Reviews :Avant Garde :: Aveda Beauty Salon and Day Spa in Austin, Texas :: Hair and Skin Care

Will you recommend Avant to your friends?

I had an excellent experience, thanks to finding your stylist David. For the first time in a long while, I have found a stylist with real talent. David listened carefully to my needs, and never once minimized my concerns about my hair. In the past, I am told I come off as very demanding to my stylists. David seemed completely comfortable with my approach, and this was so refreshing.

Thanks again, and I will be returning to your salon for future cuts, and have recommended your stylist to my friends already. - Dr. Jennings Staley

I am very happy with the cut Daisy gave me!! If I stay in Austin, I will be back!!

Avant was recommended by a friend after I relocated from Dallas to Austin. I'm very finicky about who cuts my hair (I have an unruly coif) and wanted an Aveda salon. Lacy and the downtown Avant salon were excellent. I received terrific service, a great cut, and will
most certainly return to and recommend Avant.

I go the Avant Gateway because of Rick. He is an accomplished
professional with a personal touch. LeAnn GIllette

I am a new customer here. I had the same hair stylist for years and was nervous to move on. but Julia has been amazing. I would recommend her to anyone.

My service was exceptional and my hair looks fabulous. I am very, very happy. I was referred by Amanda Darnell who, for her wedding, had her hair done by Emily. It was an excellent recommendation. I am very pleased.

wholeheartedly. i'm known among family and friends as the woman with the crazy hair, but after a cut from connie and highlights by carmen, i'm getting a lot of compliments. i even wear my hair down now just to show off. i'd never had my hair highlighted before and am delighted with what a difference it made. thanks guys!

Yes I will refer my friends! Jen did a perfect job on my hair color! Matter of fact I need to get back in there for a haircut very soon so i can find the perfect stylist as well.:) I love this place I have the same person all the way until my hair is complete unlike other salons that pass me off to a trainee.I wont mention any other salons but if I am going to pay alot of cash to get my hair done I want it done right and I dont want an assembly line to do it. It was very personable and not so snudy like other places. this place rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David did a great job and was very personable. I have already scheduled my next appointment and am looking forward to it. thanks.

I loved the Carribean Wrap and massage...most relaxing massage ever!

I came into your Salon with hair that was 15 inches long from my crown and had it cut into that of a more classic male short cut my longest hairis 5 inches in the front and fades quickly to about a inch all the way around and tappers out this cut was performed by one of the junior artists Lacy and she did without a doubt the job I would have recieved from a master consualtant. all in all Ihave no complants and will return for service again, I had such a hard time finding a salon in austin that could cut my hair I had walked out of two places before comming to your salon.

Today was my first time at avant and I loved it. I am originally from Chicago, but I have lived in Austin for 3 years. I have never been to a salon here and now I wish I would have started years ago. David probably gave me the best haircut I have ever had, and I love how Emily colored my hair! I really recommend this salon, it was a great experience.

I went in to see Laura (a junior stylist) and in not really being specific with what style I wanted (I was simply unsure as to what change I wanted for my hair - I just knew I wanted change!), she was able to give a great cut that had defined style.

My name is Jackie Truax. On January 30,2008 @ 5pm I went into the Downtown Avant Salon on 4th & Colorado with my Twin Sister Joanne, to get my hair cut for Locks for Love. We were greeted by Russell who made us feel like we were at home. As I waited for my Stylist I glanced around the Salon. It is Fabulous!! I felt as though I was truly about to change my life. You see I am a 53 yr old woman and about to become a Grandmother for the very 1st time March 28th to my Granddaughter- Gabriella Claire Roach. My Stylist approached, Jentry. I let him completely take over. Jentry made me feel sooooo very special, and gave me the most Beautiful haircut and style I could ever hope to have. It has truly changed the way I feel about myself. I look 10 yrs younger and my confidence is soaring. I have always been a pretty outspoken person, but this haircut not only gave me the chance to help a child, it helped me within myself, and I have a new friend...Jentry. I will be going to the Avant Salon for my future trims and styling and to catch up with Jentry on what is going on in our lives. I highly recommend this Salon & the Salon/Spa in North Austin and the Aveda products they use on their customers are wonderful. So if you want a little pampering, a little "girl" talk and an experience you will truly NEVER forget...go to an Avant Salon....afterall...you're worth it!! With much Love, Jackie

I just had my first hair cut by David. He is absolutely awesome! He listens, his skill is phenomenal and he is great about telling you what would look good. My haircut this morning after shampooing looks just as good as it did when David styled it. Run, don't walk to David for the best haircut in Austin!

Absolutely loved Laura, my haircut, and the whole experience!

My son and husband bought me a gift certificate for spa tapas and when i finally got to use it... I WAS SO THRILLED. everyone at the shop made my day away from my boys so wonderful! thank you so much!

I love my hair color. I've had lots of compliments, and one person even told me I looked 10 years younger! You can be sure I'll be back. Your staff was very friendly and helpful. Thanks, Carol

I already brought my Mom in for a pedicure with Ruth Ellen. She's great. I'll be back.

Roxana did a great job cutting and styling my hair. She made sure to ask me what I wanted out of my haircut and gave me great recommendations on how to style my hair. I will definitely request her on my next visit! Semia was also very professional and made my first time getting a bikini wax a semi-painful experience, instead of uber painful.

Melissa was great! She did one girl's hair here where I work and now all 4 of us go to her. I hate getting my hair cut but I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Both Carmen and Lacy did exceptionally well on my hair - I will be back again soon!!

Brooke was fabulous! I came in for a wax and it was painless and no redness or irritation. She's the best!

I had never experienced a facial before, and I wasn't sure what to expect. To be perfectly honest, I was a little nervous. WOW! What a great experience. I did not want it to end. Everyone I encountered was extremely pleasant and helpful. Natalie did my facial, and she was great. I can only rave about the service I received, and I would definitely want to visit again.

I love Avant. I have given gift suggestions of a facial at Avant. I am planning to give a facial gift certificate to my boyfriend for Xmas. He loves them!

I had my hair cut and colored, and it looks great. Then, while I was there, my stylist recommend that I come back and get my make-up done for my wedding. I did, and it looked amazing. Everyone is also very friendly and helpful.

Everyone I've had contact with has been amazing. Jason is an incredible massage therapist and Emma is a fabulous stylist. Will keep coming back.

I tell all my friends where I go, and even some strangers. I get so many compliments on my hair I just wish everyone went to Avant!

I've been going to Avant for several years now, and think the salon is wonderful! I really appreciate the recent discounts you've offered -- that helps a LOT.

I recently got my hair cut at Avant ; since I'm originally from Houston I was struggling trying to fin a new salon and stylist. I did my research on the Internet and found out that Avant had great reviews and high costumer satisfaction rates, so I decided to check it out. I chose Jentry as my stylist from a list on the website, and I couldn't be happier with my decision; to begin with the whole staff is nice and very polite, and Jentry was great!!!, not only did he received me with a huge smile and carefully listed to my desires, but he was very professional, very nice, and he made me feel relaxed and comfortable from the start. He listed to what I wanted and also added some personal creative touches,not to mention he gave me a great neck massage that took away this headache that I've had for weeks!!! . I love the haircut on which I started getting compliments as soon as I got out of the salon!!!, but more importantly I enjoyed myself the entire time I was there. I strongly recommend Avant and Jentry who is such a sweetheart!!! Marysol Marss

I was going through a rough patch and decided to start a new day with new hair, so I decided to spoil myself at Avant. Kim was wonderful and I can't say enough about how great I looked and felt when I left. I will definitely recommend her and will return myself! Thanks! Jill Pro J. Pro Photography

It's one of my favorite places, I always feel relaxed and pampered.

The avant experience is wonderful and my family and friends should enjoy it as well. Thank you.

The last time that I had went I had gone to the downtown location with a trainee cutting my hair. Roxi was absolutely a delight. She not only was very nice but acted very proffesionally. I will not only recomend Avant as a salon but I hope that Roxi will stay so I can have her cut it again and recommend to others. Thank you-this was only the second time that I have had my hair cut here since we just moved three months ago from AZ and I have never been treated so nice and as one should when they go to a salon rather than just another head of hair. Thank you for being such a great salon!!

Love the e-mail specials you all send. They have promted me to come in and purchase products and services on two occassions with in the last year.

Like that they offer occasional specials for various services.

Laura was GREAT! I am already looking forward to going back to see her!

I've sent so many of my friends over to avant and they all rave about the services. Thanks for giving them the same pampering treatment I always get when I go. --Bianca Moses

I have already recommended Julia to many friends. She is so sweet and very talented!! And she took the time to show me ways to style it and explain the products she was using. Best haircut I have ever had!!

Going to Avant Salon was the best experience. They are all so friendly and knowledgeable. I was having a lot of hormone problems affecting my hair and they helped me with this problem more than I ever imagined. I will go back and recommend Avant to everyone. Thanks so much.

Every time I get my haircut at Avant (downtown) I love it more. I get my haircut by Julia who was originally recommended to me by a friend. We both still use her and I have been completely satisfied by her services. I also LOVE the aveda products!!!

I absolutely love Avant. Great haircuts by Shana and I just had the most amazing facial I've ever had by Semia the other day. I recommend Avant to my friends every chance I get. Love it! Love it! Love it!

I have been going to Avant Salon at Gateway for nearly 6 years and have recommended many friends. Also love the Aveda products. Jen Marie is great!

I am new to Austin and was looking for an Aveda salon. I have been to Avant twice and am extremely pleased with the high quality service and attentive reception personnel. I have already recommended the salon to my daughter-in-law.

Brooke at the NW spa salon in the arboretum was the esthetician for my spa treatment on Wed, Oct 3rd. She has a great personality and made me feel very comfortable, and I was very happy with the results of my treatment. I will definitely be back! ~ Melissa Illig

I have been extremely happy with Avant and their hair coloring. I started with Ashley at the Gateway Avant in Austin, Tx and transferred to Emily at the downtown Austin location. Emily has been a great source for offering me a variety of options but still remaining true to my original option. She is an excellent stylist and have always received compliments on how wonderful my hair looks. I'm constantly telling people about Avant. Although it can be pricey at times, you pay for what you get and I believe it is more than worth it

I just wanted to let you know about my experience with David.
I saw David on 8/3/07 for a haircut. I must say, I am extremely impressed with my haircut.
He is a wonderful asset to Downtown Avant.
He listened attentively to my hair needs, he talked to me about my hair type and texture, he made suggestions about what would look good on me, he gave me a wonderful massaging shampoo, he spoke to me very pleasantly, he took his time to cut my hair and fix it just right, he took the time to explain to me how I can continue to take care of my hair and style it the way he did it, and he also recommended the products he used on my hair. I am 33 years old and this is the first time that I have received such good attention from a hairstylist and was very impressed with David. I hope he’ll be around for a long time at your salon so that I continue to see him.

Sincerely,

Neelam

I took advantage of the free hair cut offer to get acquainted with, David,a new hair stylist at the downtown salon. I wanted to find a salon closer to my house and the downtown location is perfect. So I decided to take a chance and made the appointment. I couldn't be happier. He not only gave me an excellent hair cut but he gave me the cut I wanted. I have been in Austin going on 6 years and have had 6 different people cut my hair, charging anywhere from $40 to $100. The hair stylist I have been using for the past year has come close to giving me the cut and style I want but has never gotten it exactly right. David on the other hand, got it right the first time - amazing! He is a very talented young man. I will definitely be back to see him - I feel so fortunate to have found him.

Thank you,

Kay

I had a wonderful visit with Angelica. My hair still looks great and I will be visiting her again. Thanks again.

On Friday, August 24th, David at your downtown location cut my hair. He did an excellent job, and (as a former client of Rudolph), believe me I know the difference. He handles hair confidently, listens to the client's concerns, and gave me a superb haircut. Please pass on my recommendation to Avant's owners.

I just wanted to thank you for all the services and staff that Avant has. My first visit was amazing. I moved from DC to Austin back in August and had not gotten my hair cut in such a long time. Not only do I love and adore the cut and style of my hair, but the service and staff were amazing. Prices, I felt, were also GREAT for the services provided! Julie (Julia?) was fantastic. She did SUCH a great job with my hair and it looks sooo good. I even wore it curly today rather than blow it out and the cut works great with it! She did such a wonderful job! Thank you so much for your salon and services! I can't wait for my next visit in June.

Virginia

I wanted to tell you OUTSTANDING your salon is. I had the same hairdresser for several years before she moved away a few years ago. Since then I have not been able to find a salon or hairdresser that I have liked and am comfortable with telling her what I want and then listening to her advice as to if it's a "good idea" or if another way would look much better on me. Well I had an appointment with Jennifer Marie at the NorthWest Salon on Capital of Texas Highway this past week and she is AWESOME!!!!! She is so friendly and really listened to what I was wanting and then offered her advice and I felt comfortable enough with her even on the first visit to listen to her and I am so thankful I did. It's the BEST hair cut/style I've gotten since I lost my hairdresser. Sadly I found her just as I am about to move to San Antonio, HOWEVER, I will DEFINITELY be driving back to Austin just to see her. I hope you will never lose her!!!! Not to mention that you have a beautiful salon with awesome customer service. Having tried sooooooo many different salons...UGH!!!....I had forgotten how awesome it is to be in a "real" and "true" salon.

Dear Avant,
I was very impressed by the service I received at Avant. Everyone was so nice and I definitely plan on coming back. Thank you! I really enjoyed my visit to your salon. I just moved to the area not too long ago and have tried several different places w/ no luck. When I walked into Avant, I knew that it was a place that I would enjoy. My stylist Ashley was very helpful and I am planning on definantely going back to her. And she suggested products for my hair, but didn't push them on me like some salons do. All and all, I really enjoyed my visit and am looking forward to coming back..

My visit was spectacular! I was very pleased with my hair, And Charlotte was absolutely the greatest! I cannot wait to see her again!

Lisa

I just wanted to tell you that getting a haircut at your salon was a great experience. Why? Well, you had that blend of upscale professionalism mixed with a staff†who seemed to actually LIKE people. It's wonderful to get a relaxing spa experience with the massage, the relaxing scents, and the beautiful interior, but having staff members who are giving fake smiles, running their practiced encouragement or questioning lines on you while their mind is somewhere else totally diminishes the experience. Julia, who was my stylist, was very genuine and when I asked for a little different shift in my cut (my first time ever having the guts to ask that of a stylist) she was incredibly accommodating and not at all upset or flustered at my request. She also recommended some amazing products that have my hair looking better than it has ever looked. My hair has always been horrible...thin shaft, not a lot of it, and frizzy on top of that. Now it looks smooth without being weighted down and even looks thicker.
I really liked that I could get an appointment within a couple of days of my phone call, which means that you're staffing appropriately. (The bull-sh#t of having to wait because you're so "exclusive" means nothing to me and I just go somewhere else when I'm ready for a cut.) I have to be in the mood to get a haircut for several reasons....it's a huge wait because the stylist is always running behind (it was NOT the situation at your salon, I waited maybe 5 minutes because I was early), it's usually a huge expense for an average experience (well, it was expensive but not disproportionate to what I received in service and the products...not to mention joining the Aveda club AND getting a coupon emailed), and they always make me feel like I'm totally uncool. I have to be in the mood to schedule an hour of a condescending attitude. (hey, some of us are just not girlie-girls so my fashion may not be ultra chic...I guess that's why I don't seem to "rate"). When I finally got myself in the mood for the usual salon experience, I didn't feel that "we'll tolerate you because we want your money, but you really don't belong here" at your salon, and it was greatly appreciated. I'll be back.

Thanks for the opportunity to tell you in email that I enjoyed it...I'm much better at writing than I am at telling someone in person...and thanks for the coupon. I'll use it when I come back.

Ellen

I am new in town and visited your salon recently for the first time for some color and highlights. Emily went above and beyond to make sure I left there completely satisfied with my hair color. Obviously she is quite talented but she is the utmost professional. I love my hair and welcome the compliments from my friends and family. I look forward to my next appointment!

Hello - My wife is a long time customer of you salon, so in essence I have been paying for your services for a while. J She is always so happy so I decided to try one of your 1 hr massages. It was great!! The staff was professional and polite, and the lady who performed my massage was friendly and great! I walked out feeling like a new man. I really appreciate the great service.

“My haircut was very nice and I’ve had many people tell me they like it. Anyway, I’m scheduled for March 1. Thanks.”

I was very pleased with my Avant experience, and have already started telling all of my friends to go there. I am already scheduled for Jennifer to do my updo for my wedding on March 10th. I will also use Jennifer to do my hair from now on.
Thank You,

Jane

Just to let you know. I was in last Friday for a cut, color and eyebrow wax. My experience was nothing less than fabulous. The girls were wonderful and the staff was courteous. The environment was pleasant. I can not wait till my next trip. Thank you so much.
Did I mention I love my hair!!!

Thank you for the follow up. I can't believe Ive never gone to your salon since I moved here from Dallas! I've been looking for 4 yrs to find a place I always want to go back to, and now I have. The service was excellent! I haven't cut my hair short for 4 yrs now because I've always been scared that I would be disappointed, but Jennifer Marie (sp?) did a great job, and I get compliments all the time :) Both services I got from your salon has been great.

My service was awesome at Avant! Jennifer was great and I've had nothing but compliments on my hair I went from a long due to a short one. Avant was very relaxing environment that was much needed. Thanks!!

My experience at the Avant spa was great!! I've been in town for a couple of months and stumbled across Avant from all the great reviews. I was looking for an affordable stylist that could get the job done. The receptionist I was speaking with recommended Rudy (at gateway) since he was in my price range. I've had battles with my hair for years and always had people telling me to relax my hair. Most stylists use thinning scissors on my hair which ruins it. Well Rudy has taught me to embrace my curly hair and not fight it. The haircut was amazing and he has educated me on how to style it which now takes me under 5 minutes. He was very friendly and professional and the shampoo/scalp massage was great!!!. I highly recommend!!

I really enjoyed my trip to Avante Salon. I just moved to the area and have tried several other salons without success. However, when I walked into Avant, I knew that it was a place that I would enjoy. My stylist Ashley was very helpful and I am planning on defiantely going back to her. And she suggested products for my hair, but didn't push them on me like some salons do. All and all, I really enjoyed my visit and am looking forward to coming back.

I recently visited Avant Salon and Spa by Arboretum area for one hour Facial and one hour Massage. This was by far my best spa experience ever! I definitely recommend this spa to anyone looking for a great spa experience. Oh and I loved the products they were using during the sessions! I will be back!

I recently had color applied by Vanessa. It's the best color job I ever had! People stop me everywhere complimenting me on the fabulous color. I always hear.. where do you get your hair done?!! :-) I should carry an entire box of your cards in my pocket - I've already handed out tons. My hair has been traditionally difficult to color, since I like deep red. My wonderous red hair usually faded, but NOT THIS TIME! Vanessa did such a great job - and treated me so well - it was a wonderful experience! She made all her work feel effortless to me, and treated me like royalty. She also sold me an awesome hair product that I love - the Aveda Damage control - so luscious! thank you Vanessa - you're a dream! This is the most amazing salon - you have a client for life!!!

That is what I was told when I asked where to get my hair done. I moved here in July. I was very apprehensive to go to a new salon after years with my last. Avant made me feel welcome and wanted. They did marvels with my hair. Now I wished I moved here sooner! Avant is a great salon in a great city.

Avant is one of the best salon experiences I have had. I am in town working on a film and had my hair destroyed by our stylist. I was not going to let anyone touch my hair till I got back to LA, but when would that be. One of our interns suggested Avant, I gave it a shot, and I feel human again. Thanks to Jen Marie and the staff at Avant.

I had my bridal make up with Jackie from this salon. She was tremendously patient, helpful, and calming. I love the make up that she did for me. Plus, she is really nice. I had Jackie and her assistance did my entire wedding parties & mothers... and everyone was just so happy and looks very pretty. They really listened and tried to achieve the looks that you want.

For our three year anniversary my husband gave me an Avant gift card for a day of beauty at Avant spa. Everybody was so friendly! The spa area was very relaxing and welcoming. Sara gave me the best facial ever and the body treatment with Melissa was fantastic. I spent half of my day there and it was a real get away. I love my husband even more. I came back there again ang got my hair colored with Robert - he is very talented and professional. We had a very thourough consultation and the result was outstanding. I love everything about Avant. I will be back!

I stopped in the other day for a facial and had a relaxing and wonderful experience. I have had many facials in the past and this one was well worth my money... better than any other facial I have ever had, hands-down. I am new to the area and will definitely be returning for a hair cut soon.

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