could see all the old polish and the streaks from the new, dry polish. She gave my nails the same 2 second glance then commented on how nice my nails looked. She asked if I liked my nails with my nail tech standing right there! Since I knew beforehand that my manicure would be performed by a student, I was really trying to be lenient. Otherwise, I would have asked for a manager earlier. I gave the instructor a hestitant yes and the instructor was gone. The nail tech escorted me to the front desk to pay and as we walked I began thinking about how my dissatisfaction would bother me for the rest of the day. I should have been honest with the instructor. I decided I woud ask for the instructor at the front desk. I didn't realize the nail tech would wait in line with me to pay but she finally left me after my card was swiped. I asked to see the instructor and admitted to her that I wasn't honest with her about how satisfied I was because the students was standing right there. I got her to take a closer look at my nails and pointed out the old polish the nail tech missed and the dry streaks in the clear polish. I also shared the nail clipper incident. She had to agree that wasn't a good look and offered to do my nails over. I declined so she asked the cashier to do what she could to make up for it. I was happy that she admitted my nails didn't look so good and that she wanted to make it right. I was given a full refund! I know the Aveda name draws many people, but I would recommend going somewhere else for nail services. Most of the students are there to learn how to do hair and they are probably forced to learn other aspects of the curriculum like manicures. I forgot to mention that this is a basic manicure. They do not clip your cuticles. read more

The key is that these kids are learning--on YOUR HEAD. So to say they work more slowly than a pro is an understatement. I was in the chair recently for a color for SIX hours. To boot, it didn't turn out the way I'd hoped (Oh hey Lucy Ricardo! ), so I had to go back the next day to have it fixed. I'm happy with the way it turned out in the end, but time is money, and this is one of those situations where it might be well worth it to splurge and have better quality results. read more