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Aveda Institute of Chicago
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Adult Education
Neighborhood: Lakeview2828 N Clark St
(between Broadway St & Diversey Pky)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 883-1560
- Nearest Transit:
-
Diversey (Purple Express, Brown)
- Hours:
Mon. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tue-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
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136 reviews for Aveda Institute of Chicago
I didn't actually have a treatment here but I did attend an event there last night. The event, "Be-Cause at Aveda" benefitted the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and was part of the Independent Retail Week here in the Chi. With a $10 donation I was treated to a so-so hand massage, an amazing stress relieving treatment (a combination of a back, neck, arm massage with this mist that they spray all over to connect with your chakras), a skin evaluation where they looked at my skin under a UV light to see all of the sun damage, and some amazing chips and salsa. Other things there that I did take advantage of - hand mixed cocktails (they were only doing premium tequila drinks, and I DON'T do tequila), hair consultation, custom aroma blends (an extra $10 to take home a bottle), makeup application, and a skin consultation. We even walked away with a little goodie bag with 3 Aveda samples.
Yes, I'm well aware that it was a gimmick to get people in the store to buy the products disguised as a fundraiser but I thought it was a really nice atmosphere and found everyone working there to be really quite pleasent. Good crowd of savvy women (and a few poor husbands) just enjoying themselves and taking advantage of a little 'me' time. Hope they do it again soon - just without the tequila!
If it wasn't for the awful customer service and frenzied, stressful atmosphere, this place would have gotten a higher review from me. If you don't make the appointment online (which I would suggest so you have the least amount of contact with the people at the front desk), you have to either call or go in to make your appointment. If you do the latter, you will most likely try to be pleasant but will soon realize that none of that matters. I'm not uptight. I am a little picky when it comes to rude people in the service industry. I don't understand this. The point is, I know what I'm talking about.
The girl I've spoken with on my visits here has interrupted me while I was trying to ask her about available appointment times to rudely dismiss me and start to converse with a co-worker while I was still talking. Or how about the time I arrived 5 minutes late for my appointment time and she scolded me loudly like I was an 8 year old and then told me my stylist wasnt ready and I had to wait another 10 minutes for her.
As for the atmosphere. There is nothing refreshing about being cramped into a corner while the person cutting your hair has to squeeze by you every time they need to get to the other side of your head or being sprayed by the hairspray from the updo of the person getting their hair done next to you....
NO, I won't be returning again. Thankfully I've had the last straw with this place...
I tried Carissima down the street at 2504 N Clark. Erin was great and she had a lot of space to move around while cutting. Also, the girl at the front desk oohed and ahhed over my new look when I left. Much better than a slap on the wrist and aquanet in the face, I think.
The atmosphere of the institute is somewhat less than relaxing as one can imagine. There are MANY students/instructors walking around and it's somewhat noisy but I will definitely go again!
A $16 haircut on a Friday was awesome! Definitely better than other cheap cuts I've had from NON-students!!
Lauren H. cut my hair and she has 7 months left so I can return-yeah!!!
She really was open to what I wanted and did not push me into something different. When Lauren's instructor came over to check my hair mid cut the instructor was really impressed and said "great job Lauren" multiple times with enthusiasm. I think I am going to go back and get my hair dyed and I will definitely have her cut it again.
Note: Call at least a week in advance or you may not get an appt. and most often you can't just "walk-in."
The Aveda Institute is a place to get haircuts,color and other spa services by beauty students under the direction of their cosmetology educators. My review is only based on my experience with having my hair cut here on two occasions. Even with an appointment, there was a pretty long wait time. I was really surprised at the snarky and non-congenial front desk staff. I did get a decent hair cut here--just okay, nothing great. I wasn't expecting top notch results as they are still learning. It is an okay place if you are in the neighborhood and want to save some money. Honestly though, I have had better haircuts at
Great Clips and Supercuts. I love Aveda products but this place is hectic and mediocre.
Two $14 haircuts later, I'm sold on the Aveda Institute. In reading with other patrons reviews about the noisy atmosphere, and while this is true I don't find it any more distracting than a Mario Trucocci or other large salon. And $14. And $14. And a good haircut. And $14...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/27/2009
I went to the Aveda Institute today for a haircut ($14) and a stress reducing treatment ($10), which… Read more »
The Aveda Institute is a great recession-friendly treat - a fun, relaxing salon experience (I loved the aromatherapy scalp massage!) for a budget price.
I visited for the first time today, and my stylist was Rae; she was very friendly and conscientious, and I think she did a nice job on my hair. It's not the best haircut I've ever had, but it's far from the worst. She really listened and tried to give me exactly what I wanted - which is more than I can say for some of the higher-priced stylists I've been to in the past.
Word of warning, though: this is not the place to go if you're in a hurry. My appointment took nearly two hours, just for a simple haircut on chin-length hair. My stylist was very slow and methodical (which is, of course, way better than fast and sloppy!), and she had to stop at several stages of the haircut to check in with her instructors. That, along with the aforementioned scalp massage and "finishing touch" makeup trial at the end, ate up most of my afternoon.
All things considered, as long as I have a block of time big enough for the appointment, I'll definitely be coming back. The Institute gives you great value for your money - even if I hated my hair, I'd be way happier having spent only $14 than if I'd wasted $35 or more!
I've been going here for haircuts and color for almost two years with three different people. I've consistently gotten great color and cuts. The stylists are careful and want to make you happy. They're a pleasure to chat with and when the graduate they'll make sure they refer you to a good successor.
I've also had a good facial here.
It does take longer when you go to an institute so you can't expect speed.
It's an amazing value though.
Ahhh...wonderful!
I used to go to Mario Tricocci because I had an excellent stylist but since visiting Aveda, screw Mario.
It's so tranquil here that I didn't want to leave. They start you off with a scalp, shoulder, and hand massage (bliss) and end you off with a mini-make-up session. My haircut was absolutely amazing and I loved the extra perks. Plus, their tea is the absolute most delicious tea I've ever had! Mmmmmm. Can't wait to go back.
Who the hell doesn't love spending $15 on a better experience than the $60 ones offered at most salon's that compare to Aveda...including, the actually Aveda salons. :-D
I've been here a number of times for hair cuts. Most of the time I've been very please with the results and the cuts have been equal or better to those that I've gotten and 3x the price. I also had my hair colored here once or twice and it looked very nice.
I did go once and came out with my bangs uneven. If you go here realize that these ARE students and you do run that risk. If you want something really complicated done (like hair color requiring more than one process) it is probably worth it to get it done by a more experienced stylist.
The student call KARLY just spoiled my hair I had long hair till my waist and I told her to cut 1.5 inches she cut 5 inches. and horrible hair style... please be aware to go to her for hair cut ... she gave me reasons like her building caught fire !!! anywayz I have really short hair now ... horrible service I went twice and its spoiled twice !! m so not happy with my hair now. I had beautiful hair!
Renee, an instructor at the institute, was scheduled to do my hair and makeup for my wedding and DID NOT SHOW UP! Did NOT call and did NOT return my, or my wedding party's, phone calls.
We agreed for her and another stylist to arrive to the location at 12:30pm. At 12:45 we phone her to ask if she had the directions and address. She responded "let me check" and immediately hung up the phone. After that there was no way to reach her and she never even called to let us know she wasn't coming.
This unprofessional instructor for the institute caused major problems for my wedding day and I hope that his review will bring attention to her lack of character.
If she acts so unprofessional, untrustworthy, and absolutely inconsiderate...what is to become of the students? I hate to call out the entire institute but this was an absolute DISASTROUS situation when there was complete trust involved.
Renee, if you read this, know that you did a horrible thing. I hope someone never does something as dishonest to you.
I've been to the Aveda Institute in New York and had a good experience and decided to give it a shot here in Chicago. It was my experience that the stylists hadn't yet learned the skill of being creative, so you have to know exactly what you want. Luckily for me, my favorite stylist lives in GA, and at my last visit to her, she wrote down the colour combination for my hair and the basic of how to cut it (length of layers, length of bangs, etc). So I figured it was a pretty easy bet that I could get a good, cheap cut and colour.
The good news is the colour is fine. It's not as bright as normal colour--not sure if that's the colour combo or just Aveda dye. But it's fine. And for $30, better than a home job and I'd consider going again for that.
But the cut--oh the cut. It's just bad. My hair is more flat than when I went in. Bad layering, very thin and it looks very blah. Sweet girl, but not skilled enough yet to really make me comfortable. She kept asking me about about how I cut my hair--questions that would be fine for someone who cuts hair for a living, but not for someone who usually reads a magazine during the cut. I had no idea how to answer her questions. And, frankly, after 3.5 hours of sitting in the chair and hearing questions and comments about hair products, I was just tired.
After she waxed my eyebrows, she told me I was the first time she'd done it. They look fine. But it's not much of a bargain--costs about the same at Aveda as anywhere else.
But the worst of the whole thing was the customer service. The women who ran the desk were rude and patronizing. Too bad for Aveda they are permanent employees and won't graduate out.
I have tried this place out now several times and each time got worse. The last haircut I had was a trim. I asked him to take 2 inches off. Well 5 inches later my hair was gone and then he did some odd cut to the back that left it uneven and jagged. He then said he could layer my hair but instead he left one side longer than the other. I took biotin for 5 months to have my hair grow back. It finally did. Yesterday I went back and thought I will ask only for a trim and some angling in front. Well despite the word "bangs" never escaping my mouth, the girl cut a large chunk of hair from the spot where I wanted the angling to start-below my ear. As she dried my hair I noticed the large chunk. She then tried to fix it but continued to cut it shorter and shorter. I asked to get her instructor who attempted to fix it. She appeared to have the same knowledge set as the student. She also told me that for framing, the pieces start longer as if I was to blame for the large chunk of my hair missing. They then wanted to leave the left side with no wonderful bangs but the right side severely short... I don't think anyone there had a clue of what a haircut is or angling. I will never go back and I suggest if you want a trim to go to Super Cuts because even the most simplest haircut is too difficult for Aveda students AND instructors.
BUYER BEWARE!!!
I understand that this is a school and that everyone is still learning so I went in for a consult before I decided to have my "procedure" done.
I had dyed my hair black out of the box and wanted a gentle "color cleanse" to bring the black locks back to dark brown. I met with an instructor and a student and was told that the instructor oversaw procedures like this all the time and that it would be very gentle and they wouldn't strip my hair to white (which was my main fear). After the student and instructor explained the process and assured me this could be done as I wished, I made my appointment.
I came in first thing in the morning, hoping my color cleanse would only take about three hours (I thought I was being generous). The girl (Kelly) sat me down and brought an instructor over to discuss what formula to use to lift the black out of my hair. THE INSTRUCTOR CLEARLY STATED DO NOT PUT IT ON HER (MY) ROOTS! Kelly proceeded to mix the formula and then spackled it all over my head. As opposed to leaving the mixture in for 10 or 15 minutes (as advised), Kelly left it on for almost 30 minutes (spending a decent amount of time traipsing around chatting with her friends). She took me to the sinks to wash out my hair, and when the color cleanse started to wash out, I saw her face completely change.
She tried to stay calm, and told me not to worry, which made me worry. Once she took me back to the mirror, I saw the damage.
My roots (about three inches from scalp on) were stripped completely white, and the rest of my hair was various shades of brown. I understand fully that color cleanses sometimes go this way, BUT during my consult Kelly and the instructor had assured me that they would not strip my hair to white, AND Kelly's instructor had specifically said not to put the cleanse on my roots. I remained calm and just asked questions like "will the dye you put over this look the same on the white parts as the brown parts?". I thought I was being friendly and calm, just asking about how hair dye works and how she was mixing color, how long her courses were, etc.
Kelly started to turn red and sweat. She left to talk to her instructor a few times. She eventually put the brown color over my destroyed hair (this is at about the hour 4.5 mark after my arrival). When Kelly washed out the brown dye, I had leopard-print hair. Some parts had gone back to black, some were still white and there were various browns mixed in. Not tiger hair, mind you, which might pass as intentional streaks, LEOPARD HAIR.
Kelly quickly gave me a trim and started drying my hair. Twice she had to stop blow-drying because she noticed chunks of dye were still stuck in my hair. So I took two more trips back to the sinks.
Finally, when my hair was quasi-dry, I started asking if there was a color-depositing shampoo or anything gentle I could use which would start to cover the white spots on my head and maybe blend my new leopard spots a bit.
Kelly said I could come back in a week and she would fix it for me, then she ran off to get an instructor. I could see the conversation with the instructor was feverish, and the instructor sent a more advanced student over to talk to me.
I asked the new student if it was safe to dye my hair again to cover the leopard spots. I explained I had a job interview and was embarrassed to go in for the interview with such an odd style of hair.
The new student said "you can't leave here like this, we'll take care of it." We were now at hour marker 6. I had not planned for this. While the new student and Kelly rushed to put another coat of brown die over my leopard spots, I had to pull out my computer and frantically catch up on the morning's work. Kelly then went out for lunch while the second layer of dye set.
When Kelly came back, she washed out my hair and noticed that she'd forgotten to put wax around my hairline, but had been so nervous about making sure my roots were fully covered that she'd doused my forhead, cheeks and ears in die. Now I had a leopard face to match my leopard hair.
Time for another dry. Two more trips to the sink to wash out stray chunks of dye. Dry, uneven trim, dry. Then the instructor came over with my bill.
They had charged me full price for every treatment I'd gotten, even the "trim". I was rushed out of the place as fast as possible, and they wouldn't even give me enough time to pick out a moisturizing hair mask to aid my recovery. Kelly clearly wanted to get the hell away from me at this point.
I rushed across the street to Borders to finish the work I'd missed that day.
I was in shock when I finally got home. I took a pair of scissors and cut off most of my hair, all the way up to my ears. The trim had been so bad and the three treatments were so damaging that this was all I could do to remedy the situation. I noticed there were also burn marks on my scalp from too many chemical procedures.
So the first thing my stylist says to me when I sit in her chair is that
"I've done very few updos."
And then proceeds to take out exactly 1 curling iron. Yes, 1. My last updo required no less than 3 curling irons of varying sizes and turned out great. No straightener. 1 tiny curling iron. My roommate has more than that.
While this was already a big warning sign, I told myself that it doesn't really matter how many sizes they had...as long as I got curls in the end. + I was trying to save myself the extra $35 I would've spent on a style at ifergan (which is my favorite salon). I told myself if this sucked, my roommate would just straighten it before my ball. U know, frugality = more drinks.
Long story short, I went home 6 hours later with shirley temple ringlets. Clearly, the lack of experience played a big role in this. My stylist overestimated how long my hair actually was combined with the tiny ringlet-making iron = Southern Belle, short ringlets down the sides of my face. I'm Asian and that fact seemed to be lost on her.
The other problem with this salon is that its predom. student run and not very well stocked. Its not clean, there isn't an assistant and when you walk in, they line you up against the wall like a cattle call. They sweep the floor in the middle of doing your hair. I had my makeup done (by the same person) and though it wasn't bad, she had to keep running around to look for shades missing from her station. In the end, I think she couldn't find a matching bronzer and resorted to something that made my cheeks look like they've been beat up.
You know that blue liquid that stylists clean their combs in? Half the stations didn't have it, and the ones that did were a murky green color.
Originally planned for a 2 hour trip, this turned to around almost 4. I got home 30 minutes before my date arrived as my roommate frantically tried to undo the damage and just gave up.
I didn't know this before but these stylists are "pre-assistants", meaning that even if they finished aveda, they still have to go through an assistantship for another year before they're even considered junior stylists, much less stylists at a Gold Coast Salon. So if you think about it, you're paying half of the price for someone whose only gone through like a third of their education.
In short, I will never be this frugal again.
Ok, so I've been here 4 times. The first visit was awesome, I wish I knew where the girl who did my hair then has gone to work. The last 3 visits have been bad.
2nd time: The girl chopped off 7 inches when I asked her to take off 3
3rd time: the layers were terrible and the girl didn't style my hair, I went home, got it wet, and styled it myself.
Today: the girl was nice, but she obviously didn't really know what she was doing and kept saying things like "oops". and "i'm sorry". She didn't give me side swept bangs (which i specifically asked for) and I left with my hair looking exactly like it did when I went in there. I know I should have said something, but it had already taken THREE HOURS.
I like Aveda products, but I'm done with the institute on Clark. And the desk service has never been very friendly there.
I've been to several different aveda institutes, and my hair has always turned out awesome. I got natural highlights and long layers, and my person did a good job. The teacher helps out a lot, so I don't see a screw up happening. I do think it is best if you go in their knowing what you want and articulate it to the student. If you tell a hair stylist exactly what you want, you are more likely to get what you want.
I have probably the easiest hair ever to cut. It's healthy cuz I never dye it and it's super straight. Every time I go, I bring a picture and let them snip away. I've gone 3 times and I've had a pretty good experience each time. It'll definitely take longer than at a usual salon cuz the students need to confer with their teachers and make sure everything is correct. But a good $15 hair cut is a good $15 hair cut. The only thing that kind of irritates me, but is of no fault to them, is I always seem to get stylists that want to chat, chat, chat away with me and I just want them to cut my hair while I read a magazine. I'd say this is a good place to try if you have simple needs.
Prospective clients hemming and hawing over a bargain haircut, understand the gamble you take when patronizing this salon school, the trust over your tresses you surrender upon arrival. I was willing to spin the wheel of fortune, and was delighted to see the classy, well furbished digs of the salon. Always scavenging for a steal, when I found out that I could acquire $50 highlights at Aveda, my face lit up smugly, as if I'd just gotten an A+ in potty training 101. I've shirked the system, only having to pay a fraction of a normal dye that my green-tinted ash blonde hair demands.
Then I was introduced to my hair stylist for the day. Her hair was extremely frizzy, the result of stripping black dye with bottle bleach, (she clearly hadn't used the Lindsay Lohan service I heard about on vh1's the fabulously avarice life) and had a faint pink streak that had also been unresponsive to bleach. Bad dye jobs happen to everyone, but her choppy do could have been corrected by the, I don't know, dozens of experimenting hair stylists around her? Her name was Alicia, and despite the horror her own haphazard hair, she did a pretty decent job...her punk rock ethos gave her the light highlights I wanted that most hairstylists are apprehensive about delivering. I mean, why pay the hard earned dosh and sit in the chair for 2 hours just for a couple shades lighter? However trepidacious he gave me light blonde shimmering high lights with not a hint of Avril Lavigne. Hallelujah!
Highlighting takes 4evs just with one hairstylist, but a hairstylist who has to wait on a busy instructor before she plots each movement of the foil? I sat in that g.d. chair for 5 hours. Just an absolute hassle. So, while my stylist delivered quality, I was left wondering where the hell my day went as I sat watching emo teenage boys getting frosted on a discount and generally inhaling fumes as well. All of the stylist students are young, so if you can't stomach chatty conversations about Wrigleyville exploits, you might want to look elsewhere. My own stylist, while polite, seemed disappointed that I wasn't talking her ear off. It's true--I don't converse with hairstylists as I feel I'm being held captive with my future beauty held as the ransom, especially over the long term 4 hours or so it took.
The "Institute" is in a shopping complex with a Victoria's Secret. I went there for the semi-annual sale after I was released from custody and they only had extra large panties left. Big fat bummer. Aveda Hair Institute, 3 stars--though I'm really the one to blame for being so hard up for hair styling cash. Ya get what you pay for, innit!
The Aveda Institute is hit (I've gotten probably one of the best cuts ever here as well as amazing red highlights) and miss (the same student who gave me the best cut ever botched the second cut and one estethician student totally effed up my brow so it looked like I lost a catfight). But if you are a risk taker, it's worth it because the prices are dirt cheap for Aveda services. And the girl who botched my eyebrows felt so bad about it that she taught me how to fill it in with a brow pencil, which she bought for me. They also comped my services. So I probably won't be back for brows (still scurred) but I will be back for other things--facials are a bargain!
So I went back and got a facial here Saturday. WOW! It was great! I have my regular facial person that I love but I just didn't have $100 for that. What I did have was $40 which is how much the student facials are here... and they're great!
They're 90 minutes and start off w/ a foot soak. Basically they're just washing you feet because you're going to get a foot massage later and dirty feet are gross. I had Meghan who was amazing... I told her she needs to go into massage therapy too. Her massage techniques were great and totally relaxed me.
My skin looked and felt great afterward and I didn't break out which was another plus. She recommended a product for me but didn't push it. I may or may not go back to get it... we'll see.
The room the facials are done in is nice but you're separated by curtains and can hear what's going on around you. So if you're looking for totally private spa experience don't come here. If you're looking for a nice facial that doesn't cost you a fortune this is your place!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2009
I want to give this place 5 stars but I just can't. They're students so there's always the chance… Read more »
This is a teaching school so buyer beware. With that, I only go here for trims. I have curly hair so I'm ultra careful about who I let do my hair when I'm doing a style re-haul. For those I go elsewhere and drop the $75 on a professional. If I need a clean-up, I'm all about the $14 shampoo and cut. I've never had a bad student so far but what I ask for isn't a lot.
I'm an Aveda fan so I love having them try new product on my hair. It's a good way to get introduced to the products. Everyone is very nice and courteous and the price is right. If you need an intensive procedure done you'll do well to go elsewhere (as you can see from the other reviews), if you're looking to do something routine, this is your place.
I cannot believe how many times I have been by this place and never realized what it really was...
if you are a no fuss hair person, this is seriously your best bet in chicago for a cheeeeep cut.
My brother was in town and we were both really surprised that he actually was able to get an appointment as a walk-in. I, on the other hand, had to book my spot a week and a half in advance and getting a slot for the weekend takes a bit of planning in advance...
For girls hair, in my opinion, my girl did a fantastic job!
My bro said that his hairdresser got a little too precious with his sideburns and was a bit impatient with the amount of time that it took (about and hour for a trim), but happy with the end result nonetheless.
If you have a little extra time to spare and not a ton of money to waste on a cut - I would strongly recommend checking this place out!
i have been going to this aveda since it first opened in like 2001/2002. i got my first highlights here, and i've developed relationships with the permanent staff.
the reason why i gave aveda a mere three stars is because of the novelty of their services. yes, they have a standard menu, but you never know if everything is going to turn out perfectly because they are all students. on one hand, you're paying super cheap prices for services and furthering your student's experience, but on the other, you need to keep in mind that things may go horribly wrong.
another sad fact about aveda is that you simply cannot get attached to any students. it's a school. once you've finally gotten used to susie's services and requested her two or three times, she goes off and graduates. over the years, i've had my fair share of sad goodbyes -- it's no fun. then you have to go through the whole process of finding another student you're comfortable with. it's quite the vicious cycle, really.
one more note: i don't typically like getting haircuts here, just highlights, full-color, and the damage therapy hair treatment. the haircuts can take FOREVER because the students want to make sure they don't mess up. i'm an extremely patient person but it can become a bit too much. and sometimes, the long process isn't even worth it in the end..it still looks ugly.
if you can keep all those things in mind, you're golden. they keep all their products stocked, the staff is friendly, and the facility very clean.
I've been going here for my haircuts for the last 4 years or so, and I've never once had a reason to complain. The prices are phenomenal ($15 haircuts!? sign me up!), both the students & their instructors are great, and all Aveda products are used on your hair. What more could a girl ask for?
I have obscenely thick hair, and the students have always done a great job with it... I usually kind of let them do whatever they want as I'm not terribly picky. Recently, I decided to dye it darker (first time I've ever done that), I was kind of nervous about it but Taylor, my stylist, did a great job explaining what color I should go with and how it was going to turn out. It looks amazing and I already re-booked to have it done again.
The Aveda Institute is hands-down the best value in Chicago!
A quick note - went back for my second visit and had an equally awesome experience. I stayed with the same stylist, who's since graduated, and who did a fantastic job under her instructors' watchful eyes. The place was a madhouse, again; the staff (with the exception of my stylist) was curt, again; I'd still go back in a second, again. The risk-reward ration can't be beat.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2009
I booked here on a lark; it's near where I stay in Chicago and I was feeling totally uninspired in… Read more »
First of all, if you go here you CAN'T be in a hurry! All work is done by students so it takes a little longer, because they have to have everything approved by the instructors prior to begin any treatment.
With that said... I have never been disappointed with anything that I have had done from here. They may be students, but their work is top notch! The best deal in the place is getting highlights! When I used to get my hair highlighted, it would cost me a little over 55 for a haircut and highlights, but it looked like a $300 job! This is where being patient comes in...
The only draw back is that if you want any other service done than a haircut it takes a month to get in. Haircuts are easy to schedule. They also will do a REDO, if you are not happy with the outcome for free! Most schools do not provide this. So you have nothing to lose!
If you allow a little extra time, you get all the benifits of an Aveda salon without the huge price tag, and you will save alot of money.
I went to the AIC today and spent way over my planned budget as I had a 'Experience Center Specialist' help me make decisions for the products I was additionally considering. As in my previous review I complained of great services and products however a constant bad experience in the retail area. Today was amazing, the energy was high, professional and clear of product protocol. I am a huge fan of Aveda, and a few of Avedas Professional Team ( Dan & Doreen), whatever changed in the past 3 months it was positive!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2009
This school and teaching staff are very friendly and know what they are doing.
However, I have been… Read more »
Oh, man, my face feels so, so, so radiant!
I went in for the top of the line facial, which is an amazing bargain! For $50.00 I got well over an hour of service, my feet washed, my legs and arms moisturized and rubbed, and my face tingled, soothed, smoothed, and refined. Lauren seemed very new and initially somewhat uncomfortable, but ultimately she came though and did a great job.
My skin looked amazing for having no makeup on it and the unevenness was gone...all that little redness around my nose? The dark circles under my eyes? Completely deniable.
I hope to be back on a regular basis. Momma can't afford other spots, but this is just about perfect. Go get refined, and don't say I never did you any favors.
I am so glad that I tried this place again. This time, I got Sammy (I LOVE YOU!) and she listened very well to what I wanted, my level of haircare and consulted with her instructor every step of the way. At first, I was a little concerned because she was asking her instructor a lot of questions in front of me but it turned out for the best. I love my hair and it's seriously the only haircut I have walked away liking 100%. EVER.
(I am tempted to stop by again to stalk Sammy and drop off my business card with her so that I can continue to see her after she leaves Aveda. Sammy, if you see this--email me!)
I eat my previous words--this place can seriously be awesome just as much a dissapointment because it's a SCHOOL. I think a good preventive measure is just not to cut off too much initially to allow that margin of error.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/12/2008
I really wanted to like this place so I scheduled haircuts for both my boyfriend and me. His… Read more »
If you've read any other of my reviews you may have now picked up on the fact that I am lazy and don't like to go very far.
So I came to Aveda on a Saturday because I was having people over and didn't feel like showing everyone that I am developing a nifty little Grey streak down the center of my head.
Magen ( she is there until Feb. Go see her) was my super chipper stylist/student. Cute as a button, and I actually enjoyed chatting with her- I normally hate being bothered by stylists.
My hair isn't as blonde as I thought it would be, but that may be a good thing.
Grey streak be damned!!! I win this round!!!
Cut/Color/Shampoo/Conditioner: $110. Pretty damn good.
When I first moved out to Chicago I was looking for a place to get a haircut at decent price. Someone suggested that I give this place a try. My first time was great. I had an outgoing and friendly girl who did exactly what I asked for. I have seen a few other girls and my service was so so. This is a good place to go if you want to save a buck (for both cut and color) but I always end up waiting 15 to 20 minutes after the start time of my appointment to be seated. Since they are students, you need to know exactly what you want to done or you could end up leaving with something that you were not expecting.
I came here to get my make-up done for our engagement photo session, and I was really happy with the results.
I was hesitant to go anywhere that charged above $50 (especially since it wasn't my wedding day, and I would only have it on for five hours max), but at the same time, I know I always look washed out in professional photos when I do my own. So Aveda was an easy and obvious choice.
The price is most definitely right at $15, and not only was I really happy with the results, I was happy to have a make-up artist that had four years experience with make-up application (not to mention a Sports Illustrated photo shoot on her resume). I was terrified that I would get someone that had little experience, and would be poking my eyes out left and right (I have a weird thing about people touching my eyes), but that was not the case with Sarah S. - she was totally fine with my eye quirk and worked around it.
All I told Sarah was "natural, fresh and not over the top," and that colors and everything else was up to her. Not only did I look like myself, it didn't look like I was wearing make-up in the photos, and I had a really nice bronzy glow. Walking around it was clear I was wearing some, but in the photos, I looked completely natural, which is exactly what I wanted. And I was there for only 20 mins tops.
I would highly recommend for make-up if you have a special occasion coming up and want a little pampering. It's just too bad you can't request certain students. Oh well.
Oh Aveda... I have always been in love with your luscious smelling products and your natural views on life. So I figured, hey, why not go to the source of all this goodness and get a haircut by one of the students? Besides... I'm a frugal girl, and who's going to turn down a $14 haircut? Not I!
My student, Cassi... love her. I really lucked out because after talking for a bit about the wacky things my hair likes to do (frizz a LOT), we discovered that our hair was very similar. She asked me about the worst haircut I had, and what we could do to avoid it... and we did! I told her how short I wanted to go, and how I ABSOLUTELY DID NOT want to go any shorter.. I think she hit it perfectly. She didn't push the products on me like a salesperson, but instead recommended what I could use and that was the only mention. I booked a follow up appointment after this great success.
I think the location is decent enough - my parking with validation was only $2, plus it's close to the brown line. I was extremely happy!
I do advertising for an Aveda salon so I usually get a discount, but with the economy the way it is, even the half-off pricing is a little steep. Enter the Aveda Institute.
I love Aveda and their position in the beauty industry. They have their feet planted a little more firmly on the ground, and get most of their ingredients from it. You could say I'm a loyal follower and haven't been to a non-Aveda salon in about 2 years. So that part about the Institute is nothin' but net in my book.
Because of the crazy awesome prices, this place is always booked solid. But I stayed in town for Thanksgiving and used my downtime to book an appointment - pure stroke of luck as when I called for a weekend time, they told me nothing was available until January 10!
Anyway, I went in for a trim and while there was a bit of a wait, they brought around tea, which was very nice, and I eventually got a spot to sit and read. This place is a school, thus the great discounts, so I was a little apprehensive about the haircut, but Kelly was Super sweet and very confident. Rightly so. She kept up conversation, worked specifically towards what I asked for and we were both very happy with the results.
I've gotten more compliments on this cut than any other at a full priced salon!
Her instructor who came to 'approve' my hair, was very impressed with her work as well. She graduates soon, but maybe if I reserve now, I'll get an appointment with her before she leaves next spring!
First of all, I would never let a student cut my hair. You're just asking for it.
That being said, the $40 facial is worth every penny, just for the product alone! I've had about 4 facials here, and each one was decent with this last one being great.
There are a few new additions to the process since my last facial. She applied translucent powder as the last step so there was no shine, applied a hot towel to my back as I sat up, and really seemed to believe in the Aveda products. I didn't feel sold to, but I ended up buying!
And the best part is, when I applied foundation when I got home, my skin looked so good.
Best cheap facial.
I imagine it's a crapshot, since they are students and no one is there permanently, but I was pleased enough to book another appointment. Facials, as are most spa treatments, are expensive. For I believe $40, you can have an hour long facial that's comparable to any other facial. They clean your face, let you select what scents you like for the day, and wash your legs and feet really nicely.
The only other downside to going to Aveda Institute is that the students work in a large room. Yeah, you're separated with white curtains (like a hospital), but it isn't pleasant to look at when you do have your eyes open and you can hear the murmuring other clients and students.
However, that is not big deal considering the saving and quality. I also like that while they are trying to get you interested in products, they aren't pressuring you.
I'm from Minneapolis originally, and when I discovered the Aveda Institute there, I NEVER went anywhere else to have my hair done because every experience was amazing!!!
So when I moved to Chicago 6 years ago, it didn't take long for me to find out there was an AI located right near my apartment. However, I've been here twice and both hair experiences were fairly mediocre.
1st experience: My student was nice enough, but complained of her hangover during the majority of our conversation. Less hangover talk, more hair talk! FOCUS PLEASE!! When I left, my highlights were average and my cut was below average. I had long hair and she just didn't know how to cut side swept bangs or layers. I wore a lot of ponytails after that one....
(Fast forward about 3 years, I find myself kinda broke and in need of a cut and color... Internal debate ends with me deciding to give Aveda another go.)
2nd experience: My student is very young and VERY nervous. UH OH! I tried to be very nice and easygoing to help her relax, and I brought pictures of the exact cut and color I wanted, but that didn't help much. I went in with the intention of having my hair a lighter shade of caramel-style brown, left with very dark brunette hair. Which I guess was fine, I've gone that dark before so I can live with it. But the cut!! Oh damn. The cut.
I brought in a clear picture of a modern choppy layered bob, and I left looking like a middle-aged librarian. I'm only 23 damnit!!! I didn't realize a bad cut could age me THAT much!! Luckily for me, it was winter and I could put on a hat before I left the school without looking like a jerk who hated her new hair. I have no idea what they teach their students about layers, because it seems like none of them can cut decent looking layers into any texture of hair! She cut some bang-like layers in the front that looked funny with my hair down. But, even worse, when I put my hair up, I had this weird "bald spot" section on one side that I've never had before with layers or bangs. So I would always have to pin my layer/bang "things" off to the side to cover the weird bald spot! What?! Like I said, I'm only 23 and my hair is pretty darn thick. I shouldn't have to worry about bald spots yet!!!!!
Honestly, I will go back for only single-process colors... I feel like everything else is just too risky at this Aveda location!!
I have had much better luck getting cheap awesome cuts at salons who need hair models! If you have some patience, call around to a few upscale salons and ask if they use/need hair models. It's worth the effort for a better cut at a super discounted price! Anytime I consider going back to Aveda for a cheap cut, I will have to re-read this review so I can talk myself out of it. The haircut isn't worth the price if you HATE it when you leave!!
As a recent graduate, I can honestly say that I received the best Cosmetology education one could ask for!
As a customer one would be pleasantly surprised at the amount of skill their student/stylist might have.
Everything is overseen by a Instructor and checked to insure quality.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, it is almost impossible to walk in and be able to get a hair service done.
All in all it's great school, I recommend it for future stylist and customers alike.
After having had my hair cut here for the past 2 years that I've lived in Chicago I realize that it's time to move on. What's drawn me in are their prices - haircuts $14-$16 dollars. I know you can get something just as inexpensive at SuperCuts and the like, but up until now I've always gotten a fantastic cut.
However, after receiving one of the worst haircuts of my life, and now waiting for it to grow out a little bit before I find a new place to go, I realize it's time that I've graduated from their hair cut services. I realize I will end up having to pay through the nose to get my hair cut by a fancy salon in Chicago, but at least I won't be wrestling with my hair. Additionally, it would be nice to have some consistency with a stylist who actually gets to know my unruly, wavy hair, and can work with it over a period of time. Aveda students do end up graduating and leaving the salon - if you get attached to one that's popular, it can be hard to make an appointment with them.
Also, don't be fooled by the "instructors check to insure quality of services." If someone's just chopped up your hair with a really bad cut, especially if it's short, it tends to be difficult to "fix" by a quality control instructor after the fact. I'm over a month into mine growing out, and it still looks horrible.
I wish I could give this place 2.5 stars. I do like some of their services - I had a great eyebrow wax a few times by different stylists and I would definitely come back to try a few other services.
