Brown Aveda Institute

Will NEVER be returning. Went to get low lights and a BELOW SHOULDER LENGTH cut and the girl completely butchered it. I cried for over an hour when I got home after being at the salon for 4+ hours. The whole time the girl complained about the teacher always standing right over her watching her every move and how this and that is so stupid. I went in with nice long blonde hair and came back with an almost above the shoulder length, uneven cut. The back looks 10 times worse. I don’t care if I have to pay $ 100 to get my hair done I will never be returning to brown Aveda. Wish I could give this place 0 stars.

First of all, this is definitely a «you get what you pay for» venture. I, personally, would never come here if I were getting a dramatic color change or some sort of intense chemical treatment… but that’s just me. I had my hair cut by the lovely Savannah (she didn’t have a name tag, so I hope this is the correct spelling) with some helpful assistance from her instructor. Starting off with my hair down to almost the middle of my back, we cut off about six inches so that my hair sat a little below my shoulders– in the front, as I asked for a long, angled bob. Savannah definitely seemed a little confused and new to the salon aspect of things, but she never failed to be attentive and friendly, which I find to be some of the most important things. She took note of all the things I wanted done and did her best to inquire specifics, opinions, etc. as she worked along. While the cut was in the general idea of what I asked for, her instructor did have to come by and clean it up a little bit. I applaud Savannah for her wonderful customer service and I only hope that she improves! That’s what this practice is for, right? Keeping in mind that these girls (and boys) aren’t professionals and that communication and patience is key, I’d definitely come here again.
P. S. My haircut (the consultation, head massage, shampoo bowl, facial, cut, final look) took three hours, so be prepared for a long wait!

Will never EVER again return to the Brown Aveda after my previous experience. It has cost me a small fortune to fix the color they butchered.

I’ve been going to the BIA for about 4 years and have enjoyed many different services… From haircuts, pedicures, eyebrows sugared, highlights, and massages… just to name a few. I’ve never had a bad experience! Their students are always kind, courteous and professional. The instructors will go out of their way to make sure you’re well taking care of, and you are satisfied with the service that was performed.

I have been going to Brown Aveda for many years to have complete facial sugaring aka waxing. I made an appointment to have this service done today. Guess what, their receptionist only booked me for an eyebrow wax, not the entire face. This is the second time they screwed up. They said we can wax your brows but you will have to come back another day… fool me twice, right. They not only lost a long time customer but many of my friends as well. This beauty school has no accountability whatsoever. The owner was not present today and I’m sure she would have made an accommodation as this was their error… for the second time.

I went in for a haircut and received a complimentary mini-​facial and hand massage.
First off, my student (Jessica K) did an amazing job. She sat me down at her station and went over every step of what she will be doing and the products being used based on my hair (dry scalp issues and frizz). She is going to become a very good stylist.
The main issue was with the instructors responsible for checking in at each stylist’s station. There are various steps in the hair consultation — initial conversation before cut, first stage of cutting, check in midway, and final check in once cut is completed. The instructor is responsible for checking the stylist’s work at each stage and giving the green light before they proceed to the next stage.
One instructor was brought over to check out my hair and consultation before Jessica started cutting my hair. However, another student pulled her away before the instructor could provide an assessment and green light to move onto the next stage. I was disappointed by the instructor because it took another 20 – 25 minutes before they came back to give the green light. (The approval takes 1 – 2 minutes max.)
The instructor should’ve apologized and either 1. tell the interrupting student to wait one minute or 2. let me know that she needed to attend to that student’s case because it is was a time sensitive matter.
As a result, I ended up waiting a longer time (20 – 25 mins) to get an instructor to give the green light to move onto the next process. Jessica felt bad but it was not her fault. I was a bit irritated by this point because the waiting time to be seated at the station was 30 minutes even though I had an appointment. An hour just wasted.
Once we got the green light, She washed my hair very well, regardless of how long my hair was. She also did the mini facial which was nice and always made sure to ask if the hot towel or water was too hot for me.
Another student, Carmen, helped with the hand massages. She has a great personality and engaging to have a conversation with. She noted my calcium deposits on my hand and pointed out where it was.
After getting back to Jessica’s workstation, the hair cutting began. The hair cut took a long time — mainly because my hair was up to my waistline and she was not familiar with handling so much hair. I was not in a rush and Jessica made sure to check in and see if I had any time restraints.
She was very thorough with her work — parting the hair evenly, cutting the hair with precision and checking back to see if I wanted it shorter. The long bangs she did suited my face very well and I was pleased with the results.
Another student came over and did the makeup touchup — she was very lovely & sweet and complimented my skin and features. However, I was not amazed by the work. The full effects of the makeup could not be produced because we already running a long time with the service… and the colors did not complement my skin. The blemishes were not covered well and the eye shadow was a bit heavy for my tan complexion.
The whole process (consultation, hair washing, mini facial, hand arm massage, hair cut and makeup touch-​up) took about 4 hours — which is a bit lengthy, even in an educational setting. I was expecting to spend about 2 – 2.5 hours at the school. I understand that time is being spent learning how to cut hair, and that time was not compromised. My hair is long and learning how to cut and style long hair is a huge workout for a student. However, the wait times to be seated and from the instructor was inexcusable given that it was not a Fri or Sat when the school is swamped with customers. (I went on a Thursday afternoon (around 2PM) and only 35% of stations were occupied.) Plus I had an appointment to begin with.
I could have cut off at least a good hour and a half on the wait time. Anyone with long hair who plans to go to the school for a haircut — please make sure you have enough time to take a longer window.
Regardless of the time, Jessica did an amazing job and with her precise skills, she will pick up pace in no time. Her work is very clean and I was a satisfied customer. Too bad I cannot give her a tip because students cannot take tips. You can buy products as a way to «show» gratitude for the service.
Jessica and Carmen both receive 5 stars for their great work — but Brown Aveda’s Staff at the Front Desk and Instructors receive a 2.5 because there is no excuse for being rude and taking forever. It is your job to set a good example and you get paid to do your work — whereas the students are paying towards your salaries so they can learn good skills and etiquette and become Aveda Certified.
I am planning to come back here — not for the instructors — but for Jessica. Be weary going for highlights, or get a student that is in their final year that knows what they are doing. Some of the students overheard had no idea what they were doing or were apathetic.

If you love Aveda products and you’re looking to NOT spend a days wages on pampering and beautifying yourself — why not get the look (and the luxury) for less?
(Ugggh, that sounded like a super cheesy radio endorsement.)
If you’re adventurous, and not skittish, and overly snobby… Brown Aveda Institute is worth checking out.
I know. Most of you chicks out there are particular and CRAZY (yep, I said it) about your hair. I wish I could afford to be that way all of the time. But, I can’t. So, I go to places like this to cover my gray hairs. And ya know what? They do just as good a job as anywhere else I’ve gone and it’s HALF the price. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer because the educators need to check the students work, etc.
I got a full head of black locks for $ 45. Mmmm hmm. And I’m delighted with how my hair turned out. I also got a facial and a hand/​arm massage included with that. Very nice.
If you need some work done on that head of yours, or your face, you should call them.