This institute has a nice layout and the reception area feels like a trendy spa... I had a really great 60 minute facial by Addison and wish I had made it 90 minutes! She explained each step during the facial and afterwards explained each product...I loved the product so much that I purchased it! The treatment rooms felt good and had relaxing music playing. They use Aveda aromas in the rooms and it smelled fantastic. Since my facial was with a student, it would have been helpful if the institute gave feedback sheets or even followed up with an email requesting feedback. I'm not sure how the instructors know if the students are following protocol or need to tweak anything...isn't learning what school is about? read more

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Got a layered haircut with Caroline Smith, a Level 3 student who was recommended by her mother. I haven't been to this Aveda location for any services in a few years. I used to come to get a color treatment, haircut and even tried a pedicure a long time ago. My hairstylist moved away from the area so I am still in search of a hairstylist that's good, personable and not too far away. Caroline was friendly, personable and listened to my requests, concerns and how I take care of my hair. She asked what products I use and after the Q&A, her instructor Rojas signed off on the eval. She recommended a shampoo-conditioner that prevents frizziness & was considerate enough to ask what water temp I preferred. Afterwards, I went back to her station and we just reiterated how much I wanted cut and what length I wanted the layers? She proceeded with caution letting me know we can cut it shorter if I wanted so I appreciated that as well. A couple of times, she asked Rojas to show her a certain technique and I told Caroline that was fine with me and that's what she was here for--to learn. Rojas adjusted any cuts to demonstrate as needed. I was glad he was there and was a patient and encouraging. He was busy on the floor and I saw another male instructor assisting a student. For a Wednesday it seemed busy. After my haircut, Rojas reviewed it and Caroline proceeded to blow dry and curl with a flat iron. She used some products that seemed very healthy and natural. Plus they smell so good! The students seemed to be enjoying their time there and I could see them honing their skills whether cutting or coloring on their mannequin heads or on clients. I like how this beauty school is open on Saturdays from 930am-530pm for busy folks but beware, it's their busiest day! They have Esthetician services as well which include brow & lash tints, waxing, body scrubs & treatments & facials. read more

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As I wanted a very basic haircut (large amount taken off but straight cut without layers), I figured I'd try out the Aveda Institute and also save some money. It was very easy to make an appointment and they had a good amount of availability. They assign a student to you and you just show up at the appointment time like a usual salon. Upon arrival, I had to sign a waiver and go over what I was wanting with the student and their instructor. The student then washed my hair and got me ready for the haircut. While I understand this is a school and the students are learning, I did start getting nervous with how many questions the student asked me (not their instructor). As I'm clueless when it comes to cosmetology... it didn't instill confidence in how the look would turn out. After the student cut my hair, the instructor did come over again to grade the student and correct any mistakes (luckily only a few minor ones). One thing to note is that because there are extra steps with their being a student and instructor who need to work on your hair... this takes a lot longer than going to a normal salon. Be prepared to be there awhile. Overall, I was happy with the end product but would likely go to a full service salon if I ever had something more challenging or didn't have the time. read more

Customer service is lacking for sure! I scheduled with someone specifically and when I checked in no one bothered to tell me that I would have another student instead. It wasn't until I asked that they told me that my student was unavailable. Against my own second guessing I went ahead with this new student and from the start, all she did was blab, blab, blab about way too many personal things. Then she did not know how to shampoo and definitely couldn't rinse. After her shampoo and rinse she walked me back to my seat and started to comb my hair when her instructor came over and told her to re-rinse my hair because I still had conditioner in it. So there I go again to get rinsed. Then I asked her to trim some of my curls to lighten them and she ended up cutting about 5inches off!!!!! And when she blow dried my hair, not once did she put any product in my hair. When she was done and I saw myself in the mirror, I was horrified!! I looked like a poodle! I immediately complained and all my student did was walk me to the cashier. I told the cashier about my horrible experience and color & haircut & how I looked like a poodle and the cashier only offered 2 things: 1-he would take off the haircut charge or 2- he would remove the price of the color and cut but then I would be banned from returning!!?! I paid for the color and walked out. I will never return to Aveda. read more

I'm not sure why this place has such low reviews but I have always had a good experience here. Yes, they are students who are learning but the educators come by to check all of their work before they can continue. The appointments can be a bit lengthy but they can give you an estimate at the front desk when you book. You're also getting an amazing deal with excellent products. I think this place is one of the best kept secrets in San Antonio. read more

What a great experience! From the front desk staff to my hairstylist, Alyssa Vasquez! Everyone was so nice! Alyssa did such an amazing job with my haircut! And when she was washing my hair I felt like I was getting a massage for my scalp too! This was my first time getting full front bangs and thought maybe my bangs weren't going to work for me, but she worked her magic! She had such a good eye for the length! At first, I was worried it was too long, but I am so glad I trusted her, because when my bangs dried it was the PERFECT length! And the styling was great! The curls looked just right! I truly happy with my results! She really did a good job! It made me feel more confident! I'm so excited to go out for my celebration tomorrow! I'm looking forward to putting some makeup on and taking lots of photos with my new do! read more

I have always enjoyed my services at Aveda Institutes- this is the third one I've been to. This time, I got a haircut. The students were so friendly and followed the procedures to a T. The instructors were also very nice and careful. I enjoyed my time there, and I like my new haircut! read more

This is a learning school where you can get services performed by students at a discount. It is not a spa experience as they are learning. I come here for perms as I struggle finding a stylist that actually cares to give a decent perm. I've always gotten a great result from the institute. The instructor checks things out along the way so I feel comfortable with the process. It's a school so you get who is in for the day and who needs practice or hours. read more

I went there for make up. Unfortunately they dont have good make up products and the student could not make for me the make up. Aveda make up line is very cheap and bad quality. I left just with oily foundation on my face and the manager made me pay the whole service.Horrible experience, bad management read more

This place is awful. They really need to teach their students to be more personable. My stylist was ok with my hair cut. It was a 3inch trim. Most stylist mess this up. Now she left a bunch of product in my hair and didn't wash it out. Product deep conditioner that she put in.... and then claims I was speaking about having dandruff. Lol she went on to say "I don't understand what your problem is with the hair cut?" Like real ghetto I took a deep breath. "Well I walked in with no dandruff and now I have a head full off dandruff". Is that what you think I was looking for"? I just said I will wash my hair at home and left. Nice trim $18. Left conditioner product in scalp $10.00 not returning to this awful school priceless read more

Terrible customer service. Staff is rude to customers, scheduling is clueless and doesn't know how to schedule services. Looking at the other reviews the students are mistreated as well. Avoid at all costs. read more

Rescheduled twice due to scheduling issues. Customer service lacking, excuses provided but not solutions. Book on the weekend at your own risk. read more

Services are wonderful! recently attended the guest appreciation event and was provided with great tips.

Horrible school. Very crowded. Employees get mistreated. Students get no help with problem situations. Some teachers there will not help you simply because the don't like you. Very unprofessional staff. They don't care for the students as far as personal situations and mental health. Teachers gossip about other students to students. And the tools used for your education is very cheap definitely not worth what the kit costs. And when you "graduate " you ring a bell. I do NOT recommend this school to anyone. Paul Mitchell is the way to go. read more

My haircut turned out great! Yes, it took longer than usual (so don't go if you're in a hurry), but I enjoyed the conversation/laughs with my stylist and appreciated that she took her time to get it right. I agree with the review stating it's crowded -- the stations are very close together so you might have the neighboring stylist standing very close to you for a short time. But again, it's a school so don't expect a high-end salon experience. And yes, the stylists ask questions about what you want, products you use, etc. and then get the green light from a trainer/supervisor before starting -- again, it's a school. Since it was my first visit, my service was 50% off so that was a nice surprise. While tips are not required, the students can accept them and 100% goes to the stylist (vs a fund for a group pizza party like the massage school on San Pedro used to do). However, tips must be paid in cash, so be sure to have some on hand. I'm very pleased with my visit and will definitely return. read more

Unprofessional and they couldn't care less about customers. Today was the worst experience! I requested a specific esthetician and they didn't have the decency to call me ahead and let me know she wasn't present!!!! WTH!! They changed my appointment several times without consulting me, and were just plain careless and unprofessional! read more