Aveda Institute of Chicago Salon

I usually have good experiences with the salon but my last appointment was anything but good. I went in for a 90 minute facial, arrived about five minutes early to make sure I was on time. I checked in and was ignored for about 15 minutes. I had to go back up to the desk to ask what the status was for my appointment why they were running late. I was told that they were waiting for a facial area due to lateness of earlier appointments. I was told I would be down in the area within five minutes. After waiting another 15 minutes and being ignored, I decided to leave and cancel the appointment. I spoke to a teacher at the front desk who just looked at me and said OK goodbye. There was absolutely no resolution to my issue. A half an hour late is a bit excessive.
I waited a few days and called the director of the school. I just wanted to chat about my experience. I’m still waiting for a call back, it’s been a day and no response, we will see if I go back.

I had a phenomenal experience with my student (Sarah G.) and her instructor (Elena). I came in for a special occasion style before my work holiday party and they did such a great job giving me the 1920s look I asked for!

WAY too long since my visit, but I thought I’d share my disappointment. I was scheduled for a full highlight here and figured I’d test my luck going to the institute since it would be a little cheaper than going to a regular salon. Well, let’s just say I did not have much luck at all. When I arrived, the student I was assigned with said that they normally don’t schedule a full highlight as late as my scheduled appointment was (which was around 7pm). She told me they would do it anyway, but let me tell you, I wish she wouldn’t have! By the time she was done highlighting HALF of my head it had already been 2 hours! She then brought one of her peers in to help her highlight the rest of it. (???) As they casually chatted and SLOWLY put more highlights in, I really started to worry about how long the product was going to be on my hair. The instructor checked in and made it seem like everything was fine, but once they shampooed my hair, I was horrified.
My hair was so over-​processed that it felt like I had sticky glue poured all over it! She could barely comb a brush through my hair and it started to break as she dried it. What was even better was that she just continued to firmly brush it flat against my head.
Not sure if this student graduated or if the instructor is still there, but either way, I would never get my hair done there again. I wish I knew their names, but obviously the school doesn’t educate their students or instructors well enough. I will pay the premium of going to a professional salon any day over my experience here.

Aveda institute Chicago is a great place to get a quality salon grade haircut at an affordable price. I did not find this place through Unilocal but rather through word of mouth by a co worker friend. I love coming here on my days off. I’ve been here at least 5 times and never had a terrible moment. Plus their complementary peppermint tea is great! I always ask for it when I’m here and I’m never shy to ask for seconds! (If u really like their tea, they’ll sell it to you. Just ask their front desk for pricing). The staff and students here are friendly, professional and very knowledgable too. Yesterday I had my haircut with Analisa and she did a great job with my cut and color.
If your a first-​timer, as soon as you meet with your student stylist, your stylist will ask you questions about your hair, how you style it, what products you use and answer any questions you may have. From there, they keep a file on hand which to me is great because every time I visit, they know exactly how I want my hair styled, cut and layered. They know what kind of shampoo and conditioner to use on me based on my hair’s texture and They even know what type of colors they need to use on my hair because they save every piece of info from prior visits so going in, you know that your appointment is personalized.
So overall, 4 stars for the personalized care and value! And yes the haircuts are only $ 16!!! Score! They are a full service salon and spa. They have massage services in addition to doing special occasion makeup, along with nail service. But they don’t do acrylic or gels. The only downside is the wait time hence the 4 stars.
If your getting a haircut, expect to stay at least an hour and a half. Cut and colors take double that time. Men’s cuts may be shorter; around 45 mins to an hour but women’s cuts tend to take longer. For a first timer visiting this location that may be a huge shock and if you don’t expect the wait to be this long, it can easily throw a wrench into your plans so PLEASE NOTE THIS!!! I can’t stress that enough. These are students and they’re learning and you need to be patient with them and expect this! This is only because their students really take their time to provide quality cuts. And to assure you leave happy and satisfied with your look, Your stylist should check in with you too see if you like what they did, if not, they will correct the issue. You never leave the salon unless your hair has had a final check for proper cut and trim by their instructor. So that’s a few of the reasons why it takes so long. So if you do get services here, come with the expectations for a great haircut but allow for at least 1.5−3 hours to get it depending on what you plan on doing…

I’ve enjoyed coming here to get my weekly massage, I can always get a appointment at the time-​slot that fits me. They really want your business and it gives the students more practice to craft their skills.
Another joy to my senses is the different fragrances that Aveda offers and enjoy on my skin, in every massage they ask you numerous times what products you want and If I can pick them all I would.

Morgan was my colorist and stylist today. She did a horrible job! She was supposed to give me a touch to cover my grays but left a whole bunch out! She was so concerned about leaving in time to make the train that she rushed through everything and asked me what time it was about 3 or 4 times. She even had to find someone to finish blow drying my hair so she could leave. She didn’t even say goodbye or thank me for coming in? Also, I was supposed to get a hand and arm massage but this is what she said when I asked her about it, «I will get to it if I can». She found someone else to do it but her response was so rude!!!
Also, she was trash talking her coworkers to another stylist almost the whole time! So unprofessional!!!

I am so glad I found this place. It’s been impossible to find a good, affordable hair cut in Chicago. But I finally found one! Although the stylists are students, they are always professional and friendly.
I had a 2:00 appointment and had to wait until about 2:20. Not really a big deal in my book. They start with a consultation and because it was my first time there she explained to me what to expect. They then give a hand or neck massage. I chose the neck and it was quite relaxing and a nice touch to the haircut. Then I went to get shampooed. An instructor stopped by twice during my cut. Once after our consultation and once at the end. I’m not picky about my hair and gave the stylist some suggestions but told her within that to do whatever she recommends. I absolutely love my hair which is not something I usually say after a haircut, let alone a $ 16 haircut. My stylist asked her instructor questions and seemed genuinely interested in learning. If this creeps you out a little, maybe beware. But I was thrilled that my student wanted to learn and wasn’t afraid to ask her instructor questions.
Also of note, I have very curly hair. I usually don’t diffuse it on my own but for some reason every stylist suggest this and styles my hair like this after my cut. I was a little nervous when she suggested this but decided to just go with it. I’ll admit, immediately after my hair was quite huge and a mess, but within an hour it settled in nicely and looked gorgeous the rest of the night. I couldn’t have been happier.
After my cut I got my eyebrows waxed. An instructor performed this service and it was done well.
I got out of there around 4, so this is not a quick cut. As long as you know that going in, this is a great place to get your hair cut. I can’t talk to any other services though. I will be back often.

Terrible. They don’t know how to cut men’s hair.

I went to Rebeca for highlights and they turned out perfectly! She had a few people help her because I was in a time crunch, but they were all very personable and felt like my friends. I would definitely recommend going to Rebeca before she graduates. Thanks again!

I love this place! I’ve lived in the Lincoln Park/​Lakeview area for about 7 years and had no idea it existed. A friend suggested I check it out since I was looking for a budget friendly haircut. I had such a wonderful experience the first time that I’ve never been back to a different hair place.
So far I’ve worked with Meme and Gianni and they’ve both been so great. I love my haircut each and every time. I love that they take time to ask about your hair, what you like or don’t like, what your expectations are for the appointment, and what your hair goals are. It’s also nice that their instructors check in with the students throughout the haircut.
The products that they use smell incredible. And I always make sure to book my appointments for after work because what’s better than a scalp and shoulder massage after a long day?
The students are very friendly and love to get to know their clients. I always have great conversations with the students and you can tell that they’re genuinely interested in what you’re saying which is nice.
The price, of course, can’t be beat. I typically pay between $ 11-​$ 16, depending on whether there’s a promo going on. Definitely sign up for their text alerts! You get awesome deals for different services.
My only complaints would be that it can be very loud and busy pretty much any time of day. It’s a school after all and there are a lot of students trying to talk over the noise so they can communicate with their clients. Nothing more can really be done about this, but if you’re looking for a quiet, spa-​like experience, this isn’t it.
One other minor complaint is that I’m not sure many people use the waxing services here. Every time I’ve asked to have my eyebrows waxed, the wax isn’t heated up. I also wonder if the students don’t get as much practice on waxing because every time I’ve had my eyebrows waxed, it has taken quite awhile to wax and then tweeze (sometimes over 20 min!).
Also, maybe not a great place if you’re running short on time. My hair cuts take at least 1 hour, sometimes longer. This is a combination of the students taking their time so they do a good job and the instructors being busy supervising all the students and not always being immediately available to check your haircut so you can leave.
Overall, awesome place, nice people, great price. And they validate parking if you park in the tower!

I have been to this location 5 times, and I have very few complaints. I have had fantastic experiences with 4 of the 5 students, and the last student I had did such an amazing job that I felt compelled to leave a review. Jairo gave me the coolest hair cut ever, and I have gotten endless compliments on it. I brought in 2 pictures: 1 of what I wanted the left side to look like and 1 of the front. I left the rest up to him, and he rocked it! He checked in multiple times with me and consulted my pictures to make absolutely sure it was okay for it to be that short, so I felt very safe in his hands. He texturized the longer parts really well and showed me how to style it, so I have replicated the same look at home (which I can never do usually). I feel a little conceited, but I am pretty obsessed with the way my hair looks.
The only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because of an incident I had with a certain instructor. I have box dyed my hair regularly since high school and have only messed it up twice, and unfortunately one time it was right before an appointment. The instructor basically shamed me for using a box and made me feel like it was the worst mistake I could ever have made. I brushed it off because other instructors have complimented me on my color on a few occasions, so I know it doesn’t always look a hot mess. I understand she was probably trying to sell me on a color correction, but making me feel bad was not the way to do it.
In summary, please understand when you go here that you are asking someone who may have very limited experience to do something potentially complicated or new. If you want guaranteed perfection, pay the price and go to a salon. I have short hair which can be very hard to cut, and I’ve never had a problem with any of the 5 students who have cut my hair. If they felt uncertain or wanted help, the instructor came over and showed them what to do or did it themselves. I have always felt like the instructors and students cared about whether or not I was happy with my cut and style, and I always have been completely satisfied. Plus they’re using Aveda products, so my hair always feels and smells great afterward which I love. If you’re on a budget, this is definitely a great place to go for a hair cut that would normally cost 3 times as much somewhere else.

Last night I went to Aveda to get my hair shaped. Trimmed.
First I was given a student who refused to make eye contact and gave me a limp hand to shake. He walked around with an attitude toward me, and that was the attitude he gave my hair. He acted like he hated me and he came across in a very arrogant, eye-​rolling without actually rolling his eyes «I could care less about you.» attitude. He treated my trim, MY TRIM like it was a waste of his time. As you see in my picture, I have very short hair. There is very little you can do with short hair. I once had very long hair, and I read a long time ago a lot of hair stylists don’t like to work with long hair, because they get worried they might cut off too much.
He gave me a trim that was too short on the sides, and a top that made me look like a cartoon character. My hair was uneven in layer on the sides, and sticking up in a strange, uneven cowlick on the top. He twisted my bangs. I went to the front desk and asked for another stylist student. She fixed up the damage he caused. She was also a nicer person. She was already working at the Merchandise Mart, and about to graduate next week. I see her having a bright future as a stylist.
This other guy? He needs to grow up and learn how to treat other people with respect, or stay home.

Second time going and WOW. Kai was so awesome doing my hair. I felt amazing leaving the studio. I hope I can get her to color my hair before she graduates in December. She is going to be a great hairdresser!
As always TOP NOTCH service. I love going to this place.

Please save yourself and your gorgeous hair from going and trying out this school. This is a school and kids are inexperienced and don’t care. The worst thing is their teachers have a don’t worry attitude no matter how much you screw up on anyone’s hair. I have tried multiple services like facials, hair do’s, colors, make up, haircuts, blow dry. Never ever. The facials were ok, but everything else really bad. The teachers and the mentors won’t fix you so you will have to end up spending $$$$ to have your hair fixed.
Save yourself the time, the pain, and the attitude of the teachers and go to a pro salon.

I hate to say this… but my pedicure did not wear well at all. It started chipping within a week or two (normally my pedicures last forever), and since they didn’t do anything about my callouses, they rapidly got gross again. A month later, my feet looked terrible, and I was much relieved to get a pedicure at my usual local salon.
So unfortunately, I can’t recommend getting a pedicure here with a student. Not worth it, in my book.

If you’re looking for a solid hair cut (trim, easy highlights, or standard blowout). Check this place out. I suggest it to anyone who wants to spend only $ 16 for a haircut in Chicago. Plus they use all the great Aveda products.
I would suggest calling ahead and scheduling an appointment. Remember that this is a school and that even a standard haircut will probably take you from start to finish about an hour and a half.
I have gone there for the past 3 years for my haircut. The students will review your service, go over the plan with their supervisor and get to work. Sometimes it does get busy and a little loud due to the atmosphere of the room (all the students stations are lined up together). But it’s worth $ 16 people! That’s like 1995 prices at supercuts. That’s crazy.
So I suggest this to any guy or lady who has a tight budget but wants a great/​easy cut.

This place is GREAT! Cheap haircuts for men and women. Classic aveda service which exceeds expectation. Get your coat and Longboard checked into the closet for free and wait less than 10 minutes with some hot tea.
Each time you go, you are paired with a student hair-​dresser, and several times I have gone, I’ve been nervous that the haircut would be off. But every time, it results well! The students are well trained and if they mess up in the slightest, the teacher will come check up and fix everything the student may have forgotten.
For 50% off the price of a normal styles haircut in Chicago. This place rocks. I have only gone here for my haircuts for the past 6 months. They will do it right

Just skip it. I don’t mind the atmosphere or the students. My issue was with the educator who «supervised» my haircut. The initial woman, Bianca, seemed to care but another woman Jaclyn/​Jacleen? did not. She came over and barely checked the cut. Even when the stylist said she had a concern she didn’t seem to care at all. She then took the time she was supposed to be checking my cut to explain a technique to another student.
I agreed to having 1″ cut… it was closer to 2.5″ and it’s safe to safe I am not pleased.
I don’t blame the students, their performance reflects the lackluster educators. Some of the students were eating at their stations or gossiping. I also saw one student with choppy black hair and facial piercings show a look of disgust, roll her eyes, and say «It’s a blow out. I don’t want to do this.» Her attitude didn’t show even a little bit of professionalism. At no point did any educator correct or comment on these behaviors.

Solid place! When living in Indiana, I got most of my hair services done at beauty schools, so I was STOKED to find a beauty school near me when I moved to the city. I don’t ever get color services at beauty schools, but I DO like this place’s deep conditionings, blowouts and thermals. They also offer a Botanical treatment, complete with a moisturizing hair mask. Their products are very natural with no harsh chemicals. Plus, they all smell amazing! They offer hair, skin and nail services. I’m planning on coming in for a facial and mani/​pedi soon, but as of right now, I mainly come in for their hair services. I got a wax here and wasn’t crazy about their waxing, so I’ll stick with my usual place for waxing. but for hair services, their prices are unbeatable!
The service is good and there are usually a handful of instructors on the floor watching over the students and checking their work. I like how they treat this place more like an actual professional salon vs a «school» — i.e. they take your coat upon arriving, give you water/​tea to drink, bring you a magazine, make sure you’re comfortable, etc. I’ve sadly seen many beauty schools that forget the «customer service» part of the job. Also, you can either make your appts in person or through their call center. They do accept same day appts as long as there’s an opening. Bonus: they’re open til 10 during the week. Score!
Note: If you are looking for a weekend appt, you will be waiting WEEKS to get in. Their Saturdays usually get booked 4 – 6 weeks in advance — and WORSE during prom/​graduation seasons. Be sure to plan accordingly. I’d suggest going in on a weeknight after 7pm to avoid the crowds. Also, you are not allowed to tip the students with cash, but you ARE allowed to tip them with things like snacks/​candy/​gift cards. I usually give a $ 5 gift card to Starbucks or Jamba Juice to my favorite stylists.
Hell, for a $ 16 blowout, this place is DEFINITELY worth coming to over and over again. Check it out!

I started coming here two years ago when I was looking for a place to get a good, but inexpensive haircut in the city. A few friends who had had positive experiences directed me towards Aveda. I was skeptical and see that there are a lot of mixed reviews for the training institute, but have been pleasantly surprised by several positive experiences. Disclaimer: my hair is fairly easy to cut and I don’t ask for complicated stylings/​colorings, but I am particular about the final product and bangs.
PROS: Cheap haircuts, lots of evening availability for appointments, great products, feeling less guilty for buying expensive, nice hair products after spending so little for a haircut, location, head massages to start your service.
CONS: Hit or miss with the personality of your stylist. I’ve had some that were more personable than others and once had a haircut that took an hour and a half. Stylists come and go, so you can’t stick with your favorite for very long!
PRO TIP: Let them know if you are in a crunch for time when getting a haircut.
They can place you with a more advanced stylist and get you out of there within an hour. You also end up getting your haircut by someone more experienced and are therefore less likely to have issues.