Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

04/20/2008 Posted by Bob4444

I went to this school after a friend told me to check it out. I asked for an experienced student that could help turn my shoulder length hair into a modern cut. They gave me a person named Megan. I must admit I have never colored my hair. But Megan thought a cut and some subtle highlights would look nice. I went with it, and I was very impressed with the results. I look and feel 5 year younger!! And not only did I leave looking good, but incredibly relaxed. She gave me a shampoo and a hand massage, which is included in the haircut price. Damn, I wish my friend told me to go here before. Megan also seemed to be more mature then some of the younger students in the school, so if you want a student that knows their trade and can also give you some good conversation, I'd recommend Megan. Megan told me she is moving to CA in August, so get in and see her while she's still there. WTF? I meet a good stylist and she is going to leave me? Women! ;-) So if you don't get Megan or if you go after August, just make SURE you ask for an experienced student, as I have heard horror story haircuts happen at this school too. Oh and one last thing, bring cash... I tried to tip Megan on my credit card and the lady at the front said I couldn't put the tip on my credit card... WTF? I was forced to give her just the spare $5 I had with me, and I felt like a cheap shmuck.

Pros: Free hand massages with your cut.

Cons: Steet parking, and you can't put a tip on a credit card.

04/15/2008 Posted by MandeeC

I went in for a damage remedy with Dakota a few months ago. She was amazing! I had the most relaxing experience, and my damaged hair felt incredibily soft afterwards. She really took the time to pamper me and listen to my needs. I made a follow-up appointment for a color with Dakota, and was impressed yet again. Its amazing that students can do such a great job. She got me to the exact color I wanted. Request Dakota before she graduates!

04/14/2008 Posted by mariegi

I just went from long hair to short, and I love it. Best haircut I've recieved and it was only $16. I highly recommend Devi, she was very confident and a perfectionist. She communicated with me very well to make sure I was going to get a hair cut that worked with my lifestyle and my look. I came in not knowing exactly what I wanted and she was great at telling me what would work with my type of hair and shape of face and what wouldn't be as flattering. Devi is a very talented hair designer and I would recommend her to anyone. Be prepared, the $16 haircut takes 2 hours....but that includes massage, hairwash, makeup etc.

02/09/2008 Posted by pinkpurplekittycat

I just had the most amazing hair cut from Andee. She is a sweet girls and loves to talk which is great because it made me feel like she really cared. Go see her, she is really good. Im going to tell all my friends to go there, I was that happy. Plus the tea is great and the teachers are really nice. Also while your in that area go check out Square room..such a cute store.

Pros: great tea, awesome music

Cons: Hard to find parking, and if you dont sched. early some time its hard to get an appt.

01/03/2008 Posted by gingermay

I just moved to Seattle and had no idea where to get my hair done, so I looked on City search and was happy to find myself another Aveda school. I am a former stylist and went to an Aveda school myself, so I always like to give other students a chance. I called ahead and they booked me with the "cheapest" cut because the student was in the first phase of hair cutting. I ended up with Megan and could not have been more thrilled. She was extremely professional, completely thorough, and attentive throughout. Her "stress relieving scalp massage" was amazing, and you can tell that she is totally focused and happy to be doing it. This was important to me, because I know that when they stylist isn't into it, the massage is terrible. She also educated me about Aveda products without trying to sell me things I didn’t need. Megan turned my one-length hair that desperatly needed a kick, into beautiful layered hair, and I have never seen my hair look so good and have so much volume. I can't even do it like that and I was trained how! The entire process took only two hours for the massage, shampoo and cut, and only cost $14. Enough left over for a great tip and still a bargain! I think you pay more than that at Great Clips and it doesn't even begin to compare. I have another appointment with Megan in two weeks, and I intend to stick with her until she graduates in July. I think her cuts will be a little more now. Their prices go up a little as they get more experience, but it's never more than $20. In fact, now that she is doing color, and she showed me her portfolio, I will be in for some highlights soon! Bonus- Since the salon can't take kids, she recommended a great kids' salon she knows of on Mercer Island. I am recommending her to everyone I meet who wants an amazing service at an un-beatable price.

Pros: professional, clean, up-beat, trendy

Cons: The school can't take children

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

12/26/2007 Posted by stephenspeanuts

From a former guest to a GMAI Alumni, I've been shown nothing but perfection. My hair has never looked better and I had the pleasure to attend the best institute for cosmetology/esthetics around not only in Washington, but in neighboring states. If your a guest, you are taken care of by your stylist that is trained in one of the best educations in this profession, Aveda, but the best instructors in the business that check all guests for the highest quality experience on the market. As a student you are in for an exciting education that helps you to get ready for real salon life. The cuts are technical and precise. The hair color is vibrant and is more complex then other color lines on the market. Aveda's hair color you can customize the tone and brightness of the hair itself. Once you know Aveda's education, all other color and cutting education isn't as complex. The cosmetology and esthetics education at GMAI allows you to have a head start in this industry and become an accomplished professional with endless possibilities. Besides the advanced education, this school has further training at the Gary Manuel Salon with training salon Phase 3. This training expects perfection that teaches you to be a world class stylist and work for one of the best salons in Seattle, Gary Manuel Salon.

Pros: Thumbs up, amazing up beat environment

12/18/2007 Posted by abslin

I decided to try out the services at the GM Aveda Institute since the service was inexpensive and there were good reviews for it. I asked for a partial foil and long layers... and ended up with fried highlights and poofy mushroom layers. It wasn't really what I was looking for, so it's back to a real salon! I do have friends who have success with them, but if you have hair that can be complex to work with (like dark hair & highlights), I'd go there instead for the spa treatments.

Pros: Inexpensive

Cons: Hard to find parking, hair service was not good, hard to schedule a time

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/18/2007 Posted by nufsaid

As a recent graduate from GMAI, I have to say that it was a rollercoaster of an education. I graduated from the esthetics department and feel that my education was pretty average. Now, I've never studied esthetics anywhere else, so I could be wrong at how great the education really is. Be forewarned that this is an AVEDA Institute, and with that comes the confines of only studying AVEDA's practices and philosophy (not that it is a bad one, at all.) Just know that you will REALLY have to work hard to be exposed to other (read: non-AVEDA) techniques, services, etc. I will say this, though, Teal and Michka are amazing at trying to be as open to other non-AVEDA practices as possible. They will guide you, and sometimes expose you to things that you wouldn't otherwise get to see in an AVEDA Institute. That said, I think that the learning leaders really do care about the students at the school. My experience with the learning leaders in the esthetics department was awesome. I feel that they each bring something awesome and personal to the education table. I've learned a lot from each of them. On the other hand, being a student at GMAI and having to deal with the STAFF...sucks. The staff could care less about the students. Guest services needs an attitude check. Admissions needs an attitude check once students start. Career Services is about the only staff position that still genuinely cares about the students. Michelle in Career Services is your lady. Treat her kind. Overall, the school is beautiful, the learning leaders really do care, and the staff could use some help. I would say come in and meet with someone, ask to speak to the head of the department you are looking to go into. Ask if you can look around, maybe even sit in on a class for a little while or something. Then you will have a better idea of what you're getting into.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/17/2007 Posted by amgslk320

Ricardo, at the Gary Manuel Aveda Insitute is definitely one of the best talent at this fine establishment. I have read the other reviews on here and have to say that it is definitely with whom you choose to receive service from in which makes your experience a great one. At first, I totally pictured the institute looking more like a school rather than a full service, high end salon. I love the atmosphere. The staff and students appeared professional to me for each of my 2 visits there thus far. If you ever have the chance to experience Ricardo's manificent expertise, I believe you will be stunned at the end of your appointment. You will feel completely as ease and feel confident that you left your hair in good hands. I am a snob when it comes to just anyone touching my hair but I decided to give Ricardo a try. Why? He exudes class and have to admit, a great salesperson. He convinced me. He took my long, one length super straight hair which ended at the curve of my back and turned it into a three-tiered supermodel volume of loose, wavy curls. My hair has never been able to keep curls. Ricardo taught me what I needed to do and what Aveda products to use. When I went back on my second visit, my three tiered hair became four as I became more confident in his expertise to give me a long side swept, whispy bangs. And I love it even more! Ricardo is extremely precise. He takes the time to listen, make the cut perfect and end with high style with a WOW factor. Since my first time, I have received bountiful amounts of compliments- at work, personal friends, my clients. I have since referred them to Ricardo and only hear nothing but great reviews. I recently attended my personal friend's birthday and she had her hair done by Ricardo. She is extremely estatic about her hair and I am even jealous! I have another appointment with Ricardo in the morning and he is doing my boyfriend's hair for the 3rd time. It's getting harder and harder to book an appt!

Pros: Great Atmosphere, Modern Decor, Ricardo is there.

Cons: Getting harder to make an appt. with Ricardo

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

12/14/2007 Posted by ksseattle

I was going to the Institute for awhile for cuts and colors for sometime now, and recently have noticed that they are going significantly DOWNHILL since Elle left. I went in the other day for a chocolate brown all-over color, and left with red roots and purplish hair. These people do not know what they are doing, and don't care. They offered me a free redo, but I said I will NEVER go to them again. I had to spend over $300 to look normal again. NOT WORTH IT Update: Gary, Thanks for responding, but it doesn't make any difference. I had the color done two days before a job interview, and couldn't show up looking like Elvira. So no, I do not want your students to re-do my hair and have to spend $300 more to look normal. I appreciate your trying to make it right, but you wouldn't give me a refund OR reimburse me for having to spend $300 to get rid of the red roots and purplish tint. My original review still stands: your stylists don't care. I was very clear about what I wanted (chocolate brown) and I do not understand how they could let me leave with purplish hair and RED ROOTS.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful