(The salon has been renamed Aura Veni - I've submitted a name change to Yelp) HAIR CUT by Sheila Hurt Their personal convenience to me can't be beat simply based on proximity to my work - as in, walking distance. I showed up to work yesterday with what my mom would call a "home bun"... so you can imagine how awesome I was looking... And walked back an hour later with clean, freshly cut, neatly shaped and trimmed gorgeous hair. Sheila is a top notch professional. She didn't flinch when I said "I don't know what I want other than to not lose much length, get rid of some dead ends and make me look good." She said OK and went to work. She was careful to not trim more than an inch and walked me through what the grow out process should be to help me attain the length I want and get my hair back to great health. Beyond her doing a great job - she's a badass girl in general. Sit in her chair and you'll see what I mean. She's calm, confident and talented. I'm excited to give her my continual business - And some cool icing on the cake? Her husband owns Hey Cupcake, apparently, so in my book, a day at the salon followed by taking my kid out for a cupcake may just be the best way to pamper ourselves while showing local Austinite businesses some love at the same time! I'm extremely happy with the job she did and am going to continue my visits every 4 weeks for trims and shaping to keep my hair growing out. We've talked about doing some extremely low maintenance color down the line and I'm open to her ideas when the time comes - which is saying a lot if you read some of my other bad-stylist color fiasco experiences (with another stylist). My review for the salon, itself, would be a bit different, but I'm just here to sing Sheila's praises as a stylist. Tips: Park in the Embassy Suites parking garage or along the street on Barton Springs along Upper Decks or Zax. Do NOT park in the Studio Six or Austin Trust Company parking lots which are adjacent. read more

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Brenda Garza is a gift from the gods. In my inability to articulate my needs, she always gets it. Lisa, the salon director and coordinator, is always so accomodating. I travel a lot for work and I don't know my schedule often and she can usually work some magic by even scheduling me the next day. I know its an inconvenience for them to work their schedule around for me, but they never, ever, ever, never, never make me feel like an inconvenience. There's nothing more I hate than a snotty, pretentious salon and Aura Veni is the exact opposite. When I lived in Atlanta, I frequented the same salon for 12 years, so I was nervous having to start the process all over again, but as soon as I visited Salon Aura Veni, I knew I was right at home. Parking is pretty easy because they have spots reserved for clients in the neighboring hotel. Definite plus because that area would be a nightmare otherwise. This cute little salon only has about 5 or 6 chairs for the stylists, so its a quaint little place, which I love. Their product selections are also top of the line. Prices are a little higher than the stylist I saw in Atlanta, but I trust Brenda and I know I'm paying a little extra for fabulous service. read more

Megan, Megan, Megan! Megan McCoy is a wonder. I have straighter-than-straight hair that sticks to my head and looks like pokers...until Megan gets in there and gives it shape and movement and sex appeal. I get asked regularly where I get my hair done, and I never fail to rave about her. She is a delight, both as a stylist and as a person. Don't let the funky location bug you - I've never had any trouble finidng parking. Head there for a cut and then over to Threadgill's for a 5-veggie plate. Your mama would approve of both! read more

I have been going here for 10 years and will not go anywhere else! Leigh is amazing and I leave beyond happy every time.

Why are you calling me on my cell phone !?....how did you get my number...you don't even live in a state close to me....do NOT call me again....I don't know you !!!!!! read more

Honestly, you guys.... I love Salon Aura - which has recently been renamed Aura Veni. I'm giving it 5 stars because I really do feel they deserve every single one of 'em! I just had yet another great experience there. I've been going to Salon Aura/Aura Veni for over 2 years. It's convenient for me being a Soco-Gal (across the street from Thread Gills's on B.S.). Plus the receptionist,Lisa, is so dang sweet & polite and forgiving if you're late or have to resched. Leigh is my "Fro-Angel"....she takes my short, dark, curly fro and makes it look like Victoria Beckham's hair :) Great with cut AND color. PLUS, you get to drink wine & while you're in the chair. Winning! And today I decided that Debbie is my official "Facial-Angel." She just worked WONDERFS on my face, Y'all! Had no idea what a Jessner peal was when I went in, but WOW. Awesome! Girls....look into it! Guys....Chris, the owner, is wicked cool, also an excellent hair dresser and can talk your ear off about music any time. Lastly...I dig their product selection. I'm addicted to Kevin Murphy Products....Easy Rider, can I get a witness?? They''ve got wonderful skin care products (IMAGE) and now they're starting to sell cute glasses and earings. Cheers & thanks for reading! Sarah read more

Leigh has been my stylist for over 10 years. She knows exactly what I'm comfortable with and how to manage my curly hair. My favorite day of the month is when I leave the salon feeling beautiful! Chris and Leigh were an intricate part of a large fundraiser I had raising $65,000 for the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation, shaving my head to support the fight against pediatric cancer. I called the other day wanting to get "crazy" and color my dark brown hair blonde for the first time ever. Leigh was booked but Crystal came in late and colored my hair last minute. Absolutely love the entire Christopher -Leigh salon family!! . read more

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I have been seeing Brenda Garza for over 6 years- and have never had a hairstylist that I liked so much. Brenda has just recently moved to Salon Aura Veni and the fit is perfect! Besides the location and the atmosphere, Brenda is a must-have hair stylist. Brenda listens to what you want, but also provides helpful suggestions based on your hairtype, lifestyle, etc. Things I never would have otherwise thought of she has suggested, and each time it has been a wonderful change to my hairstyle. Brenda is on-time, reliable, and can do it all-- long, short, highlights, lowlights, name it and she can do it. I have enjoyed being able to be a client of Brenda's. Her personality is very caring and attentive. I highly recommend Brenda to anyone who is needing a fresh take on their hair cut, or needs a refreshing change in hairstylist. You won't be disappointed!! Free parking in the parking garage is also a great perk! read more

I've been going to either Chris or Leigh (husband and wife) for over 3 years now... I have "strayed" a few times, but only when I was about to pull out my hair and just couldn't wait to get an appt at Aura. But I've always returned to them and been very happy about it. Lisa, at the front desk, is always very nice and understanding (never makes you feel bad about being late, having to cancel/reschedule like some other places do). She always calls me if they are running behind, if I'm waiting on a cancellation, to remind me of my appt, or to remind me to MAKE the appointment (so I don't pull my hair out)! Oh, and they are a downtown location, WITH PARKING! I'm a big fan!! read more

Crystal Renteria at Christopher + Leigh Salon is a GENIUS and a true hair artist. Crystal has been my trusted stylist / colorist for 15 years! Crystal recently made the (awesome) move from another local salon to Christopher + Leigh Salon (yay!). If you're looking for an EXPERT in hair color (whether you prefer subtle highlights, pastels, or vivids), Crystal is the woman you want for the job. I have, on more than one occasion, sat in her chair and told her she had complete choice over what to do with my hair and, in all these years of being blessed to have her style my hair, she has never given me a bad cut or color. Crystal is a true artist in cutting hair, too. I have recommended over a dozen people to Crystal over the years and everyone one of them has become her faithful client. You MUST try Crystal--you will not regret the decision. read more

Just want to say that a few years back when Tisa worked at Pink Salon on Congress, I had the very best long layered cut of my life! (In fact, I think during my time in Austin, I had two cuts from Tisa.) She doesn't cut according to the playbook....she has the creativity and talent to do things a little different and achieve great results. I have thick, heavy, coarse-wavy and long hair, so I rely on SHAPE in my cuts. They need to give just enough volume in the back without ending up with short bang-like, stair-stepped layers in front. (I think we may have used "sex kitten hair" to describe what we were going to do with my hair, haha.) She also put a few sections of highlights in for me, but did so subtly and placed them exactly where they mattered, as opposed to stripes on my head. Pink closed while I was in Austin, and during that time I was looking for a less expensive 'do, so I didn't make it back more than a couple of times to Tisa. She was on the pricey side for me, but if you have to have the perfect long layered cut, she is hands-down the person to see. (I'm writing this because I'm looking for a Tisa double in Denver right now!!) read more

I love this place! In addition to a great open, airy atmosphere the staff is friendly and accommodating. Tisa took my damaged, over-processed hair and over the past few years has transformed it into perfectly colored healthy blond tresses. She is a miracle worker! Do yourself a favor and get over to Salon Aura! read more

I recently saw Sheila after having a bad haircut and highlights from someone else. She did a great job fixing up my cut and coloring my hair! She really listened to me and what I wanted. I have already booked my next appt. this is the first time I've left a salon happy in a long time in Austin. read more

Chris has done cut & highlights on my long brunette hair for 5 years and I couldn't be happier! Previous salons had done major damage to my hair and at my first appointment, Chris was completely honest that it would take 4-5 appointments for him to get my hair in shape (the past places had promised miracles but made it worse). I'm so happy I trusted him because he was right and has since completely transformed my hair! He's a genius with color and even explains the chemistry behind what he's doing. I genuinely look forward to each appointment not only because my hair turns out amazing, but because he's down to earth and fun to talk with! The rest of the salon is just as friendly and professional. I highly recommend C+L Salon and will be a client for life! read more

Brenda Garza has been cutting and styling my hair for several years, and I have never left the salon disappointed. She's friendly, honest, listens to your desires and concerns, and is amazingly talented. She cuts and colors my daughter's hair as well and has been responsible for two AWESOME prom hairstyles. If anyone is looking for a new stylist, they should consider putting their hair in the hands of Brenda. read more

My fiancé got me a gift card for Christmas from the church where was raffled $ 200. After many phone calls to arrange appointments I finally made it there. Chris Cortinaz- the owner, approached me and after looking at me and my hair told me that this is not his speciality ( I am mixed race with medium length hair) He went somewhere behind and came back with a mask on his face and his behavior was to say the least ...desirable. He further pointed the fact that tools they use in that saloon are for straight hair only, should I add that I never felt discriminated in this manner in my entire life. I ended up leaving the saloon and no-one even offering to give me my money back. You can gift it to someone with straight hair they said. It took me this long to write a review because i normally do not do that. I know I should've call the Better business bureau , but hopefully at least someone will read this and know what are they going to encounter if they have curly hair. read more

Debbie was my esthetician/ bikini wax conossieur for 3 1/2 years and I LOVE her! I was so sad to leave her when I left Austin. She's laid back and will put you at ease right away. Give her a shot! Definitely worth the money spent. read more

I had driven by this place a few times and always thought it was an odd location for a salon. I recently found out Debbie Sawczyn was their esthetian and she came highly recommended by a freind, so I had to stop by. Shes amazing! Lets face it, brazilian waxing hurts no matter what. But Debbie is friendly, professional, and quick, which makes it about as painless as it gets. Shes great, I definitely recommend her! read more

What a great salon. Everyone there is friendly and helpful, and it's always just so relaxing and nice to go there. I've been using this salon for my needs for 5 years now, and wouldn't dream of changing. read more

I decided to cut my long, curly hair into a shorter style for the summer, and a friend recommended Tisa at Salon Aura. I was nervous, but Tisa was amazing. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted and was depending on her expertise, and I wasn't disappointed. Tisa is a true professional. I ended up with a cut I adore, as well as some lovely color to complement the new do. Thanks, Tisa! read more

Just got married in Austin in November and had Danan do my hair for my bridal portraits, cut my hair the week before, and did the updo on the wedding day! Loved her! So fun to work with, she came to me and was on time and very professional. She waited patiently 30 minutes after she was done for the flowers to arrive to put in my hair. She is very talented and goes out of her way to make sure you're happy. She also did a fantastic job on my mom's hair the day of the wedding, would highly recommend her!! read more

Had my first haircut yesterday at this salon....Brenda came with great yelp reviews and a personal recommendation. The haircut was horrible, terrible. So bad that I was unable to sleep last night. I called at opening this morning to speak with owner and then drove over for him to see how bad it was...he agreed. Chris tried to make the best of it with his skills but the cut turned out extremely short so he recommended no cut for 8 weeks. Not happy with the look at all. read more

Despite the chic interior, and convenient parking this is possibly the worst salon to which I have been. It is a travesty considering I used to have Tisa do my hair years ago at Pink salon, however, despite having trusted her so long that bond is broken permanently. I was charged $220 for a SHODDY ROOT TOUCH up for my JAW LENGTH HAIR! I did not even receive a hair cut, NOR WAS MY HAIR EVEN STYLED AFTERWARDS, just blow-dried. I was originally quoted $90 on the phone, halfway through the service I was asked if I wanted a hair cut as well and that that would add an extra $90 to my now $130. I politely declined saying I could not afford both the hair cut and the root touch up at this time. After my hair was dry I noticed my bangs were TWO colors in the front! The top being a light blonde and the bottom of my bangs being a brown! It was horrifying. I asked that it be fixed saying that I wanted more light pieces in the front and at first was DIRECTLY LIED TO saying that THERE WAS NO WAY IT COULD BE DONE UNTIL 5 PM. As I am going to check out, trying to figure out who I can get on a holiday to fix the problem, the flippant hair stylist decides that somehow it could now be done and fixes the problem by sloppily slapping some bleach into my bangs with no foils, just her fingers. I HAD TO ASK FOR THE TONER WHEN I WAS GETTING RINSED A SECOND TIME. Upon check out however I find that my bill is now $220. No hair cut, nothing extra done, just my roots for my short hair. They are now telling me that a color is $90 and that roots are $130 bringing my total to $220 FOR A SIMPLE ROOT TOUCH UP!!!!!! and THEN TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY SHE TRIES TO TELL ME SHE HAS BEEN SAYING THIS ALL ALONG. AS IF I AM STUPID. AS IF THEY COULD CONVINCE ME I HAVEN'T HEARD WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD ALL DAY!!! PEOPLE LIKE THIS SHOULD BE ASHAMED for the blatant extortion of their customers. Needless to say I will NEVER be going back to this salon. I will continue to drive the 40 minute drive to Pink West Salon where I know I will not be used and where I know I will receive good work and HONEST prices. I have definitely learned a lesson the hard way about people and money, even ones you think you know and trust. read more