Ok, so there was once a time, long ago, that this place was known as the best. As I said, that was long ago and all they've seemed to accomplish since then is slide down the drain, both in customer service and talent. I had been going here for years, for both waxing and salon. There was a superb waxer, Valerie, who sadly left. When they set me up with their supposed #2 waxer, I had the worst experience ever, leaving the salon with burns on my skin and leftover wax. I was in pain for 3 days afterwards! Never again would I get my waxing at Mark Pardo. Then, after years of salon visits, another talented employee leaves. I was given a new hairstylist and had high hopes. They were quickly crushed when I arrived less than 5 minutes late and she tells me we are now out of time to do both the cut and color so I had to choose which I wanted more. I explained to her there was an accident on the freeway and I called ahead informing of such; she rolled her eyes, huffed like a child, and pointed at the chair saying, "Well?". The cut and color that proceeded also resembled the work of a child. For the prices you pay here, you should expect greatness. Unfortunately, the only thing you pay for is disappointment. read more

I have a problem. It's something that I've suffered with throughout my adult life. I am afraid of hair stylists. I don't know why. Getting my hair cut is one of the most nerve wracking experiences for me. I'll spend the entire time with a death grip on arm rests, my jaw clenched and my spine stiff. Some people are afraid of clowns, or zombies or spiders. Me, it's the hair stylist. Notably, because of this very serious phobia, I have been less than diligent maintaining my hair. I've built a thick skin when responding to comments about split ends or frizz for days. However, once I had my first child approximately 43% of my hair fell out and what was left turned gray. It was time for an intervention. I put out a plea to all my friends to recommend a place that I could handle and one suggested Mark Pardo, and that is where I met Kelsie: stylist extraordinaire. First, Kelsie assured me that I was not as bald or gray as I thought I was, but that she could help me get my hair back to normalish. She was very patient with the fact that I'd never had my hair colored before and I had no clue what I was doing or wanted. When I cluelessly pointed to a color that would have made me look like a Tim Burton character she kindly lead me down a warmer path. She also wasn't offended when, due to my crippling fear, I was unable to make small talk and I sat like I was getting a root canal. Kelsie seemed to know what I wanted even more than I did. She did something magic with those scissors, and my normally frizzy, thick hair transformed into a manageable sleek do. Although I can't say that I'm fully recovered, I have been diligently going to see Kelsie once every 8 weeks or so, and for the first time in my life my hair doesn't look like a permanent 'before'. Is this place pricey? Yes, but they really care about the health of your hair, they do the best color in Abq, and everyone there is warm and inviting and if they can get me to take care of my hair then there is hope for anyone. read more

So overpriced. I purchased an "express" mani/pedi and it cost more than twice what I'd pay elsewhere. My nails came out great, but it took 2 1/2 hours for two of us and my mouth almost dropped to the floor when they told me the price. Perhaps they think it's worth it because it's supposed to be a spa experience and they offer fruit water, but the atmosphere is not that great and waiting for your friend to get done before you can get done takes forever and...the price....over $75?!!!! So take note, even though their website quotes a certain price for the service, it could cost you more if you get an experienced nail artist. And you can blow your mani/pedi budget for 6 months in one shot. read more

If there were an option for more stars... This would be the review I use them for. I was offered fruit water upon my arrival. I didn't have to wait past my appointment time. The facilities are clean and modern, very inviting. The shampoo sinks are the most comfortable I've ever been. I was offered magazines and water throughout the time I was there. I received all of the services I requested when I made my appointment. She was not rushing, which is very important to me. Theresa was my Stylist. She was amazing. I knew what I wanted, but needed some advice, she knew exactly what to do. I got a hair cut (w/ bangs which is always tricky). I got highlight (I have medium length hair) and a botanical treatment. My hair feels amazing!! I also purchased Aveda shampoo and conditioner as I have come to really love Aveda products. My total came to $217. This seems steep, but with all the services PLUS the products I bought, it's not bad at all. I even received a complimentary hand massage while my color processed, which I loved. Theresa was amazing and I will be returning. I'm fairly picky when it comes to my hair, Mark Pardo is my new salon! read more

Do not go to this place for up dos!!! I've had some great haircuts and even color and highlights from the students... But they charged me for a bridal up do practice which was horrible. I didn't go back but stupidly still sent my bridal party girls for their up dos and most of their hair didn't turn out well at all. Stick to cuts and color here! read more

I've gotten my hair done here many many times over the years but recently my appointments have felt very rushed. I always make sure to mention that I have a lot of hair but they don't seem to schedule me any more time which they really should. They slap the color on really quickly and it doesn't come out evenly I think because it isn't saturated enough. I will be looking elsewhere. read more

Very nice staff who do a great job - especially Lavera!

Sheena was an excellent hair stylist.This place is professional, modern, and fun. Affordable, and worth it if you are aware it is a training salon. I have curly hair. She took the time to cut it dry and wet, and style it. She listens and is quite personable. Go. read more

I expect more from Mark Pardo. Be customer conscious and give the haircut requested. After 2 recent poor experiences, I question the quality of even the educator level haircuts. read more

What an incredible experience. The facials with Samantha are relaxing and your skin feels wonderful afterwards. This is only part of the overall encounter. The staff is very welcoming and aim to accommodate EVERYONE! My daughter had a hair appointment and will drive hours to have Michelle perform her amazing services! Thank you for a memorable Saturday! read more

A stellar example of quality customer service. The employees are friendly, knowledgeable and expert in their field. All appointments are honored on time and everything is done to make the customer feel like they are valued. The services and products are slightly pricey, but as every customer knows, some experiences are worth every extra penny. Thank you, Mark Pardo & Staff, for being so classy. You have a true fan in me. read more

I had my hair cut and colored by one of the stylists-she clearly did not have the experience to take a blond heavily highlighted hair to a strawberry blond highlighted hair- on her first try it was a dingy green! She asked for an educator-Francine to help correct my hair-it finally became a red copper. I'm from San Diego and we call that color a New Mexican bottled red -hopefully it will wash out and fade like she said. I can't believe I actually paid for it and left a small 20.00 tip.. I blame the lady at the front that scheduled me with a studio student she said they all are professional -wrong read more

Although the staff was friendly I felt completely cheated today. I had a consult two weeks ago and was told to make an appointment for a perm and cut. Today I come in only to get told it may not work. I drove 2hours to have a second consult. The manager told me the girls were only worried about the integrity of my hair and I could sign a waiver to get it done anyway. I'm very sorry and upset I wasted my time and nothing was offered or done. I basically had two consults and a cup of tea. I understand the fact that my hair might be a challenge for the products used but damn, how about at least not having me make an appointment when I had the first consult. How about offering to style or cut my hair? suggesting another place that may work better for my hair would have been a good place to start. read more

I'm very pleased with this salon and with my stylist, Chloe. She has taken to time to get to know me and my preferences for both cut and color and used her judgment to give me suggestions. Thanks to her I am rocking some amazing purple peekaboo highlights, a look I never thought I could pull off. I'll keep coming back. read more

Paul Cox has been cutting and coloring my hair for years and he is FANTASTIC! I'm naturally brunette and he gradually took my hair to a beautiful light blonde without frying it off of my head! We've worked our way back to dark brown hair now and my hair is healthy and strong. He's been at this salon for more than a decade and is very knowledgeable while also being enthusiastic with each client. The salon uses Aveda products...I don't like their makeup but LOVE their hair products! This is NOT a budget salon but I have girlfriends that don't invest in their hair...and they look like someone attacked them with a hedge clipper and colored their hair with kool aid. Invest in yourself and go see Paul!!!! read more

Ryan V. did an amazing job with my highlights and cut. I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for color, highlights and a great cut or trim!!! read more

Not pleased. The stylist seemed disinterested from the start. She did not verify as she was cutting. I appreciate a "Hey, Is this the length you were thinking?" not just an assumption that it's what I was looking for. During the consultation I asked for the cut to be shorter in the back than the front. The entire cut was one length with just a dusting cut off. She did not show me the hair cut when she finished. If she did, I would have mentioned that it wasn't quite what I was looking for -- remember I asked for shorter hair in the back? The assistant team leader did try to remedy the problem with a re-cut with another person about an hour later. Unfortunately, I did not have time to wait an hour and sit another hour in the chair. $70 was too much to pay for just a trim - and not the haircut I asked for. read more

Went on 10/12/13 for updos for a wedding. Three of us. Can't say enough stuff about how nice everything was. The staff is really nice and our updos were fantastic. I can't remember who did my hair but she has been there 2 years and is leaving the for Mark Pardo further down Juan Tabo, in two months. Nice atmosphere and I will for sure be back. $25 for an updo. read more

Called today to see if they could squeeze me in as a new client. Not only did they get me in right away without any wait, I got a free mini facial by an amazing esthitician (Blanca)- my skin felt amazing! Then after drinking some yummy tea, Mandi cut my hair giving me some great new bangs and a super blow out. Everyone was super nice and I really appreciate being seen so quickly. Heads up the parking lot is terrible, but all of Juan Tabo has sketchy gravel/pavement. read more

Thank you for finally responding after 25 days. Your Protege should be asking the Master cutter for help, if a client is dissatisfied. When a client returns for "Adjustments" why can't a Master Cutter show the Protege what needs to be done for that particular client's cut - afterall, the client's time being there is just as important as the cut the client came to get. Does anyone there know Customer Service...?? read more

Sheena cut my hair and did an awesome ombre dye job on the lower half. She encountered some trouble with my hair because it tangles so easy but was calm and on top of it. Definitely worth a visit to this place. It is a training salon so if you're short on patience or time don't go - it's not helpful to the stylists. They do excellent work and are super nice. read more

Ok so I've gone here many times for a few years and I'm only giving it two stars because I've had so many bad experiences here (with attitudes and hair jobs) with several diff colorists and hair stylists. The only good person I could find here was Emily a master cutter. She's so nice and has been cutting my hair for probably 4 yrs now and she always asks me a lot of questions to make sure it's exactly how I want. It's just that her hair cuts usually cost me $100 for about an hr to hr & half. A lot of the girls who do hair here are very very stuck up and rude! Emily is the only nice one I've had there and she is amazing. She can take a picture I found online and give me the exact same cut! Also the Aveda products don't really work on my hair since I'm part black (except the conditioner) which is all they sell. read more

I was nervous to get my hair cut due to a bad cut at a walk-in salon a few weeks ago. I took my chances with Kirsten. I'm glad I did because she gave me one of the best haircuts I've ever had. She listened to what I asked for and she delivered it perfectly, even with the challenge of having to work with botched bangs. She also made recommendations regarding the best way to add color to my hair--and she was right. My hair color is perfectly blended, natural and healthy. I was all smiles when I left the salon that day. The whole experience was relaxing, too! read more

I've never colored my hair until recently mid-40's. I was so scared and wanted something natural and easy. Celine totally takes care of me and I can't imagine what I'd do if Aveda wasn't so natural and earth friendly and her expertise put me at ease ! read more

I will never go to Mark Pardo's again. That's not a high-end salon it's comparable to a used car sales lot. When I booked the massage I specifically asked not to be pressured to purchase additional services or product based on my previous massage. There is nothing high-end about Mark Pardo. read more

I had a great experience. I went to this salon because I needed to get a botched haircut from another salon fixed. They were so friendly and accommodating at Mark Pardo, and were able to get me an appointment very quickly. Monique did such a wonderful job on my hair, and was able to fix the previous mistakes without taking much length off. I will definitely be going back to this salon! read more

I only go to get my nails done now and I have zero complaints. My nail tech (Cristina) does an AMAZING job and I will be so bummed if she ever leaves. I had my eyebrows waxed a few times and the lady that did them no longer works there but she did a great job too. read more

I've been going to Proteges a while, this review is specifically about Reid. Of all the Proteges stylists I've had, here's what I have noticed about Reid: I took a picture of a color I wanted and what I got looked nothing like the picture. The situation was rectified, I'm just saying he's only adequate--his skills need work, keep your requests simple for Reid. Also, he will attempt to get you to come in how often he wants you to come, not how often you want to come (for color retouches, cuts, etc.). He will go so far as to wait while you book your next appointment to make sure you schedule a return sooner rather than later. Also, he really pushes the Aveda products, seems disappointed if you don't spend a wad. Every. Single. Time. His motive is to increase what you spend, not to increase his skill level or your customer satisfaction. read more

It wasn't an option to check zero stars, but that is the rating I give this place. I don't need to pay $120 to have a rude hairstylist ruin my hair. Horrible highlights, and they charged me for a full highlight even though the hairstylist said she didn't have time to do a full highlight. I still have 1/4 inch of roots showing! Give me a break. I will find another place to go because I don't need someone taking out their insanity on my hair and being treated rudely in the process. I look like a skunk. Not sure why she didn't have time to do an entire highlight when I was there over 2 hours. This place is stuck up and overpriced. Not worth the money whatsoever. read more

I've always loved Aveda and specifically Mark Pardo, but last time I went, I was unhappy with my highlight job. They went above and beyond to make it right . . . I got to have Mark Pardo's sister, Cynthia, and she fixed it *exactly* what I wanted, with no additional damage to my hair. read more

Christine, the nail tech, does an excellent job with pedicures. I've had other abysmal ones in Albuquerque but hers are top-notch. She is booked well in advance. read more

It's a little frightening that these stylists are already licensed. I used to always recommend Proteges but my last 2/3 experiences have been HORRIBLE. Even after a detailed explanation of how I style my hair and showing the stylist a picture of how I wanted it cut she gave me layers that hardly reached my ears (when all my other hair sits below my shoulders)! The discounted price is not worth having to pin your hair up for three months! Believe me. Spend the extra cash and go to a real salon. read more

I went to Marc Pardo for several times and had pretty good cuts. Then I got such a horrible cut, cut so short over my ears and at the neckline, I quit going after that. I was in shock and everyone, even the people in the salon, kept staring at it it looked so bad. Why she took it upon herself to change my style after all this time I don't know. I gave it a break but decided after a couple of years to return to the Coors location. I was booked with a protoge who was turning stylist in four days. I was explaining how I didn't want my hair cut, the last episode at the other salon, Paseo del Norte, and explained how I wanted it cut. She proceeded to cut, and cut, and cut, then turned my chair around to face the mirror and it was exactly the way the other gal butchered it, it's not even 1/4" long on the sides, cut over the ears, shaved at the neckline just the way I told her not to cut it. HORRIFYING HAIRCUT!!!! Stay away unless you're masochistic!!! They DON'T listen to what you tell them. read more