Manhattan Movin Movers

I went to Avant for the first time and saw Vanessa for my color. Well let me tell you, she changed my life! I went in to get my roots retouched, I've been blonde for years. I have never thought about coloring my hair any other shade. I've also never been told that my overly blonde hair was just not working. Through a long consultation she informed me that my haircolor was washing me out. We decided to deepen and add warmth to my base color and highlights. She was so understanding of my fear to change, and reassured me I would love it. Boy am I glad I listened! My color is beautiful and rich. I have color to my skin once again, and my eyes popped! I have NEVER been so pleased with a first visit to a salon. Vanessa even helped me pick out new makeup colors for my new look. I have just turned 30 and that was a big deal. But I have never been so pleased with the way I look. If I could have only found her when I was 18! Thank you Vanessa. I love Avant and Vanessa!!!!!!!!!!! Pros: Great color, educated staff, friendly enviroment Cons: None! more

My experience at the Avant spa was great!! I've been in town for a couple of months and stumbled across Avant from all the great reviews. I was looking for an affordable stylist that could get the job done. The receptionist I was speaking with recommended Rudy since he was in my price range. I've had battles with my hair for years and always had people telling me to relax my hair. Most stylists use thinning scissors on my hair which ruins it. Well Rudy has taught me to embrace my curly hair and not fight it. The haircut was amazing and he has educated me on how to style it which now takes me under 5 minutes. He was very friendly and professional and the shampoo/scalp massage was great!!!. I highly recommend!! more

Angelica is an amazing stylist. I home-colored my once-blonde hair brown, and it came out green on my previously colored hair. I was afraid of corrective color, so I found Angelica on Citysearch. I asked her if she could cut the green stuff off and still leave me with a decent haircut. She gave me the cutest hair cut ever. My mom cut my hair my whole life, and I'm quite picky. I had never returned to a stylist even once before Angelica. I've been back to her about six times now. She has a great sense of hipness without being snobbish in the least. Last time, I asked for a bob, and she gave me one that retained my funky vibe and wasn't boring at all. She can do low-maintenance 'dos, too, as in NO heat-styling necessary. She's freaking awesome. I don't see myself ever going to anyone else. more

After 4 years of dedication to my hairdresser in New York, I moved to Austin. my biggest worry was to find a stylist. After reading an article in InStyle about Rudolph at Avant downtown I decided to to give him a try.\r He is truly talented. Not only has he given me the best haircut, he is a treat to talk to. \r The staff at Avant was very nice as well: kind and unpretentious.\r I am very pleased!\r Pros: Staff, Haircut more

I had my hair done at Avant downtown 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!!!!! Pros: Good cut Cons: downtown more

I really enjoyed my trip to Avante Salon. I just moved to the area and have tried several other salons without success. However, when I walked into Avant, I knew that it was a place that I would enjoy. My\r stylist Ashley was very helpful and I am planning on defiantely going back to her. And she suggested\r products for my hair, but didn't push them on me like some salons do. All and all, I really enjoyed my visit and am looking forward to coming back. more

I recently visited Avant Salon and Spa by Arboretum area for one hour Facial and one hour Massage. This was by far my best spa experience ever! I definitely recommend this spa to anyone looking for a great spa experience. Oh and I loved the products they were using during the sessions! \r I will be back!\r Pros: Parking, Aveda Products, Friendly Staff, Ambiance more

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 Avant NorthWest Salon on Capital of Texas Highway a couple of weeks ago 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. Not to mention that the salon itself is beautiful 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. Only one slight problem - I almost fell asleep in the shampoo chair when she was washing my hair. JUST SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!!! Pros: Customer Service, Hairstyle, Ambiance, Salon, Overall outstanding!! Cons: Almost fell asleep while getting my hair shampooed because it felt so good. more

As a frequent and well established Aveda Spa goer, this place does not provide any pampering or relaxing techniques that Aveda prides themselves on. Plus, there is no relaxing atmosphere prior to a facial or body treatment, and even for nails or pedicures. I am not impressed as there is no changing room, no robe to put on, no snacks or no relaxing environment. If your going to pay the Aveda price you expect the relaxing atmosphere - Avant does not even perform sensory rituals prior to a massage or facial. Thats where they have you close your eyes to smell the aromatherapy products prior to use - they just ask what do you like and go from there. There are little Aveda relaxing techniques that this spa does not do. Thou the services were good - just not up to the Aveda standards. I do not feel they are rated well by CitySearch. Maybe for hair, but not for spa services. more

I work downtown and had been going to an Aveda salon with a snotty downtown attitude, but then I found the AVANT SPA near the Arboretum (I only knew about their downtown location). My experience was WONDERFUL! I was greeted by Wendy, who was very helpful and professional. The spa is beautiful. The best part was Jaime-she did such an amazing job with my brows-she has a customer for life. I will definately try more services there. Even if you live south, she's worth the drive. Pros: Jaime, Aveda products, friendly staff, cozy atmosphere Cons: none that I saw more

I went to Avant for the first time today for highlights and a cut. My color came out beautiful (done by Robert), but my haircut was an appauling experience. Elizabeth cut my hair but I don't think she actually looked at my hair once. She was hyperactive, didn't stop talking to the other stylists and never once acted like she was actually paying attention to what she was doing. She was banging the brush so hard against my head my scalp was in pain. Her behavior was unproffessional and unacceptable. My haircut took about 4 minutes, and she did a half-ass job blowdrying my hair. Avant seems like a nice salon, but I would NOT recommend going to Elizabeth. Pros: Nice space, friendly service, good color Cons: horrible haircut more

Thanks to Jen Maria for six years of giving me beautiful haircuts and Robert for remarkable hilights. I love Avant. I never understood why people go to higher end salons until my daughter gave me a Gift Certificate from Avant. I am now a believer. The SPA is by far the best in Austin...Facials, Massages, and Pedicures. I hope I get another Gift Certificate from Avant for XMAs. (hint..hint) Pros: Avant will make your day, parking more

I have been going to Avant for 10 years (my longest relationship). I have always enjoyed not just the great services, but also the great people who create the great energy. I was dissapointed with my experience for the first time at my june apptointment. My cutter (Julia) and colorist (Kari) were there as were all the other friendly faces I had seen, however a couple of new faces were there and the energy was missing. I returned Saturday and had the best experience ever!! From the smiling front desk to the happy stylist. (the new faces I saw in june were gone) During my conversation I came to understand my previous experience. In May Avant had closed down a lower end budget salon in they used to train staff and had moved these stylist to the Avant Studio. A BIG mistake. These stylist did move over to the Studio, however These stylist were not Avant quality and it greatly effected the energy. I am happy to say these stylist are gone and Avant is back! My advice to AVANT is.. You are great at hiring excellent people..but some people just do not work out. In consideration of your customers and stylist..KEEP the Best, Cut the Rest. You have a great salon with 20 years of experience, many awards, and a large staff of GREAT people. A handful of negative, nonprofessional staff can have a huge effect on the Energy and did at Avant. Thanks for bringing Avant back to the Light side. A customer for Life. Pros: Friendly, Happy, Talented stylist who have been with AVANT for years! more

I recently had color applied by Vanessa. It's the best color job I ever had! People stop me everywhere complimenting me on the fabulous color. I always hear.. where do you get your hair done?!! :-) I should carry an entire box of your cards in my pocket - I've already handed out tons. My hair has been traditionally difficult to color, since I like deep red. My wonderous red hair usually faded, but NOT THIS TIME! Vanessa did such a great job - and treated me so well - it was a wonderful experience! She made all her work feel effortless to me, and treated me like royalty. She also sold me an awesome hair product that I love - the Aveda Damage control - so luscious! thank you Vanessa - you're a dream! This is the most amazing salon - you have a client for life!!! Pros: Great Staff, Fun, Energetic Space, Easy Parking Cons: I live in Cedar Park...need i say more. more

After reading the many positive reviews, I decided to try Avant and chose Jean as she was highly recommended as well. From the moment I walked in, the feeling was relaxed and very friendly. No snobby attitude at all. Lana a very beautiful, friendly Russian girl introduced me to Jean, promptly, who looked at my hair and discussed with me what she wanted to do. She took her time and explained to me exactly what she was doing and also introduced me to Emily gave me advice on my color. My hair looks fabulous and it is the best cut I've had in maybe...years. I almost can't wait to return. I have since visited the Avant Spa in north Austin and recieved a great massage from Mellissa. The Spa is very large ( i guess 50+ employees) yet everyone was so friendly . What a great culture, like a big family that I was made to feel part of. Thanks Avant! Pros: New York Style with Austin Attitude Cons: Very Busy, more

After experiencing several hair disasters, I was seriously considering flying home to Europe just to get a decent, up to date haircut. However, an article in InStyle about Rudolph at Avant caught my attention. I thought I'd give Austin one last chance. As I walked in the door I was met by the most pleasant and professional not to mention beautiful staff. After a detailed consultation, RUDOLPH worked his magic. PERFECTION! He gave me the most modern, chic and practical hairstyle that I have ever had. I finally found THE place. For anyone who is looking for a mind-blowing hair experience, I highly recommend checking out AVANT! Pros: Great People, Fun location, Aveda Cons: Downtown Austin..Parking..(though they have Valet evenings and Sat) more

Angelica is awesome at knowing how to cut your curls! My hair is long and curly and she knows what to do! And she is very friendly. I am so glad I found her and won't go to anyone else again. It is not super cheap, but worth it if you have curls! more

That is what I was told when I asked where to get my hair done. I moved here in July. I was very apprehensive to go to a new salon after years with my last. Avant made me feel welcome and wanted. They did marvels with my hair. Now I wished I moved here sooner! Avant is a great salon in a great city. more

I have been a client @ avants studio location for years. Recently it has lost it's pizazz and my loyal devotion. This is probably due to half the staff leaving this location and a negative vibe that has taken their place. But I wasn't totally done with Avant . They have made me very happy in the past and I hoped they would again. I went to the spa location and was immediatly greeted with believable hospitality. I saw Vanessa for color and Angelica for cut. They are an energetic and creative duo. I left looking better than I have in years, and feeling like I really had a great time there. Do not over look Avants spa location you WILL be pleased. Pros: Great hair. Unpretensious, fun atmosphere more

I have been an Austin-ite for 15 years and have been seeing 2 people at the Studio location for the last 5 years, Heather and Jon D. I recently found out that they are no longer there. I am quite upset because it only leads me to believe that Avant does not care about thier employees or they would still be there. My stylists use to be happy and all of the sudden (the last 6 months) they felt the need to leave. The only reason I went to Avant was because of JonD and Heather. It is quite clear that Avant can't keep good people around, especially with there HORRIBLE manager at the Studio. She has never been helpful nor tried to go out of her way to make the customer happy. Good luck if you try the Studio - the Gateway location at least cares about the customer and it shows through the staff's warm smiles. I would suggest searching out Heather Walsh and JonD. Pros: Gateway and their salon/spa staff Cons: Studio and their bad customer service more