Avant Salon & Spa

So a friend recomended me to this guy that would do a great job! When I got their I was wisked check in and asked if I wanted a drink, no vodka! What ever Then apeared Joe! He is just like you see on TV cute quirky and handsome! I followed him to the stool where I was afraid of being butchered like in the past! He was sweet and kind and talked to me about the things that would bring out my best! I instanly trusted him and said do whatever. Then the next thing I knew I was getting the best shampoo of my life! I sat wet like a dog in front of the mirror and watched myself turn into a godess! WoW Come to this man he knows how to make you look feel and be s e x y ! Thanks JOE see you next time!!!!!!!!! Pros: looking in the mirror Cons: I need color more

My daughter has been a loyal customer to this salon for the last six years. She has allways recieved the best of services for the time she has patroned this establishment, I love her cuts, but as a single mother I have only been able to spend that kind of money one time! I love the stylist that did my hair, I think his name was Ryan. However I asked my daughter for a gift certificate to visit the wonderful people at Avant, and get that hot look everyone loves, she said she quit going there because every time she goes back now her stylist has left! I called to see where Ryan was and I felt rushed into making an appointment with some one newer to the salon. I understand that you can't send your business out the door, but the way I was spoke to I would't even call back! Let alone go in! So if you want good hair they know what they are doing, but don't plan on the same person twice! Pros: hairstylist are exquisite Cons: hairstylist don't stick around more

My visit was spectacular! I was very pleased with my hair, And Charlotte was absolutely the greatest! I cannot wait to see her again! more

Avant is unreliable. I had made an appointment 6 weeks in advance for the Saturday before Mother's Day. On Thursday they called to confirm my appointment. On Friday they called to cancel my color, and on Saturday (the day of my appointment ) as I was leaving for the salon, they called and canceled my cut. This is even more inconvenient because I am going out of town on business for a week and I now have no option for rebooking before my trip. Add to that fact that this is Mother's Day weekend and all salons are booked solid. Avant has lost this customer for good! How many others have they stood up? Pros: close to work downtown Cons: cancel appointments at the very last minute; can't count on them more

I live in DC but have been going back to Jean at Avant for the past two years. She always make my hair look beautiful with updated styles and cuts that are perfect for my hair. I recently asked her to do my updo for my wedding. She did the most beautiful modern and romantic updo I have ever seen. It was perfect for my outdoor wedding. She also does incredible makeup. The service and stylists at Avant are amazing! Pros: Amazing stylists Cons: A bit pricey by Austin standards more

I went to Amanda at the Avant off 360. First, she was 10 minutes late, and then when I said I just wanted my hair trimmed...but keep it long, and to only take a little off...I got just the opposite. She gave me this wacky layer at the top- cut 3 inches off, but kept the rest long...giving me a grown out mullet look. My hair is normally full of volume and wavy and I left with my hair oily and limp. Now, all I can do is wait for my hair to grow back and curse myself for paying 50 bucks for an 80s rockstar hair-don't. And yes, I cried when I got home. Pros: free tea Cons: haircuts more

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!! I went to Avant today and had Connie cut my hair. I asked for a simple ""straight across cut only 1 inch specially asking to have it cut even-- not in a V shape in the back. First, Connie was 20 minutes late. Then she came in talking like she was drunk (and dressed like she was 13 years old) - You want to charge a fortune to cut hair dress the part then. I told her what I wanted for my hair cut, then she told me what she would prefer to do instead. She was telling me that my long hair was doing nothing for me and that she likes short hair. I don't care what she wants. I am the client just do what I ask. What does she do, EXACTLY WHAT I DON'T WANT. It took her an hour to cut my hair, which was completely uneven, with layers and a V Shape. To top it all off, she did a horrible job attemping to blown dry my hair straight. Bascially, I asked ""why is my hair so uneven?"" I ask for straight across!!! I left in tears and was told I didn't have to pay from the cashier. I then went immediately to another hairdresser in town that fixed all the uneven pieces, but unfortuantely had to cut another 2 inches off to get rid of the 1980's V-shape. Therefore, I guess Connie got what she wanted layers, uneven hair, with 3 inches cut off. Pros: nice music Cons: Connie the hairdresser more

I had my hair done here by Connie. The service is great, very relaxing and friendly. It is the best hair experience I have had...possibly ever. I am the type of girl that goes in with an idea in my head of what I want to look like, but it is never fulfilled and then I go home and cry and then continue on with my average hair-do. Not at Avant. This is the first time in my life that the haircut I imagined in my head was executed. Connie was super receptive and totally caught my idea. Definately check this place out!!!!! more

Oh my gosh. I have a huge fear of haircuts after a hairstylist did a remarkably bad job cutting my hair off (think Herman Munster, I kid you not!) SO I saw a review in INSTYLE magazine for Rudolph at Avant Salon. I went in with my dead ended, dull, dry, flat hair. I came out astounded. MY HAIR WAS GORGEOUS! I went back a second time and RUDOLPH THE GREAT wanted to use a straightning iron after the cut and dry and I though well ok but last time you didn't and it was gorgeous. WELL it was even more gorgeous.This man took my hair from dull and dead to shiny and absolutely th most beautiful hair I have ever seen. And I am bragging, bragging about him and my hair they are both unbelieveable! GO TO RUDOLPH! TELL HIM EMILY SENT YOU! Pros: RUDOLPH! Cons: NONE! more

I had an amazing first time experience at Avant Salon. At first I was apprehensive - I had scheduled an appointment on a Friday afternoon, and after signing in at the front desk, I experienced an atmosphere from the staff that seemed a little chilly. I decided to chalk this up to the fact that it was an especially busy time of the day. Julia was to be my stylist. In a word, she is simply INCREDIBLE. I have never had a stylist cut my hair with such precision and expertise. She was extraordinarily meticulous and very affable and outgoing. I wore my hair naturally that day - wavy - so she would understand the texture. I also showed her three pictures of my hair the way I normally wore it - straight and flat-ironed. Instead of glancing at the pictures, she actually studied them and offered ways of cutting based on the shape of my face and the maintenance required to replicate the effect on my own. She is a hair wizard! Without shampooing my hair, she was able to blowout my hair, flat-iron and cut it, *and* not use an over-abundance of product (just a light serum to ward off static electricity). The result was flawless - sleek, straight, shiny, and flattering. Also, she didn't try to 'push' me into buying any Aveda products. She suggested but was not overbearing, refreshingly. I had a wonderful experience with Julia, and would go back in a heartbeat. One last important thing - I didn't feel rushed whatsoever. As far as she was concerned, I was her only client that day. more

I called Avant only to find out that my stylist had taken a month European sabitical. The only stylist available was a young girl who had washed my hair and had just recently finished her Avant training program. Since I was desperate for a HC I knew all Avants stylist have to finish their training program, i gave Julia a chance. SHE is Great! I had been paying a $100 to get my HC with Rudolph (he is worth every penny), however Julia is my new stylist (only $50). Congratulations to Rudolph on being featured in this month ""In Style"" magazine. Pros: Aveda, Great customer service, valet parking more

I had just moved to Austin from DC and due to your reviews of Avant SalonSpa I made an appointment to have my hair styled and highlighted at the location in the Gateway Shopping Center. It was a very costly mistake. I said NO RED and DO NOTcut more than an inch off my hair. When I left I was almost in tears because my hair had so many RED highlights that I felt has if I was glowing and my hair had been cut up to my ears. I only went to the salon because of your review and the fact that I was told I was getting their best ""team"" of stylist/colourist in their salon and in Austin. After plunking down over $250 I was told by people seeing my ""DO"" for the first time that they thought perhaps I had done it to myself! Cons: BAD Colourist, BAD Stylist, JUST PLAIN BAD more

I used to go to Avant SalonSpa at Gateway Shopping Center, but I could only get my hair done on weekends because of my work schedule. Now that Avant downtown has expanded hours from 8 am till 10 pm it is not a problem for me anymore. I was a bit nervous about changing my stylists but Julia who cut my hair did an amazing job. I had lots of compliments. I will definitely see her again. I also love the fact that Avant downtown offers Complimentary Valet Parking. Pros: expqnded hours, creativity, free valet parking more

I had an appt. with Tina and Jean last week at Avant Salon downtown. It was my first time at Avant. Tina provided me with a great new look without damaging my hair: I came in with about 1.5 inches of re-growth from over processed, bleached hair. The final outcome was fabulous!!! She's a real life saver. Jean took the time to explain how to get the look I desired while styling my own hair. Her talent was superior in comparison to where I've been before, and I've been to many higher end salons in the Austin area.The professionalism and genuine customer care was outstanding. I have already recommended this salon to many of my friends, who I hope will take the opportunity to experience the warm, fun loving, professional staff of the downtown Avant salon! I definitely plan to make this my new home .. Pros: Friendly, Professional, Warm more

I have been to several salons in town and Avant consistently has some of the best stylists, colorists, and service in town. All of the staff is very professional and experts in their craft. I have never been disappointed and always walk out feeling great. Pros: Staff, Professional, Experience more