Van Michael Salon

Just got my hair butchered at Van Michaels at the Forum in Norcross. I called the salon ahead of time to make sure they had a stylist that could cut short hair. They not only told me they had one, but they had two. I went in for a consult and cut. I came out with a huge chunk cut out of my hair near the forehead/​temple region. Yes, I know — could not have been in a more noticeable spot. I only noticed this the next day, as the stylist kept combing my hair over the bald spot. I called the salon the next day, and was told by the manager to come in that day. She was not there when I arrived, but the stylist was. He told me that there was no hole when I left the previous evening, insinuating that I took scissors to my hair afterwards. Then he suggested its supposed to look like that… after which he said «well, this is what you wanted». I posted on Van Michael’s Facebook page and also submitted a review via email — in which I mentioned that my review will probably disappear. Guess what??? My review disappeared and I have heard zero from the salon — no apology, no refund, nothing.

Wife comes here all the way from south of Atlanta over the closer locations (downtown, Buckhead, etc.). Stylists (and clientele) here are much less pretentious but equally skilled as we’ve been to two of their other locations a few years back.
I get my Aveda stuff here which also still credits our loyalty membership.

When it comes to my hair I, as well as most women I know, will do just about anything once I’ve found a great stylist.
Needless to say I’ve been a client of Van Michael Salons for over a decade and have frequently travelled an hour just to see my girls — totally worth it.
Hunter is my go-​to for any cut. She is nothing short of amazing, and always knows exactly what I want and what best suits me.
For color I adore Faith, and Tessa is very good as well.
Prices are competitive for a high end salon, which I don’t mind paying when I always leave feeling like a celebrity who’s had the royal treatment.
The staff is also very friendly and accommodating!

I have to give this salon 5 stars, because I have found a place that can deliver the best color, cut, and makeup! I have never been able to find such great talent all in one place ! Koleen has been doing my highlights for over seven years, and I always leave feeling my best! When it come to makeup, there is noone better than Margery! She has not only done my makeup for several events, but many, many weddings that I have been apart of! Between these two talents I always look my best!

I went for my first visit today with matthius. He did a wonderful job! The whole staff was friendly It was a great experience over all! Highly Recommended

I came in this past Sunday with a friend of mine because we had a few questions about a cut and color. The two girls up front were both really blunt and did not give me much information, When really my questions were quite simple. When I looked down at my phone to find a picture to show them, my friend said one of the girls rolled her eyes… I mean jeez. Sorry if I’m wasting your time. They were unfriendly and honestly bad costumer service is a deal breaker for me. Because of this I don’t think I will be coming back to this location.

What I look for in a salon, I’ve found at Van Michael and my first ever go-​to stylist Victoria! (Seriously, I’ve never cared to go to the same stylist more than once, and I’ve never traveled over half an hour to reach her, but that’s exactly what happened today.)
Van Michael is a swanky, clean, modern salon with complimentary makeup touches after your visit (which I didn’t experience), a zen shampoo room for those getting haircuts and such, and room for maybe 20 stylists or so. I’ve tried the Aveda tea that’s sold with the other Aveda products, but that’s pretty much all I can speak to. Everyone there was friendly enough, but the main attraction for me was Victoria.
I met Victoria when she was going through extra training and needed models to rehearse different techniques on for her training requirements. She gave me long layers and helped me figure out what to do with my growing bangs, and at that time, she was asking questions of her mentor about how to best work with my hair. I really appreciated her commitment to excellence and I was so happy with the finished product that I decided to meet her again for today’s haircut.
Victoria is very friendly, warm, engaging, and down to earth. I have a feeling she’d be totally cool with you if you’d rather have a quieter visit, but we had a great time chatting. She works the salon atmosphere and let me totally relax during a brief shoulder massage while we were discussing what I wanted done to my hair and during the shampoo time (my favorite). She’s always ready to answer my questions about anything, and she often asked for feedback on what she was doing. «So you want this just cleaned up in the back? Okay, I’m evening this out. What are you thinking about this? Play with this for a moment, is the length okay?» I completely trust her with my hair, but I also really appreciate how she puts the control back in my hands like that.
I thought that since Victoria’s completed that extra training that her rates would be upwards of $ 50, but my cut was much lower than I expected! I was thrilled and happily gave a good tip. The cut Victoria gave me and the luxurious time at the salon is definitely worth it. So glad to have found MY stylist!

I am changing my review from my past experience.
New Review
I’ve been a customer since ’09 or ’10, and until recently, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this company and their customer service.
This weekend I went in for a touch up on my roots and a new ombré color, and the client coordinator did’t allot enough time for my appointment.
My colorist, who I love, felt awful and sincerely apologized. She was already over my appointment by 30 minutes and she just finished washing my hair.
After paying $ 210 for an uncompleted service, I left the building with wet and un-​styled hair.
I think the worst part was, I was explaining my frustration to the client coordinator and she made it seem like it was my fault for not knowing how much time needed.
I asked for a manager to call to discuss this further, and I’ll be surprised if I receive one.
If I wanted to color, dry and style my own hair, I could spend a lot less money doing so.
Sadly, I won’t be returning. For spending $ 210 (with tip), I expected this to be handled in a better way.
Previous Review
The. Best. Hair. Salon.
Hands down.
I’ve been to many of their locations and they all have top notch customer service. They keep notes on each cut and color so if you like a previous style they can reference their notes.
Plus, they have customer appreciate days where you can buy Aveda products 25% off.
I would highly recommend anyone to get their hair cut here.

I’ve been here several times now over the last 2 years and I am disappointed with my haircuts. The color has been very good when done, but it doesn’t last very long. The last haircut I got was just the last straw — one side literally was longer than the other, and the layers were really choppy and did not lay well or make any sense at all. It was hard to style and felt super dry. I just got a cut somewhere else and I requested a conditioning treatment. The stylist said it was just my haircut that was giving me such dry crunchy bulk and she was right, after the new cut my hair is smooth again. Not to mention that they are always booked way out and the receptionists are SO RUDE on the phone.

I have been customer of Van Michael for many years now.
Until very recently, I’ve usually had great results with the cuts I’ve received.
But because my usual stylist was booked solid & wasn’t available for weeks I scheduled instead with Hunter whom I’ve never used before. I will never use again either! This is the most awful, disappointing hair cut I’ve ever had. I had let it grow out (had to get past that awkward grow out stage) which took 8 months, so I was ready for a cut. Good God I so regret booking with Hunter. She gave me layers that make absolutely no sense. It is choppy & I swear to God, very difficult to style! I expected more from this Salon. Be warned! Do not let Hunter cut your hair. You will regret it. Thank God it grows back because I’d hate to be stuck like this forever.

I was really disappointed at this location. My cut was great, color lasted 3 weeks at best. I went back for my next color appointment and was 10 minutes late for my 5:30 appointment. I immediately asked if that would be a problem and I was told «no.» By 6pm I was still sitting on the bench, everyone else had come and gone. I asked the gentleman up front what the status of my appointment was and that I needed to leave before 7pm. He said he would find the status out of my appointment but never left his post. Just after my inquiry my colorist walked by, never acknowledged me and went into a private office and seemingly took a break. At this point I was the only left waiting for an appointment and not one of the personnel thought to ask me how long I had been waiting or what I had been waiting for. Finally at 6:15, I gave up and told the host I had to leave. He had nothing to say other than «Would you like to reschedule?»
What made it worse is that the manager was there when this happened and no one made an effort to call me or apologize to me for wasting my time. I went to Van Michael in Buckhead for years and never had an experience like this. I will never return.

Was hesitant, thought it would be pricier than others. Finally scheduled a color with Matt and it was super. He was cheaper than I thought (i expected it to be a lot). He was patient, funny, super. Recommend to anyone. Nice hand/​shoulder massage.

Van Michael at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway is FABULOUS! I’ve been going here for nearly 5 years now and was lucky enough to be placed with a wonderful colorist (Keri) and stylist (Darrarith) on my first visit. I have never deviated from these 2 people, as they are just fantastic, a lot of fun, not uppity or pretentious, and always listen to me and work with my needs/​wants. (And yes, they’ve even told me ‘no’ sometimes when I’ve wanted something that just wouldn’t work on me.) I’ve left with fabulous hair every single time. Never a bad cut, never a funky color that I didn’t ask for (green, orange, or some other shade not found in nature that wasn’t supposed to happen). Even the booking and check-​out assistants are fabulous and will book your appointments in advance if you want them to — they always work with me!
Also, I am never pushed into buying more products or anything I don’t want. They will ask if you need anything, but if not, hey, that’s ok too! Love that!
This place is cool, fun, has above average skill level in pretty much every employee I’ve observed, and does fantastic hair without any pushy tactics or hard sells. I will NEVER go anywhere else!

I decided that I’d like to have a professional give me a makeup lesson and immediately thought of the lovelies here at Van Michael. I booked an appointment with Ardin and arrived Saturday morning ready to learn.
They use all Aveda products, which I’ve used before and like, so that was fine with me.
Ardin was awesome! She taught me how to do a standard daily look, which I think I was actually pretty good at before the lesson, but wanted to see. She also taught me how to transition it to an evening look. We had a lot of fun!
At the end of the appointment she wrote down everything she’d used on my face so that I’d have a handy reference and not have to try to draw from memory.
I was thrilled to find out that she also does eyebrows, since my eyebrow lady of 8 years moved to the Mall of Georgia. I booked my next appointment before leaving and hope I’ve found my new eyebrow expert!
Everyone at this salon is always very professional and friendly, and the manager, Denise, is great. Oh, and ask for Faith when you need a color expert!

I decided to give this place a try after my beloved stylist of 4 years relocated to another state. I had my reservations because I’ve visited their Buckhead salon with a friend once and the service I received was just so-​so. I called to make an appointment, since I was a new client, I was asked to provide my credit card information, and was asked to cancel my appointment before 24 hours if I cannot make it. Pretty standard. I asked for a senior stylist, which costs $ 58+ for a haircut.
The staff at this Van Michael salon is very different from the Buckhead location. Everyone was very friendly and courteous. I was offered a bottle of water right away. My stylist — Julie (who is fantastic btw, I booked my next cut already), was very nice and asked me what I wanted and gave me a nice neck massage before we started.
I’m very happy with my haircut and the service I received both from my stylist and the staff at the salon. When you have a good stylist, you just know it. This will be my new home for cuts from now on.
Not review related, but I wanted to address a few things I saw in others reviews — I don’t mean to be rude and I certainly understand how annoying it is to be on hold for a long period of time, but this is a hair salon, if I’m on hold for more than 10 minutes I will definitely be hanging up, calling again or try them again later, I would not stay on the line for over an hour just to book an appointment.
As for the credit card information issue. I can almost guarantee that most half decent hair salon/​spas will ask for this if you are a new client. I feel this is fine because they do not charge your card as long as you show up for your appointment, or cancel within their asked time frame, which again, is very fair. I don’t think it’s difficult to cancel an appointment within the appropriate time frame if you cannot make it.

The staff is friendly and courteous. My stylist Ginger asked me what I wanted, how I felt about my current style, and showed me what she thought would be a good change for my hair. She showed me a book of styles to help me see what she was thinking. She put me at ease and listened to my concerns about my hair. I love my cut and will go back to her and to the salon.

Since I am a picky person when it comes to cuts and styles, I am hesitant to go to any place for a cheap haircut (Great Clips, I’m looking at you!)
I’ve had really bad experience before. Anything from chopping my hair off too short to having my hair caught in the blow dryer. When I got referred to Regis, I enjoyed it but the stylist left… I even followed her but she kept flopping to different salons so I gave up.
For the past few years, probably 4 or so, I am proud to say that I’ve been a customer of Van Michael in Norcross at The Forum. I took a chance there since I was originally recommended to go to the Van Michael in Sandy Springs… but since The Forum was closer to my house.
Ever since then, AVA has been my hair stylist. What I love about her is she’s sweet and considerate. I always bring a picture with me of which hairstyle I want and she does her magic. She’s so good that she just parts my hair start trimming away, layering my hair off in sections, with a scissor, instead of using that other tool (which I totally am blank of the name but that’s what other stylist have used).
I recommend everyone to see AVA, she’s simply the best. Even though Van Michael is a high-​end salon, the price to see AVA is well worth it and actually more affordable than other stylist.

got another great haircut from AVA at the forum at van michael salon. Also the products were 20%off.great savings.

Where do you get your hair cut? That’s the question you ask of a friend with the great haircut when you move to a new city. My friend’s reply sent me to Van Michael, an upscale salon in the Buckhead (with locations elsewhere.)
Since I’ve had the same stylist for 3 years and consider chair-​hopping a crime, I was nervous to get a cut from a new stylist, but my experience at Van Michael put me at ease. After pleasantries with the receptionist (coffee and other beverages are offered) and tour of the immense salon (high ceilings, studio lighting, areas separated by service provided, and the «Tower,» a flight-​fancy booth where all appointments are booked that overlooks the dryer section), I was handed a «book.» It featured clippings of models and celebrity hairstyles and eerily reminded me of middle school slumber party projects. This was apparently my stylist Georgia’s book and it would come in handy later.
Georgia greeted me in the reception area and led me to a changing room to prepare for the cut. She was warm and took the edge off. After seating me at her station, we discussed her thoughts on the mop that I had been growing out since May. She gave me some options to keep the length and then pulled out the «book» to illustrate what she would be doing to my hair. She was thorough.
After a scalp massage and hair wash, she went to work on me. Half an hour later, I emerged with a cut I could more easily grow out, was easy to manage, and was stylish. Georgia showed me how to best style it over the next 12 weeks, then sent me on my way.
Some interesting tidbits: In between cuts, Van Michael offers complimentary bang trims. All you have to do in drop in. No appointment is necessary.
Junior stylists are less expensive to book. I paid $ 60 including a tip. More senior stylists I’m told charge upwards $ 100 for a cut/​style.
Hungry before or after your visit? Or need to get some grocery shopping out of the way? Wholefoods is right next door. I scheduled my next appointment in the afternoon, so I can kill two birds with one stone.

Part of the reason I love this salon is because it’s very close to my house and one of my jobs. I’ve had my hair styled by three different stylists and been satisfied with all three. I have thick, curly hair so it can be hard to work with. I always get compliments on my cut when I’ve gone there.
Currently I see Chelsea and I really like her. She listens to what I want and I don’t feel like I’m at her mercy. She makes my hair look smooth and put together. The rest of the staff is good natured and helpful. They try to make the overall experience pleasant for all their customers.
It is a bit on the expensive side ($ 50 for a cut and style), but that has a lot to do with the area and level of service. If you’re looking for a cheap cut, this isn’t the place for you. If you’re looking for a salon that will take the time to work with you and give you the best cut possible, check it out.