Essence & Nichelle are AWESOME -- If you haven't tried this place, you must!!!

by nicbenson

After waiting WAY TO MANY MONTHS to get my hair done -- part of it being I have a toddler and I'm expecting my second bundle in a 7 weeks... I can never seem to find the time or justify spending a small fortune hair done! After stumbling upon the Aveda Institute on cityseach -- I read all the reviews and I love Aveda products so I was sold to try it out. I was more than pleasantly surprised!!! Essence was in charge of my hair...and WOW, she did a fabo job!!! I'm a natural red head and I just like to turn it up a notch. She worked her magic and provided me a full foil and hair cut. Not only was she great with my hair...she had a great personality and when you are sitting in a chair for 5 hours, 7 1/2 months preggo... you need someone that can keep you entertained and comfortable. I would highly recommend her! While sitting there a couple had just gotten facials together...they were both glowing and the guy was talking about how wonderful it was. So, I decided then that for Father's Day -- that's what me and my love would do! I made us appointments and we went on Saturday. It was like heaven on earth -- for $50 a piece we experienced a 90 minute facial that started with our feet. Nichelle was my Aesthetician in training and was PHENOMENIAL!!! For one, we loved the same style of music so she was easy to chat with! Secondly, she was very sweet when it came to making sure I was comfortably being preggo and all. Surprisingly I was able to lay on my back with a nice pillow under my legs for the whole 90 minutes without any back pain. She has some great, calming hands and made me feel like a million bucks! It was sooo relaxing and SOOO what I needed. My man enjoyed his just as much -- his nice dark skin was glowing when we was finished. We wrapped up by buying the product use on our face and both were glowing and relaxed. A must do again, and again, and again --- you get my point. For $50... you simply can't beat it!

• Pros: Inexpensive, great talent, relaxing atmostphere with great jams in the back ground!
• Cons: Ummm... none really, other than you have to pay for parking -- but it's cheap.

Gingers First Hair Cut

by val cowell

I had a 9:00 a.m. appointment with Ginger on Thursday and I was her model for her very first hair cut. My hair hadnt been cut in about three years and it truely was a mess! She cut my hair into a "Bob" and I must say," I love it!!!!" Ginger did a very professional job and I am looking forward to her graduating and being my stylest .

GREAT JOB GINGER!

Valerie Cowell

Arlington, WA

• Pros: She can cut my hair anytime!
• Cons: none!

Great cut, great color

by robin34

I went in yesterday for a cut and color at GM Aveda Institute. I had a GREAT experience. My hair was placed in the capable hands of a stylist called Tuesday, and she did wonderful. She was knowledgable, and very helpful when figuring out what exact shade to color my hair. She convinced me (and rightfully so!) to foil in some very subtle highlights to the overall dark chestnut color. This was a great suggestion. The end color is rich, natural, and perfect!

She did an excellent job on the cut as well. She knew exactly what I was going for.

Also - I will say, she made me feel very comfortable about my hair lifestyle. i.e - I rarely blowdry, flat iron, or use any product in my hair. Whenever I tell stylists this, it is usually followed by a speech about why I should, or at least patronizing looks, as if I were a child. Not so with Tuesday. She complented my hair, and seemed very much onbaord with my no-frills lifestyle. This was a refreshing change!!! Thanks Tuesday. I'll be back again.

• Pros: price!!

Great value and friendly people!

by FunInTheSun88

I live on the Eastside and wanted to save some money on getting my hair done. I tryed Gary Manuel Aveda Institute and what a great decision that was! I spent $52 for a full foil (even with toner). So great, the student I had was very nice, even the students next to me were striking up convos. So awesome. I will deff. be back for another service soon. As long as your patient and understand that you ARE WITH A TRAINING STUDENT, then you'll love it here. Parking is a pain but hey it's Seattle. They should have a lot for their students and guests or something. Thanks again Gary Manuel Aveda Institute! I'll be back! :)

• Pros: Great services at low prices
• Cons: Parking

Ask for Addison!

by Christin33

Major Points:

--Addison is amazing with both cuts AND color

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HER ASAP!

--The G.M. Aveda Institute bends over backwards to make sure their clients leave happy with the end result. They check with their clients every step of the way. This ensures that you are happy with your hair AND that you enjoy the entire experience.

--They use all Aveda products.

Full Story (sorry it's so long, but it was such a good experience!)

I am a student at a nearby university and I discovered the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute last December when I cut 12+ inches off of my hair (which I LOVED!) However, out of convenience (and mom paying!) I had my stylist at home cut my hair when I went home for spring break. Anyway, I decided it was way past time to get another haircut and remembering my first experience at Aveda, I made an appointment with whoever was available (I actually got in the same day I called). I arrived, was offered tea or water and was introduced to Addison, the stylist assigned to me. Then, I went on back for my haircut. For those of you who have never been to the Aveda Institute before, they include a scalp/neck massage with every haircut. So relaxing! This alone is worth the $16 I paid for my entire haircut! I came in with almost shoulder length hair and just wanted a short classic bob. Addison knew exactly what I was talking about and after the required consultation with an instructor, went to work. The end result was AMAZING. I love it! My hair turned out great. I can literally blowdry it and go...and still maintain a finished, styled look.

So I had this amazing haircut, but it wasn't shown off to its full potential because I had about 2.5 inches of color grow out!!! So I immediately booked a color appointment with Addison for the following week. I had never had my hair colored at Aveda before but since Addison did such an amazing job on my cut, I wasn't even nervous when I came in today for the color. Plus, she approached my color very professionally and thoroughly. She was careful to ask what I wanted my color to look like, which tones I preferred, etc. Again, her decisions were checked by an instructor before she even started (they were right, by the way). Also, I have heard some people complain that Aveda takes forever. However, I came in today at 3 and was done before 6. That's pretty good especially considering that she touched up my bangs and styled my hair afterward AND has to consult with instructors throughout the process. (Sidenote: I had brought homework to do but had so much fun chatting with Addison that I didn't even do it the entire 3 hours!) The end result? AMAZING color. Exactly what I wanted. I mean...PERFECT. It is natural yet noticeable--a light, bright, shiny blonde that is the complete opposite of brassy or over processed hair. I can't stop admiring it! I didn't even know my color could look this good. Even the other students and instructors around me couldn't help but compliment what a good job Addison did!! I can honestly say my hair looks AMAZING.

If you want to enjoy the experience of your cut/color while it is being done and LOVE the results afterward...definitely go to the G.M. Aveda Institute AND ASK FOR ADDISON!

• Pros: Great haircut and amazing color!
• Cons: absolutely NOTHING

Great service, great price!

by seattlespagirl

I've been coming here for about 2 years for facials and haircuts. I've received some great service for really cheap. Def come here, ask for a senior student, and you'll get great service!

• Pros: cheap!
• Cons: crazy busy!

I cried like the model girls in America's Next Top Model.

by gracielou123

All I wanted when walking in was a trim. The staff had overbooked me on a previous trip so I was told that this haircut would be complimentary. When I walked in, the service was great. Everyone was friendly and nice and I was taken to my station. My hairstylist, who was introduced to me as a advanced student asked me what I wanted. I asked for a trim. He gave me a "hm...are you sure?" sort of look and then asked me to elaborate. I said, a trim. 2 minutes later, my hair is 6 inches shorter and asymmetrical! I was in complete shock! My hairstylist styled my hair, the instructor checked it. They asked me if I liked it and I must have said yes because I gave him a really nice tip, picked up my bags and left.

That night, I looked at my hair for the first time since leaving the salon and I burst out crying. I hated it! Everything about it was...off. So I picked up the phone, knowing full well that they were closed, and left a message at the salon, telling them that I got my hair cut, and that I hated it and that I would like them to fix it. I didn't hear back for 3 months, and 2 days ago I got a phone call from the salon asking if me if I called and offering another haircut to fix my hair. No thank you sir.

• Pros: cheap, good service
• Cons: students make mistakes and teachers can't exactly fix it

Response from this business

garyhowse-1– March 03, 2009 at 17:08:32 PST

Please believe me that we pride ourselves in taking care of people--so no excuses--just a promise to do better. Our offer to have you return (on us) is still valid. If you would like to talk about this feel free to call me at 206.930.1544 or email me at gary@garymanuel.com. Gary Howse, Co-Founder Gary Manuel

Good service, Not so great cut

by Lucibelle2

I usually go to Gene Juarez training salon but thought I'd give this place a try. The experience itself was fine. But the hairdresser was poorly trained and had no idea what chunky bangs were or facial framing. Although I don't know much about hair styling I do know those terms from going to hair dressers for over thirty years. I left with two different hair cuts. The layering wasn't even blended in. I was very disappointed and had to get another cut to fix the mistakes by this poor student.

• Pros: Price, service
• Cons: Poor training

Response from this business

garyhowse-1– March 03, 2009 at 17:16:23 PST

We're sorry to hear that our student didn't meet your expectations. We do have a training salon that is more similar to the one you were use to going to (Phase 3 by Gary Manuel) in Belltown. But, if you are unhappy in any of our companies we will do whatever it takes to make it right for you. Please contact me directly: Gary Howse, Co-Founder, gary@garymanuel.com

great cuts, ok for color

by georgie17

I've had six visits there over the last eight months - and most of the time it's been a good experience. The cut's always fantastic. I have my hair colored dark auburn, and three times it's been a great experience - while three times it's been not-so-great. Elle was able to recover the color to a normal state after a student left me with extremely "hot orange" roots - but two visits later there was a another uneven coloring experience - and although Elle had taken great care of fixing the first oopsie - the second oopsie she wasn't quite so accommodating and had to be persuaded to fix it properly.

It is a good value for the services, so if you're patient, you'll eventually walk out with a great look.

• Pros: value
• Cons: patience required, be prepared for uneven color

Response from this business

garyhowse-1– January 27, 2009 at 10:11:17 PST

Dear Georgie:

I'll start by thanking you for your business. Guests like you make it possible for our Future Hair Designers to work on real people with real hair challenges. Your comments about being "accommodating" are well taken--we will discuss this with everyone. I commit that we will always make things right when they go wrong (it's really part of teaching great service--thanks for this opportunity).

Again, thanks for being there for us. If you ever need anything please feel free to contact me directly.

Yours in service,

Gary Howse

Co-Founder/Gary Manuel AVEDA Institute

gary@garymanuel.com

Best Beauty School in Seattle!!

by ahka

Im a current student of the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute and I have to say this school is one of a kind. The educators are amazing, and they know what theyre talking about! Our "learning Leaders" are required to attend education courses often so they can keep up with the trends and pass it on. I really learn something new with every client.

When you enter the school you dont get that stuffy beauty school feeling. Its very bright and hip, im happy to come to such an inviting place. Which is saying alot because I have hated going to school since i can remember.

• Pros: 3 day a week classes, Positive enviroment, Fantastic instructors!
• Cons: Located in Capitol Hill, Parking is very expensive. Bussing is recomended.

Phenomenal color, personable service at a bargain price

by alexmontalvo

I had heard of the Instutute through a friend. I was on a budget and needed a less expensive alternative, so I made the appt. I was introduced to Laura, my stylist/student. We went over what color and look I wanted, and the Sr Instructor Elle came over to consult and advise. I had the 2 process color, Laura did a phenomenal job with the foils (a challenge since my hair is short), very professional and warm and fun. The color, the highlights & style turned out beautifully. I highly recomment laura, her professional and courteous service is to be commended...she has a great future ahead of her. I will be asking for her again! And what a bargain...here I paid at least half of what it cost me elsewhere, and left looking & feeling Fab..

• Pros: Great color and style by Laura
• Cons:  you need to " make time" (it's a school after all!)