Gary Manuel Aveda Institute Salon

My hair is my only attractive feature. Today it was butchered and I look awful. When a client asks for a half inch trim all over, please don’t then proceed to cut off several inches. Probably the worst experience I’ve had at a salon in Seattle. Stylist should pay extra attention to a client’s ask, especially when the client’s hair is textured. After I left the salon I cried. I’ve been growing out my hair for some time now (it was almost waist length) and now it is at my shoulder blades. I will not be coming back.

I would never recommend this school to anyone. I attended this school in 2014 for Esthetics. I am currently licensed but am not working in the field. Gary Manuel Aveda sells you a dream during your tour of the school and well as your first 3 days (Orientation). This review is not a reflection on Aveda what so ever. As the name Gary Manuel is just in partnership with Aveda. This is not an Aveda ran school.
My first phase teacher (who was later fired during my last phase) was not an educator but a friend. I would never hire her as a teacher. She cared more about her neighbor, new granddaughter and other personal things besides providing education to her students. She didn’t know how to handle basic class room situations (disagreements, and other things that happen when you put a bunch of women all ages of life and different backgrounds in one room).
This school seems like it would have money to be able to keep basic things stocked like cotton pads or 4x4s. We would run out of things needed to service clients all the time.
I love Aveda and their products and it was great to learn all about Aveda but if you don’t actually plan on working in an Aveda concept salon/​spa Gary Manuel Aveda is a waste of your time.
You only learn the Aveda product which is VERY different to any other brand out there, hair products or skin products.
The administration staff does not know how to handle situations well either. I know there was a time when a student in our class accused everyone in the class of bullying her and we all got lectured about it. Who wants to be lectured about bullying when you aren’t in high school anymore.
I went to GMAI fresh out of high school pretty much. Most of the women in my class were all older. Everybody had about the same experience.
Gary Manuel Aveda does play favoritism to the cosmo’s vs. the estho’s. And they have their favorites out of the cosmo’s.
Please don’t waste your money and go here.
Check out the other page for other student reviews.

I made an appointment online a week in advance and corresponded by email with someone named Olivia. She suggested an appointment time and I wrote back confirming the time. I went in to my appointment and the person I talked to said my appointment wasn’t confirmed and that I should have asked for a confirmation email. Apparently confirming once isn’t enough and it is the customer’s responsibility to ask for a confirmation. They didn’t have any openings for me so I had to leave without getting anything done. Very disappointed.

I moved to Seattle almost exactly a year ago and I have been searching for a hair salon to stick with. I’ve tried Gene Juarez and Seven at many of their different locations. I spend usually $ 200 getting my roots done. Every time I have been unhappy and they have fucked it up, keep in mind these are the ‘senior’ stylists at the most expensive salons. Almost every time they’ve left my bleach blonde roots, orange. Awful experiences. I tried getting my bleach blonde roots done here and it was a great experience. My stylist, Hunter, got my roots done right. They blended in perfectly, I am so happy I’ve found somewhere that will get my roots touched up beautifully. Also at about a third of the price I paid for a shitty job done at the pricey salons. I definitely recommend this place and I will be back when my roots need touching up again!

I’ve been here on a few occasions for spa treatments, namely waxing and facials. The treatments themselves as well as the professionalism of the staff and students have been wonderful. I feel that a practicing student can go the extra steps for you being that they’re so closely removed from their studies whereas seasoned professionals can and will sometimes rush through. For that reason I enjoy the thorough (and lengthy) processes. My only complaint is that I always wind up waiting WELL past my appointment start times. For that reason, keep your appointments reserved for lazy days when you don’t have a strict agenda.

I think this place used to be good and is kind of going downhill. I went there recently for my birthday to get my hair done and to get a facial — spoiling myself because I rarely get to do that with kiddo at home. I got the more expensive baliage… the hair ended up being half gold, half-​ash. I got childcare to come in another day to have it fixed and the way they «fixed» it was to take a chunk of the crown of my head about a fist-​sized amount and to bleach it with a partial foil. So, the dark on the crown of my head was interrupted by about a 3×3 square of bleachy partial foil. I kind of wanted to cry because getting childcare to go again and get this fixed isn’t really an option. So I have to walk around looking bizarre or trying to style my hair in a way that it isn’t super obvious.
The spa was definitively not a spa — the areas are separated by sheets/​curtains. On one side a student was talking to her grandma on the cellphone on speaker phone for a good portion of my «relaxing» facial. On the other side, the students were laughing and talking loudly over the «relaxing» music. My point of the facial was to relax on my birthday. It’s what I wrote on my intake paper. When the instructor did his typical «how did it go» at the end of the services, I told him that the student who helped me was fantastic (she was — I highly recommend Mira), but he didn’t ask at all about the atmosphere. When I volunteered that maybe the atmosphere was a little louder than is relaxing, he simply said, «Oh, well, it’s finals for the students». I wanted to respond: Oh, well, I only do this once every couple of years and you certainly didn’t tell me that that would be the atmosphere when I called to book the appointment over the phone for this $ 50 «relaxing», «pampering» facial.
In my previous review, my good experiences in the past led me to say I would give it another shot. Now… I think the place has changed. I don’t think I’ll be wasting my childcare to return and pay money for a stressful experience and (in the case of my hair) a bad outcome. Sorry.

Never coming here again. I gave my student a picture of what I wanted for my hair. Hours later, my cut was way off, and we had to call her teacher over, whose advice still didn’t get my hair that much closer. I ended coaching her myself to get it kinda close, but not really what I wanted. Then, I had asked for red hair color, and walked away with blonde streaks. Note, I had to re-​up my parking several times, running out in my apron with foil in my hair. It’s not really a savings to come here, because you end up spending too much money on parking because they take too long. Like I said: never again.

Requested a senior student from the get go because I was wanting a balayage and I know that is a more advanced service. Went in with pictures and took 10 minutes explaining in detail exactly what I wanted, which was a cool toned balayage that blended well and didn’t have any chunky highlights near my roots. I specified I did not want it to look like a melt. My hair came out brassy, patchy, and with hard lines and streaking near my roots. My stylist kept reapplying the bleach to the ends throughout the process when my ends were already lighter than the rest of my hair to begin with, so not only does it look like a melt but you can see the hard lines where she kept reapplying bleach. Had to run out that night and spent $ 40 on violet shampoo to help strip some of the brass out. Didn’t get a hand massage or scalp treatment like requested. And to top it off I have been calling now for 2 days trying to get in touch with someone named Jacob who is supposedly the only person who can help me. I have left 2 messages with the hopes of hearing back. I don’t know how much longer I can pull of wearing a hat 24 hours of the day. I am close to making an appointment at a real salon and spending $ 200 to get my hair fixed which is what I was trying to avoid coming here in the first place. SO disappointed with the entire experience, and I paid over $ 80 for my service. I want to reiterate that I understand this is a school, that is why I was trying to give them the chance to redeem themselves and make this right because I do understand that this is something that happens.

90 minute facial was amazing. It was relaxing and Sparrow was great. In fact I was so relaxed that I think I took a nap midway through. It really is more like a facial+massage. Took off one star only because I don’t think the facial really did much for me, but I also have pretty clear skin so I’m not sure what else they could have done. To the people complaining about the noise and hearing people walking upstairs, I say what did you expect for $ 50? I personally find ambient noise to be quite relaxing and less awkward than some random person massaging your body in complete silence. But maybe that’s just me…

Hard working students/​stylists

Every single experience I’ve had here has gone above and beyond my expectations. The people who work/​take classes here are incredibly talented and consistently kind, which goes a long way. My last experience was particularly great. Andrew and Rachel worked absolute magic on my hair that I had requested for a date. The result was simply stunning (Rachel is a braid wizard) and it was exactly what I had in mind when I came in. Dria (spelling?) was equally great when it came to makeup. She is a magician. Prices are affordable and quality is the best in the city. The space is beautiful too; I got to go downstairs last time for makeup in the «basement» and it’s the most soothing place ever, with calm music and soft lighting. The upstairs, where the hair stylists work, has such vibrant energy and friendly banter. I’m so happy I live relatively close! A++++

Came here for a haircut. My stylist was Tiffany and she listened to what I wanted and did a fabulous job. she was very personable wo being talkative — love that. $ 25 for wash/​cut/​blow dry/massage…awesome.

I come here to get facials. While it can be difficult to speak to the general experience since a person’s experience might be greatly impacted by the student they have, I feel that I’ve visited enough times to be able to speak with broader generalization. Every single one of the facials that I’ve gotten at the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute have been great. I’ve had facials done at all kinds of spas from very expensive ones in fancy hotels to mediocre ones in hair salons. The facials at Gary Manuel rival that of any I’ve had at a 5-​star hotel. The customer service is great, the overall experience is relaxing and rejuvenating, the price is GREAT, and my sensitive skin responds very well to the treatment. You cannot find a 90-​minute facial of this calibre for $ 50 anywhere else. Plus, they incorporate a more full body experience, making it an even better deal.
I would say the only draw back is the way they have the aesthetician area set up. Instead of giving clients their own rooms like a traditional spa, all clients are in one big room together that is segmented off by thick curtains. They play relaxing music and the lights are set very low. But it can still get a little loud and you will hear your neighbors conversations. I don’t mind this aspect as much because I’m able to ignore most of the noise and am willing to put up with a little due to the overall great value of the treatment.

I came here because of my colleague’s recommendation. I got my haircut (a months ago) and facial treatment (yesterday by Hansen ^^) … the staffs are so professional and friendly.

I was pleasantly surprised by a fabulous senior student, Tiffany, who corrected my color and did a wonderful job with coverage of those stubborn greys, plus did an absolutely cute haircut and style following. She had her kind instructor check the cut which was perfect from all angles! I’m so delighted with my locks I don’t want to wash my hair and its already been a few days but still looking fabulous! Thanks so much, Tiffany!
Feel confident that the GMAI will live up to your satisfaction and within generous reason will redo your service until it is done well. Everyone is really nice to boot.

I had the opportunity to get a facial at Gary And Manuel Aveda Institute. Annie wes my esthetician. She is wonderful. !!! The staff are so professional and friendly. I had to pinch myself to remember that I was actually in a training school. The music was wonderful, the ambiance is lovely, and the staff is very knowledgeable with regards to the Aveda products. Bill Clinton happened to be in town this afternoon and they were kind enough to phone me and let me know that I may experience heavier than normal traffic and or parking so they advised me to get an early start for my appointment. I just want to say I had an incredible five star plus experience with Gary and Manuel Aveda Institute I hope you will give them the opportunity to be of service to you.

I’ve been coming here for a few years now. I haven’t been in a while but every time I do get my hair done here. It always comes out amazing. I have black hair so when you can get my hair to blonde. It’s amazing. Yeah I am sitting in the chair for about 3 hours to do the double process and tone and cut but it’s worth the wait.

Still a huge fan after all the years!
Went for a haircut last month & my senior student listened carefully to my requests for a nice clean one length cut to get rid of messy layers. Love all the nice touches of scalp massage with essential oils or hand massage with every service.
Love that they’re not pushy about buying their products but merely let you know what products they used on your hair that day

I’ve been going to the Gary Manuel Aveda institute off and on for 8 years. I’ve had haircuts, and recently, hair color done. I have not had one bad experience. The students are thorough, kind, and professional. I love the job they did with my hair color! If you are not in a rush, I recommend getting your hair services here. Sure, it’s not for everyone, or super high maintenance hair, but it’s worth the time and good prices.

I was a hair cut model for a student named Mari. It was a basic (or what I considered basic because I have no clue about the technicalities of hair cuts,) long layered cut. She was very attentive to the fact that I really didn’t want to lose any length, but I wanted to add life to my long, stringy hair. She did AMAZING! I’m absolutely in love with the texture of my hair! The scalp and shoulder massage was great! I definitely went in not expecting much, but left so happy! Mari will most definitely boosts confidence in others that walk out of whichever salon/​spa she works at when she graduates.

today I got a senior student Lisa who helped me to die my hair platinum blonde dye job came out great but as a result she fucked up my shirt like massively she apologized and made sure that I didn’t have to pay for the haircut but I still had to pay for the Dye job. All in all I guess I got what I paid for.

Here’s my thing– I love me some spa services. My wallet and income do not. I think at this point, it’s well established that the Aveda Institute is a beauty school, where such items as a spa facial (and various other services, such as hair styling and the occasional day where waxing services are offered) is performed by a student at a discounted price. Other reviews have touched on that for some services, it may not be quite as streamlined or fast as a regular salon, and that instructors will touch base and check on how procedures are going. Again, this should be obvious, as its a student who is working on you, not quite a professional.
However, that having been said, while I’ve never had hair services performed, I’ve come in a few times for facials, and have left really happy with the experiences I’ve had. The 90 minute facial I had today (and that I’ve had previously) was relaxing, the student i had (Enzo– hi Enzo!) was friendly and had a very positive, calming energy; and for $ 54, was affordable and within my price range. There is background noise where the estheticians work (other students, the occasional footsteps above), but I’ve never found it overbearing or distracting, and I actually like having the white noise to focus on rather than dead silence. I do also like that an instructor meets with you after your service to check in with how your procedure was, as well as to take down any feedback you may have.
So, yes. A beauty school experience rather than an actual spa– but still a positive few experiences.

I just started at the school and have completed the first phase. I only have raving review for the teacher that taught, Kelsey Johnson. She was organized, and had a style of teaching that helped any student to really retain all the information being given. Even thought the owner of the school is a very busy man and there are many new schools starting every few months he took the time to speak with our class in the beginning give words of advice and encouragement. I would recommend this school to students thinking about a career in hair.

Got a great haircut from these guys (Lana was my stylist) — on a whim decided to chop off 10 inches. I called at 9am, had a choice of appointments and was able to get in at 10. Pretty great. $ 23 for the haircut, scalp and neck massage, and lipstick application post cut (I’m kicking myself for not buying that lipstick).
Fair warning: it’s a school, so it takes a long time. I was there for 2.5 hours and had to run out and feed the meter in my cape as the meter maid showed up. But Lana took it all in stride. That being said, I often get my hair cut at schools and this is by far the nicest (and most «salon-​y») that I’ve been to.

I signed up for a student haircut, and was assigned to Mac. She was very nice to work with! We discussed what I wanted, and she got to work cutting. The final result was exactly what I had envisioned, which was great considering that I have long curly hair and am always a but nervous before hair cuts. Best of all, it was free.
I was so happy with the cut that I made an appointment with Mac to get my hair colored. Again, we discussed exactly what I wanted, she consulted her instructors and classmates, and the color turned out perfect! I would definitely go back and recommend other go here, because I got excellent service and results for a fraction of the cost of a professional.

Beautiful atmosphere when you walk in! Great products.
I was a bit disappointed with the color I ended up with. I asked for a full foil with lots of blonde (larger sections) and the student that did my hair convinced me to do a partial foil — which would have been fine, but she did very small sections of blonde, so I ended up with hardly any color change.
Overall, she was very nice. We had a great conversation. I just wish my color was actually what I wanted.
I would still recommend this place to a friend, just be sure to be specific about what you really want do the student knows your expectations.

I went in for a double process yesterday. I had bits of box dye and even henna on my hair (please tell your stylist if you have any henna on your hair– potential for disaster there so they need to know)
Elenor (Becky) took care of me. She listened and actually seemed to hear what I wanted. She did her work with care– both for me and with respect to what her fantastic supervisor suggested (Darin.)
I love these guys and would recommend them. The only thing I would say is, as a client, be aware that they will give you what you ask for. So know what you want and don’t get cross if you don’t like something you originally asked for.
I know other people have mentioned their nervousness at having their hairdresser continually asking the supervisor or consulting with other resources for help: but I must say that I’m grateful for this. I have been to so many salons worldwide where the stylist pretends to hear you, decides what to do without really running it by you, and then refuses to ask or creates a situation where you are afraid to communicate your actual thoughts.
I am very grateful for this place. The price is great, the communication is excellent, the staff is attentive, and I would definitely come here again.
Thanks guys. I will probably come back to tone out the colour a little, but you did exactly what I asked for. So, Thank you!!!

I went in for a cut and style with Piper yesterday and so far I’ve been very pleased with the results. I generally don’t do much with my hair and tend to keep it simple, so I loved that she had plans and suggestions for styles which would flatter my face and hair type from the moment I walked in.
They really do pamper you from your first step inside the door, offering tea or water and a friendly greeting. The complementary services (pick the head and neck massage!) were just the cherry on top of a great experience and happy result.
To avoid the risk of mixed results, I suggest requesting your stylist by name. I had a great experience with Piper and will definitely be returning.

I was in need of some waxing so I purchased a Groupon for $ 50 worth of services and decided to try this place out. The Aveda Institute is very clean and everyone was very friendly and helpful. I was a bit nervous for a student to wax my eyebrows because I have a good thing going and I didn’t want her to botch me, but she actually did a great job. She was so nice and we had a great conversation. I got my eyebrows, forehead, lip and legs waxed. There were a couple of hairs left on my legs but that is to be expected anywhere you go. I would definitely go back for waxing or a facial although I probably will just stick to the salon I frequent now for my hair.
Great experience overall, just one tip: If you purchase the Groupon be aware you have to use the whole thing in a single session. It is a fair policy but I do not believe everyone knows it. If your on a budget but want to go somewhere decent I would recommend the Aveda Institute. Even without the Groupon they have fair prices and a very nice staff.