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Cinta Aveda Institute
Rating Details »
Categories: Beauty and Spas, Specialty Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Financial District305 Kearny St
(between Bush St & Pine St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 989-4400
20% your next service!
Find us on Facebook and uncover an exclusive code for 20%off your next service at Cinta Aveda! http://www.tinurl.com/...
- Hours:
Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tue-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
115 reviews for Cinta Aveda Institute
If you're going to *majorly* cheat on your team of beauticians, may I suggest cheating the right way and that's at the Cinta/Aveda institute. Have no guilt when you book. Just. Do. It!
As most of us are suffering in this economy, I have found myself wanting highlights, a cut and even a facial on-the-cheap. This is the place!
I have finally done all three here and couldn't be more satisfied. Note: they're all students but they do a fantastic job and have an instructor close by ... just in case.
When you pay for your service, they will offer you services at an even more discount. I got a facial for $10(!!!!!) after my haircut and it was obviously worth it.
Nice facilities, friendly staff and ok service. It's an institute so the people cutting your hair don't have much experience which is why it took me over 2 hours to cut my hair. I fell asleep several times.
If you go here, be prepared to invest some time. Make sure you know what you want and communicate that with the fledgling stylist. I wanted my hair relayered and she barely did anything...no one could tell I had cut my hair :( Also, be prepared for them to try to sell you a billion Aveda products. I distinctly remember feeling awkward as my stylist accompanied me to the store side and watched me as I decided whether or not I wanted to purchase the products she used on my hair. I liked her up until that point.
I think I paid a total of 20 bucks for the whole service? Next time I'll just shell out the extra dough and go to a professional where I can get it done faster and without a big brother sales rep type. If you do have time and want to save money, though, it's not the worst place but you gotta speak up.
I wish I could give zero stars.
The first time I went, I was trying to get back to my original dark brown hair color. That required a double-process. They bleached it correctly, then colored it. Well, most of it. There were stripes of uncolored hair. Also, some of the die landed on my shirt, ruining it.
I went for a correction, and the girl did do a good job fixing the color. However, at the front desk they claimed that it was not hair die on my shirt, and I must have spilled coffee. ON MY BACK.
Anyway, the price was right, so I made an appointment for the gal who did the correction to do my color again. Twice they called and had me reschedule. When I went, I was told that she had a wedding up-do, and I'd have to see someone else. The other person had blonde hair with dark roots. I said I didn't trust her, and I was leaving. They kept me FIFTEEN more minutes as they tried to talk me into staying or coming back the next day. (How many afternoons can one take off?)
That was last week. Today I got a phone call from them to tell me I was rude to the front desk and explain myself. So I did. Then I asked him what kind of customer service is it to first accuse the customer of rudeness before asking what happened. He hung up on me.
AVOID! AVOID! AVOID!
An awesome price for such a fine cut! I am well pleased.
You see, I used to shave my head. It was just one of those things, you know, I just got sick of all the combing and gel and shampoo and bed head and I decided to utilize the well worn strategy of "avoidance." Get rid of the hair, and wow, my morning ritual became *so* much simpler.
Once out of the shower, I just shaved my face, but unlike most guys, I kept going right over the top of my head--glistening cue ball!
What was my point... OH!
My point is that I am totally re-tar-ded about hair, now that I'm growing it out. Where does it part? What am I supposed to do with this gel? Why does this pomade smell like a cat's ass? Somebody *help* me!
I found that help at Cinta Aveda.
First off, they are right downtown in the Financial District, with a very sleek and stylish shop on the ground floor, where you are received and given the name of your intended stylist by a sedately garbed receptionist, sans pink hair and eyebrow piercings. Once your appointment time arrives, you're taken to the next floor via elevator, where again you are greeted by a cheerful and relaxed representative who directs you to a small waiting area until your stylist fetches you (a minute or two).
Because I'm such an old man, with such a feeble memory, I've already forgotten her name, but she was a lovely Australian woman, who was so friendly and attentive to my stuttering explanation that I was, frankly, helpless and needed her to hold my hand.
She did so. Ably.
She asked questions, double-checked what I wanted as we proceed, and ultimately, gave me the short but stylish hair cut I wanted but could not--for the life of me--envision, nor describe. Never a weary sigh did she utter, nor eye roll exhibit.
DAMMIT--there's a 20% discount code that I forgot to use! I AM SO STUPID.
Even so, at $20 + $10 for the tip, it was a steal. She really had a great touch, she sheared me like a pro at amateur's prices. I will definitely return, although I'm sad that I won't be able to get the same stylist (Deborah? Gwendolyn? shit) since she and her husband are moving back to Australia.
Lady, whoever you are... thank you, and I hope Aveda appreciates that you'll be out there representing their principles and technique! (Gloria? Georgia?)
I went today for a facial and I was sort of prepared for the worst. However, I was pretty pleased with my person. Although she was pretty young, she exuded confidence, knew what she was doing and just really relaxed me and gave me a super nice massage. All for $12. Of course, I felt a compelled to buy some of the products she suggested but given the super cheap treatment and that I was ready to try something new, buying Aveda products was not a sacrifice. I will go back for another facial but I am having second thoughts about my hair appointment on the 2nd.
Follow up for Su's color:
AWESOME. I went back to Su for partial highlights last week, and she did not let me down. She did a beautiful job highlighting my hair. Her attention to detail was astonishing and I appreciate it so much! I love my hair, and the price I paid for it is unheard of.
I will continue to frequent Cinta Aveda Institute, until someone shows me something better and cheaper (not likely)!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/6/2009
This is probably the best bargain in the city for fabulous cuts and color. I've seen about 4… Read more »
I visited the institute specifically to help out a friend whose cousin was looking for "models" during her training there. I had a simple facial and it was lovely. The setting was tranquil. The products - all Aveda - were superb. The staff and teacher / student protocols were all professional and seamless. Though not a career interest of mine, I could see that the Institute would be a lovely place to study. It was certainly a nice place for me to relax for the hour!
This review is for their retail store only
Somehow, I seemed to have left my bag of "liquids" in the hotel room last week, while traveling on business & much to my demise, my bottle of Aveda Sculpting Gel was among those MIA
Seen Cinta Aveda Institute a multitude of times as I'm walking to / from work so thought why not check it out to see if they can replenish my gel
Store is a lot smaller on the inside than it looks from the outside - much like a reverse Tardis
I find my gel just as a class is letting out so there are lots of people milling about & still taking notes from what I'm guessing is an instructor
As I'm paying, the instructor-looking girl comes over to ask if I had just had my hair done there b/c it looks great & the "students" are all nodding & eagerly looking for my answer.....wow - how awesome was that?! I'm now feeling totally sassy & awesome about myself - I LOVE compliments out-of-the-blue like that!
I tell them thank you but alas, no, it was not done there & the girl at the register says: "you should say yes & we'll like, give you a free hairbrush for the positive advertisement"
Well missy.....that's LYING & a dis to my most beloved Adrian who is the ACTUAL genius who colors me fantastic. I've never been to you & would not begin to vouch for your expertise untried & untested
I don't need a brush that badly.....
I worked with Soraya and absolutely loved my experience! I gave her a brief description of what I was looking for and she somehow knew exactly what I wanted. I didn't even have a picture, and she was able to give me a cut that framed my face, and made me feel pretty. It is quite obvious that she has artistic talent beyond hairstyling, and she gave me the best head massage I've ever had. Though she will only be with the school another two months, if you happen to find yourself in need of a good haircut, check out Soraya. She's also brilliant with up-do's.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/24/2009
There's no need to repeat myself about how amazing this salon truly is. I am here solely to hype… Read more »
I have never had a bad experience at an Aveda Institute.
When I scheduled my appointment I specified everything I wanted. Whoever scheduled me failed to correctly input everything. Thankfully, my guy spoke with the instructor about the mistake and they made sure to give me all of my treatments. I requested double processing and a trim. They had me down for a partial foil and a trim.
My guy couldn't have been sweeter/nicer. He was so polite and put the extra effort in to make my experience wonderful. Not to mention my hair looks great.
Afterwards, they took a lot of time to assist me in selecting the proper products for purchase.
The only reason I didn't immediately reschedule is because I didn't have my schedule with me.
At a regular salon I would have been charged $400+ for these exact same services, I know because I've paid that price! Here it was only $56 + $14.
Tip: This place gets packed. If you want to purchase products and need assistance - color matching, information, etc. arrive immediately after they open.
Tip: If you want visit this place regularly make appointments 6 weeks, 2 months or whatever out.
NO ASIAN MULLET? CHECK.
Good job, Cinta Institute. You've successfully layered my flat and unstylish Asian hair without giving me the ubiquitous Asian mullet. I will definitely be back.
It was the cheapest haircut I've gotten since the 90's and a pleasant experience at that. I got one of the more senior stylists (totally worth the extra 3 bucks) named Candace who was incredibly patient, considering I had no idea what I wanted and my hair was a mess. She was informative and didn't push any products on me (though I ended up buying a bunch of stuff anyway).
The Aveda experience (scented oil and stimulating massage) was excellent. The service was decent, though the person receiving customers (a pretty blond with a fabulous bob), who I think was actually a supervisor, offered everyone waiting water and tea except for me. It's okay, she made it up later by doing a great job of correcting my cut.
Overall, I had a great first time experience. I'm not as picky about cut as I am about color and treatments, so I'll update this review again after I go in for a body wave. My only complaint is that parking is a pain around there and I ended up paying for a garage that cost me more than my haircut did. So I suggest taking the BART or Muni since you should expect your cut to take longer than it normally would at a regular salon.
I've been a hair model at a couple Berkeley salons before, but they're so hard to book these days (no, I can't wait two months for a hair cut!) So the recent article in 7x7 magazine as well as Yelp led me to Cinta Aveda Institute. It was relatively easy to get an appointment, though the more advanced students had no availability for awhile.
The Aveda experience is quite nice; you get offered tea and water, you get a complimentary scalp massage with your choice of scented oils, you get offered some blush/lip gloss application at the end. Obviously, you also get to enjoy all the Aveda products.
As for the cut itself, I was a little disappointed in my stylist. I probably should have gone with a clearer idea of what I wanted, but I was hoping that she (or maybe the instructor) would have some recommendations. Instead, I basically just got a 3" trim that took about two hours. The student stylist was extremely nice, but I could feel the uncertainty and hesitancy in her hands, which made me also nervous about asking for anything more complicated. A pretty big difference from being a hair model for new talent at a salon, where I can hardly tell the difference between my stylist and a senior stylist.
However, this is a 4-star review and not a 3-star review because of the price. My cut was $14, and after a discount (don't forget to become a fan of Cinta Aveda on facebook to get discount codes!), it was only $11.20. Quite the bargain, even with a 45% tip!
I've been going to beauty schools for haircuts on the cheap ever since I realized that forking over mad dough didn't seem to be the deciding factor in how good my hair actually ended up looking. I was done with the days where I spent way too much money to look like a 3 year old had gotten hold of the cutting shears.
Enter Aveda. I have been a pretty faithful Aveda school advocate and regularly received amazing haircuts at the school in Milwaukee, so I naturally relocated salons when I relocated myself last year, expecting years of bliss with my newly (re)found partner. Yet all has not been well. My once well-behaved, easy-to-manage hair is now vengeful, wreaking havoc on my carefully cultured appearance. I've blamed the water, my shampoo, even the climate...when it has really all been due to mis-performed haircuts. While I have never gotten a totally horrible cut here, and most have even gotten compliments, they have also often been cut in a way that makes it difficult to maintain; the style 'grows out' quickly.
My last cut here ended with my stylist in tears because of a new instructor she felt was too hard on everyone. I was sympathetic to the cause, and he could have been a bit kinder, but his critiques were also spot-on. Instead of listening to him, she got frustrated, gave up, and sent a different instructor to wrap up, and the issues never got 'fixed'. I felt too bad to say anything about it, and instead had to get my hair re-cut after 3 weeks because it grew out so poorly.
So, moral of the story: it's inexpensive, they do what you want, you get to help students learn, and the instructor will usually fix whatever you don't like. You get to have two people working on your head and you have some level of accountability that isn't quite there in regular salons, plus you get that uber cool head massage. Just beware that hair does many funny things once it starts growing and an experienced stylist will take these into account, something you just won't get at a beauty school. It doesn't end up being cheaper when you have to go back in a couple of weeks. While you won't get the whole spa ambiance, you can definitely find good haircuts for cheap in the city...you just gotta look.
Being unemployed means you look for the mecca of cheap, good haircuts. Back in April, I decided to take the plunge and go for a $20 cut with the Aveda Institute to get rid of over 4 months of scraggily hair. I was fortunate enough to nab a late night, mid-week appointment with an Advanced student named Adriana.
It ended up being her additional last day, as she had come in to school realizing she had completed all her credits, but decided to keep her appointments and not cancel on her customers. Utter devotion there. She went for some soft layers wrapping towards my face, which resulted in some unique hair cutting techniques I have to have experienced. It took 2.5 hours, a little longer than a normal haircut that I usually get with Maravilla in San Diego, but probably one of the few good haircuts I've had in the city. And that's saying a lot, as I've been with Maravilla for over 12 years.
Oh My!
Cinta Aveda Institute:
I love you and the lavender scented oils you massaged into my scalp, face, arms and feet in that little peace of 90 minute bliss you call the facial. Afterwards, you were even so kind as to reapply my makeup.
And, my skin looks great.....
And, unbelievably, this all took place for $25.00 (this week they are having a half off special.... go quickly :) )
Su was absolutely the best! She did great highlights and an awesome haircut! Can't wait to book another appointment with her!
WOW I think I have fallen in love! Sorry boy friend, I might need to break up with you! I can not stop thinking about and staring at my new High Lights!
Britten W. might be a new hair dresser to the hair world but her natural talent, and her welcoming hands have proven superb high class results. I was lucky to only have to pay $42 for a partial when she should have charge $250...
I kid you not, my blond is brighter then the most beautiful sunrise, and I am more the willing to wake up early every morning to watch it rise!
Now I can truly say that I have finally found my soul mate hair dresser and I finally have a stylist for the rest of my life!
You MUST visit Britten W. if you are ready to feel incredible about yourself!
Wow.
When I was a kid, I cried every time I had my hair cut. This is the closest I've come to that in a number of years.
Ashley asked how I like my hair cut. I told her layers and body, something that will grow out well because I want it long.
She cut off about 2", and didn't ask a single further question about my look or my hair. She offered no feedback, and didn't talk to me about the products at all (even though they get instant reviews on customer service!). She parted it on the side even though I had already told her that I part it in the middle. She seemed completely disinterested wen styling my curls- she wasn't even looking at my hair for some of it! It seemed as though she was gazing around the room. The end result was an uneven and frizzy do.
She cut it so tight that looked like I had hat-head before walking out the door and putting my hat on.
By the way,
If your customer puts a hat on as they walk out the door, that's a pretty clear indication of your skills as a stylist!
Lison, I PROMISE that I will never cheat on you again! I love you!!
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
My stylist works there and she's excellent but if you are a single mom and need to have your child with you, go elsewhere. your child will not be allowed in. I was not informed of this upfront, so before you waste your time getting there and being turned away I wanted to let people know here.
Comment from Cinta G. of
Cinta Aveda Institute
8/28/2009
Hi Teresa, Since we are a learning facility, we…
More »
As I have found my pocket book to be mildly anorexic these days, I simply could not justify my regular hair stylist whose rates tend to border on excessive. With unsightly and quickly increasing "roots" showing from my last color job, I decided to take a "risk" and go the beauty school route.
The stylist was pleasant, sweet and talkative. She did an EXCELLENT job! For $78 I received a full foil highlight and haircut (not to mention awesome hand massage while I was processing).
So why not 5 stars, you ask? I will explain...to protect the student whom I had today, no names will be mentioned, but in the midst of our conversation she did reveal to me some of Cinta's "dirty laundry". These students work very, very hard, and although they learn immense career skills from this institution, certain things need to be addressed prior to utilizing student services. When I was informed that Cinta does not even provide their students with a Refrigerator or Microwave, because it would look "unsightly", I was shocked and disappointed. These students are PAYING to work, they are making their school a great deal of money in exchange for skills learned. They are, due to this lack of common break-room amenities, more or less forced to eat out daily, that is, if they even get a lunch break. Apparently the phrase "you won't get a lunch/break in the real world" is a common excuse/reason at Cinta for denying their pupils even 30 minutes to sit down, relax, recuperate and enjoy a (albeit take-out) lunch break. To me, this just sounds like a convenient excuse to capitalize to the absolute maximum on "free" labor. Although, I was very satisfied with my services, I am having a difficult time justifying my experience after learning of these obvious abuses of student labor. On the upside, the students can receive gratuity, so please, please, keep this in mind...they'll need it to buy their lunch, if they are even granted one that day.
As I wrote to my friends: I just got the most amazing cut and style by a student at the Aveda institute.
It was a senior student, and she helped me figure out what I needed to do to achieve my goal of having hair too sexy for my shirt. Within an hour she had it cut, beautifully styled, healthified with at least 5 products, blow dried, and simply scrumptuous.
It's worth going to just for a shampoo and tea. Suffice it to say I've found my new salon!
I don't want to say the name of my student (I will say he is male). Anyway, I arrive and tell him what I want: some layers all around, a few inches off the length, and sideswept bangs. Pretty standard. He starts with a scalp massage with a lovely scented oil. This is when I knew I was in trouble. He was so meek and scared and did the massage so half-assed...no pressure, no massage, just a few nervous rubs here and there. He then led me to the sink to wash my hair. He was the same way when washing my hair--he wasn't doing it like he meant it, if that makes sense.
Back at the chair, he calls over an instructor for my consultation where I tell her the same thing I told him. He seems nervous and frightened. When the instructor leaves, he begins to cut my wet, curly hair without combing it out first! I said "I think it would make more sense for you to comb the tangles out of my hair before cutting it..so it's even, etc." He says "OK." Phew. He combs is out and nervously begins to cut. He immediately calls the instructor over again. "How do I put layers in?" He asks. Oh lord. She tells him and leaves. He calls another instructor over, this time a guy, who is awesome. He shows him what to do and leaves. My stylist nervously tries to cut my hair. He called the instructor over at least 5 more time, and the instructor just ended up cutting my hair because the student was so incapable.
Finally, the wet hair cut part is over, and it's time for my blow-out. The instructor is SHOWING THE STUDENT how to blow out hair! What?? My student has been at the school for almost a year! So, slowly, he blows out my hair, calling the instructor over at least 4 times, once to ask him how to blow out the front. I was just in disbelief. How could he have gone almost a year in school, never mind 30-something years, without knowing how to dry hair with a hairdryer? Honestly I think he should choose another career.
Finally, my hair is dry and the student is now supposed to put the finishing touches on my haircut. Enter instructor. He tried to teach him to thin out the ends with this thinning scissors...to no avail. He just doesn't get the movement/result. The instructor ended up doing it while the student paid no attention. No wonder why he sucks so badly.
At the end, the students are supposed to give you a complimentary make-up application, but mine said "I am no good at make-up, so I'm not going to do it, but I have to offer." Weird. I think he just wanted to get out of there since I was his last client of the day.
I am only giving the Aveda School 3 stars because I ended up getting a haircut from a very experienced instructor for $14. Otherwise, I would give 0 stars. What kind of students are they graduating from this place? The guy assigned to me was seriously lacking a brain and common sense. I could have done a better job.
My first problem, when I arrived in the Bay Area..was... where can I cut my hair?...I know, is not a tragedy, but for a blond girl it can be comparable to the II world war+the I world war.. Anyway, I was looking for a place.. and I found this...and I said...let see..
It was very good, before the shampoo the made me a massage to they head and neck with a sort of balsamic oil.. then one of a student started to cut ..but It was safe :) , because around there were always two supervisors.....
My look was cool.. and all for $17!!!
i think that I'll come back for the color...
oh...call to book your new style....( for Saturday afternoon I have to wait 1 week)
I visited today and was super pleased with my Alpha student. I had a 3/4 foil and the color came out smashing. I had a rather simple cut with soft layers and she added some wispy bangs. The products used are all top quality Aveda goods, so my hair looks and feels soooo healthy. I will definitely be back again.
Not a complaint, but do remember that they are students, so everything takes a bit longer than at your regular salon. If you want to tip your student, you must do so in cash or check. Your tip can not be added to your bill.
This place is pretty good for what it is--- it's a school so we can't exactly expect the most advanced stylists because they're students.
I've had haircuts and highlights done there, and always been 'satisfied' to 'very satisfied.' They've never done anything horribly wrong or out of line. I feel that the prices are fair and the facility is really state of the art. Because I get color done I care that it's Aveda products-- as natural as you can get. I've only had 1 bad student out of the past 7 times I went. She didn't mess up my hair, she just wasn't as careful as the others with the foils (a little more chunky than I would have wanted, but nothing horrendous).
Here's some advice about scheduling with students: If you're getting something 'advanced' done, like highlights, you'll get the most advanced students. If you're just getting a haircut, you'll get the least advanced (they learn cutting first). I only get my haircut there if I'm also getting highlights done so the more advanced student will dye and cut my hair.
Also, be forewarned-- it will take forever. A partial highlight took about 2.5 hours with the most advanced students. With a cut it's close to 3.5. Often times when they style it at the end I'm so exhausted I always say-- 'just do whatever is easiest.' Usually that means they straighten it, but that takes about 30-45minutes. !!!! Sometimes I just want to air dry it because I'm that tired (highlights are tedious, esp. with students doing them).
The students are of pretty good caliber, and the products are fantastic. There are instructors there to oversee the beginning and the end of any treatment, but they seem pretty hands-off. They usually just help out with the chemical equation for what color you want. I've never done the spa stuff, just hair.
I think Aveda is great if you're looking for quality products, like dyes, to be used in your hair. And if you're not like 100% particular about how your hair is cut.
When you factor in cost... it really is as good as you get.
I've definitely been known to spend a pretty penny on my hair, and like the commercial says... I'm worth it. However in these hard economic times when a girl has to decide between hair and food... food usually wins out. So what to do with my hair?
I've been to Aveda Institutes in other places... mainly for perms. Yes, people still get perms and if you get them at Aveda you'll understand why. But I've never gone in for a cut. I called to schedule an appointment and was surprised to lean that they could take me right away. When I would go to the Institute in DC I'd sometimes have to wait a month. There's a huge bonus right there.
I was told to arrive a little early as there would be a little paperwork to fill out. Just standard stuff... and it was basically just so you could fill out a comment card type thing at the end. I went up the elevator to wait for my stylist. She came over and talked to me, and brought me over to the chair so we could talk about what I wanted. She chatted with me for a little while, and really got to understand what I was talking about. She brought her instructor over, and discussed it with her and from there we were a go.
It didn't take that much longer than a normal haircut, and it came out amazing. You would never be able to tell that I only paid $17 for it.
Since then I've been back to have my hair highlighted and that was another great experience. I have an appointment scheduled later in the month for a touch up.
My girlfriend introduced me to this place and highly suggest I move away from my $100 cuts to $17 cuts. A way to save money and at first, I was reluctant. The notion of a student cutting my hair was a bit frightening. I put it off until she continued to nag me about saving money. I opted and decided, what the heck, hair is hair, right? Not quite.
This place is awesome. The students are friendly, sweet, attentive and great. The instructors are there but they are definitely hands-off. I came here for color and cut. I'll definitely come back for color but for cut, I'll have to spend the extra $80 and go elsewhere. I just wanted a layered cut (the same kind of cut I get all the time); however, it wasn't layered correctly. Now I have a mop, which is not cool. I'm not mad or disappointed because I knew going in what the CONs would be. There is a chance my cut won't turned out the way I'd like it to be. They are students and one has to keep that in mind going in. Oh well, my hair will grow out in two months.
I definitely recommend this place for color (single process) only since the instructors are the ones who actually mix the colors/or suggest the right color. Also, make sure to allot a big chunk of time from your day. For cut and color, I was there from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Long time! So you also have to weigh in whether your time is much more valuable or not.
I paid more for the parking than the haircut.
Seriously, I splurged for parking at St. Mary's, a block away, and it cost $21. My haircut was $20.
I walked out of there with a new color (single-process, $48), new cut and a hair product impulse buy for $78. Throw in a $20 tip because the student was sweet and decently skilled and probably paying a load of loans to have the pleasure of cutting my hair. All expenses together, I got out for less than $120. At my neighborhood salon, that'd run me about $150-170. (If I hadn't gone for the parking and the detangler, we'd be really saving money.)
Why focus on the money so much? Because you KNOW that's why you're considering a beauty school. No one goes out of the kindness of their hearts or for the hell of it. We're all Super-Savers nowadays.
But how about your hair? It's fine. I have some goofy hair history from a bad straightening last year that has made me a little gun-shy, but my student and her instructor dealt with it pretty well. The color covered my newly-sprouting greys and some old post-highlight roots. The cut was a simple 1 inch trim, which the instructor came over and neatened up.
Yes, it took a little longer (3 hours for color and cut), but not unreasonably so - maybe an extra 20-30 minutes. Mostly this was time spent in consultation with the instructor, which is a good thing!
Bottom lines:
-Reasonably priced salon-quality haircut (read: not the $10 haircut available at my local nail shop).
-Closely inspect your hair at various points and be vocal about what has and hasn't worked in the past.
-Plan ample time - no need to rush a student.
-Public transit will help save extra money. Parking in that neighb isn't cheap, but it is available.
2.75 stars for hair salon and spa
STYLING:
Excellent scalp massage and offer to apply blush/lipgloss. The salon itself seems like a hair stylist mill. Training is 11 months vs. 2-3 years at diPietro Todd.
There is little space between the styling stations, as if every last student possible was packed in to make the most money. Drips from hair dye were on the floor. My friend had a short women's haircut and I could see that they hadn't done as good a job as DPT.
I had a shoulder length cut which looked OK but seemed to grow out oddly. My hair didn't feel as well-cut as DPT (even though, see my review, each student I was with made mistakes). The guy student I had was trying very hard but he had come late to styling and he didn't seem to have the artistic aptitude for it.
SPA:
Had a facial here and a back treatment (I'd had allergies but had a back treatment scheduled and at one point I had to blow my nose- the instructor later commented on that in a sarcastic tone when I apologized "I *heard.*" )
Biatch, I don't need to pay for *your* attitude at a school. It was a non-contagious inconvenience for your student.
Otherwise the service was fine, but the instructor, who presumably is modeling behavior for the students, was annoying. Don't know if I'll be back on her account.
I am comparing Cinta Aveda Institute with the other two Aveda Institutes I've been to. I started getting my haircut at salon schools about a year ago (prior to that I was going to SuperCuts or their Canadian counterpart with dismal results), and the Aveda schools have been my go-to choice.
Prior to Cinta, I had been to the Aveda Institutes in Toronto and LA. In Toronto, I first had my hair cut by a girl who just started on real people a week or so before, and the second time by a girl in her class (but by then had a couple of months experience). In LA the girl had no more than two weeks experience on people as well. So I know that you can very easily wind up with a student with very little experience (especially if you go in January because that's when the September/October class starts cutting), and that the service can take longer than just going to a chop-shop. However, I generally don't want anything too complicated (generally just a trip and evening out some layers), and in the past my haircuts at the Aveda Institutes have taken between 60 and 90 minutes. I read Yelp before going and budgeted two hours for my haircut.
So I had a 9:30am appointment and got to the school at 9:15. There were other ladies waiting for haircuts as well. I found out that I'd be with an Alpha (least experienced) student. Students started coming down to get their clients. I kept waiting. Keep in mind that they inform you not to arrive more than 10 minutes late. By 9:45 my student hadn't come down, so I informed the people at the front desk. They called up, and eventually the girl came down and said that she was told I wouldn't be there until 11. We then went up those outdoor staircases because the elevator was broken (and I guess the indoor staircases lead to nowhere).
So then she asks me what I'd like, I explain (cut off the split ends, keep the long layers, blend the front a little more), and she has to get her educator - the standard for Aveda. Then we awkwardly wait 15 minutes, because they only have two educators there. Toronto's Aveda is much larger and usually there's only 2-3 educators, and I've never had such a long wait. So then she explains what I want, and the instructor tells her how to do it, using a technique she hadn't learned yet.
When we went to wash my hair, the water was cold. She asked if it was too hot, I mentioned that it was cold, and then she left it running, only to tell me minutes later that it wasn't getting warmer and that sometimes the water is ice cold. I don't mean to be rude, but my favorite part of a haircut is the wash.
So then we start the cut. I remember the old adage "measure twice, cut once" but I don't think she was actually cutting my hair at all. At one point I remember having to stand up for her to cut my hair, and it just didn't seem like much was happening, but that the cut was taking an excrutiatingly long time. Then the educator comes by and tells her what to fix, and walks off. Then she has to get him again, he points out another issue, and so on. This keeps going on. Then to blend the front she had no idea, so she got the instructor. He explained how, left, and she spent the next half hour trying to figure it out.
To make a long story short: I understand that the haircutting is a learning experience, but the instructors generally play more of a role - especially if the student is struggling as mine was. Instead, he would leave when she struggled, which just made me feel really uncomfortable in the chair.
Ultimately, I got a good haircut. However, it took three hours, and I had nothing drastic being done. While this is the opportunity for the student to learn, I think that the educator should still ensure that the client is comfortable and be more involved especially with the less experienced students.
I LOVE this place! I just had a cut and highlights here yesterday, and I must say that I am very pleased with the results. My student stylist was very professional and did an excellent job consulting with me to get what I wanted. Although having a student cut your hair may seem a little nerve racking, they are actually required to check everything with their instructor. I ended up using a facebook code and received a 20% discount. In the end, I paid $62 for my cut and highlights but I feel that it was worth WAY more than that. Since I got my hair done there, they also offered me 75% off any facial, which I could not turn down. I have set my appointment for Halloween, so I will have to see how that goes. For anyone who is planning on coming here, make sure that you bring cash or a checkbook for tipping your student.
I have made two visits here, and promptly walked out the door to begin preaching like a stone-cold evangelical to my friends about the wonder and magic that is the Aveda Cinta Institute.
"Praise the Lord! I got a great haircut and some sassy side-swoop bangs for only $20!"
"Hallelujah! It took 3 bowls of hair dye to finish my single process and they didn't even bat an eye!" (Yes, I have me a lot of hair.)
My cut was by Lola who, besides being ultra fashionable and hottttt, was also able to correct the damage done to me by my last beauty institute haircut (I'm not naming names, but it rhymes with Saul Pitchell).
My color was by Mil, the fiercest Thai stylist around - after my color, he sat me down and gave me a purple smoky eye ensemble for a party I was attending later just because he likes to beautify us ladies. Um, score, hello?
In these trying economic times, we need to embrace frugality without sacrificing fabulousness. Two hip shimmies for Aveda!
I've been getting my hair cut at beauty schools like Vidal Sasoon and Aveda for years (grad school really took a hit on my hair budget), so when I moved to SF, it was natural for me to seek out this school. Its hard to get an appointment, but you can't beat the price!! (~$15 for cut) Sometimes, service can be slow, but at least the hair cut is only ~1 hr (Vidal Sasoon took up to 3 hours because the students had to constantly consult their teachers!). And they do whatever you ask them to do (no convincing you to go short if you don't want to)
Sorry Cinta, not impressed. I know you guys are learning, but lesson number one is to listen to the client! After I told my stylist I wanted my hair cut pretty short (2+ inches from shoulder length), her instructor said to trim just 1 and she didn't quite push back with what I'd said. So, it was really less than satisfying, even for $20.
I had a fantastic experience at the Aveda Institute. I went in for a 90 minute facial (which is only $50!), and got Carrie for my esthetician. She was really really nice, and seemed extremely knowledgeable. In fact, the only time I even noticed she was a student is when she double checked her product "recipe" with the instructor.
When she was finished, my skin felt amazing. She even asked if I wanted her to do a quick make-up application since she knew I was continuing my day out. (I said no, but my friend who was also getting a facial did get make-up put on and it looked great.) She didn't try to push me on additional services or products, which I feel are huge turn-offs at spas or salons.
The only ding I could give the Aveda Institute (hence, minus one star) is that instead of rooms, you're divided into sections with curtains - ER style. It was a little noisy at times, but for a $50, 90 minute facial, I was definitely able to tune it out.
So I came here with Patricia P (shocker, I know) last night to get our haiiiir diiiiiiiiid. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours on a cut (even just a trim). I told my girl, Matea, that I wanted long layers. The student starts by explaining to their teacher what the client wants and then the teacher approves the technique of how they're going to cut it.
Once the student is close to being finished, they call their teacher over to come and check everything out. The teacher then gives pointers and points out what the student could do to make it better (this kind of worried me...) and then the student and/or teacher fixes any screw ups.
My layers ended up about 2 inches shorter than what I wanted them, but the haircut looks amazing! I love it and am actually happy with the shortness of the layers.
I'll be back here on a reg basis just for trims. Can't beat the price of $14 for an awesome haircut :) Ask for Matea! She's totally sweet and great with hair.
Boo. Hiss.
After a few previously nice experiences, I may have to bid Aveda Institute adieu. It's really hard to get a Saturday appointment for a cut and highlights, so after two previous instances of being forced to wait for weeks, I got smart at my last appointment and booked my next one before I left the salon. That was seven weeks ago. And today - one week before my next appointment - they called to say oops, we goofed, we can't actually accommodate you on that day because the 2 p.m. appointment is too late in the day for both a cut and highlights. Really? Seriously? I understand the students have to leave at a certain time, but why was it even booked to begin with if it's not a feasible time slot?! Their only offer to make things right was to book me for the following Saturday and do the haircut in the morning and the highlights in the afternoon. Sorry, but a cheap hair do is not worth the opportunity cost of hanging around for four hours in between services.
The cheap side of me is really disappointed. I miss my beloved Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill, NC, which never let me down on the appointment front.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/10/2009
I finally decided to go here for highlights and a haircut. I always got my hair done at the Aveda… Read more »
Had a great, deep hair conditioning there today and was very pleased with the service I rec'd. I highly recommend this place for their friendly staff and great discounted rates on hair-cuts, color, etc.
Excellent place to go if you're looking to save some $$$ on personal care but don't want to give up quality.
Please please please don't go here if you value your hair! My hair has historically been really low-maintenance, so I was totally fine the first two times I went here, and was really pleased with the experience and price. I guess the third time I got what I paid for.
Long story short, I now have white streaks in the front of my hair where bleach was left on way too long (against the instructor's specific instructions) and broken off bits along with a lovely chemical burn at the top of my scalp.
To add insult to injury, when I asked if I could make another appointment to have the color corrected (not that it would fix the broken hair, but maybe just some toner to tone down the white streaks), I was told they were all booked for this week but that I could have an appointment at 9:30 next Tuesday morning (eight days from today!) I described my situation and asked if there was anything earlier I could possibly do but she claimed all she could do was put me on a waiting list in case of earlier cancellations.
As you can imagine, I am not really looking forward to walking around like this for the next week and a half. Will probably end up dropping into another salon to salvage this.
However cheap it is, I will think twice before being tempted to save money on my hair again. I think the situation could have been salvaged by a bit more oversight on the part of the instructors and a bit of flexibility to help fix the unfortunate situation in a timely fashion, but I guess that's why it's so cheap.
Well, the price is right for a hair cut... The $14-20 rate varies on the level of experience of your hair dresser. When making an appointment ask to make an appointment with a stylist who has been at the institute for 5 months or more. The training program at the institute lasts for 11 months, so at 5+ months you should hopefully get a stylist who's more comforatable and skilled. Just note, that a hair cut with the more experienced stylist will be $20.
After my first experience here, I'm not sure if I'll go back. I'm always up for saving a buck but I'm also very snobby when it comes to getting my hair done. Dealing with the inexeperience of the students was a bit annoying. You have to keep in mind that they are learning and they are at different levels. Also, you may get a psycho like I did. She got nervous, freaked out and ran out of the salon in tears. I had to get assigned another stylist. In the future I'm probably going to shell out the extra dough and go to a salon that has a experienced stylist.
