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Avenue Five Institute
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas, Cosmetology Schools
8620 Burnet RdAustin, TX 78757
(512) 968-2835
15% Off for First Time Clients!
For first time clients, request the Yelp Discount for 15% off of your first service!
- Hours:
Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue-Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
75 reviews for Avenue Five Institute
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
Updated - 4/26/2009
Updated - 11/8/2009
10/31/2009
10/23/2009
Updated - 10/28/2009
Updated - 11/22/2009
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Updated - 8/23/2009
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Updated - 3/27/2009
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Updated - 6/23/2009
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Updated - 3/6/2009
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1/10/2009
8/9/2009
8/20/2009
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
This place is the best kept secret in Austin!
I finally made it in for the 80 minute ultimate facial yesterday. With a $10 off coupon, I paid $15 before tip for 80 minutes of pampering. I was thoroughly impressed with Leslie and the whole experience. My skin looks great! Yes, there are other people in the room and you can hear some murmurs, but as long as you're ok with that, it's great! I'm so glad I found out about Avenue Five and can't wait to go back!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/4/2009
Thanks, Yelp - especially Jill W. - for telling me about this place! My hair can be a little… Read more »
About 10 minutes after I posted me negative review of Avenue Five, I received an message from Brandon, the owner. He apologized for the not so good experience and offered to resolve the issue to my satisfaction.
I went in this past Friday to try to get out of the red hair color I had opted for several weeks ago. I was schedule with Laura who has been there since January. She asked me what I wanted, offered suggestions, and then consulted with the instructor (a different instructor). I know how hard it is to go back to blonde after being red. I have done this before. Laura did highlights and then put in some brown to break it up so my hair didn't look "peachy". It didn't. I will be going back in 3 weeks to get some more highlights and I will be seeing Laura.
The services I had done on Friday were free of charge. I met Brandon and thanked him for offering to make the situation right. I have a MUCH better experience and, obviously, will be back!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/23/2009
Not a fan and scared to go back. Don't get me wrong, I am all for people learning and me getting to… Read more »
What a marvelous place. I met Pablo (who I'll be following wherever he goes). He did such a great job on my hair. I had completely forgotten how amazing my hair is straight. Pablo warmed up my natural color, and then did a combo blow-dry/flat-iron. If you go there within the next month, try to get with him. You'll love him. He's fun and he may even do a dance or two for you. I got a bit of "Flashdance" and "Thriller" out of him. Greatness. Ohhh, and he said that I have "lucky hair" and said that I ought to go out tonight (that's how good my hair looks). So yeah, Pablo, ask for him.
I also want to acknowledge Teresa. She is the instructor that was there today. I love her. Clearly on top of her game and so friendly. She would periodically check on things, but there was no hovering or anything like that. I have never been to an institute for a service so that was the mental image I had - a couple of people around me the whole time. Nope, not at all. Although if someone needed to be around all the time, Teresa would be a-okay.
The salon/institute itself has a great feel to it. I expected more lack-luster digs. Nope, it has nice salon vibe.
Definitely coming back here. Not just saying that, I have another appt.
I learned about this place on Wednesday on Yelp (Thanks Mars!) and was there on Thursday for a facial for my severely broken out skin.
I got the deep pore facial with an high-frequency zit zapper add-on, and it was only $42.50. The process was supposed to last 50 minutes, but was more like 90 because I got an awesome lady who decided to use the ultrasonic skin spatula on me. That thing was amazing and so much more gentle than doing extractions.
Today, my skin looks about 30% better, which I'll take as a good improvement over yesterday. For the price, I'll go back in a heart beat. I'm not sure I'd have the nerve to have my hair done there, but for facials, it can't be beat!.
First of all, you need to read my review dated 10/25/09.
OK........with that said, Avenue 5 invited me to come back and have my highlights redone.
My students name was Marilyn M. She was AWESOME and fixed the problem. My highlights look like I paid big bucks for them. I also had my hair cut as well which also turned out great. I was very pleased and everyone was really nice. They comped my highlights this visit since it was a "redo" and my hair cut was 7 bucks. Can't beat that with a stick. I will definitely come back, and I am looking forward to a facial next. Thanks to the owner Brandon, for bending over backwards to please the clients. My 16 y.o daughter wants to attend cosmetology school and this just might be the one.......
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2009
Well, I won't go back for hair stuff. I was in need of partial highlights and since I don't work… Read more »
Although I have not returned to Avenue Five, I have to give a few stars back. The owner, Brandon, has followed up with me several times in an attempt to resolve my previous negative experience. It's nice to see that he is so involved. Thank you Brandon.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/20/2009
Totally rude and unprofessional. I called several days ahead and made an appointment to have my… Read more »
Absolutely wonderful experience! I couldn't have asked for anything better. I went in to do dreadlocks with the Night Cosmos and am more than pleased. I would highly recommend them for anything.
I was introduced to the owner, Brandon, who was as nice as could be and made it feel like home. Mylinda made the whole process run extremely smoothly. She set up this time consuming process and made the appointment work without any kinks. The Cosmos all did a wonderful job and made it a very pleasant experience. We even finished in record time! They look great and turn heads constantly!
While my mother was there waiting, they pampered her while I was finishing up.
If I ever need anything else, I will return without even considering another location. I would recommend this to everybody! If there was a six-star option on the rating, this would get it for sure!
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Dudee Avenue 5 fuckin' rocks!
Maggie was my stylist and she did a badass job
Double-process color and a little razor cut for 42 bucks(plus a lovely tip of course)
Highly recommend this place, plus the stylists are awesome!
After my last experience at Avenue 5 I Tweeted, "I never thought a beauty school could make me so happy!"
I've been twice now, both times for a single-process dye job and the first time I got a cut as well. I don't think I'd be as brave to try this place is what I needed done was highlights. But since I am now a redhead, I decided to go for it. I'm so happy I did! The students are very closely monitored by their instructors, and are very cautious about the decisions they make. Everything is discussed with you throughout the process.
One thing to mention: make sure you have plenty of time set aside. Both times I was at Avenue 5 for nearly 3 hours, and as I said earlier, the second time was only for dye, not even a cut. 3 hours. That said, my color looks AMAZING, and I'd always prefer a stylist to take their time than to rush through an appointment. The first time, when I received a cut as well, I thought it looked awesome, and I even learned a new way of blowing out my bangs!
For $25 plus tip, I think I look pretty damn hot (please see my attached picture). Plus, I have the peace of mind that I'm still putting quality products on my hair rather than horrible, harsh box dye. I highly recommend giving these ambitious students a shot.
I *highly* recommend the spa facials at Avenue Five Institute!
At $15 for 50 minutes (basic facial), I can't think of a better value for amazing service at any other spa or salon in town.
This spa facial is one of Austin's Best Kept Secrets. Hands Down.
(Note to readers: I have had other services here - my hair conditioned and styled, had my boys' hair cut here, as well as pedicure. I don't recommend it for those services.)
I initially really loved this place. I got a really great facial here about a year ago by a girl named Tara. I wish I knew where she is now, she seriously made my skin look better than ever. Since then, I've been back a couple of times, twice for facials and once for hair color. When I got my hair colored, I told the student exactly what I wanted (skinny blonde highlights on the underneath of my hair that would have a peekaboo effect). She called over the instructor to ask him about it and when I told him what I wanted he said "WHY??" Like it was the worst idea he had ever heard. He said it would look bad and told the student to give me chunkier highlights (AKA stripper hair!). Luckily she didn't listen to him and my highlights came out just the way I wanted them to. I was happy that my hair turned out just how I wanted, but I will never go back for anything hair related because I do not want to deal with someone who is so rude. I guess he became an instructor for a reason.
Onto facials, I've gotten 3 at avenue five. Like I said before, the first one was amazing. The second one was mediocre. The third was terrible. The student jammed her hands into my eyes while attempting to do extractions on my forehead (which incidentally is the one area of my face that really doesn't need extractions), she squeezed the sides of my nose so hard that it was sore for two days. Talking with her before and after the facial was incredibly forced and awkward. She gave me a head massage while she still had product on her hands, leaving my hair so greasy that I had to run home and take a shower afterward.
I think avenue 5 is a great concept but they need to employ more friendly personable instructors and have facials supervised by instructors. I wish I was still as excited about this place as I was when I first discovered it.
I have been to Avenue Five twice since mid-September. The set-up is impressive, and I feel like I am at a high-priced salon. The instructors are UNBELIEVABLE...Teddy was the most impressive-he remembered me from my last visit, and was very engaging and nice. I get the feeling that he cares about his students and cares about his craft very much! Kara Cox has done my hair the past few times and she is also unbelievable! I had my hair done platinum and super short, and I can guarantee that I could not have had it done better anywhere else! I am a relatively new mom...I wanted something new and fresh, and Kara did just that for me. Avenue Five is far less expensive, and provides far more quality, than any other salon in the city! I will continue to patronize this salon, and I thank them for the marvelous experience that they provide me!
UM, this is a no brainer. $25 for a 80 minute facial. WTF?! I've been here 3 times now for a facials. Yeah, every facial was different but unique in their own way. I've enjoyed every single one. I'll keep going back for my "get away 80 minutes from the real world" THANKS so much Students for providing this service and letting me be your human guinea pig-love it!
I went in for my first appointment yesterday! Due to Yelp's reviews and ratings, I was sold, and decided to give it a go.
I went in yesterday for an hair color, and cut, and came out loving it! I let the stylist have her way with my hair, with a few things in mind: One: It had to be long enough to be pulled back. Two: it needed to be conservative enough for work, but not too conservative. A couple hours later, I came away with a beautiful dark brown color, and a very versatile cut that I can dress up or down any time!
I will definitely be back again for the facials, and for future haircuts too!
I went in for a wash/cut/blowout on Thursday. I had called and confirmed my appt for 2:00 that afternoon, but once I got there, the receptionist told me that my appt was actually at 1:30. Thanks for not letting me know, y'all. This is the 2nd time in a row this has happened to me, at different salons though, but it just rubs me the wrong way and makes me feel like a big douche automatically. Not my fault though!
My stylist was Aly. She was the sweetest girl ever and we found out she is exactly 1 week younger than me, which I thought was really cool too. Aly gave me a great cut, and styled it well too. She wanted to curl my whole head actually, I have a lot of hair! I have no idea what she used on my hair, but it still held the curl about 24 hours later. I paid $12 total, and my hair goes mid-way down my back.
I will definitely be going back to Avenue Five. I used to be a tried and true Paul Mitchell girl, but Avenue Five just leaves them in the dust.
$25 for a facial? There's no freaking way, I thought. There's some kind of catch. Surely, they're going to use cheap stuff on my face. Maybe the place smells funny. What if they pressure me to buy products?
In the past, I've paid up to 90 bucks for this service. When I called Avenue 5 and told them I wanted to book this mystical $25 facial treatment, the receptionist politely asked, "Oh the Ultimate Facial"..."No, no, I said, the $25 one." "Well, the basic is actually $15." Alright, this place *could* be sketchy as hell, but with so many positive reviews for this particular service, i couldn't think of any more excuses.
I went in for my appointment, and consulted with Ree who was calm, friendly and efficient without being overly talkative. We looked at the sun damage on my face in some weird mirror/black light machine that made eyes glow like some kinda zombie/alien hybrid, and talked about my skin troubles.
Avenue Five was not as fancy as a "spa", but it was clean, professional, and well-lit and the staff all were very helpful. Ree put all kinds of masks, moisturizers, exfoliators...you name it...on my face from Dermologica and Skinceuticals -- not crappy brands -- in a very calming environment and gave me a neck, hand and arm massage... for an hour and a half! Even though I was there on a Saturday afternoon, it was fairly empty, and I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep. Even with a nice tip, this was so economical, I have vowed to return monthly.
Oh, and I left without ever being asked to buy anything. On the contrary, I came home with four substantial quantities of samples that I've been using for the past two weeks. No catches.
Does Avenue Five really need another great review? I mean seriously...who wouldn't be scrambling to book an ultimate facial after reading all these?
But it was such a great experience, I want to shout it from Mount Bonnell! I can say that they definitely did not disappoint. I'm now on a mission to tell all the fabulous women I know about this steal of a deal.
I called a week ahead and booked a microfacial (microdermabrasion + a basic facial) with Crystal. I'd never had that done before and didn't quite know what to expect. It was still a total surprise since she never volunteered to tell me. I suppose I could have asked....but I like the element of surprise. If you're curious, it's like a cross between a strong vacuum cleaner and a rough piece of sandpaper moving all over your face....but tolerable. Envision cleaner pores and think happy thoughts. ;)
The whole treatment was very relaxing and Crystal was very professional. The only suggestion I would make is for them to offer a small glass of water at the end of the procedure (just like the dentist does) since lots of small crystals can end up in your mouth somehow.
I swear my mouth was closed the entire time. I know it was because the included neck and shoulder massage was so incredible that I forced myself to keep it shut as not to let out any awkward and embarrassing moans of pleasure.
Regardless of the grit in my teeth, I will totally be back. What's not to love about affordable pampering with high quality products?
But if you hear any funny sounds from behind the curtain.... it wasn't me.
Its not every day you get a 10 dollar haircut and people ask you which salon you have just been to- they want to go...!
After my hair was seriously butchered at Baldwin beauty school, and my bank account left no room for my once uber valued trips to JR or Birds Barbershop, I had to search out an alternate.
Voila...Avenue Five!
Although this was a beauty school, it had the upscale feel of a contemporary salon. The front counter staff was friendly, the chairs comfy, the place was well designed and chic.
My stylist seemed to have her stuff together. I always dread small talk with hair stylists for some reason, but she showed my pictures of her dog,we talked about moves to austin and boyfriends and she gave me exactly what I wanted.
And here is the uber plus. At other beauty schools I have asked for some unusual stuff done to my hair...usually the students look confident, try to do what I ask, and fail. Here- my stylist asked a teacher who showed her exactly what to do. It just made me feel much more secure that here they were not afraid to ask for help when needed.
With a yelp discount, I paid 11 bucks.
Now that is a quality deal. I highly recommend Avenue Five!
If you go make sure to ask to be in the Esthetician side and not the cosmo side. It was sooooo relaxing the 2 hours flew by in that chair/bed. I will go back for my fills, I will just be triple checking my appt time and requesting girls about to graduate.
There will always be cons to going to,Ave 5, it is a school and not a salon, I get that. BUT, students need to learn some respect before they step foot in a real salon/day spa. One girl scared the crap out of me and Amanda (my eyelash tech) we both jumped out of our chairs. I actually screamed. Durring application they have an extreamly sharp tool next to your eyeball and you do not want them scared sh*tless by a disrespectfull student. She did apologize and Amanda was NOT happy. So that did make me feel better.
like I said I will be back, you can not beat that price and both times I did get great lashes by the student selected for me.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/29/2009
Got a call ,They do care! I will be going back in August. Until then. .. . .
I had been getting my… Read more »
My favorite girl at Bird's moved out of town recently and I've been putting off having my hair cut for a while now, dreading the potentially hazardous hunt for a new stylist. A friend suggested checking out Avenue Five and after reading the Yelp reviews I felt confident enough to entrust my locks to one of their students. Besides, I figured I'd much rather spend $12 having my hair slaughtered by a stranger than $60! Fortunately, there was no reason to worry about a hack job since Kate gave me one of the best cuts (and head massages!) I've had in a long time. She listened carefully to what I wanted, was confident in its execution and thoroughly checked her work after spending a generous amount of time styling my new 'do. I will definitely recommend Avenue Five to all of my friends and plan to go back asap for the amazing facial deals!
As a hair color virgin, with lots of hopes, fears, and dreams, I meticulously documented pictures of highlights I did NOT like, highlights I DID like, and researched terminology so that when I visited Avenue 5 I'd come in knowing something.
My highlightist Abby looked at my pictures (which were on the laptop I nerdily brought in). I told her I wanted it to look like "the sun did it" - see how all that research paid off? She pointed at a co-worker who's highlights she had done - ! Sweet relief: someone had survived her and emerged looking... really good. You see, this is a school. But it's one fancy-looking school, and the little foil thingies Abby put in my hair to highlight it were so neat and tidy. The unfortunate thing is students come and go, so unless you track them down at their more-expensive new stint, you've got to start new, I guess.
Okay, the prices. Ridiculous. I mentioned Yelp and got 20% off. I needed toner (?), an added $10. Grand total: $32. Holy cow! Now it looks like the sun gingerly slapped a splash of color on my head and I'm no longer a hair color virgin. We used protection. It was everything I had hoped it would be.
Another 5 star review for Avenue 5! After reading all of the great reviews about the ultimate facial here for $25, I had to check it out for myself. I called to make a Saturday appointment and was told that they were booked out 5 weeks in advance! Must be good. So, I settled for a Tuesday because I'm into instant gratification and cannot wait 5 weeks...I'm working on that.
I had Evette for my esthetician and she was awesome. I have had several facials in my day and can honestly say that this was THE best facial I have ever had. And also the cheapest. Does it get much better? I think not. After my 85 minutes of sheer pleasure, I was so relaxed I felt as though I had slept a full 8 hours. I didn't want it to end.
I've read so many reviews with people singing Avenue Five's praises - especially on the facials & I had to check it out for myself. Maybe I've just had some really great facials before...but in my opinion it was just "ok". Don't get me wrong - everyone was nice, pleasant, efficient, and competent. I'm sure to most folks it's a great deal/value for the price. For me, it didn't really knock my socks off. I've definitely experienced better (but I've DEFINITELY EXPERIENCED WORSE). I've been in these girls' shoes myself as a beauty school student - so I like the idea of making myself available for practice. I can also say I wish the facilities at my own school had been as nice as Ave 5. Nevertheless, I doubt I will go out of my way to have a facial here again - there are some other spots in town that I would spend a bit extra for a lot bigger return.
It's a mixed bag. But it's one of those really cute little Victoria's Secret bags where the goods are wrapped in that pretty paper and have the great practical handles.
And you can handle just about all your girly business up in here - you can handle it while tripping out on how inexpensive it is. Everything is inexpensive. I personally found some things to be a better service than others; for example, their skin treatments are incredible while the pedicures are just ok. However, it's never been bad. And just so you know, you wouldn't think this was a school at all without being told because the products used are high quality and the atmosphere is fairly upscale and mod as well as professional.
I guess what I love most about this place is that even though it's a school, I have found it to be better in many ways than some other full service spas that overuse the word "spa" until it becomes a 4 letter word.
I go to a lot of beauty schools due to my job and I have to say that this is the best place in Austin if you need quality esthetic services for rock bottom prices.
I get my eyelash extensions done here and they do just as good of a job as places that charge $200-$500 like Betty Lash or Luxe Lash. And the students who perform the service are certified as well!
Sure, the beds are all in one same room (it is an esthetic school after all) but it's still a better deal than Facelogic with no pressure for a membership and half the price.
If you are a spa junkie and want a quiet room, extra privacy, and those kind of extra touches, then keep searching, but if you want quality services like waxing, microderm, peels, eyelash extensions, hair care, or lash tinting for amazing prices, look no further.
I love this place! It certainly feels more like an upscale salon than a school.
My first visit was for the Ultimate Facial and it was wonderful. Next I took the plunge and had my hair cut and colored. I loved it and now I am chemically dependent! I keep going back. My daughter had her hair highlighted and it turned out great.
The instructors are very careful to monitor the students and every student that I have worked with has been very professional and informed.
Now that I'm thirty I've decided to ratchet the beauty treatments up a notch. I'm not all wrinkly, but I'd like to stay that way, so I decided to try some microdemabrasion. I have a few discolorations and flaws that aren't very noticeable with makeup, but being my best self is important to me. I don't want to have to wear makeup. I want to roll out of bed in the morning with the kind of skin that makes people go "Wow!" As I get older, I want to be people to look at me in disbelief when I reveal my age. (Is that vain? Yes, but at least I'm honest.) I had one treatment + a facial, and I think I might be on my way to those goals.
The procedure didn't feel pleasant (the name does have the word "abrasion" in it after all), but it wasn't painful. Ignorant of microderm, I expected something like a dremel to be used on my face, but in reality the procedure was much milder. A special tool sprays tiny crystals get onto your face then sucks them back in. This process buffs off the outermost layer of your epidermis, removing dead cells and causing your body to create fresh new cells. My skin's surface felt smoother immediately. The micro reduced the dark spots in addition to removing some congestion on the left side of my face that had been bothering me lately.
Actually, I liked the service so well that I bought a package. This time I got a facial as well, which was excellent--even better than last time, and I think that since the outer layer was removed, my skin accepted the creams and lotions more effectively than it would have otherwise. I'm excited to go back again in a few weeks!
*Mini-update*
I went back for round 2. I must have tough skin or a high pain tolerance because I went to level 9, then 10, and still didn't find the procedure particularly irritating. In order to reduce my hyper-pigmentation spots even more efficiently, I did a glycolic peel afterward because my skin would be more receptive to it right after the micro (or so I'm told). I thought it was going to burn, but it didn't really sting much at all. The lady next to me was apparently not so tough, but really, I thought it was no big deal. By the time I left, my face didn't even look very pink. My skin did look very nice though.
Next time, I'll go to 11. It's one more.
5 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/7/2009
I waited a couple of weeks before reviewing my eyelash extensions because I wanted to see how well… Read more »
I, too, have to thank Yelp for letting me know about Avenue Five.
I went in last week to have eyelash extensions done. The place where I've had them done before has gotten several accolades, but the price was a little beyond my reach.
The day of my appointment Crystal called to say the student she'd initially booked me with wasn't staying that night, but another had offered to see me. Nothing against the student who didn't stay, but WOW did this turn out in my favor!!
Jenny did my extensions and just in case you're nervous about having a student do something near your eyes, let me reassure you -- she not only did a better job with the application than the previous person who did them -- she was infinitely more professional. (Ironic, eh? A student more professional than, well, a professional!!)
I can't praise Jenny enough. My lashes look phenomenal and I am beyond happy with them. I would recommend Jenny a thousand times sooner than I'd recommend the place where I had them done before.
The person who did my lashes previously (not at Avenue Five) TALKED ON HER CELL PHONE almost non-stop while she worked on me. I don't mean on a bluetooth or even headphones. Tucked between her head and shoulder. I'm sorry but there's no way you can pay attention to what you're doing and be on your cell, too - and these were not emergency calls. These were talking to a friend calls.
Jenny , however, was totally focused on what she was doing and was extremely organized, calm and professional. If you're lucky enough to have her work on you, you'll rave as much as I am. I plan to ask her to keep in touch with me so I can continue to see her after she graduates.
Thank you, Jenny and kudos to Avenue Five for the quality of training they are apparently providing their students!
Brooke did amazing things to my hair again.
The owner got back to me about my colour fading prematurely due to me having to wash out conditioner that Abby left in. Things were rectified in a very professional manner and I really appreciate that.
Had a great basic facial by someone whose name escapes me right now. She was very gentle with my skin, and quite friendly.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/2/2009
I went here once and got a wonderful hair cut and colour from a really awesome chick. The next time… Read more »
After seeing all the positive reviews here and checking out their website, I decided to give this place a go. I'm sort of picky who cuts my hair and how they do it, so this was kind of a hard thing for me to do. When my friends heard that I was going to a place where the students got to practice on ya, they kind of chuckled and said make sure you take before and after pics.
After popping a valium to calm down I sauntered in to a sleek and modernly design studio. It was pretty busy for a Thursday afternoon which I guess was a good sign. Upon checkin, they made me sign a waiver saying I wouldn't blame them for anything (including social embarrassment). Sweat beads forming, I signed it.
After waiting for a couple minutes, contemplating my fate for the next month (and also remembering that spring break and SXSW were coming up) I started re-thinking my decision to come here. But my stylist/student called my name and I had no way out now.
She was actually very professional and asked me everything I wanted.. no detail was spared. Then she brought an instructor over to re-confirm what she was going to do, of which the instructor offered some advice. Then she started.. I had to take off my glasses so all I saw was a blurry visage. She was super chatty so the time flew by. In the end, the haircut was close to what I wanted. It had some roughness to it but thats to be expected of a student and also a first time cut with someone new. I'm confident enough in her to go back in a couple weeks because 1) its only $7, 2) the students only remain for 6 weeks and I'd like to build on what she did last time, and 3) I purposefully asked her to not cut it too short b/c she was a student and I was unsure of her skillz.
And oh yeah, did I mention.. $7 haircut??
I went here for the first time today and got an 80 minute facial. With a $10 off coupon it costs $15 before tip - can't beat that!
I had an instructor do my facial, she was teaching a very new student, so she did the whole procedure while the student watched. She asked a bunch of questions and tailored her procedures to match my skin type. She did such a good job, I was so relaxed and almost fell asleep!
It looks like a regular salon, very modern and chic. The room was not a full room, there were curtains surrounding each space, so you could here some faint whisperings, but other than that it was a spa experience. I will definitely be back!!
I'm not the salon-going type, so I certainly don't like spending a ton of money on beauty treatments. Still, I was getting married, so I figured I should get a leg/brow/lip wax to look my best on the big day.
I went in two days before my wedding, figuring that would be plenty of time for any redness to disappear (I have waxed at home, so I knew more or less what to expect on that front). Well, my legs looked great, my lip looked great (thought it hurt like a MF$%^$% during the process), brows looked great... at first.
At home a couple of hours later, my left brow was still tender. Checked in a mirror and sure enough, it was burned. Drat! To the esthetician's credit, the wax did NOT feel too hot when she was applying it and one of her instructors was right there supervising.
Thankfully, due to my newly-acquired awesome makeup skillz, I managed to conceal the burn on wedding day. Even up close, nobody could see it unless I pointed it out.
I'm sure I'll be back, since this place is super-cheap and very close to work, but my first visit was a wee bit disappointing. Sorry... :(
Amazing. With yelp discount, only $5.85...with tip $12. Easy and great haircut. Definately going back for a facial...
What a gentleman the owner of Ave 5 is. Based on my last review, he invited me to return, so --I suppose--Avenue Five could have another chance to make an impression.
My 90 minute facial was scheduled at 5:00. I arrived early and started it at 4:45. It was over at 5:45.
I was surprised when I woke up from my restful, therapeutic treatment, that I thought my watched had stopped. My facialist told me we were done.
Me: "Oh. Was that a 90 minute facial?"
Facialist: Yes
Me: "So, did you complete all the steps of a 90 minute facial in 60 minutes?"
Her: Yes
She told me that they get very busy on Thursday nights, and the bed I was in was reserved for the next person. I could not help noticing that all five other beds in the room were empty at the time. And I was 20 minutes early! I had to blow it off at this point because I was fairly certain that the facialist was not being truthful with me. I don't know what went wrong.
Later, she came back to me and said she was going to charge me only for the 60 minute facial. Still confused.
I moved on to my next treatment - a leg waxing (hello spring!).
Taylor was the waxing artist who performed most of the service. However, the facialist helped out for about 30 minutes and then left. I asked Talyor where she went, and we were not sure, but assumed that she had to clean the clinic -- you know the one where someone had reserved the bed that I had reserved.
Anyway, the waxing job was good. Taylor was fun, fast, and friendly.
My haircut went well, though my student seemed really nervous to cut my hair. Her instructor led her through some steps to help her move forward in texturing my hair, and it seemed hard for her. Once the teacher came back and reassured her, the stylist did a better, more confident job.
I was impressed that the stylist from my last haircut came over to say hello. That was a good moment of relationship development. Props!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/18/2008
So, it's about time Avenue Five had a review from a man. I went in with very high expectations… Read more »
I had my first visit to Ave 5 yesterday; brow and chin wax and 55 minute facial with added extractions.
Avenue 5 is a lovely space, very modern and chic. Front desk staff was incredibly nice and attentive. My esthetician, Jennie Lee appeared promptly and then led me back.
My waxing took place in what was literally, a closet. They put a bed and a rolling cart and hung up a shower curtain and ta-da! Waxing room! But I'm okay with that. Because I'm paying less than $20 for both services.
Jennie Lee did a great job on my brows (they are a bit thinner than I'm used it, but it still looks good) and after changing into my wrap, we headed to the treatment room.
All the beds are lined up, with shower curtains hanging between them and each partition has the rolling cart with your specific products. The lighting is low and the music is calming. Everyone does their best to be as quiet as possible, but you are aware that you're sharing the space with up to 6 other clients/technicians. The door opens, light/sound comes in, you hear the other technicians/clients, but its not horrible at all.
Jennie Lee did a faboo job on my skin. I didn't have many extractions, so she had the front desk remove the $5 charge! She was a total professional and my skin is glowing today.
One thing that I didn't count on was easily and unavoidably overhearing the other student's conversations during my waxing. You can tell its not a professional spa environment, for sure.
But walking out only $35 lighter, including tip, for 3 services? I will 100% be back.
They do great work. Their facials were good for the price and the colorists there do GREAT work. Only prob is some of the senior students still can not do a simple updo and/or curl. But other than that, their services are really good.
A group of six girls, including myself, came here to get our nails done. Overall, the facility is really nice, but if you're looking for a good manicure, I would not come here.
They don't cut your cuticles. Several of the students are not studying to be nail technicians, so they just file, buff, and paint your nails, which is kind of pricey for 8 dollars (not including tip).
There are several other salons you can get much better manicures at for about 12-15 dollars, and they actually cut your cuticles and properly manicure your nails.
My mom ended up getting a facial, which she said for $15 was totally worth it.
How much would you pay to look and feel younger if only for a day? Would you pay $12.50? I certainly would and will again! Based on the glowing reviews here, my grrl and I had the Ultimate Facial here the other day. What a steal! I would say you normally pay about $80-100 for this service. And yes the estheticians are students but the only issue I had with that was they used egg timers for some reason. I guess to gage their pace but it's kinda an annoying ticking and I found myself enjoying everything else so much, I was internally chanting "don't go off. don't go off. don't go off." But happily when the timer did ding (and ding it did) she continued on for at least another 30 minutes.
But the rest of the service was impeccable. I started out with a little extra eyebrow waxing. I guess the cold weather makes my hair grow faster cause I just had em waxed 3 weeks ago but they were already peaking thru. Just a side note, I have a mortal fear of my brows taking after my fathers (http://share.shutterfl... maaaybe I over wax. Anyhoo, the waxer did a great job on me for $8!
Then we had our facials and my tech, Page, was fabulous. I have a little rosacea and she really took gentle care with my skin. So instead of a long facial massage which would aggravate my capillaries, she just spent extra time massaging my shoulders and neck. Believe me, that was worth the money alone! She even found some knots in my shoulder that she really worked on (I named them after my co-worker). And of course she moisturized, masked and nurtured my face as well. She even did extractions (yay).
The space at Avenue 5 is nice. For the facials, you are in room a with other people, but everyone is screened off and quiet and they play the oh so relaxing celtic fantasy music. You know, the kind that makes you daydream about running barefoot thru a sun dappled forest alongside a unicorn. Or is that just me?
You can find their coupons on their website for the facials. I highly recommend it and will probly go a couple more times myself before the end of March when the special expires.
I have been looking for a place to get a good but inexpensive facial. I happened upon a review of Avenue Five Institute. I made an appointment and had few expectations. I chose the Custom Age Smart Facial (80 min) for $35 since I am of Medicare age. It was wonderful!! I have had expensive facials in the past, but this is a wonderful find. It is clearly a learning facility and there were whispered discussions with the instructor, but I plan a regular visit. I printed off the Yelp 15% off coupon and was cheerfully given a discount of $5.25. 80 minutes for 29.75....sweet! I like a lot of information and wished she would tell me what she was putting on my face. The technician was pretty silent throughout. Several days later my skin looks and is so smooth.
I love me some Avenue Five!! I get my hair done here and people think I go to the expensive salons but I pay a small fee for perfection!
