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I got a massage during Spa Week at Avant and was very impressed with the treatment that I received for the price. Don't be fooled by the busy salon area up front. They take you to a back area that is quite, dark, and serene. My massage therapist was great. She asked me what I was looking for from my massage and she did a great job at working my back and getting some of the knots out. I will definitely return! Pros: Convenient location, lots of parking more

Being a recent resident of the Austin area, I have been able to experience a few of the so called ""top rated"" salons in the city. However, I have just really never seem to click with a stylist. Either the cut was a little too edgy/funky or the color would just be an unnatural brassy tone. I had just about given up, when a co-worker of mine came back a little late from her ""lunch"" with absolutely stunning hair! Within minutes I had made my appointment with her colorist, Mandy. Although I had to wait almost 3 weeks to get an appointment! The salon was very busy when I had arrived, but Mandy made me feel right at home and really gave me one-on-one attention. From the first few minutes of our consultation, I knew I was in great hands! We went over some options for my ""Spring Color,"" and I was totally impressed with our end results. The perfect mix of highlights and low lights to give my hair depth and dimension. Mandy even showed me a few techniques to style my hair, although it never looked so good as when I walked out of the salon that day and I was already on 4th! Even if the color didn't turn out exactly how I had wished, I would have gone back for the shampoo! While my color was processing I never felt like I was forgotten about either. The experience was wonderful! I even made my appointments for the next year! Now I know why it's so hard to get in. Thank you Mandy! Thank you Avant! You have a client for life! Pros: Amazing, knowlegable colorists! more

Please be careful who you go to get your hair colored. I learned the hard way by choosing a terrible salon like Avant. Tina colored my hair and it is now a brassy orange color. She didn't seem like she was paying any attention to me when I was there. I think she was more concerned with her other clients and getting out of there for the day. I've been wearing hats for the past few days and don't know what to do. I thought about making an appointment to have her fix it but I'm sure she'd only make it worse. I'll have to pay for another colorist at a different salon. I would not go to this salon again. Pros: nothing Cons: staff acted hurried, tina was the worst, overpriced for orange hair more

I was in your salon on Tuesday getting an updo for a bridal portrait. Mandy did my hair and it looked great! I?m not from Austin so I wasn?t sure where to go for my hair and I was referred to your salon and I was very happy with the results. \r I have booked appointments for a few other people for the wedding day in June because I was so impressed.\r Thanks so much!! more

I was asked recently to be a model in an Avant Photoshoot. I was excited since I have admired Avants photography since i was child. I was apprehensive about doing anything too crazy with my hair, but Avant promised me that making me happy was their first concern (famous last words). I was introduced to Vanessa (colorist), Jen Marie (haircut), and Jackie (makeup) who put my concerns at ease. This past weekend my hair and makeup was done by this incredible team of stylist. They made me feel like a rock star. Then Roy Fredericks shot me in his studio. He just sent the Avant Portfolio link to me and I am blown away. Avant rocks and they well be my Austin salon for ever. Thanks to Vanessa, Jen Marie, Jackie, and Roy for the day of Glam! Pros: Austins most creative team of photo stylist and photographer Cons: I cant do this 'Glam"" thing every weekend more

Avant was recommended by a friend after I relocated from Dallas to Austin. I'm very finicky about who cuts my hair (I have an unruly coif) and wanted an Aveda salon. Lacy and the downtown Avant salon were excellent. I received terrific service, a great cut, and will most certainly return to and recommend Avant. more

After messing up my appt and the receptionist responding extremely rudely to it all, I was shoved in with Tina, the colorist. Something in my gut told me to leave, but I needed my hair done so I decided to stay. I told Tina I wanted a warm brown/caramel color and that I was very concerned about chemicals destroying my hair. She promised me it would ""not hurt your hair and will even make it healthier."" She slapped permanent color on from root to tip, left me on the couch for 45 mins until I reminded her I was there, had someone else wash it out, and then she left shortly after. I was in the midst of getting my hair dried and cut by a junior stylist (I'd requested a master) when I cried out, ""IS MY HAIR RED?"" Her response was, ""No, that's just the lighting in here."" I returned home, looked in the mirror, and cried. My hair is not only red (which looks TERRIBLE with my skin tone), but it's so dried out from the chemicals that it feels like Barby hair. I phoned to complain and they were, once again, so rude. The response was, ""Sorry, red doesn't lift either so we can't really correct it. It'll grow out in 2 years though."" STAY AWAY. Tina should have her license revoked. Cons: rude, lack basic hair coloring/cutting skills more

I have to say, I decided to go to Avant due to all the positive ratings. I called and talked to the receptionist, told her what type of style I wanted (short funky razor cut) and she recommended 2 stylist to me. I decided to go with Amanda - she explained that she was used to doing shorter cuts, razor savvy, and had a funkier look to her. Well, I arrived on time, had to wait about 15 mins or so. Then, I brought in a couple pictures of what I was looking for. I am not picky, as I style my hair a variety of ways. Well she acted excited, said she new exactly what I was asking for....well let me tell you - I walked out of there looking like a COTTON BALL HEAD! She took the length off the nap (blunt & unfeminine) then made my hair round like a cotton ball. the layers were in the last quarter inch of my hair, and even at that, there was a bunch of long straggley hairs left. She didn't style, just blowdried damp, and threw some wax in it. I got home & tried styling in, and am absolutely horrified! All I can do is pin it back, and try to hold back the tears. I could not be more disappointed in a salon, recommendation, or reviews! PLEASE DO NOT GO HERE!!!! You will leave throughly disappointed in your experience! DEFINITELY BEWARE OF AMANDA...now that I look back, she has another unsatisfactory review! Pros: none - very very unhappy! Cons: all the stylist were sitting around chit chatting, not professional, long wait more

I was really excited to get my hair done because I just moved here so I made an apt and went in! That was a HUGE mistake!!! I told the stylist exactly what I wanted an he cut and cut and cut and I was so nervous the entire time!!!! My hair that took 2 years to grow out that looked amazing was now all hacked away and it is going to take me FOREVER to grow my hair out!! It now has no style and it is uneven and there is no way to fix it because he chopped it up so badly!!! I was in tears as I left!!! I would avoid this salon at all costs if you want to get a great haircut and find someone that you will use for years to come!!! AVOID! AVOID AVOID !!!!\r \r \r I wanted to add an update to this review!!! I have left 2 messages for the owner of the salon and called back and made sure he received the message and the receptionist said that she had made sure that he my name and number and why I was calling, it has been a week and NO CALL from the owner of this salon!! If he won?t call people back customers who have complaints to find out what went wrong and fix it the problem that really says it all!!!! This salon was over priced they have their money so bother calling a customer back! UNPROFESSIONAL!!!!\r Pros: NOT ONE!!! Cons: TOO MANY TO TYPE more

My name is Jackie T. On January 30,2008 @ 5pm I went into the Downtown Avant Salon on 4th & Colorado with my Twin Sister Joanne, to get my hair cut for Locks for Love. We were greeted by Russell who made us feel like we were at home. As I waited for my Stylist I glanced around the Salon. It is Fabulous!! I felt as though I was truly about to change my life. My Stylist approached, Jentry. I let him completely take over. Jentry made me feel sooooo very special, and gave me the most Beautiful haircut and style I could ever hope to have. It has truly changed the way I feel about myself. I look 10 yrs younger and my confidence is soaring. I have always been a pretty outspoken person, but this haircut not only gave me the chance to help a child, it helped me within myself. I will be going to the Avant Salon for my future trims and styling and to catch up with Jentry on what is going on in our lives. I highly recommend this Salon & the Salon/Spa in North Austin and the Aveda products they use on their customers are wonderful. So if you want a little pampering, a little ""girl"" talk and an experience you will truly NEVER forget...go to an Avant Salon....afterall...you're worth it!! With much Love, Jackie more

I moved down from Minneapolis, where the original Aveda Institute started. Wasn't sure I would be able to find a good salon here in Austin, it took me quite a few trips to other salons to find Avant. Glad I did!! I've been going to Kim at the Gateway location for 5 years now, and always get compliments on my cut and color. Very relaxing atmosphere, and the staff has always been very friendly. Cons: Noisy more

Austin has a lot of great salons, and I have always liked to try them out. However, Avant stands out from them all. This salon has consistent great service, and everyone there is talented and worth the time and money. It's important to be able to trust that a salon will meet your expectations, and Avant does that everytime. This extends from the amazing hair artists that work there, to the salon coordinators, and the overall atmosphere of the salon itself. Carmen colored my hair this last time, and did an amazing job. The color is phenomenal. Tracy did the cut. She did exactly what I wanted and a little bit more. Not to be superficial, but if I am getting my hair done, I always want the person doing it to be someone who has style and knows the latest trends. You have no worries about being visually assaulted at Avant. Everyone there is very fashion forward. I recommend Avant above any salon in town! Pros: ambience, awesome staff, free valet more

I recently got my hair cut at Avant ; since I'm originally from Houston I was struggling trying to fin a new salon and stylist. I did my research on the Internet and found out that Avant had great reviews and high costumer satisfaction rates, so I decided to check it out. I chose Jentry as my stylist from a list on the website, and I couldn't be happier with my decision; to begin with the whole staff is nice and very polite, and Jentry was great!!!, not only did he received me with a huge smile and carefully listed to my desires, but he was very professional, very nice, and he made me feel relaxed and comfortable from the start. He listed to what I wanted and also added some personal creative touches,not to mention he gave me a great neck massage that took away this headache that I've had for weeks!!! . I love the haircut on which I started getting compliments as soon as I got out of the salon!!!, but more importantly I enjoyed myself the entire time I was there. I strongly recommend Avant and Jentry who is such a sweetheart!!! Pros: Valet Parking, Friendly Staff, Very Talented more

Does anyone know where Angelica went? She is the best curly hair cutter around! I have not found anyone like her. Thanks so much! more

After having moved here from Dallas five years ago, I was on a quest to find a great hair salon that met my high standards. I finally found Avant during my first year here and have rarely been disappointed. I've tried other salons (closer to downtown) just to see if there is anything better out there, and have yet to find anything comparable. The staff is always pleasant, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and you can help yourself to freshly brewed hot tea, which is delicious. I got a manicure here recently, and Monique is wonderful! She took her time doing my nails and made a little small talk at the beginning of the appt, but then concentrated on what she was doing instead of being chatty (which I appreciated). She had all new OPI polish, and my nails and cuticles looked flawless afterwards. My hairstylist recently left the salon so I'm trying Emma next week (new stylist from Chicago), since she specializes in curly hair. The cost for their services is a little steep for my budget, but I feel it's certainly worth it for the service and great results I receive. Pros: service, high quality products, parking more

I just wanted to tell you that getting a haircut at Avant was a great experience. Why? Well, Avant has that blend of upscale professionalism mixed with a staff?who seemed to actually LIKE people. It's wonderful to get a relaxing spa experience with the massage, the relaxing scents, and the beautiful interior, but having staff members who are giving fake smiles, running their practiced encouragement or questioning lines on you while their mind is somewhere else totally diminishes the experience. Julia, who was my stylist, was very genuine and when I asked for a little different shift in my cut (my first time ever having the guts to ask that of a stylist) she was incredibly accommodating and not at all upset or flustered at my request. She also recommended some amazing products that have my hair looking better than it has ever looked. My hair has always been horrible...thin shaft, not a lot of it, and frizzy on top of that. Now it looks smooth without being weighted down and even looks thicker.\r I really liked that I could get an appointment within a couple of days of my phone call, which means that you're staffing appropriately. (The bull-sh#t of having to wait because you're so ""exclusive"" means nothing to me and I just go somewhere else when I'm ready for a cut.) I have to be in the mood to get a haircut for several reasons....it's a huge wait because the stylist is always running behind (it was NOT the situation at Avant, I waited maybe 5 minutes because I was early), it's usually a huge expense for an average experience (well, it was expensive but not disproportionate to what I received in service and the products...not to mention joining the Aveda club AND getting a coupon emailed), and they always make me feel like I'm totally uncool. Avant left me feeling as though I was part of their family. Smiling faces, Friendly People, Great Hair, Aveda Products,........ I will be back and I will recommend it to everyone I meet. Pros: Talented, Friendly Staff more

I wanted to tell you OUTSTANDING your salon is. I had the same hairdresser for several years before she moved away a few years ago. Since then I have not been able to find a salon or hairdresser that I have liked and am comfortable with telling her what I want and then listening to her advice as to if it's a ""good idea"" or if another way would look much better on me. Well I had an appointment with Jennifer Marie at the NorthWest Salon on Capital of Texas Highway this past week and she is AWESOME!!!!! She is so friendly and really listened to what I was wanting and then offered her advice and I felt comfortable enough with her even on the first visit to listen to her and I am so thankful I did. It's the BEST hair cut/style I've gotten since I lost my hairdresser. Sadly I found her just as I am about to move to San Antonio, HOWEVER, I will DEFINITELY be driving back to Austin just to see her. I hope you will never lose her!!!! Not to mention that you have a beautiful salon with awesome customer service. Having tried sooooooo many different salons...UGH!!!....I had forgotten how awesome it is to be in a ""real"" and ""true"" salon. Pros: Parking, Aveda, Great Atmosphere, Stylist Cons: Long way to drive from San Antonio more

I was very nervous to have a drastic change in cut and style. I have been less then impressed by other pricey salons in Austin, and was afraid of getting screwed again. Melissa was recommended to me and she is significantly less expensive then some of the other stylists at avant. I told her a general idea of what I wanted and showed her some pictures of previous cuts that I didn't like but were about the same length that I was going for. She not only did a great job, but she didn't put a bunch of product in my hair. I walked out with a repeatable look! This is by far the best cut that I have had in Austin. This is the first review I have ever written, but I felt like after getting such a great deal that I share it with others. Pros: up beat atmosphere, no sleazy chatter, Cons: noisy, more

I was an out of town guest for a wedding and could not have been \r happier with the results. Will definitely recommend to any friends in \r the Austin area!\r Your salon has a nice overall feel and your staff there were \r hospitable and friendly. I had to reschedule my appointment and your \r staff were more than happy to assist me and fit me in on another day. \r i really appreciated this. On the day of my appointment I was happy \r overall though was kept waiting about 15 minutes before my session \r started. Pros: Staff, ambiance Cons: Had to wait for 15 minutes more

Tina at downtown was great! I am very happy to talk with a professional who knows what is best for my hair. I will make a good habit to always book my appointments with Tina because she is professional and very intelligent when it comes to color and hair. Sylvia more