Aveda Institute Columbus-Gateway

This review is based on two negative experiences and one positive. The first time I came to this location I asked for shoulder length cut and dark brown color. I got my hair cut up to my chin and colored black, definitely not what I wanted.
My second experience was fine, just a simple touch up after donating hair through Buckeyethon, I had no issues with this second visit.
Today I attempted to go for an appointment I had made last week online for 10am this morning. When I arrived, the girls seemed confused and told me that they are not accepting appointments for the next 3 days because of a fashion show. They said although I had received a confirmation email that someone should have called me to reschedule (no one did) and apologized but seemed eager to get me to leave. Although they did try to reschedule me for another date (couldn’t because I am going out of town & today was my only free day to get this done), they offered no other reparation for my time or inconvenience.
Over all very dis-​satisfied with this location. The only reason I was going back today was because I had a gift card, but I plan to just take my business elsewhere at this point due to their lack of communication with guests & the fact that you might not even get an appointment when you make one.

I have been here a few times now since moving to Columbus (I used to go to the Aveda in Denver) and have had good experiences. For the price, it is worth it for highlights, plus this is very close to campus which makes it convenient. If you book a morning appointment which are usually open but tough with work/​school, you get 20% off which is nice! I plan to go back!

My first experience for a pedicure here was outstanding! I had a nail tech student who happened to be graduating in a few days. I was impressed with how well the pedicure experience was and for only $ 25. That price includes you keeping the full bottle of OPI Polish since they don’t reuse the bottles and all of the files. After my first experience I decided I would continue to book pedicures here. However, my second experience was terrible and painful. I had a nail tech student who had just returned to school after taking a break for awhile. She was friendly, but the pedicure experience was absolutely terrible! I told her I liked my nails cut short and she proceeded to tell me hat she didn’t like to cut nails, but that she would file them. As a service provider, shouldn’t you do what the customer wants? I proceeded to let her file my nails, but all she did was really shape them. The length wasn’t really different and definitely not short like I like, but I’m not a confrontational person so didn’t say anything. When she got to the part where they use the foot file to smooth calluses on the bottom of your feet, this is where it got painful. Not only did she file the bottom of my feet, but she proceed to filing the top of my feet and the bottom of my legs around my ankles. Not only did it hurt, but my legs were also red and had scratches all over them. Again, not confrontational, but I didn’t say anything. When the instructor came in to review her work at the end I was sure she would notice the shape the top of my feet and legs were in, but she didn’t. After this experience, I will not be returning for other services here.

I like Aveda. I don’t like spending a lot of money on spas/​salons but I try to maintain healthy long hair and like updating my highlights. I’ve been there twice this year, for haircuts and partial highlights, and the stylist who did my hair was nice — professional, attentive, did a beautiful job with the color both times, no complaints about the cut. It takes forever, but they warn you about that, and it’s expected, especially with my long hair and all the stuff I was having done to it.
HOWEVER.
The atmosphere at this particular salon leaves a lot to be desired, and much of it is down to the students/​trainees. I get that these are not professional stylists, but I was a little shocked at how openly unprofessional some of them are. Standing around and hanging around distracting people cutting hair with gossip and complaints about being tired or having customers booking them all evening. But worse, there was one trainee who was making openly bitchy remarks about another client (just a seat away) to my stylist, who was clearly uncomfortable and didn’t say anything. She commented on the smell/​state of the person’s hair, which I found to be really unprofessional. You may not like all your clients and some may not have the best hair, but they are YOUR CLIENTS. They are paying money for a service, and as someone who wants a job in this industry, you are supposed to act like you’re at your workplace, not your living room.
I was really stunned and very put off by this.
Front desk service also needs a lot of work. The girl took forever to process my payment, didn’t explain the charges, initially overcharged me by $ 5 (and wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t inquired what the charges were), and they tacked on $ 5 charge because I have long hair. This isn’t explicitly stated on their menu, and needs to be communicated IN ADVANCE.
I may return to Aveda, but it will most likely be the Neil ave. location which at least is more professional, especially since the particular student who did my hair is graduating.

I enjoy going there to treat myself with Aveda products and their nice complementary rituals. I typically go for a hair trim and get my hair straightened. Since the hair stylists are students, I wouldn’t trust them with more complicated services, but the hair trim works for me! It’s a relaxing atmosphere with reasonable prices.

I splurged on my birthday to get a mani Pedi… apparently it was a bad idea. I had to take the polish off my nails when I got home and my toe was sore after until I went to another place to get it fixed. They actually laughed at how bad off a Pedi I gave myself, so upsetting when I tell them i hadn’t done it myself :’(actually i could do a better job myself. I don’t blame the student, who was very pleasant, I blame the instructor who didn’t check out her work before she signed her off. How are they supposed to learn and work on mistakes it’d you’re not «instructing»? Then when I complain about my service, i get absolutely no response or acknowledgment of how upsetting it is to basically throw money out the window. I will not be going back here again.

Went there for years for a highlight and cut… but never again! This last visit will be it for me… the student I had was a senior and claim to know what she was doing… she basically gave me a MULLET cut. and all I wanted was a simple long layers… I could CRY, but it was a risk I took going to a student stylist. Beauty on a Budget but at what cost? DONT be like ME and end up with a MULLET. and the nerve they try to give me a coupon for a free HAIR CUT. lol…I think not! Because I do LOVE Aveda products I’m giving 2 stars instead of 1

I went here for a trim/​relayering and ended up with 5in chopped off and an uneven mess — one side of my hair was 2ish inches longer than the other. The student cutting my hair completely ingnored what I asked for and was distracted the entire time, chatting and goofing around with her fellow students AND the instructor. At one point there were three instructors helping with another person’s haircut because it was more edgy and interesting than the pain old trims I guess…
I gave two stars instead of one because the Aveda products themselves are lovely and the staff was more than willing to offer me a free recut when I wasn’t happy with the outcome. The recut however was pretty mediocre as well… the instructor was distracted by other students and couldn’t take a good look at the cut.
Overall the people are nice but be sure you know you could get a very inexperienced, unmonitored student.

I just had my hair cut and colored for my first time at the Aveda Institute Gateway location. Most important thing: I plan on coming back. My rating is based on this being a school, where the person who takes care of you is a student being supervised by a teacher, as opposed to a «stylist.» I am happy with my color, and my cut, which was pretty straightforward, is what I was hoping for. This is a great way to take advantage of an Aveda experience and to enjoy their products, without paying an exorbitant amount. My appointment was with a «senior,» and the prices are tiered based on experience level, so my services cost two thirds of what they would at a regular salon including tip. The Aveda institute has a no-​tip policy, but you can «tip for a cause,» meaning your tip is basically a donation. It would appear that the cause changes on a monthly basis.
My advice to potential patrons:
1. Set your timing expectations accordingly. Consider the amount of time your cut, color, etc. takes at a regular salon, then add 30 or 40 minutes. Things take longer because they are students who are hopefully building accuracy first, rather than speed first. They are careful and take their time where they need to. Also, there are several steps where the student must get approval/​review from the teacher. For me, this was after the consult before she mixed my color, when my hair was still wet after she cut it, and after she styled it before I left. Remember when you were in high school in math class and your teacher would say, «it took me 15 minutes to take your test, so it should take you guys 40 – 45 minutes.» It’s just like that.
2. If you are having your hair cut, be conservative with the length you and your student decide on. My hair is pretty long (a few inches past my shoulders), so it’s minor for me, but we decided on trimming «half an inch,» and watching her trim, I would definitely have called that length one inch. If you are going to be very particular about length, I would show how much you want off, rather than just say how much.

Ok, so you have to realize this is a beauty school that uses Aveda products. If you have really high expectations then you should go to a full service salon, not a beauty school. You get what you pay for. This review is for standard manicure. It was 15 bucks. All manis and pedis come with a free opi nail polish of your choice. Alex, the girl who did my manicure was awesome. She’s a student. Very professional and my manicure was perfect! I would definitely be back.

I just got my haircut here. I have to say it’s the worst experience I ever got in recent 5 years. I understand the hair dressers are students. But hey, at least you should show some basic manners to your customer. I won’t name my hair dresser here, as she didn’t even introduce herself for the whole hair cutting process. She is aloof and her cutting skills is awful. I showed her a picture to set an idea of what hair style I want to end with. And she accomplished nothing like that picture. I just feel very disappointed because neither the haircut nor the service is satisfying, or even close to satisfaction. I won’t go back there again and highly not recommend there.

Unless you like taking risks I would advise you to stay away from the salon.
I had a really nice girl doing my toenails. She was a week away from graduating, so I expected a job well done. Well, after she applied the first color I picked I noticed it was very streaky. I figured the polish just had a bad formula, so I asked her if I could switch to another color… same story. She was a very kind girl but it was possibly the worst paint job I’ve gotten from any person of any age. Her technique was no bueno.
What really made me decide against coming to Aveda Institutes ever again was toward the end of the pedicure. It was obviously a horrid job… she painted on some of my cuticles, had streaky application, half-​painted some of my toes… ow. Anyways, the instructor comes over and says nothing.
I was so disappointed that I went home between classes and re-​did my nails myself! I really think the instructor should have made the student re-​do the nails, or only charged my for the polish.
If you want a professional pedicure, pay the price for a professional. It’ll be worth it.

I’ve been here twice and have had two different experiences. The first time was pretty good. It takes a little longer here, because they are students. Overall, I liked the cut.
I just walked out of there today so disappointed. I asked for my hair to be trimmed to shoulder length with lots of layers. She asked if I wanted a bob. I said, «No, I want it longer than my chin with lots of layers.»
I came out of there an hour and half later with it shorter than chin length, mushroom cut. I haven’t seen anything this bad since my 6^th grade haircut. Horrified then, horrified now. I’ll have to wear scarfs for weeks!
I bought this as part of a two-​pack Groupon. I don’t know if I’ll be able to use the other one.

I’ve been getting pedicures here for the longest time even though it doesn’t have those fancy, swirly foot baths. Why, you ask? Because of a very well-​kept secret. You get a free OPI nail polish for every nail service. FREE. And the pedicures/​manicures are very well-​priced to begin with. Additionally, because the beauticians are still in training, you are guaranteed to receive good service because all their work is supervised. For example, a teacher will consult with you and the student prior to your service. After your service, the same teacher will ensure that the service was up to standard. Plus, I love their tip for a cause program. In lieu of tips (the students can’t accept any), the store has a different charitable organization every month that clients can donate to. What a great idea! Overall, a great place to get modestly priced nail services and support a good cause.

Walking In, you should already know that conditions. These are stylists that are trying to get experience and whatnot.
Anyway, I got my eyebrows waxed my Missy. She was a perfectionist and genuinely cared about what she was doing. I’m happy with how things turned out.
She’s also pretty chill to talk to and made my visit relaxing. I’d recommend her.

I just finished my first year of medical school, and I really can’t afford a regular priced haircut. Another student recommended Aveda to me as an affordable option.
I am SO happy that I decided to come here. I went in as a walk-​in. They actually had someone available right away to do my cut. The person who I spoke with to set it up managed my expectations perfectly by making sure that I was aware that the cut was going to take some time since it was being done by a student.
The staff was so friendly. Everyone I met offered me water and tea. Courtney B. did my cut. I decided to chop off a good amount with it being summer (6 inches), and she was really excited to transform my long hair into a sleek, chic bob. She was professional and friendly. After the cut, she gave me a neck massage. I was a little hesitant about receiving a massage from a person who cuts hair because I’ve been injured once by an untrained person with a chair massage, but she did a really nice job. I felt like butter after she finished!
I left the salon feeling like a million bucks. I used to get my hair done at pretty fancy places before I went back to school. It felt like a $ 100 experience, but it only cost me $ 18! Unbelievable! I am still getting compliments on the cut!
I guess your experience at this place is probably going to depend on which stylist you get, but my recommendation would be to speak up while you are there if you are unhappy and someone will probably try to remedy the situation. I was asked if I had any feedback when I checked out and paid. They also sent me a survey to fill out about my experience after I left, so they seem focused on ensuring customer satisfaction.

I’ve had good and bad experiences here, but the reason I stopped going is because my last hair color appt cost $ 90, which was $ 20 more than the previous visit for the same service. I reasoned that if I’m going to pay that much, I’ll go to a more experienced stylist, i.e., not a student. The instructors are not always thorough and I even left one day with hair color stains around my hairline. The instructors are hurting both the student and the client by not catching things like that. One really nice thing offered at this school is the beds you lay on to get your hair washed. They are so much nicer than regular sink stations at other salons.

I was desperate for a mani/​pedi one late Tuesday evening, after all, I had to look my absolute best for my 21^st in VIVA LAS VEGAS baby! Okay side track there… but after driving around to MULTIPLE salons, some of which were closed before their set close time, rude, I finally stopped into the Gateway Aveda Institute. While they had already taken their last customer for the evening, they got me the first appointment for Wednesday morning.
I was lucky and went when they had a deal of a mani/​pedi for only $ 34 (this was around January so I would ask around then if they have a special going on.)
I’ll start with the bad and go to the good (and believe me, the good is GOOD!)
Cons:
–They give almost a «natural» spa pedicure which has no massage chair and you soak your feet in a bowl of hot water (no bubbles and the water can get cold easy.)
–Diidn’t remove as much dead skin off my foot as I normally like at other salons.
–Since they are students, it takes a while. Make sure to definitely have around 2 to 3 hours free that’s for sure.
Pros:
–The students I interacted with were very nice and created conversation that was enjoyable to pass the time.
–My nails came out looking professional.
–Beverages were offered on various occasions
–THEY LET YOU KEEP YOUR BRAND NEW, NEVER OPENED PRIOR OPI NAIL POLISH!
Yes, you heard that right. I couldn’t believe it when I went to leave and they handed me the bottle. Definitely a reason to go if you have time to spare.

I wish I could give the Aveda Institute less than a star, but alas, I cannot.
Let me start by saying that when you go to the Aveda Institute, you are very likely to GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
I went in for a routine partial highlight. I have dark blonde /​light brown hair to begin with, and I have never had an issue with a simple highlight.
So as to minimize your reading time of my review and hopefully maximize the amount of people who read this before considering going to the institute, here are my issues in list form:
1. It took FOUR F*****G HOURS for something that usually takes 45 mins.
2. My hair is now dark and brassy with a lovely greenish tint.
3. There are splotches of color randomly throughout my hair against my scalp. The stylist tried to fix them, but obviously didn’t succeed…
4. The woman behind me got a hack job haircut that her stylist kept trying to fix, but to no avail. She looked like she was going to cry.
5. The students are supposed to be under the supervision of an instructor, but they are not. My stylist kept asking the other students around her for advice. They all just kept saying «Um, yeah I don’t know…»
Don’t waste your time or money on these idiots. I asked my stylist if it was hard to get in because when you hear Aveda, you think quality (or at least I used to). She said, «Um, not really. I mean, they didn’t really ask us anything on our application.» So it seems that any moron off the street can just sign up and start cluelessly doing hair. Even for $ 35 it is NOT worth the risk of them destroying your hair.
Think long and hard about what you are willing to risk before you make an appointment at the Aveda Institute.

I’ve held this review for a long time…
I got married 11 months ago. Because I was under an extreme budget, I made appointments for myself and some of the gals at the Aveda Institute the morning of the wedding. Although I recognized that they were students, they were supposed to be supervised; when it comes to beauty stuff, I’m really pretty simple in my needs. I have really nice hair that is naturally curly, so I don’t need a whole lot of styling, but I wanted something a little special for my wedding day.
When I called, I told them that I was the bride, and made appointments for my mom, my friend, and my grandmother. When we arrived, the welcome was very nice; we had to wait a short while, but we were served tea in the interim. I got a few quiet moments to spend with my mom and grandma that morning, before all the madness, so I didn’t so much mind waiting.
I was the last person to be called to the chair. My hair was a mess; I’d just rolled out of bed, so it needed washing (I wanted the full treatment that day!). The hair-​washing and free mini-​facial that I was offered was nice.
The girl that was my student stylist ended up being probably the slowest and least-​experienced girl that they had – certainly she wasn’t nearly as confident in her abilities as the stylists that my family got. Maybe she was nervous because I was the bride, I have no idea – but she took forever curling my hair, and when it was finished, it looked terrible. I looked like a grown-​up Shirley Temple. But I didn’t have time for them to fix it because it took her hours to curl my hair – even in big curls.
My makeup took longer than it should have, and I ended up with horrible color choices. The supervisor was even helping, and together, they managed to put shades of light blue around my eyes – I have green eyes, pinkish undertones, and blue is really not my color – and a horrible dark lip color after I said I wanted a light one. She kept pointing to darker colors and saying, «What about those?» What part of «light» was hard to understand? By that time, I needed to go (like an hour before), so I nodded and smiled with whatever color choices they made so I could get the hell out of there.
The upsides: they did give me a little bit of «touch-​up» lip color (which I took to be polite and then trashed because I rubbed off the lip color when I got home) in case my color faded before the ceremony. It was inexpensive. My mom looked super cute.
Now, I don’t so much blame the girl because she obviously was doing to the best of her ability and she was still a student. But she was either having a REALLY off day, or the supervisor paired me up with the least experienced stylist that they had; if it was the latter, I can only say, thanks, supervisors – thanks for calling that shot the morning of my wedding when I specified when I called that I was the bride. Because if her performance for the day was on par with her performance on other days, you really could have paired her with someone else who didn’t need as much attention. My bridesmaid needed just a simple style, she would have been a much better fit for my stylist.
My mom and everyone else came out looking cute, so I won’t say that this is a bad place to go before a wedding – but I do urge you to make sure you talk to the supervisors and make sure you have the most experienced student on-​staff that day, or you might end up with a hot mess on your head and face. I actually had to go home and touch up my makeup with my own products to make it look not-​terrible. I couldn’t do much with my hair; unfortunately, it was locked into place the whole day. And I’m still mad about the whole experience.
Edit: I did allot for quite a lot of time at the salon; as one poster noted, they do work at a slower pace. What ended up happening was that she curled ALL of my hair, which I couldn’t see because I was at an odd angle and the sun was glaring right through those big glass windows in the front. I just wanted a few curls to go with my natural ones, so I’m not sure how that ended up turning into Shirley Temple ringlets all over my head. So while I wasn’t expecting her to be a speed demon, I wish that she had wheeled me around so I could see what she was doing more clearly before she curled ALL of my hair (and before I spent three hours in the chair!).