A day before my appointment, I got a text notifying me that they would have to reschedule my appointment because my hairstylist was not going to be in. I was a little disappointed as I had scheduled my cut a few weeks well in advance. However, they made it right and fit me in that same day with a senior stylist. I had Abigail as my stylist, and she was just a darling. She was so gentle and careful with my hair. She took exactly the length that I wanted off, and did beautiful long layers for me. I loved how she really took her time and listened to what I wanted done. Will definitely miss her when she graduates in June and any salon will be lucky to have her. Know before you go: State Street garage is great to park in and only a few minutes walk from the salon. If you want a weekend appointment, I'd book well in advance. They have Aveda products for sale in the front, and are always running specials. Give or take about an hour to an hour and a half for your appointment if you're getting a cut. Don't forget to try a cup of the Aveda tea at your appointment. It's delicious!! read more

Douglas J Institute - Abby is just one of the best here!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Six weeks with no instructor for the esthetician program. Horrible institute for learning!

yes, the Bible was in our grade. People were doing excellent job as they were learning how to cut air and being also salon and stuff like that. Everyone is doing an extra job is a place. I would recommend to learn how to do hair. read more

Douglas J Institute - Front of the Institute for hair, Cuttery, and salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

They should be disgraced to call themselves an Aveda institution. The Karen of a manager publicly verbally harassed & abused me with yelling , name calling etc all over a miscommunication she did not want to correct. She did this in front of students & employees alike . All because she wanted to be a Karen during Christmas time & couldn't admit fault to miscommunication & other matters. She wouldn't even apologize for the institutions mistakes or her aggressive behavior towards me. Made zero effort to make amends with a customer which is poor business skills on her end. Very very unprofessional for a "manager" . Would like to know where she learned a lack of customer service since she banned me for no good reason & lost a well paying customer that has spent $$$$$$ at this institution. read more

I had my first ever experience at Douglas J Aveda institute today, and I am extremely pleased with the results. I made an appointment for with "any available stylist" and ended up seeing Sarah Johnson. Sarah listened to what I wanted and delivered exactly that. I left her chair feeling pampered and pretty. She was extremely pleasant, and I enjoyed interacting with her in addition to being pleased with how she did my hair. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to her. Thank you, Sarah! As for the salon itself, it is situated in a lovely space, and I felt the employees went above and beyond to maintain safe COVID practices such as social distancing, masking, and sanitizing. Overall I am completely satisfied with my experience and expect to return many times in the future. read more

Douglas J Institute - Dutch braids - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I needed my hair curled and Abby, who just got into the salon did an amazing job!!! would recommend!

They're always so polite and professional. This is the best place in town to get ur salon needs met if you're on a budget. Right now, during COVID-19, they're taking precautions to prevent contamination, so be read up on all their policies. And their appointments are now staggered, so if you want full highlights& a cut/style, my suggestion is to make two appointments so the student can really concentrate on doing the job right. Micayla was extremely good at coloring my hair. I'll prob update these photos once she cuts it this week. They also offer nail options, facials and waxings. read more

Douglas J Institute - Blonding over level 4 brown growth, with blonde highlights grown about 6 inches out. - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Came across this gem walking on Gay St. I was happy they were able to get me in later in the day on a Saturday for a haircut and style. $18 and so worth it! Haley did a great job and is going to be a great hairdresser. Thank you Haley! read more

Highly recommend if you are looking for a facial! It is a teaching institute so don't expect perfection. But everyone is extremely nice and professional. This was probably one of the best facials I have had. They do their best to make sure you are comfortable with economic prices. read more

I booked my son for a Trim and a haircut! Our barber MyEshia Grayson was very inviting and courteous! She took her time and gave him what he wanted. We really appreciate her for listening to him. read more

I can not say enough about this place. My first time here was nothing but AMAZING! I am so impressed and will definitely keep going back. I had made an appointment for highlights with Olivia, she is so sweet and really took her time and was so thorough. One of the instructors, (I think his name was John) was just phenomenal. He was also very thorough and made sure everything turned out great, which it did! I really like that he told me how much it would cost before they even started because I don't like to be surprised. Very clean and relaxing atmosphere. I highly recommend them!!! read more

Douglas J Institute - After photo - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

My 1st time here and the experience was fantastic. Emma Clark cut my hair, I was so pleased. Professional and courteous. Took the time to get to know me and my style, attentive on what I wanted to achieve with my cut. Everyone was wonderful and also professional. The vibe was exceptional. I would highly recommend for all your beauty needs. read more

If their was a negative stars I would use that What a nightmare I made an appointment for 9:30am I called to confirm it was 9:30am the day before and the girl said yes I arrive and the miss thing manager tells me it's 9am and I am late I should her my email and said no your wrong I have an appointment for 9:30 Then she proceeded to tell me that I had to choose either getting my color done or getting it cut because they weren't going to do both and honor the existing agreement Just avoid this place 100% I have heard horror stories from students about how badly they are treated. The managers treat them like slaves read more

I got a facial done here it was 10/10. I recommend using a Groupon it will save you a lot of money.

I went to the school to get a haircut. I brought a realistic photo of what I wanted. Basically it was the cut I have, but cleaned up. I did not want my bangs touched as I am growing them out. I got EXACTLY what I asked for from my stylist, Laine. She listened and gave me several tips on how to keep growing my hair out in a healthy way. The blowout she gave me was PERFECT. I had an event that night and made sure I had enough time after the cut to go home and change my hair if I needed. I did not. I ended up having extra relaxation time, because nothing had to be changed at all. Oh and the hand and head/shoulder massages were pure delights. I think Laine has a very bright future in this industry! I would recommend her to everyone. read more

Worst customer service I've ever experienced. I was called 30 minutes before my appointment time that my appointment was being canceled. This is after I called just a few hours ago, confirming todays appointment and adding another service. I had also received confirmation emails and texts just 20 minutes before they called and canceled on me. I hope nobody else goes through getting childcare, taking off work and not having a planned and scheduled service before an event the next day. Finding out at 4:30pm while I've already left work and am driving there is unacceptable. The money "saved" by going to a school was actually lost wages, gas, and childcare. read more

I was supposed to have a one hour waxing facial done. I called to say that I was going to be about 15 to 20 minutes late and the lady that answered the phone Whitney indicated that she could reschedule. I was like I don't want to reschedule I was supposed to have the whole evening I thought. I said well that's OK don't worry about it we'll just let her do whatever she can do the student. I said but I had spoke to the heavyset lady at the front desk and thought I would get the students entire duration for the evening? What ever happen I have no clue. But the Director over the skin care side Ashley called me and told me to do not come to my appointment!! I wasn't startled nor was I taken back I just thought that was unprofessional that I was told to don't come to my appointment because someone did not book as we had discussed and because I'm black you can say and do as pleased. They allow all individuals to book at the front but booking is so very important when it comes to providing a service and they need to be educated on the procedures. They need to spend time getting the student to understand that you need to maintain professionalism and the importance to booking. I will never again! Lesson learned I don't need to be miss treated as a black women by this staff. read more

Instructor T. Whedbee was behaving oddly while assisting at my treatment. She seemed to be stoned out of her head! Not at all good leadership. I won't ever return here. read more

Love, love, love this place! Malina did an incredible job doing highlights. She was very professional and friendly. I have gone to Aveda and the school and both are great! read more

I finally made an appointment here and it was very much out of desperation because I went the the azure salon in Alcoa and to say the so called professional messed up my hair is an understatement but I am soo happy the "students" were able to fix my hair after the "professionals" messed it up My stylist was charlsey she was amazing my color and cut was phenomenal and she fixed the bad dye job from the other salon It's definitely worth going here the front desk lady was a little cranky but she was also six months pregnant so I don't blame her . Definitely going to get my wedding style done here read more

Just don't.... The facial was decent but they totally jacked my hair. Made the mistake of trusting the student and when the instructor went away on lunch, things went bad fast. Instructor did fix it but one side is still shorter than the other read more

Yesterday, my hair was cut by a student named John. He was exceptional! Very professional and knowledgeable! He made suggestions and pointed out things that would make my cut better. He is only there for two more months, but if you have short hair he is your man, plus you cant beat the price. I have been getting my hair cut at Aveda for two years. They are always professional and friendly. If you decide to go here, remember, your hair is cut by students. The instructions check their work to ensure the cut/color is satisfactory. Have i ever been somewhat disappointed yes, but students need the experience. I am usually very satisfied. read more

went to get my lashes done again for the first time in a while, and it was great, went back for a fill in with chrissy and she did a fantastic job! such a soft touch and just great job overall! read more

First - the student who did my manicure and pedicure was super sweet. So there's that. But the products and service just really were poor. First - students can't cut nails, but she didn't tell me this until after my pedicure and starting my manicure. The painting was subpar and is already a hot peeling mess. I'm just disappointed that I've wasted money because now I have to repaint them and cut them myself. read more

Douglas J Institute - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Our experience at Aveda was completely phenomenal. This was my first time at Aveda, and my wedding day, and I could not have been more pleased with our visit. Bayleigh (I'm sure I spelled her name incorrectly! Sorry girl!) is a FANTASTIC stylist, and I'd recommend anyone to visit her (I'll def. be back!). She was professional, friendly, patient, easygoing, a clear communicator, knowledgeable, and experienced. I am so thankful that she was able to work with me- she was definitely a God send on an exciting day filled with nerves. My mom and bridesmaid's stylists were excellent as well! As for Aveda in general...wow!! I am one who is normally low maintenance, and doesn't visit salons often. They set the bar HIGH, and I don't think I could be nearly as satisfied if I went anywhere else. Everyone was so professional, kind, and accommodating. The facility was clean, elegant, fun, and accommodating as well. Thanks for making our special day even more special, Aveda! read more

Megan did an awesome job coloring my hair. I like how the instructors stay close and make sure the clients are being taken care of while still training the stylists. Nice upbeat atmosphere. read more

Amelia was awesome! The service and personal attention made me feel like I was in a high end spa. I feel great! Thank you, Amelia!!!

Shortly after this place opened, I decided that a $16 haircut was a good idea. I left with a haircut that was just fine, and it costs me 3 hours of my life. I quickly decided that the cost/time ratio was not worth any savings that I may be getting. That was years ago. Fast forward to present. I have been in here a few times for community events and really enjoyed myself. The staff is nice and the facility is beautiful. A friend of mine regularly gets facials here and all of her raving convinced me to give it a try. After all, you many want your haircut to go quickly, a facial that took forever could really only be a bonus. So I let her book the appointment. I ended up with a 90 minute facial and a plant peel. Worst case scenario: They use aveda products on my skin and massage my face for 90 minutes. I'm in. It started with a warm foot bath, which was kind of weird, but nice, while we talked about my skin. From there, there was slathering, massaging, moisturizing, rubbing, and spritzing all over my face. It was incredibly relaxing. Maybe that's because it also comes with a scalp massage and neck and shoulder massage. The plant peel felt amazing, too. When it was all said and done, she handed me a mirror and I was expecting to see the same face that I came in with because, seriously, you think a 90 minute facial is going to produce visible results?! Well, the answer is yes. I was shocked when I looked in the mirror. My skin was healthier and smoother looking. I am now a convert and will certainly be adding this to my monthly schedule. We all deserve to be pampered a little, right?! Note: the only downside is really just a minor annoyance. Since these are students performing the services, the instructors come in 2-3 times and make sure they aren't screwing up your face (or hair for haircuts). It's not the end of the world, but does take a tinge of the relaxation out of the whole thing. read more

Have an urge to spend twice as much time, and JUST as much money...for dice-rollin' results? Greetings, pilgrim- your search is over. My fiancée went here for coloring and a pedicure, a Groupon in hand. We knew that this was a beauty school; we knew that that meant that things might go a little slower, results COULD be uneven, and that the price typically reflects those compromises. NOT here, baby... Time spent on her color and foil highlights: 3 hr 45 min, vs what a hairdresser friend said would rarely take more than 2 hrs. No cut/style/curl, just a color/highlight job. So, the extra time spent due to the student being methodical must result in either a job well done, or a lower price for the not-yet-professional craftsmanship, right? NOT here, baby... My fiancé wasn't particularly pleased with the results, but all that could've been done would have been for her to invest another couple hours of her time while they tried to fix it (as they offered to do, per their guarantee). She wasn't displeased enough to do that, especially since (including the 1 hr pedi), this would have had her there for ~7 hrs (for what, again, should typically take 3 if done by an experienced pro). So, time to check out. At least it will be less expensive than if it were a full-on pro salon instead of a school with students practicing their future craft, right? NOT here, baby... Color and highlights (no cut, and even using a curling iron would be extra): $95. Pedicure: $34. They also "gave" her the bottle of nail polish that was opened and used on her...but charged another 3.50 for it, we learned when reviewing the bill. So, the pedis apparently don't include nail polish?!? (Polish started coming off on the way home, since the "supervised student" didn't use any sort of drying light as other salons do, but felt that the polish was sufficiently air-dried.) Even with $25 Groupon savings, we still spent about $110...and did mention all the extra time spent? Oh, yes. I did. Reviewing prices on their website (after the fact, unfortch), it appears the haircuts are indeed student-labor-priced at $12-16. It would also appear, per our experience, that the savings over hiring experienced pros stop right there on the menu...let alone the expense of spending so much extra of that resource of which you cannot produce more: your time. Why you might want to take TWICE as long, to spend every BIT as much, for LESS-than-professional results is unclear to me, but it's something you'd do well to figure out before scheduling an appointment here, IMHO. read more

FORMER STUDENT: HOW WE ARE TREATED. I want to start off by saying how grateful I am for Aveda products. My skin hasn't been so radiant or beautiful in a long time. Next, the curriculum for cosmetology and estiology teaches you more than just how to do a hair cut, or do a facial. They really want the guest to feel at home when they are getting a service done. There's a lot of wellness in the schooling, and that I also enjoyed. Now, to why I give this place a one star review. I was a student at the institute for 7 months. The first few months of my education, I deeply enjoyed it. I really felt I had found my niche, and was learning beyond I could have got at another school. I unfortunately was diagnosed with cancer and had to take a two month break for treatment, and when I came back the entire place had changed. For the worse. We have several 100 question test we have to take and pass before we're allowed to graduate. Instead of letting us study in our downtime (I was in my clinical stage of working on guests) myself and my classmates were forced daily to go outside in 90 degree weather in our all black uniform and "fundraise". Mind this, I am still dealing with unforeseen post complications of my cancer treatment, and ended up getting sick from the extended heat. Aveda does a lot of charity work, and that I don't mine, but when you're trying to make us do it daily and it's interfering with our school work, then it's become a problem. First reason for the one star: A guest service lead made a comment that I was putting my illness on for show, so I wouldn't have to be outside and instead could sit inside and doing nothing. I had two organs removed and was in the process of getting a blood transfusion, but yet I am making my illness up. Second, reason. I was belittled and put down on three separate occasions by my instructor IN FRONT of my guest. COMPLETELY UNPROFESSIONAL. I even had a guest mention how it made her uncomfortable, and she hopes that didn't happen often. Third, reason. It doesn't matter how old you are, you are treated like a child. I'm 23, and typically the ones who does laundry runs early in the morning. I wasn't aware you weren't suppose to wash a certain fabric, because it could ruin it, so when two instructors found out, I was told I "ruined it", and when I apologized and said I didn't know, I was told "BUT YOU DID KNOW." Not a day later, we are still using that so called "ruined" fabric. End. I honestly felt like if you make a mistake at this institution, the instructors I dealt with weren't interested in bettering you, but belittling you. Not often did I get any sort of constructed criticism, but just downright hateful criticism. I just transferred to a new school, and the atmosphere is highly different. It feels peaceful, unlike Aveda which felt highly neurotic. I'm hoping this review will shed light, and Aveda can improve the quality of its schooling. Not written, but it's fundamentals. Not in any place, do I wish them ill harm. I made a lot of good friends at this school, and I wish it would've been better, so I could've stayed. read more

Allyson did an amazing job on my facial. I had never had a facial before and she helped make the whole experience comfortable. She was very knowledgeable and confident and It was interesting to learn about my skin. The routine she chose to do on me worked wonders on my skin! The masks felt amazing as they were being applied and when they were being gently cleaned off!!! Can't wait to rebook! Allyson not only was amazing at the spa experience but also seemed very comfortable talking with me and confident in the things she knew about skin and skincare! read more

I felt I should share my previous experience here to echo the other curly-haired lady here and say that students just don't know enough to do a proper cut on curly hair yet - let them experiment on others instead of you! I participated in some event where the cuts were technically free of charge, but sounds like other people haven't been happy with paying for a cut here, either. I haven't had my hair cut *at all* since going here 4 years ago now, the haircut was that bad it has scared me away from trusting anyone - and it was that straight across cut that must work for straight hair but leaves curls looking like Oprah '93 or the Dilbert cartoon lady with triangle hair. At the time I thought "oh well, got what you paid for, fool" but the lady cut so much it's taken years to get back, so at a cost of zero dollars it's been way more expensive in time to regrow and feeling bad about the way I looked than I could have imagined. I really like Aveda products and wish there was some less traumatic way for people to learn - can't we 3D print things now for students to practice on before using real humans? I know you have to practice to learn, but that can mean some rough times for you as guinea pig, be warned. read more

I come here for the stress relieving treatment and to get my eyebrows waxed. I also use a few different Aveda products, so it is nice to have an Aveda that is walking distance to my office. I look forward to my visits here, but you have to keep in mind that everyone is a student. This can make your visit time consuming, waiting for the teacher and such, but it is still worth it. read more

Kaitlyn G did a great job on my facial! My main goals were to leave relaxed, and with moisturized younger-looking skin. Both of these were achieved, thanks to her expertise! I'll definitely return the next time I'm in town. :) read more

This school o s absolutely gorgeous. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I was there for a red chocolate class on consultantation formulation and best practices for aveda! read more

Douglas J Institute - #redchocolate #Aveda #avedacolor - Hair Salons Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

Today I had my very first facial at Douglas J Aveda in Knoxville and I will be the first to say that it was the best facial I have ever received. Adacious performed my facial today and asked how I would like to feel after the service, I told her that I wanted to feel relaxed and she exceeded those expectations. You would never know that she is a student because her technique is amazing! One thing I regret is that I booked the 60 minute facial service when I should have booked the 90 minute one, because I did not want it to end. This facial was worth every penny and I did book another appointment for the future and am so excited about it... My advice is to RUN and schedule a facial service at Douglas J ASAP! read more

Jordyn is the absolute best. Her professionalism and skills are on par with any experienced stylist. Her personality is wonderful. She makes you feel at ease and comfortable, and is SO easy to talk to. Genuinely can't say a negative thing about her, and plan on following her wherever she goes once she graduates! read more

I went to this school. They literally give you YOUTUBE EDUCATION. Everything is on video and the teachers ( at least the one I had and the one I know of that is training) are just there to facilitate pretty shabbily if I say so myself and if my classmates were on this review too they'd say the same thing. They skip hair cuts/ teach them half way, skip over makeup, and skip over mail technology. Really a waste of money if your going to pay for YouTube education I suggest going somewhere else so you can pay YouTube price. Not to mention the staff is very unprofessional. Sheila in particular. Emails between us can prove such. On top of all of that they fail to uphold well constructed safety regulations. Someone from another class had gotten Covid and they sent all the classes home except for ours not because "we hadn't been in contact" ,because we were in an assembly with all classes including majority of their families showing up for their graduation, but because based on what my teacher said to our class they think everyone is faking it. Now on of my class mates messaged in the group chat she tested positive for Covid and told all staff who needed to know in order to be able to now correctly up hold safety regulations and the staff has told no one two other hits came back saying they were calling out because they also felt sick and actually hadn't heard anything from anyone about someone they had been in contact with having Covid. They are a straight money grab no lie they will take your money and not give a damn about you as a human or as a student who is going to get an education. They are thee worst school you could possible go to unless you're looking for constant stress from they staff not doing their job and them threatening your financial aid constantly. I think next review I'll add some photos for the emails that I have because I am just about ready to get my lawyer involved because what they are doing is a crime against any person who is just trying to find their path in life because they will actively try to drag you down and then have the nerve to gaslight you. Pathetic is what they are and I'm so upset Sheila wasn't there when I went to go grab my things so that I could have told her all of this to her face. They still aren't worth my gas but I will take some time to bring their dirty secrets to everyone. read more

I have always loved my experiences here in the past. However, today while I was getting in my car to go to my appointment (which I booked at my last appointment 2 months ago) they called to cancel. They then proceeded to tell me that they don't have any way of making this right so that I can get my hair done before I go on vacation in a couple of weeks. Not at all the customer service you would expect to make up for a bad situation at all!!!! read more

I can't explain how awesome my trip to the Aveda school was. I had a full day of pampering and every second of it was bliss for me! Every student seem so well-informed, but knowing instructor is always there is comforting. I can't say enough good things about this establishment! The spa/ salon/ and nail salon were all great to me! But I have to honestly say, I don't think going to a high end spa can be much more relaxing then going here for a day. From the moment I walked in I felt like royalty and I was so pleased. read more