Aveda Institute New Orleans

I have been getting my hair cut here once a month or so for over a year now. The students (and it is important to remember that they are STUDENTS) are very comfortable and confident in their abilities. You can tell they receive a lot of training before they start taking customers. If there are any issues, the instructors are almost always nearby for help. At $ 18 for a cut, scalp massage, and style, you couldn’t ask for more.

I’ve been here 3 times now, and it’s progressively getting worse to the point I am posting this review here sadly because I have loved Aveda salons and products for nearly 20 years now. This last Saturday, I was looking to refresh my «lob» triangle cut and wanted to even out my grown out color and get violet-​red highlights. I spent $ 150 and nearly 8 hours of my life that I will never get back for a mediocre cut and brown lowlights. I arrived at 9:30 and left at 5 in a daze thinking that my eyes must be deceiving me… The light must be off I kept thinking. Well it’s Monday now and I’ve asked a half dozen people if they see ANY hint of red or violet and they shake their head and say «sorry.» WTF. I cannot believe I spent that much money on this and would really appreciate it if they offered to correct the color but since it is a school you sign away your rights to customer satisfaction. Not worth it in the end.

Disclaimer: This is a school and they’re still LEARNING!!! Yeah, I know, but… (here is where my review begins)
My first visit, scheduling was easy, I got a cut along with a consultation regarding hair care. An intensive conditioning made alllllllllll the difference and was truly what the hair doctor ordered. Pricing was fair & I was pleased. Pleased enough to leave an «larger than expected» tip… And promises to return for another service.
My second visit, scheduling was easy, AGAIN. I scheduled a manicure & while I can do my own feet, I like my hands #ONPOINT!!! This didn’t happen on this occasion. (Heavy Sigh) Arghhhhh, first #fauxpas, the colors, nothing vibrant, fall colors I’m told… ok second #fauxpas my manicurist, while a student, she was on permanent MUTE… (crickets) (heavy sigh) no talking or only talking as it related to the service; no problem, it just comes off as a lack of interest, really heavy/​awkward silence… no problem, it came across loud & clear #nonverbalcommunicationismostprevalent… ok third & final faux pas, messy nails, how many times do you have to correct it? My skin tone is brown, but around the nail beds, it was red… silly me, I thought the polish was supposed to go on the NAILS, not my skin… #dropsthemic.
Ok I’m done, let me pay for the «service» or non-​service as I felt & bust a move.
I’ll try it again & while I recognize this is a school, I do expect a level of aesthetic pleasure when seeing the final product.

I went to Aveda Institute for a year or so — I have a friend with a one length straight bob and her hair is always cute. I have layered curly hair and that can be a lot. I know.
Sometimes the cut was great, sometimes it was so so. Sometimes it would take an hour and once it took 3 (yes, that’s a 3 hour haircut… and she was a master student.)
Once I went and asked for my bangs to be trimmed and the student about had a panic attack. «I’ve never cut bangs before» she said. Well, good thing that’s your job right now. I’m super easy going with my hair so I like to cheer the students on and tell them «look. Now is your time to screw up. Hair grows back. DO IT.» But dealing with the timidness got to me after a while. Again, I realize these are students, but come on. It’s not your first time to ever hold scissors. Cut my bangs!!!
Once I went and had a great cut. When I left, I made a follow up appointment and asked if the girl that had just cut my hair would still be there the next time (sometimes, they’re graduating like the week after they cut your hair) and was told «yes! Want another with her?» And then the next time, it wasn’t her. Though she was cutting someone else’s hair a few rows over. :(
The last time I went was January 22 2015. I was going to a Mardi Gras ball that weekend and wanted some face-​framing layers for the updo I had planned. The student cut my hair and did my layers and did them beautifully. My hair was so good. Then the instructor came back over to check everything and asked how I liked it. I said «I love these layers. I’m doing an updo this weekend and these are exactly what I wanted» and that woman looked at me and cut them off. Cut. Them. Off. And not evenly. I was stunned. I even said «did you seriously just do that?» but someone was like «I need your help!» and away she went. I asked the student «what the hell just happened?» and she shrugged. She was super quiet and timid throughout the whole haircut so I didn’t press the issue with her because she looked terrified. So if the student and the instructor won’t answer your question, who else can you ask? The appointment desk people? I dunno. Paid and left. And when I got my hair done out of town that weekend for the ball, she said «those long side pieces would have been really good for this.» YES. I know it.
The instructor was also throwing sidelong glances at my color and was like «we can fix that color for you.» We chatted about it and I was considering coming in for a whole day color strip process… and then she cut those layers off as I sat there going «whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?» And I thought «there’s no way I’m letting y’all put chemicals on my head.» I can deal with a bad haircut. I cannot deal with chemical burns, and had lost all confidence.
I didn’t make a follow up appointment that time — I was done. But they still blew up my phone in March about an appointment I had. WTF? I had to call and cancel and tell them that I’d never even made this appointment. They were like «okay byyyyyyeeeeee!» and I still got two more texts about the appointment. FFS.
I got my eyebrows waxed a few times here and they were always PERFECT.
Again, I don’t mind the students. But the people whose job this is, the instructors and appointment desk, need to tighten up and get on point. Pick up the slack that your students may be letting out. It wasn’t the students that ran me off… it was the pros.

Refer to my previous review of things to keep in mind.
Last minute decision to get my hair done today, and they were perfect! They were able to fit me in last minute, and were awesome! I love this place!

I was unbelievably thrilled by how well the Aveda Institute students were able to do my hair on Saturday morning. I had to book several appointments last minute for a wedding bridal party — we all showed up at 8:30 and told them that we unfortunately had only 1 hr for all of us to get our hair and makeup done! They accommodated us with open arms and welcomed us into the salon — we all got updos and were taken downstairs for makeup right away. The instructors even jumped in to help pin hair to help us get out of there in time. I was so happy and cannot recommend this place enough now!

Terrible. Claimed girl was a «master». I only wanted color. I arrived at 3:45, half way through the my color she ran out of color and had to go mix more. At 5:45 she was finally blow drying my hair and it is two different colors which apparently she did not notice. My hair is flat & feels greasy from the product she used. $ 52 for color with a master.
Only here because my girl at my regular salon is on maternity leave & they couldn’t fit me in.
Stay away!!!

The student shows up late for my appointment. Her instructor and her will take a long time discussing the haircut, which doesn’t bother me, because that is what student teaching is all about. What bothers me is the receptionist asking me how much do I want to tip, because their machine doesn’t allow the customer to physically input or write the tip, and only the receptionist can do that. First of all, if I feel like tipping after waiting a long time for a student and teacher to do my haircut, then I will let you know. Don’t embarrass me in front of a lot of customers asking how much I would like to tip. I will definitely bring up the tipping subject matter myself, if I feel they deserve a tip, even if the transaction was finalized in their system. Other than that, please fix your machine to allow tipping to be a quiet discretion in which the customers can think about the tip privately to themselves and how much they want to give. If you can’t fix the machine to have a print out in which the customer can sign how much tip should be given, then please just hand me a paper note asking if I choose to tip or not, rather than asking me aloud in front of tons of customers inside your lobby. Thank you for your consideration and tip asking manners.

I have been to the Institute twice now and have not been disappointed. Granted, you have to ask for a «master» student… one with experience, because otherwise you will probably have a bad time, especially if you want a style other than a straight cut. Always surprised by the bad reviews. It’s a school, dummies. What did you expect?
Anyways, everyone is always super nice and helpful and I love Aveda products, just can’t afford it so this is the next best thing. They charge me $ 18 for a cut due to my long hair and I think it is $ 15 for a shorter cut. Totally worth it.
I would definitely recommend them for a quick, convenient experience. They can even do same day appointments with no problem.
Get your hair cut here or your face sucks.

The absolute worst hair experience ever. I had amazing long hair. Needed a quick trim with simple long layers. Devon couldn’t cut hair to save her life. My hair was ruined. I had to go elsewhere just to get a style that wasn’t embarrassing. I had hair almost to my waist and now I have a bob. Screw Aveda. They give scissors to untrained idiots.

I just had my hair truly ruined. It’s horrifying.

I understand that 5-​stars at a school seems odd, but this review does not begin to compare this location to professional salons. For what the Avada Institute is, a school, it well deserves 5-​stars.
The customer service here is better than many full-​service salons. Making an appointment over the phone and rescheduling is an easy & well communicated process.
The facility itself is impressive. Modern, clean, well stocked, and welcoming. The students themselves can be a bit eccentric, but it’s New Orleans, so eccentric is in good company!
My experience from scheduling my appointment through exiting once I was complete, was enjoyable.
Need an appointment that day (Saturday) — no problem.
Running late & need to slightly push back your scheduled time — they accommodate.
Walking in and your stylist student is unaware a brunette wants to highlight her hair and she’ll be preoccupied with the same client most of the afternoon — doesn’t bother them.
Thirsty, cold, dry skin, need a conversation — all bases covered.
My stylist student, Chris, was a complete joy to be paired with and my results, very professional! My only «compliant» is that she soon graduate… drat!
Tips: prepare to be there for the long hall. Remember, they are students & not yet speedy. I was paired with a mid-​range student ($ 50 full highlight & $ 12 cut) & thought her skill was up there with the more expensive master-​level student.
Looking forward to the next service I revieve!

I went for hi lights. After getting them, you can’t notice. The stylist (whom apparently never done hi lights) even said she couldn’t see them. So the educator offeres to add a few but I didn’t have time to wait another 2 hrs. I called an hr later & asked if I could come another day to correct & the educator said she’d have to charge me!

Got the greatest haircut from a young lady named Mary Kay. Only $ 15 for a long layered ‘do. I will recommend her to all my friends!

Ok, so I am in no way surprised about the range of reviews for the Aveda Institute. I have gone for most of the services and I can tell you from mine and my friends experiences there are things it is great for and things you should probably go find elsewhere. Here is the breakdown as I see it:
Skin treatments and massages are great! I would give a much higher rating if I was reviewing these alone. I’ve never had a bad experience in this category.
Pedicures also fall into the good column. I especially like the 30 minute one.
Manicures however AVOID. I don’t know why hands vs feet makes such a difference but trust me I have never heard someone have a positive review of the manicure experience there.
Hair is, as previously reported, is hot or miss but honestly I would go someplace else. I personally just feel that a really good quality cut is worth paying for and getting less frequently. I can’t say enough good things about Urban Angels on Magazine for hair needs.

Oh my sweet zombie jesus — one of my all time favorite things about living in New Orleans is that we have an Aveda Institute :) When I was ‘flush’ last year, I had a weekly appointment for the stress relieving chair treatment, sadly I am no longer in that kind of financial shape. I went in yesterday for a 90 minute facial with Courtney — HEAVEN!!! Where can you get that flavor of wonderful for 60, I ask you? I’m pretty wary about scheduling hair services with students (i mean — if something goes awry with your cut or color how much ‘fixing’ can really be done?) but as far as aesthetics for the face and body, manicures and pedicures — the Institute is TOTALLY my go to HG!!! The products are the same price as at the salons, but they have pretty much everything that Aveda offers, and they have an amazing selection of travel sized items as well. I’m a Pure Privilege member, and the points add up fast! Plus, they never expire.
But I digress — I came here to RAVE about the 90 minute facial (a tip for those who think that they don’t do massage here — since they don’t TEACH massage therapy, they can’t offer it outright, but it is worked into the facials and most of the body services, and the ‘stress relieving chair treatment’ is pretty much straight up chair massage) — i’ve never had a bad service in the spa area — again, I don’t mess around with the hair services — and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Courtney had my favorite type of technique — small hands capable of soft touches with good pressure when necessary. The only bummer i have had in the past was developing great rapport with my aesthetician and then watching them graduate — I wish them all the best, but JORDAN, I still miss you like crazy, girl :)
I highly recommend checking out the Aveda Institute for some seriously low priced pampering — there’s NOTHING cut rate about this place!

Went back last week, for a simple blow out and a 60 minute facial. Six days later my hair still looks great and my skin didn’t break out like it normally does after a facial. The school is beginning to offer evening appointments for skin and nail services, and will be offering the evening hair appointments after February, which is great for those who don’t wish to take a day off of work for a hair color or highlight procedure.
The students get younger as I get older, but that OK, they do a great job for the price. I alternate between here and the 2 Paris Parker Salons Uptown, and the difference in quality/​experience is minimal. The Paris Parker services just happen to take less of my time. I am finding that the instructors at the school are not as credible as they once were. They seem like just graduated students themselves.

I am not really shocked about the low ratings here. .. I’ve not had the best experiences here myself, but it’s just so dang cheap at $ 15 a haircut — which is great for us people whose hair grow like wild weeds.
Regardless, I’d say there’s a 50−60% chance a Aveda student will eff up your hair! They are students after all, so I understand it’s all part of the learning process. I’m not the pickiest person with my hair so I’m mostly cool with a little experimentation.
My most atrocious experiences were with the same student. I have longish hair with layers, side swept bangs and major thinning (my hair is ridiculously thick, annoyingly so, even). I asked this particularly student (I wish I could recall his name, but I suspect my defense mechanism refuses to let me) to simply trim the layers and thin out my hair again. I could tell he as a new student by his anxiousness, but I wasn’t too concerned. What resulted was a mullet. No joke. It was SUP BILLY RAY CYRUS Style.
Even my friends were all aghast. I managed to semi fix it, but I can say that was the first completely horrific haircut I’ve ever had. I’ve had mehhh ones I wasn’t too pleased with, but this took the cake.
Anyway nearly a year later, I had an appointment the Aveda Institute again (I had been going back every now and then of course) and I encountered the same student. I was hesitant to ask for someone else because I don’t know. .. maybe a year makes a difference? I mean, how bad could it be?
WRONG.
Mullet number two resulted.
At this point, I was pretty pissed and I’m sure everyone else was as well. Boy oh boy did the mullet jokes profusely flow. The guy I was dating at the time more or less banned me from ever going back to this place. .. I mean I wouldn’t want to be seen with me either. It was a like long expired roadkill affixed atop of my head. I’m sorry, I am just not THAT fashion forward!
I guess your mileage may vary. .. I’ve had some decent cuts, some really nice students who will chat with me until the end of the world. .. and then you know, the opposite of that.
If you’re not too freaky about your hair and can excuse an occasional mishap, this is the place for you. It’s adventurous and cheap. .. woohoo. But as for me, I think I’d be okay with never ever coming back here.

Don’t ever book an appointment on or near a holiday weekend. The students magically call in «sick».
I woke up early after a somewhat late night of celebrating to drive all the way to Metairie for a cut. I was off of work because it was Good Friday which also happened to be my birthday. On time for my appointment, I showed up only to find that 5 students had not shown up. I can understand Mardi Gras, but not show up for Easter? That’s just wrong.
I made the best of it with my with dirty uncut hair by going across the street to Lakeside Mall for some birthday retail therapy.
The academy offered 20% off my next service, but I needed a haircut so badly that I got it done in Regis Salon at Lakeside Mall the following day. Dee at Regis Salon did a great job!
I just can’t wait until my regular stylist gets back from maternity leave, and I don’t have to deal with irresponsible students. The prices can’t be beat, but you get what you pay for. Lame.

Very reasonable prices, good skill. The ony drawback is that your technicians move on so you can’t get too attached!