L’essence Day Spa Salon

After a couple of very bad haircuts at 2 different salons in Reno, I went to Amber and she gave me a good cut that I could live with while my hair grew out. I liked her so much that I made another appointment with her this month. She understands hair types and what will and will not work with your particular hair type.

Alley is the best hairstylist EVER!!! I contemplated writing a review because she’s my secret and my safe place for all my hair needs, but she’s so good she should be recognized for her talent. Alley is not only professional, she’s friendly and just amazing at working her magic hair wand on my hair. I have crazy Polynesian hair and after my first visit to her, my hair was transformed. I love the suggestions along with the Aveda product recommendations she gave me and with every visit she gives me a step by step consultation, so I know what to expect. I followed her here from her last salon because knows her stuff and over the years have had the coolest hairdos I never knew I could have, my favorite being the Asymmetrical A line with disconnection. I’m so glad I found her and I can’t wait to come back because my hair needs some T.L.C.

Definitely DO NOT RECOMMEND! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY COMING HERE! They comment on these posts pretending to care to make themselves look better!
NOT WORTH IT!
came here to get a haircut about 5 weeks ago when I was unable to find any other places to do it.
The service was okay, nothing over the top but not bad either.
I came for a simple trim and asked for about 2 – 3 inches cut just to get some of the damage off.
I got maybe less that an inch off and was given the option of a treatment that was supposed to «leave your hair feeling silky and better than ever»
I was charged $ 70.00 for a trim that I could have done better myself and for two spritz of «treatment» that I could have purchased at Walmart. A TOTAL RIP OFF!!!
I called the next day to ask about if there was anything they could do, they told me that the person who would be able to help me wasn’t there and to call vack, which i did… I called again on Sunday and they were closed.
I finally was able to get a hold of them about 2 weeks later and she told me that it had been too long and I needed to speak with someone who still wasn’t there at the moment. She called me back and left me a voice-​mail asking to call her back, which I did.
Called back the very next day and AGAIN she wasn’t there… they gave me a phone number of another salon that she would be at, I called and absolutely no answer .
Called once again and again she wasn’t there. Finally I left a message asking her to call me back, which she did.
Called me back to let me know there was nothing they could do due to the fact that it had been about five weeks and so much time has passed.
They didn’t help me despite the fact that I had been calling and it was THEIR FAULT that so much time had passed, NOT MINE!
DON’T GO HERE! IT IS NOT WORTH THE TIME AND/​OR MONEY! There are far better places in Reno you can spend your money at!!!

We live three hours away and I was referred here by the chapel we were getting married at so I was super nervous. Amanda started with a head massage and then shampooed my hair. She took her time and I didn’t feel rushed at all. My hair and make up both came out as I imagined. She did an amazing job!

I got a gift certificate here, the appointment/​scheduling part was a little painful, I think they had some new people up front. But the facial was AMAZING, so relaxing. The building itself it beautiful and they treat you like royalty! Definitely will be coming back here for some relaxation!

Great salon in the Reno area. I’ve been seeing Alli for a men’s haircut for about a year now and she does a really great job. She does really well for both men and women cuts. When I first came in, we talked a lot about how to cut my hair. Now she remembers what I get each and every time. It’s so nice to not need to tell a stylist how to do your hair because it’s really hard to describe.
I also appreciate the text message reminders of my appointment as well as a front desk that is always available to take phone calls and reschedule my appointments as needed. The only other service I’ve used is an eyebrow wax which I had no issues with.

I have gone to L’essence for years only for waxing and to buy my Aveda products. I finally decided to have my hair done there. They booked me with Rodney. When I arrived, Rodney and the staff were incredibly hospitable. Rodney grabbed me a cup of tea and water. He has been doing hair for over 20 years in UC Berkeley and just started working at L’essence. He and one of the other hairdressers assessed my hair for color. I was pleased that Rodney took a lot of time and I never felt rushed– a very relaxing day! My hair turned out perfect and I have gotten a lot of compliments! Thanks Rodney!

I love this salon! I moved to Reno 6 months ago and L’essence is the first salon I tried out for my hair. I was extremely nervous because in the last year at my previous location (Phoenix) I had tried three different hair stylets and had bad experiences. I was fortunate enough to be scheduled with Aly who, after a wonderful consultation, gave me the best haircut of my life! I have had long hair for the last 3 years and felt it was getting «dumpy». She revitalized my cut and gave me «Kate Middleton mixed with a VS Angel» hair. (Yeah, really.)
I’m now back getting color for the first time in forever– forever because I normally don’t trust anyone enough to do that much to my hair! I trust Aly and the salon and LOVE my color. Needless to say, if you are looking for a stylist this is the place to go.
I got a gel manicure here once and unfortunately did not love it. It chipped within the first week and was around $ 50 for just one solid gel color. I don’t let my nail experience ruin this salon though and you shouldn’t either.
If you haven’t visited L’essence yet, you must.

I found my forever hair salon! The minute you walk in you’re greeted by a very friendly receptionist that offers you two complimentary services for your first visit. I picked a hand massage and hot towel wrap. I was then greeted by the amazing Alexandria who knew exactly what to do with my hair. She was friendly, enthusiastic and I left feeling absolutely amazing. I’m 150% coming back here to have her do my coloring.
Five stars! Ask for Alexandria!

Comfortable, Clean and Relaxing.
Amber Lynn waxed my eyebrows with extreme care and thoughtfulness. Everything was very clean and Amber was friendly and easy to talk to. I look forward to utilizing the many other services in the near future.

Great environment and felt very taken care of. The environment was comfortable and I was happy to be surrounded by aveda! Shea did a beautiful job on my hair and listened to exactly what I was looking for. She was efficient but personable and I will definitely be back!

I get my nails done by Jodi here! She does a wonderful job and she is just such a sweetheart! I came here in desperate need of someone who knew what the heck they were doing! My nails had been severely damaged by a sub standard nail shop, you know the kind I’m referring to, for there are many and nobody inside them speaks english… anyway, I came here and she rescued and saved my nail beds, and even made them stronger over time. I’ll never go anywhere else… as long as Jodi remains here!
It is pricey compared to the other types of places I mentioned however, that is due to the sheer quality of work and products being used! Not to mention, they offer you a free glass of wine while they work, and after your nails are done, they massage cuticles with cuticle oil and your arms and hands with lotion and afterwards, your hands will thank you! I’ve never had any other services performed here.

Referred by a friend to this salon for a full set of gels. Great décor & loved the building & location downtown. Met with Jodi and she was right on time. She was thorough and made sure she knew what I wanted. She’s quick, professional, and fun with an infectious laugh. She gave me beautiful nails & I would recommend. Note: this is not one of those production line, in & out shops. It’s expensive $ 65 for a set of gels. But, you get what you pay for.

I love any place I can sit for 3 hours and drink wine.

I get my hair done by Shaye. she does a very good job. I am always very happy with my cut and color.

I have been going to L’essence for several years now d have had great experiences. My most recent visit has convinced me I will NEVER return. I had a cut and color done by Shaye and wasn’t impressed with the color but the cut was satisfactory. Immediately after my visit I knew I wasn’t thrilled with the results but thought that I would give it some time but after four weeks I decided to go back for a touch up and to fix what was bothering me. So I made an appointment and was scheduled the next week. to my surprise, instead of understanding my disappointment I was treated as if my complaint wasn’t valid and was charged $ 105.00 to fix what I couldn’t bear to look at anymore. The color was unnatural and the highlights were sloppy. I have always been treated well at this location but once I voiced my concerns about the unsatisfactory results I was treated completely different. During the entire appointment not a word was spoken. I wasn’t rude nor was my request inappropriate to deserve such poor service. My request was to be happy with my hair and after only a few weeks you shouldn’t have to make another appointment that costs $ 105 in addition to the original visit of $ 140. At this rate one would expect to be happy with the results and if not then some sort of attempt would be made to remedy the problem. I also understand that after a few weeks the hair does grow out but I have NEVER in my entire life had such an uncomfortable experience in a salon. So, after $ 200, Im still not impressed with the results or the service.
This is an edit in response to Holly’s rebuttal…
Your rebuttal lacks integrity and is a poor attempt to make me look bad when I had done nothing but express myself on the poor service.
The first thing I said to Shaye when I sat in the chair was how dissatisfied I was with the color and how much grey hair was still visible. I understand highlights don’t cover grey completely but only blend it. And, that is what I wanted, this is what I requested four weeks ago. the attitude I received from the moment I expressed my dissatisfaction was cold and defensive. Shaye told me after she had started foiling my hair that I would only be charged for the color and I told her I didn’t agree with that $ 75 charge and thought that I should be happy with my hair for the price that I had paid four weeks prior. Yes, I was offered a discounted price and because I didn’t agree I should be charged that much I was later charged the full price. I didn’t refuse the discount I only told the staff I refused to argue and was making my opinion known. I wasn’t rude or inappropriate but the staff was cold once I voiced my opinion and not one word was said to me for an entire hour. I did receive a drink when I first walked through the door and yes I did receive the neck massage, but these services are why you can justify such high prices.

Very expensive services. I bought a gift card for a friend and she was pretty excited by the place but not happy with the service. She said the people working the front desk seemed bothered when she came in. Hair cut was nice as far as I saw.

This review is for my waxing experience with Amber, beginning of April 2012.
LOVE it! I don’t get all the low ratings for this place that doesn’t do them justice! Did I come in after a new management? Did I come in after they had been trained customer service? What did I see, or not see that other reviewers didn’t?
BECAUSE I LOVED IT! And immediately raved about this place to all my friends and family after! I parked across the street where there was an abundance of spaces DIRECTLY across the street. Coming here initially made me nervous because it’s in downtown and I’m not exactly the best parallel parker who lives… so again with the review…
I got there on the dot of my appointment. I crossed the street after smiling at how beautiful the salon was from the outside. I get inside, and OMG it’s even more magical inside! You walk right into the front desk. Tell them your business there and they hook it up. They asked me what I’d like to drink (I always get the Aveda tea), gave me the form to fill and then told me to go upstairs. I walked carefully up the stairs because I didn’t want to give the first impression that I was a clumsy by killing myself down their stairs. I finally get to the second floor and was mesmerized by their beautiful waiting area. You sit adjacent to the nail room. I saw two pedi chairs and a couple of mani tables. OHHHH I can’t wait to get my nails done here! I ate as much almonds as I can too! Heck yes! Put those almonds out of their misery! ;D To the left is the staircase that leads to the body spa on the third floor. :D
Amber came into the room and greeted me. I am clumsy, so ofcourse I drop all the almonds on the floor and ALSO my brownie. UGGHHHH lame-​oh!!! Amber helped me and we went on our merry way to the wax room. I felt very comfortable with her and did an amazing job. We talked about this and that and she didn’t make me feel awkward with all the hair she had to rip out! I got my giftcard and sample of hand lotion! Woot woot!
Time to pay… So for full legs, underarm and sideburns it totaled to $ 92. PLUS my Unilocal deal was on hand, so that was $ 20 off! So $ 72? For a job well done? Heck yes! Paid $ 100 and left oh so super happy and promised to return again!
So, yes I can see how people can say the older front desk lady can be on the stuck up side. But is it really worth the 1 star? As for the price, they’re definitely one of the lowest in town. This is compared to Tangerine which I got my hair done at and charged me $ 197…If you’re getting a wax job, definitely go to Amber!!!

I get my hair done by Shaye, and she always does a great job every time! She really wants to make sure you are happy with your look, so she’s really open to discussing and understanding what you want, giving you her perspective, and adjusting the cut if you change your mind. Her massages are out of this world, and she’s always fun to be around!
The receptionists have always been friendly to me, and I think the atmosphere is really down-​to-​earth. I think Summit is a bit snooty compared to them.

Alright, where to begin with this place!
I have been going here for about a year and a half and have not had a bad experience since. I see Amber (hairstylist) and she has done a phenomenal job. I usually just tell her an idea of what I want and then tell her to do whatever she wants to make it look good. I figure she’s the hairstylist and will do what’s right.
I get the tea or red wine depending on the time of day, and have a biscotti or two which is a nice touch. Amber also uses the hot towel when conditioning which I love. I have gotten massages here (Desiree was very good).
I also LOVE Aveda products. Sure, they’re more expensive but I wash my hair less often and have better quality. It keeps my color looking so fresh I don’t have to go get it done for at least 8 weeks.
A month or so ago I had bought the volumizing shampoo and hated it after a month, and they let me bring it back to exchange for another of the Color Conserve. That was extremely nice!!! I hadn’t used that much of it and am a loyal customer and it was nice to be treated well.
To cut down on cost of getting hair done I signed up for their email list and every week they send you a 20% off last minute appointments. I call when I get the email and see if there is an opening. There almost always is and that is how I save. I can pay 20% tip because I’m getting 20% off! LOVE it.