Aveda Institute New York

2.5 months ago I went to the Aveda Institute for the first time for a cut and highlights, and today I went back for highlights (because I was a walk-in today, I had to choose only one service and I needed the highlights more than a trim). I can't remember the woman's name who cut/colored my hair a few months ago, but today Thomas colored my hair. He did an amazing job. I was extremely happy with the results both times. The stylists in training were both really friendly and eager to find out what I wanted. The instructors got very involved in each visit, and had lengthy discussions with the stylists about the best way to color my hair. I can't wait to go back for a cut, and I'm going to try to book a facial also. Pros: Great haircut and color for a fraction of normal prices Cons: Usually takes much longer than a regular salon, but it's worth it! more

I just got a facial at the Aveda Institute down in Soho. If you're looking for a five star spa this might not be the place for you, but if you're looking for an amazing facial at an even more amazing price I suggest you give the Aveda institute a try. Just to forwarn you there will be students working on you but there are instructors who seem very knowledgeable that come in to check to see if things are being done correctly. I left feeling relaxed anf hydrated! Pros: great service and a great price Cons: not too fancy (but clean) more

I had gone to the Aveda Institute for a facial and was a little nervous because I knew that a student would be working on me. Let me just say that all my fears were put to rest!!!! From the moment I walked in the door I was happy. The student who did my facial was very professional and I would never have guessed she was in training if I didn't know ahead of time.\r When she brought me to the spa area I was surprised at how soothing the atmosphere was. The student told me to undress and to make myself comfortable, and gave me a moment for some privacy. To start she gave me a wonderful foot bath while asking me what my concerns were. When the foot bath was done I was assisted to the facial bed and made comfortable. After the student (I wished I could remember her name) cleansed my skin she stepped out for a minute and returned with one of the instructors who observed and gave great advice during a detailed skin analysis. The instructor was so helpfull, she confirmed with me what my concerns were and then discussed with the student what the course of action for my very personalized facial should be. \r This was not just a facial but a whole body experience. The esthetician in training massaged my shoulders, face, arms, hands, legs, and feet OH MY GOD!!!!! This was such a relaxing treatment as well as informative. The instuctor periodically came in to see if everything was o.k. and stayed in the room the entire time during extraction and even put gloves on and did some herself to show how. When the service was finished the insrtuctor asked how everything was and asked if I had any questions. Needless to say this experience went above and beyond my expectations and I will return again and again!!! Pros: Great treatment for a great price Cons: You have to book your apointment ahead of time because booked fast more

That is the only way I can explain it. I visited my first time on 8/19/06 for a single process color and cut. My hair, which according to the pinwheel, is a 7 light ash brown. Needless to say, I was in the chair from 1:00 until 5:15 and I was the last person out. I walked out with my hair a dark brown with red tints. I can't even explain how horrified I was. I told Kate, the stylist, when she was putting on the color, didn't it look a bit dark. She stated that it was emulsifying. She checked numerous times with Collette the supervisor and they were both stymied with what had happened. Both Kate and Collette stated this was totally not a 7 and something was really wrong. Nothing they did would lighten it, and repeated conditionings only took out some of the red. Kate kept telling me how Collette had 20 years experience and the other supervisor that came over had over 16 years. This was bad and the haircut was a 5 minute exercise in just making a blunt cut across the bottom, only taking off .5 inch. There was no time for long layers that I asked for. Absolutely no styling.\r \r At the end of the day, I almost cried there. Had I known, I would just have had a semi-permanent color put in and it would have eventually washed out. Now I have to go back this Sat. for a full re-do. I don't know if I have the guts to do this. This was really the worst experience I've ever had with hair, but of course I was charged $20 for the cut and $35 for the color. No wonder they make you sign a waiver before you go in!!!!! Beware!!!!! Cons: Work that was done was totally unsatisfactory.. more

I was curious about Aveda, since everyone raves about them, but unwilling to spend $300 on highlights. I got lowlights/highlights for $45. I liked my stylist, we had good conversation, she was very concerned with getting the perfect match and fulfilling what I wanted. She took her time with very subtle, natural looking highlights, overall I am very happy! My only complaint is that I had a 1 oclock appointment and left the place at about 4..\r \r She used some products on me and I was not impressed at ALL! I think the products are overhyped. Pros: good price, friendly Cons: takes a long time, products no good more

I made an appointment to get my hair highlighted and cut. When I got there, the stylist I was assigned to had never done a full high-lighting job before, she also admitted to being ""the slowest 'foiler' in her class"". Now, she was a really great person, funny, nice, chatty, but she didn't know a thing about hair color. I asked to get my hair cut first, and, if I felt that I needed color, I could get it, since I was unsure of dying my hair that day anyway. The girl assured me that she would do a good job with my hair, and to make things easy for her, I just decided to go for a partial instead. Boy, was that a HUGE mistake. I would have been better off with a trim, but felt that since she needed the experience, I would help her out. So, she dyed my dark brown hair, but forgot to ""lift"" it, so, by the end, you couldn't even see the highlights at all! My hair also felt very chemically damaged. So, my hair was exactly the same, except damaged...\r When I got my cut, I had to STAND to get it done (!), thank goodness the intructor came by and fixed the bottom nicely herself, although the stylist cut my bangs pretty unevenly. I had to go home and fix it myself. I also had to come back AGAIN to get the color done. When it was done (by a much better student btw), the tone was awful on my skin. I'm olive tone, but instead of the light ash-brown I wanted, I got orange-warm light brown which looked awful on my skin tone. It was very brassy. I wasn't sure if it was the actual stylist's skill or Aveda's dyes (which are surprisingly unnatural and remind me of Feria's dyes), but I looked like I was wearing a bad wig at the end. \r The only redeeming feature of this place was the pleasant atmosphere of the waxing area. My eye-brows were done pretty well and the scented oil was a really nice touch. Also, the instrutor was there the entire time.\r Overall, I would say that this place would be perfect for trims, simple haircuts and possibly some simple waxing as well. Pros: Price Cons: Grossly inexperienced students more

After reading some great reviews here in citysearch, I decided to get my haircut at the Aveda Institute last week. I have short and very fine hair that's very hard to work with, but I decided to take my chances and am very satisfied with the results! The atmosphere is very professional, everyone was very friendly and welcoming. My hairstylist consulted with the instructor before he began and then showed off his work once he was done. The instructor seemed to be a tough professor but congratulated my stylist with a job well done. My stylist worked very well and gave me lots of great advice about hair care. If I didn't know, I would have never guessed that he wasn't a professional! I ended up walking away with a great haircut for only $20! Pros: Friendly atmosphere, valuable advice, not pushy about products more

I was extremely apprehensive this week when I returned to the Aveda Institute to get my hair cut and colored. I visited the salon previously and had a less than desireable experience. The gal that cut my hair, cut a whole in the side of my hair that even the instructor, who was very rude, could not even fix. Not only did the color not turn out anywhere near what I had requested, but I had a whole in my hair!\r \r I figured I should give it another chance this week...I could not have been any happier. I don't know if they have started to train a different way since my last visit or if I just got a bad egg, but Brandon was FANTASTIC! After a very detailed conversation where he made sure he understood absolutely everything I wanted he introduced me to his instructor Gina and she assured me that I was in great hands. Boy was she right! He went above and beyond any expectation I had for the place. After he finished my color and highlights he blew dry the front so that he could make sure I liked the color before even moving onto the cut. It was amazing...I am predominately grey and my haircolor has never looked so natural! He proceeded to the haircut where after cutting, Gina came over and gave him his ""check"" and said that it was great, he then continued by what he called ""texturizing"" my hair. He then explained to me what products he was using on my and hair and why, which was great to know because I have actually been able to maintain the style he gave me at home...or at least give it a good try!\r \r I can not rave enough about this nice young man. He was so kind and went out of his way to make sure that I was comfortable. I look forward to seeing where his career will go. I know that I have paid ten times as much for service that came no where near what I received with him.\r Pros: Inexpensive Cons: Long time to get appointment more

Went there a couple of days back because I had some break-outs on my forehead and black/white-heads on my nose. Basically, facial takes place in a huge room divided into individual ""cubicles"" by curtains - like a hospital. Not quiet at all - people chatting, walking around - it was almost impossible to relax. The description of the Self-Renewal Face and Body Experience is not accurate at all. I didn't get a scalp treatment and the so-called ""lymphatic drainage and Ayuvedic massage techniques is almost amateur. What you'd basically feel is someone tapping her fingers lightly all over you. Trust me. If you want that, just go to your friend and ask him to gently tap his fingers all over your face and shoulder. For $55, I would recommend just putting in the extra dolloars to get something proper. I've been to some great spas here and thought that I'll save some $ this time round by going to the Aveda Institute but in actual fact, you don't save anything because they short-change you by 100%. Finally, that night, the places where the girl had done the extraction was filled with yellow pus which should not have occurred if they had been hygienic and done a proper job. My nose was still covered with black heads. Worse still, instead of a 90 mins body experience as I had been told, it was only 75 minutes. Total rip-off and you can't really complain since they make you sign a waiver form and of course have the excuse that they haven't learned it or not done it. Sessions are totally unsupervised too - no one came in to check or watch over the student during my session. I saw many people walking out with great hair-cuts but I think the facials are just a no-no. We're talking about our face here - the one thing that everyone sees. A glitch in fashion can always be resolved quickly but not with your face. Now my entire forehead is covered in pus and I definitely looked awful for an interview I had this morning. This is our face that we're dealing with - don't let anyone destroy it. I've definitely learned from this trip that paying more sometimes might just save me a trip to the dermatologists! Pros: Herbal products Cons: Terrible facials - noisy, unhygienic more

I went on a Friday afternoon and I was taken right on time for my appointment. The student seemed very knowledgeable and did exactly what I asked. I have long, thick hair-- and I just needed the layers re-shaped and the length trimmed. Prior to the haircut, they give you a nice massage with aveda scented oil--scalp, neck, and shoulder massage. Personally, I will definitely return. For $18.00-- I can honestly say it's the best deal I have ever gotten. Just keep in mind-- the cutting stations are close together, chairs aren't fancy, and you may have to wait for a sink to become free....but, overall-- a very nice experience. Pros: price, knowledge Cons: really none more

i'm not very picky about hair, afterall, it grows back. This place was such a waste of my time. I sat there for nearly two hours for a haircut! the girl had no idea what she was doing! Her supervisor had to intervene 4 times. My hair is super easy to work with, all i wanted was a trim with some shape to it. NEVER going back again. \r more

I just had my first Aveda haircut this morning and was really happy with it. I am a hair-modelling veteran and have run the full gamut of experiences. My appointment was first thing in the morning, started right on time, and took less than an hour. My stylist was sweet and did exactly what I asked. I did go in with a definite idea of what I wanted, and I think that's the best way to do it- she didn't offer any input. Her combing and blowdrying skills weren't up to professional level, but for an $18 haircut in Manhattan, I can deal with that. I will never go back to or recommend Bumble & Bumble after my student cut there, and still think Vidal Sassoon is the best-quality student cut & color in the city; but for value, efficiency and great products, Aveda Institute is a gem. Pros: great price, nice, smart stylist Cons: below-average blowout more

I just got one of the best haircuts of my life and I paid $18 for it! The students here are so nice, one even stopped my to compliment my new style and bring me a cup of tea. The student who worked with me actually taught me how to style my hair and I am so amazed at how great my hair looks! It does take a bit longer than an ordinary salon, but I appreciate being taken care of and, honestly, who wants to pay $150 for a snobby stylist to push them in and out of the salon? I am definitely going back, and sending all of my friends there. Pros: Great staff, Inexpensive, Natural products Cons: Book in advance! more

Got my hair cut at the Aveda Institute this afternoon; it was busy, but my hairdresser was ready for me immediately. She gave me a relaxing scalp / shoulder massage while I told her how I wanted my hair cut. I was offered a choice of tea or water and generally found my hairdresser to be very polite and accommodating. She was meticulous about cutting and blow-drying, and she consulted an instructor briefly once or twice, so the entire massage / wash / cut / dry process took about an hour and forty-five minutes. I didn't mind -- by the end we were chatting like old friends! My hair looked great -- I didn't ask for anything complicated, but it was just what I wanted. And before I left she touched up my makeup for me; I walked out feeling absolutely gorgeous. Total cost: $18. I'm definitely going back. Pros: unbelievable price, friendly hairdressers Cons: they're just students more

This institute is awesome!! I guess the school is so good that the students skill level is above the typical NYC salon.My neighbor went first and I liked her hair so much I decided to check it out. It took a couple of weeks before I could get my ideal appointment time but it was worth the wait. I got James, a student about 2 mo. from graduating. He is an excellent colorist already! My highlights didnt come out as light as I wanted but his skill was among the best I have seen the colors are beautiful!! I wont be going to a salon anymore. The prices at Aveda were a tad higher than I expected $70. for a full highlight but the level of skill these students have is worth more than a typical student price in my opinion. HIGLY recommend!! Pros: Excellent Skill Level, Comfortable/Laid Back, Value Cons: On Display/Model more

Got a cut and color last Fall. The entire process took about 5 hours so don't go if you're in a terrible hurry. I asked for a chocolate brown color with wheat colored highlights and left with jet black, goth-like hair with the tiniest, white highlights. When I got home, hair color residue was still in my hair. Bless the child that is now licensed to do hair on her own.....she did try. Overall, the students need a little more supervision by the instructors. Pros: Inexpensive for NY Cons: Too long more

I had wanted to get the Purescription Treatment for some time now to put some shine and moisture back in my hair, but the price for it at a regular Aveda salon put me off. The Institute charges about half as much for the same thing so I decided to give it a whirl. The atmosphere is great, the student who did the treatment was wonderful and attentive, and I came out with soft, shiny, beautiful hair! I went on a Friday, first thing in the morning, and there were already lots of customers waiting. I can't imagine what it's like on the weekend or weeknight- I recommend taking off work for a couple of hours just to avoid the crowds. Pros: Nice atmosphere, Attentive student, Discount prices more

I went to the Aveda Student Center for a haircut a few weeks ago, and I will definitely go back again. Weeks after my cut, my hair still has a great shape. An elderly woman with thinning hair was getting her hair cut in the seat next to me, and by the time she was done, her student stylist had made her hair look almost thick. It was a miracle! The only advice I have - do not go to this salon if you are short on time. It may take you over an hour to get your hair cut as the student goes slow and has to consult with the instructor periodically. Pros: Value, Free Massage Cons: , Open 9-5 only more

Cuts might be fine, but use caution if going for color. I went in to go back to my natural color, and came out two shades darker. I too found instructors apathetic and unwilling to ""fix"" the hair color problem. It took $$ at a real salon to go back to a closer tone to my natural, and it still isn't right. It will take months (hopefully not years), for my hair to heal the damage. I love Aveda products and their philosophy, but do yourself a favor and pay the money for a professional. It's not worth the aggravation! Good Luck. Pros: good products Cons: bad service, apathetic instructors, poor results more

I went in for a hair color and came out looking like Bozo the Clown. I wanted a coppery shade but I told the instructor that I preferred it to be more reddish-brownish than orange in tone. Well not only did my hair turn out the color of a new penny, they also burned my roots which came out two shades lighter than my ends. When I complained to the instructor she said the roots look lighter because of the way the lights hit and that they'll go darker after a few washes. It's two weeks later and I'm now going to a real salon to fix the mistake they weren't even willing to admit to. Pros: cheap Cons: inexperience, lack of cust service more