I highly recommend having any service done at Aveda Institute. I have had several services including facials, hair cuts, treatments products etc. Recently I had at a stylist and he is amazing and had the best cut and style ever! read more

My recent color did not turn out as I had expected. When asked how I liked it, i exoressed my disappointment. The student immediately advised her educator, Nikki and after viewing my dried hair, she understood. I was scheduled for a return appointment in the next few days. Upon my return, I had a different student, Cornelia, and the same educator, Nikki. I was again impressed with Nikki as I was on my first appointment. She worked with both students, quizzing and guiding them in the best hair colors to use on my hair. As a retired teacher, I know how important it is to have guidance and support to learn what is needed to be successful and self confident. I have been going to Aveda for at least 10-12 years, and Nikki is above the other educators who have been a part of my color appointments. My student, Cornelia, was able to take her instruction and give me a color that met my expectations. In addition, Cornelia was very careful with my color, making sure she gave me the best color job and treating me as if I was a queen! read more

I loved my haircut! This place is so luxurious, comforting and always provides the best services. I love supporting the students and their education. read more

Joey!!! ahmazing! and I had a bonus amazing hand massage by Ella as well!! Joey has been so wonderful and really has made a positive impact on my experience here at the Aveda Institute!! thank you!! read more

Peyton M. did an amazing job on my drastic cut & color. As a middle aged woman, I need all the gray coverage! She also did amazing on my daughter's highlights. She didn't want them too lite & Peyton completed that request! read more

I have been coming here for a year to get my gray roots colored and I've always been happy with the service I've gotten. I've only gotten my hair colored so I can't comment about their other services. I love their low prices. Getting my hair colored in a salon would cost a fortune, so I'm happy that I can come here and get it done at a fraction of the price. When I started coming here last year, the price was dirt cheap. I couldn't believe how low it was. They recently raised their prices quite a bit but it's still worth it to me to come here than go to a salon. I think it's mostly the advanced students who do the hair coloring now with the price change, so that's nice. I'm super picky about how my hair looks but I'm not nervous about students coloring my hair because they are under close supervision of educators. They have to have an educator check my hair before and after every step to approve what the student will do and what she has done. That does mean it sometimes takes longer because if it's busy the student has to wait until an educator is available. That's completely fine with me. I will continue to come here for as long as I need to have my hair colored. Every student has done a great job on my hair. I also love the smell of Aveda products. I always leave with my hair smelling great. read more

I recently had my hair cut by Ava L. She did fabulous job !!! She was friendly and professional. I also, felt she got great support from her educators. read more

Aveda is nothing but great vibes! Highly recommended Aly! She did such a great job with my hair and getting me looking good for my birthday!! read more

Disappointed they no longer accept Saturday appointments, and during the week, you can't get a highlight + haircut later than 3:30pm. Some of us have jobs!! read more

I went for their "free facial event." I was one of the first ones of the day so they were still working out the kinks. They were originally using message chairs but having you face backwards on them. Not comfortable at all and my feet did not reach the floor. They did pull a table out after mine so that should help make a difference. They lady that did the photo machine was very kind and knowledgeable. The student who did my facial was getting ready to graduate. I'm happy she will get a lot of experience today doing these facials. She was having a conversation with the other lady, the other lady told her to sanitize her gloves cause she coughed. She told the lady she just puts another pair of gloves over the pair she has on. It was definitely a different feel on a facial with multiple gloves on the person. It felt like heavy rubber being rubbed on my face. It was a free mini facial so not going to complain. I did upgrade an pay for the treatment. read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Entry way - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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Savana Miller, stylest: Absolutely beautiful partial haircolor job on my hair. You took my example and lifted it onto my head. You are an amazing stylest and,a,warm, enjoyable communicator. Best of luck on your post graduation salon job at Reece Marie Hair Salon, 411 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265. They will be extremely blessed to have you join their team. I enjoyed the time chatting with you and seeing this masterpiece unfold. Have a great Thanksgiving. Thank you again! read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Haircolor example - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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I have been to this salon many times. The last time I had an appointment I got a phone call 13 minutes before, cancelling it. They did not seem sorry at all. I was getting on a plane the next day so the appointment was very important to me. I found this to be entirely unprofessional. Also, I sent 2 Facebook messages about this and they just ignored them. They have now lost a faithful customer. read more

Great services . . . BUT . . . the filthiest, nastiest, grossest restrooms I have ever experienced!!! Shame on Aveda for not addressing this issue. I'm surprised the State of Iowa doesn't shut this place down!!! read more

I would like to give a shout out to Jenna Knapp, one of the instructors. I have watched her in action, as I have been a client at the West Des Moines Aveda for 3 years now. Jenna so knowledgable and patient with the students. They really seem to respond to her gentle demeanor and expertise. She is well know in the field in the Des Moines area and has great networking connections. Aveda is lucky to have her!! read more

It has taken me months to write this review because right am very conflicted about the place. I try to lend some extra leeway as this is a teaching institution and we all have to start somewhere. In September, 2021, I booked appointments here 2-weeks before my wedding because my hair and makeup artist bailed on me due to Covid. Okay, things happen, regroup and move forward. Aveda was a place I could get into and get appointments for myself and bridesmaids. We had two days of appointments, Friday 9/10 (picture day) and Saturday 9/11 (wedding). The appointment on Friday (hair and makeup) went off without any issues. The woman who did my hair and makeup was amazing and very talented. She introduced me to a new lipstick that I still wear months after my wedding. She was kind and wrote down everything she so I could have it for the next days. The appointment on Saturday was a different story. I had my hair done at am Aveda salon (f/t professional) because I could only get a makeup appointment here. It was supposed to take an hour and. I didn't do anything elaborate and was pretty simple. It took her over 2-hours just to do simple makeup. She was unorganized and spent more time talking with her friend than doing what I needed her to. I ended up being late to my wedding and missing my rehearsal entirely. I wish I could remember the woman who did my hair and make up Friday and I wish I would have been fortunate enough to have her on Saturday as well. As long as you're mot in a hurry, this is a good place to go. I believe in supporting students and am happy to utilize their services so they can have the practice, but it was so disappointing that things happened the way they did Saturday. read more

Ally M did my hair and I loved it. Highly recommend. She did my hair exactly how i showed her in the inspo photo

My girlfriend, Riley told me she was getting a haircut, and we thought it would go great. But when I saw her I cried. It looks like a toddler's first haircut. I considering leaving her for her sister, Reese. Absolutely HORRID!! Should I leave her? Please help me. The person who cut her hair was Sadie Z. Lowkey looked like Sadie from Total Drama Island. Anyways... 10/10 DO NOT recommend it if you want a good haircut. UPDATE: We broke up AFTER she got her hair cut again. She said she was too good for me. What a meanie weenie! Because of you guys, I'm single and living in my mom's basement again. read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - This is BEFORE the haircut. She was soooooooo hot! - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

My daughter and I go here because we've had good experiences even though our appointments usually take 3 hours. I will admit, the last time the cut and color took 5 hours for me. A bit long for my taste but I was patient because I knew the girl was in training and she was doing a good job and taking her time. Unfortunately, we will not be returning after this last episode. My daughter went for a cut and color, like usual, but she was there for 7 AND A HALF HOURS this time!! The first girl was doing fine, per my daughter, moving slow but doing okay, and the girl apologized multiple times. Then the first girl was removed and another person was assigned, because it was taking so long. This new girl COMPLETELY IGNORED my daughter when she asked the stylist to part her hair BEFORE she cut it. When when the stylist WOULDN'T, my daughter kindly asked for the comb to part her own hair properly. Then this stylist proceeded to brush her hair so intensely that she pulled a clump of my daughter's hair out (she has long hair). The way this stylist was brushing her hair was creating knots in the back which seemed to irritate the stylist so she repeatedly tugged on my daughter's hair, ultimately pulling out a clump of hair. My daughter doesn't know the name of this girl, but we will never go back as a result of this pissy stylist who was clearly annoyed and took it out on the client. Need less to say, the "second girl" did not receive a tip. And the salon has lost 2 clients. read more

First time coming here and what an experience. Yes, they are students. My service was a blow out styling. All services are verified by their instructor. Cost for blow out was $20. Can't beat the price. Ensure you add extra time since they may take longer. read more

Joslyn is the absolute best!! She is so nice and thoughtful I love her. If your going to get your hair done you have to go to her!

I went to get a marginal trim with a middle part and layered curtain bangs. Sadie cut off at least three inches of my hair with a side part and zero layers. I look homogeneous to Ramona from Ramona and Beezus. My friend told me it looked akin to a toddler's first haircut. I am very doleful and I cried a lot. I will be getting it cut again at a different salon to fine-tune it. read more

Abdolutely horrible service. I asked for a simple cut and when they majorly screwed it up, the instructor accused me of messing it up by claiming I told every instructor and the hair cutting student something different, which was completely false, as I always say the exact same thing when getting a haircut and have for many years and have never had this problem. They are extremely incompetent and will give you the worst haircut of your life. Never go here. They also charged me the higher rate ($24) for someone I'm pretty sure had literally never cut men's/short hair before. read more

The Aveda Institute is a great option if you're on a budget! Today I got my haircut, complete with a shampoo, conditioning treatment, and simple style for $25. While today I had a very experienced student that did a great job on my hair and finished in less than an hour, I have had some less great experiences. Be sure to leave lots of extra time in your schedule. Student haircuts/colors can take twice as long as professional salons. Also know that if your student does have a bit of an "oops" moment, the educators will come in and save the day. *fingers crossed* read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

I am the bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding and the bride set up appointment for us to get our nails done. We were greeted with smiles and a little hot tea to sip. We filled out our questionnaires and were taken back past all the hair stylist areas into a separate room for nails. The three ladies were great. They are students working to become Aveda stylists. We chatted as we had our hands massaged and cleaned off. We got a nice neck massage as we sat with our hands wrapped in warm towels and then had our nails down. The overall experience was really good. We got to pick our color and take that color with us when we left. We all had a good time and were treated really well. We left feeling relaxed and smiles so I would go back and check them out again for other things. read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

I got my hair done at a different location and I was recommended by a friend to go to Aveda. I called them after my experience and results I received from the other place and told them exactly what I wanted. Gave them reference photos and told them I didn't want it to look the same as it did when I first went in for my appointment. They basically did the same thing the other place did. I told them I wanted to go lighter and blonde and now my hair still looks dark and brassy. FIVE HOURS LATER andhe only difference is that now there is more of the same color as before. As she was toning my hair and rinsing me, she made it sound like it was a lot more lighter and blonde. But that is far from the case. I do not recommend coming to Aveda if you want them to fix your hair. read more

If you are wanting the full salon experience without the high price and you have a little extra time to provide, I'd recommend Aveda. Scheduling is easy with their online request form. Just make sure you read their full response to ensure proper appointment time! The service is provided by students under the supervision of educators. I went in with an unique request and Naysta D, was able to deliver! I had neglected my hair for a few months and went in looking like a hot mess with wild gray hairs attacking. I left with the wonderful color combination that I was looking for. Naysta dyed my hair to a base color of a purplish brown, Then added copper and pink highlights. The whole process took about 4 hours but it truly didn't seem like it. Naysta was a great conversationalist, offered water, and even did a hand massage while my hair was processing. read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

This may be a school salon but I have gotten great haircuts here (extra credit to instructors) and they can usually accommodate me on short notice. I can't recommend a particular stylist because they all graduate but I have naturally curly hair and my stylists here have all known how to cut and style it. It's an art! read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Naturally curly haircut at Aveda Institute in West Des Moines. - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Bella S did a full highlight for me and it exceeded my expectations! I went from brunette to light blonde and she did a great job and did not damage my hair. If you are coming in for a transition to blonde, would definitely ask for Bella! read more

This was a fun experience! I'm excited to do it again! I think I lucked out with my stylist having similar tastes as me, but the overall Aveda thing was really cool. Shoulder massage at the beginning? Hand massages while your color processes? Sign me up for more! And the educators cruise by constantly to check on how things are going. I never felt nervous about my hair though and am pleased with how the cut/color turned out. Can't beat those prices, especially for high quality Aveda stuff. read more

Had a color service with Taylor Malizia a few months ago. I was rush on time before I had to go to work in the Afternoon. I was a little concerned with the color when I first saw it because it looked orange and not red. I got a haircut as well and it went so good. I loved that we were talking about the old days and I also like that I could get it cheap from a person I knew use to go to my high school. I felt bad that we had to rush to get everything done I wanted in the little time frame. another thing I loved was I could get ahold of her on Instagram and asked her when she was available and if she could help me pick a color out based on what they could do in my time. I recommended her to all my friends and family friend. read more

I have been here twice. Once, I got a full 90 minute facial for aging skin (Let me clarify, I am not old but my skin has been here for almost 50 years and man has it seen some things) It was relaxing and my skin sparkled with youthful dewiness afterward! The esthetician who treated me is named Allison. She has the touch of a healer. You can't fake that. Next, I got a lot of stuff waxed. Did you know they can wax nose hair? I didn't. But, now my nose is like an adorable infant's nose. I also got my eyebrows tinted which means I don't have to use my eyebrow pencil every morning and so have shaved about 15 seconds off my morning routine. Wooo!! Again, Allison is the person I booked. She's awesome. The students are well trained. The prices are stellar. Go forth with confidence and let someone else care for your skin. read more

The bathrooms are horrendous. One of the doors is missing a lock and it smells terrible in there. You would think that they hold their facilities to the same level as the care of their students, but that is not the case. Do better. read more

I wasn't happy with my highlights, she took all my bright blonde and made it like gray. I called that night left message no call back. Called next day and they said ok will need to do consult but couldn't get me in for 2 weeks!!!! I called back and said why a consult your policy said if not happy call within 48 hours, which I did. So the rude person on the phone said the manager said too long has passed so would only charge bowls to fix. I didn't wait long they did and then want to charge me???? read more

I've been here twice, once for dying and another for a perm. The perm took a while because I have long hair and the teacher has to check up on their work. But both times I had wonderful hair stylists, and they made the whole trip delightful! I live in Iowa City so each time I visit I do make a day of it. Since it is a teaching salon, it does take a little longer, but it's also less expensive and completely worth it! read more

My daughter went in to get her hair dyed blonde. $130 and 8 hours later she is left with burgundy roots and orange hair. At the time their only solution was to do highlights in 5 days, even knowing she had senior pictures in a week. Called in and they were willing to fix it but we didn't have time for that - I had requested a return call on Saturday and didn't receive one. She had to go in for a color correction at a different salon to get her hair conditioned and fixed. Because of the refund I requested she will not be able to go back but I don't think that will be a problem.... read more

Aveda Institute Des Moines - Hair Salons Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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Both Lilly and Livy were fantastic! The had great skills. My complaint is that I booked one stylist but ended up having two (which both did a a good job) but that meant I had to double tip which I didn't plan for. That's also pricy when you add that on to an already expensive hair appointment. It was unfair that I wasn't told that when I booked the appointment and therefore was unaware that I would have to tip almost 40% (18% x 2 people)!!! I should have been notified and then given the choice to have both of them or not. Note: this is not a complaint against the stylists but the salon itself. read more

I've been here several times. Yes, these are students. Yes, it takes more time. You CANNOT be afraid or 'too impatient' (as I saw some said prior) to tell them the truth. If you lie to them, they think they are doing awesome. YOU are ultimately responsible for releasing a subpar hairstyle or color on the world. This is not a $200 salon...if you want something super complicated, go to a professional salon. That rant over with, I have loved my hair each time. I have loved my pedicures each time. There are no basins, they are dry pedicures, which are more sanitary. Those who complain about the lack of jet tubs are used to the nail chop shops. No. Thank. You. Those places suck. Foot fungus, anyone? Give them a shot. The hairstylists and teacher's always ask if I'm happy. If you aren't, say No. read more

Oh good lord. I will not be going back here again. Went with friends to get mani/pedis and we were all disappointed. We got people 15 weeks into a 70 week program haha. We knew we were screwed when they took out their cheat sheets. It took us 1 1/2 hours! Now I know they are just students but come on! The students were friendly and nice but pretty incompetent. My girl was afraid to cut my nails. Really? We all agreed we paint way better ourselves and I'm not that picky. I had 3 toes that were basically half painted. My other friend got one layer of nail polish. All of us had polish everywhere on our skin and it was choppy, not smooth on the nails. We were also bothered when a group of students were cleaning in there when it's supposed to be relaxing. One girl had a hole in her garbage bag and dropped it all on the floor. The 3 other girls were laughing hysterically and being really rowdy for a good 10 minutes. Really inappropriate! All for $25 bucks. I could have gone to a professional salon for that. We did get to keep our bottles of nail polish though, best part. We thought it was a joke when the "educators" came to check the work the students did. They all accepted the crappy paint jobs we got. I don't get this place at all. Won't be going back. Pretty bad. We all went home and repainted our nails. read more

I was definitely not pleased with my experience at Aveda. I came in to get my color touched up, and I didn't think it would be so bad, considering my hair is all just one color. I was led back by my stylist who was super nice, but she just didn't seem confident. And she never told me her name, so that was pretty off-putting as well. After I told her that I wanted grey hair, she immediately went to her instructor and asked what she should do. Which made me feel like she had no idea what she was doing. After they formulated my color, I learned that she was a couple weeks out from graduating. That close to being done, and you can't make your own color formulation? That also made me uneasy. She went to go mix up color, and she was gone for 10 minutes doing that, and I know that it doesn't have able nearly that long to mix up color (I graduated from beauty school, so I know a thing or two). So my stylist and another one get to work applying the color on my hair. I could tell looking in the mirror that my hair was not nearly saturated enough, so my hair couldn't pick up the color as well. After 5 minutes, I was told that it was time to rinse out my hair, and I thought that was way too short a time for color to process. But I kept my mouth shut and let my stylist do her thing. After shampooing my hair, she took me back to her station and took the towel off my head, and I could see that they did a pretty shoddy job of applying the color. It was so uneven and it wasn't what I was expecting. At this point, I was ready to up and leave, so I just asked her to give me a blow out, and no special style. So she did and my hair just looked flat. And I know that a good blowout doesn't take that much work. So, she led me up to the front, and when I paid, the woman at the front desk never smiled or asked how anything was, just told me the total, gave me change, and said goodbye. Overall, I'm not pleased, and I'm not planning on coming back, as I can do my own hair better than they did. read more

I was in town for work and needed a shampoo and style as my right arm is in a cast. I had hoped it would be good (knowing it was a school) but was a disaster. I showed the stylist a picture of my hair styled so she could see what I wanted. My hair was so horrible that I had to go to the hotel to fix it before I met friends for dinner. I honestly think I could have done better - even with my arm in a cast. I would not recommend this place even knowing it was a school. When the instructor asked if I liked it, I said yes just to get out as quickly as possible. Given enough time I would have honest and asked for it to be fixed appropriately. I'm glad I didn't spend too much money.... read more