Avant Salon and Day Spa

I WAS NEW IN AUSTIN AND HAD NEVER HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE IN AN AVEDA SALON BEFORE. AVANT GAVE ME BAD COLOR AND A BAD HAIR CUT THAT COST ME A FORTUNE TO HAVE IT CORRECTED. FOR THE SAME PRICE TRY KEITH KRISTOPHER SALON. THIS SALON USES BETTER PRODUCTS....NOT AVEDA....AVEDA PRODUCTS ARE TRULY BECOMING OBSOLETE......THER ARE TOO MANY TALENTED TECHNICIANS IN AUSTIN TO WAIST YOUR TIME AT MEDIOCRE SALONS LIKE AVANT. I TOO DID NOT WANT TO GIVE ANY STARS...

Pros: NONE

Cons: INEPT TECHNICIANS

Posted 07/26/09

i had roxy. she was great and made sure i was 100% styled before leaving.

Pros: relaxing

Posted 07/07/09

I received a gift certificate for $100 when I first moved to Austin, I called to make an appointment, the front desk was very rude...being in the beauty business myself, I understand people can have rough days. I called to make an appt the second time because they couldn't fit me in the the first, they couldn't find my gift certificate. I wanted to check because I know my friend bought it for me several months prior! I have met Svetlana, the manager, on several occasions, both, being in the beauty business, so I emailed her to ask a management perspective, I really wanted to use my $100, that my best friend 1500 miles away bought for me!....no repsonse.....I emailed a second time....no response....I left several messages with the front desk staff....still nothing??? Apparently Avant doesn't care about customers...or must not be hurting for business...or doesn't want to honor gift certificates! If salon workers be wary....then real patrons should be extra wary....if you can't trust people that are in the same business as you? Then how can you trust them with your service?

Pros: Couldn't Tell

Cons: Management! Svetlana!!!

Posted 06/19/09

In an effort to make me happy, the schedulers often ask me when I would like to come and somehow make it happen at the last minute. This translates to some pretty tense and rushed staff members trying to get me through an already full schedule. I wish they front desk would be more realistic and say, "Hey, we are full, come in next week". I could easily handle that.
The ultimate result, though was that my color and cut looked great..but I felt sort of "violated" by the rush rush of the service and the fast intense energy of the colorist and stylist. BUT , YES, I got compliments afterwards from folks about my hair as usual.

Pros: quality color and cuts

Cons: taking on too many clients?

Posted 06/01/09

I chose Avant for a facial because of their participation in Spa Week. I got an amazing facial at a great price. I had never had a facial before. The facialist (April) was great, never pushed products and my skin was soft.

I would go back again. No wait, offered beverage etc.

Pros: great facial

Cons: ??

Posted 05/01/09

Maybe I'm asking too much from this salon, but from the moment I booked the appointment, I was served a big ole plate of attitude!

First and foremost, if it weren't for my assistant texting me a reminder the night before, I would totally have forgotten about my scheduled appointment with Avant (hello!!! a confirmation phone call the day before would have been nice)

When I entered the salon, I was told to wait in the reception area and my stylist would be with me shortly. 10 minutes went by and no one offered me a beverage (I could see other clients with them) nor an explanation as to why I had to wait... finally, an apprentice came over and let me know that she would be doing my shampoo. She was sweet, however, that was the lousiest shampoo I've ever received and my neck wasn't supported at all during the process.

I was escorted back to the reception area where I waited for another 20 minutes...my appointment was scheduled for 10:30am and it was now 11:10 and I had yet to see or hear from my scheduled stylist. At this point in time, I requested to speak with the manager and informed her that I was very displeased and that I needed to have my hair blown dry, as I had meetings to attend. She hustled up an apprentice and I was taken to her station.

About 5 minutes into the blowdry, my scheduled stylist made an appearance and said that she would take over from there (I wished that I'd have stayed with the apprentice)...to make a VERY long story short, I received the ABSOLUTE WORST blowdry I could ever have had; my 9 year old nephew could have done a better job!

I've got a full head of great hair...I don't know how she managed to do it, but I looked like a frizz ball with flat hair. Although the service was comp'd, I tipped the stylist $10 and called it a day...in hindsight, I overtipped by $10...not being a b*tch, but the moment I stepped out of the salon, my hairstyle collapsed into a stringy Aveda product mess. NEVER AGAIN!

If you are seeking a salon that doesn't know the first thing about VIP customer service, this is the place for you!

(PS.........I didn't even think they deserved 1 star....but this website forced me to give a rating!)

Pros: Got a compliment from an apprentice on my outfit

Cons: Everything: customer service, quality of service, lack of...

Posted 04/30/09

A bit too loud and busy.
Upside, hip, trendy and the people are nice.
Running that far behind is not acceptable.

Pros: Good Salon

Cons: Long wait for some stylists

Posted 04/27/09

I've gotten my hair cut and colored by Melissa/Carianne twice now and it is by far the best my hair has ever looked. I love the experience of coming to Avant and from here on out, won't go anywhere else!!

Pros: professional and very knowledgeable staff

Cons: none

Posted 04/07/09

I am so happy with the service I received here. I was able to book online, which was very convenient, and I didn't have to wait at all when I arrived for my appointment. The salon is beautiful and very clean and I particularly like that the music isn't loud or obnoxious. Shanna, my stylist, is clearly very skilled and knowledgeable. She gave me exactly what I asked for and didn't do anything different without asking, which is a problem I often have with stylists. I will definitely come back and see her again!

Pros: lots of parking, nice atmosphere, skilled stylists

Cons: I don't have any complaints.

Posted 03/26/09

I've been seeing Carianne for cuts and Melissa for color for about 6 months now; they are both absolutely WONDERFUL. They're easy to work with and very honest when it comes to telling me what will and won't work with my facial structure and hair type; and they've not only improved the condition of my hair, they've actually made it look GOOD! (AND I don't feel as though I need for them to be in my bathroom every morning while I do my hair, either ... the style is simple but exactly what I wanted.)
Both of the girls are young, with funky hairstyles [compared to me, anyway] -- and I was slightly leery of what they might end up doing to me ... but there was nothing to worry about. They actually listen to you and WORK with you -- and the salon always seems to have an opening when I need it!
I've tried several other "upscale" salons in Austin, but I will never leave Avant -- unless Carianne and Melissa do!

Pros: Wonderful stylists

Cons: Front desk staff sort of snotty

Posted 03/08/09

I have known vanessa for about 7 years and she is the only person who did my hair right.

Posted 03/04/09

I have tried a number of the haircutters in this salon. They have all been nice people, and I have always gotten a decent professional cut, but usually it was not exactly what I had wanted. In defense of the haircutters, I have fine, thin, wavy hair that is difficult to work with. My most recent haircut was with Ric, and he listened carefully to what I wanted, and gave me exactly the cut I asked for. The cut has been easy to manage and looks good with the most minimal care. I am extremely happy with it, and I will be going to him from now on.

As far as color goes, I was lucky enough to find Vanessa on my very first visit to the salon. She's the best. The color has always looked natural, and faded gradually without any visible grow-out line. My hair always feels like silk after she has colored it. Beyond this, she always goes the extra mile to make my experience as pleasant as possible, from holding my twirling chair when I sit down to making sure I am comfortable at the shampoo bowl. She has always been extremely considerate of my time, beyond the call of duty, and usually checks back with me to see how my haircut went. I wouldn't go to anyone else.

Posted 01/28/09

My hair was in desperate need of a make over and I went to go see Roxi there and she is wonderful just after the short time talking with her she knew exactly what I needed and it?s seriously the best cut I have ever had, she's wonderful!!

Pros: Great products for a great price and they smell great!

Posted 01/20/09

It can be a difficult and somewhat personal choice finding a salon that makes you feel comfortable. I've been searching for the right one for quite awhile and when I booked this appointment, my expectations weren't very high, I was just hoping I wouldn't be disappointed. In short, my appointment far exceeded my expectations and I'm very happy that I chose Avant. Allie was my stylist and from the get go, she presented herself professionally and knowledgeable with hair. She explained what type of brush would work best for my style (my hair is very thick), but was careful not to push me to into buying anything unnecessarily. She also showed me how I should properly blowdry my hair in order to get the results I wanted with my new haircut. I'm very happy and have already received several compliments on it. Oh and another bonus for me is having the convenience of being able to book on-line. I love that! Thanks very much for the follow up and exceptional customer service.

Posted 01/16/09

Hello everyone, this is Vanessa from Avant. I am sorry you have been misinformed, but I am NOT leaving Avant. None of my clients have to worry about me leaving! I am very happy at Avant. I love this company and will be here for a very long time. I am a part of the education team. I care very much about my salon's future. We are also about to start doing photo shoots for our ads and to display in our salons. My dedication to this salon will keep me for a long time. So if anybody interested in doing photo shoots or having your color done, you can find me at Avant.

Posted 01/10/09

My colorist Vanessa is leaving Avant soon and I am wondering what I will do.
Vanessa told me that she will be relocating to another salon soon and I am concerned about my color
application and the formula.
Several other stylist left in the past year, so it has been quite a bit of confusion to have the same value
every time. I most probably will try another salon in the area.

Pros: Parking

Cons: Too noisy

Posted 01/09/09

6 months ago I decided to dye my hair brown (from blonde). I have since decided to go back to being a blonde and had highlights last weekend. I have thick, long, curly hair. I told the stylists (Brittany) I wanted blonde highlights all over. During the highlighting process the stylists asked me if I wanted the lighter pieces in the front around my face and I said Yes. She proceeded to color the front part of my face last so it processed the color shortest and the back of my hair processed the longest. Well no surprise the front of my hair is darker then the back of my hair. Also, the stylists asked me if I wanted ash or honey highlights which they would use a toner to get that effect. We discussed it and decided on honey. I have a lot of hair so you have to use a lot of product to get all my hair. When she applied the toner she didn't get all my hair and their are sections throughout my hair that are visibly lighter then the rest of my hair. To make matters worse after she washed my hair she asked me how I wanted to style my hair. I knew she did not want to blowdry it straight because she had already mentioned it would take over an hour because I have so much hair. So, I told her to do it curly. She then proceeded to ask me what product I should use in my hair and had me scrunch my hair to make it curly. Then she told me to sit under the blowdryer and let it dry that way as opposed to her using a diffuser to dry it and it turned out horrible. This stylist made it clear she did not know how to work with curly hair or cared to learn. If I'm going to pay $150 to get my hair done I most certainly expect the stylists to style my hair. If you call yourself a professional and charge the prices this salon does, your staff should be able to work with all types of hair. I will never go back to this salon and if you do not have straight thin hair I would most certainly not recomend this salon.

Pros: Aveda products are natural and good for the environment.

Cons: Inexperienced staff

Posted 01/08/09

I just recently got my hair done there by a girl named roxie and shes wonderful I didn't know what I wanted and after talking to me for a bit she picked the perfect hair style for me!

Posted 12/10/08

I'm going to Avant Salon since 2 years and I've been consistently satistied with Ashley (hair color and highlights) and Shana (haircut). I always get compliments on the result. They're both very professional, skilled and talented. I highly recommend them.

Pros: Relaxing, great ambience

Cons: Pricey

Posted 12/10/08

I have been going to Avant for over 10 years and have watched them grow and win award after award. I noticed many years ago, that Avant Stylist are never hired from other salons, rather always trained in house. Recently the recession effected me hard, and i lost my job. With Thanksgiving approaching, I recieved an Email about Avants training classes. Being desperate for a haircut, i gave it a try. I just want to say "I love my haircut". Arron impressed me with his talent. I will be back! Hopefully I will get a new job before he gets too expensive.

Pros: Aveda, Great Staff, Austin Original

Cons: not cheap ....

Posted 11/30/08

I am the type of person who enjoys walking into a salon and telling any stylist the basic changes I want (i.e. short, growing it out, highlights, single color process, etc.) but after a disaster with a new stylist at a SOSO salon, I've become a little more detailed about my hair preferences. I started seeing Laura who was referred to me through a friend and I am so happy to have found a stylist that understands me again! I give her basics (short, layers, no layers) and tell her other contributing information (I often air-dry my hair and when it's short it's poufy) and she goes from there. I've avoided going for any bobs lately because my hair gets poufy but we talked it over and I ended up with one of the best haircuts ever! Even after the cut had essentially grown out, I continued to get compliments. All of the stylists I encountered at Avant were friendly and personable. The salon has the appearance of a more snooty environment, but everyone there is fun and down-to-earth (as much as stylists can be). I definitely recommend this salon....especially Laura!!

Pros: Austins most talented and best educated staff and the use Aveda.

Cons: I live in South Austin, I will have to take a chance on Avants new SouthPark Meadows location.

Posted 11/30/08

Well I got another email of another great stylist that has left. Rudy used to cut my hair and always did a fantastic job. He really knows shape like no other. He gave me the most precise bob I've ever had. I know you didn't retire Rudy...thats ridiculous. Now Avant has to figure out how to keep their talented stylists.

Pros: salon smells good

Cons: front desk is rude

Posted 11/26/08

Crystal did a great job on my highlights. They look natural but enough blonde to make it fun. The blend of colors she used really helps give definition to my hair. Thanks!

Posted 11/12/08

I have been going to Avant for a few years as I like the AVeda products, the atmosphere, and the customer services. Teresa does both my color and cut. I have always enjoyed the visit to the salon as it is quiet, serene, and relaxing. However, the salon has changed in the last year. It appears that the owner is moving it from a high value/ customer focused salon to that of high volume/low value. There are so many stations there now that you can barely get from the front to the back without running into chairs or people. Regrettably, my stylist Teresa has also left for Luxe in the Domain. Per chance it is time for me to find another salon with more atmosphere.

Pros: some of the stylists are truly outstanding..Jackie is a good manager.

Cons: too crowded that it feels like Grand Central Station

Posted 11/02/08

I just have to say that I LOVE Mandy at the downtown location! Wow! She is amazing! Just when my bridal portrait day was looking extremely gloomy (rain and a bad updo.....) she made the day a beautiful one by doing my makeup and hair! Thanks Mandy! I will never forget that day! You're an angel in my eyes! -Kim M

Posted 10/20/08

Haircut by Amanda, color by Vanessa. Both stylists were lots of fun, but very professional. Haircut and color were spectacular. I would definitely recommend this salon to ANYONE!!! Front-desk personnel (checking in upon arrival and checking out upon completion of services) were very kind, attentive, and professional without being stuffy. Beautifully decorated salon as well. Great experience--I will definitely be back.

Posted 10/15/08

My experience began really well- I had an enjoyable facial that left me feeling really clean and relaxed. My haircut, however, would end in disaster. My stylist, Laura, was condescending and rude. After I asked to have about 3 inches trimmed with tapering around my face, she said that I would need more than that cut. She proceeded to cut about 8 inches off without even telling me!! I had no idea what she was doing, she didn't consult me about the length at all. After she cut all of my hair off to one length, she dried it for 25 minutes and then walked me to the front without saying a word. She didn't offer give me a haircut more fitting for the length that she had cut it and she left little "tails"- small bits of longer hair all around. A total nightmare. I got a better cut at TGF- sad, but true

Pros: Great facials

Cons: I left 8 inches of hair there!

Posted 10/03/08

My experience today was unbelievable. I truly enjoyed every minute of it. Amanda was so knowledgeable and so kind. She did an incredible job on my highlights and I felt so special. Rick was awesome. So personable and he did a fabulous job on my hair. I was so pleased with both and will definitely be back. I went to your online site and noticed wonderful references on both Amanda and RIck. I went with that and am so thrilled!!!!!!!!!!! I will recommend them and can't wait to see this team in a month. Debbie D. Austin, TX

Posted 09/23/08

I loved the haircut I already had from Vain but needed a trim to clean things up since my regular girl was out of town. I made an appointment at Avant and when I arrived they did not have me on the calendar. They were not apologetic or accommodating, but after some pleading, I was squeezed in an hour or so later with another stylist (Melissa, if I remember correctly). The stylist was unprofessional from the very beginning, would not stop chewing her gum with her mouth open right in my ear as she hacked off my hair. She screamed across the salon to another stylist throughout the cut to turn the music up louder. At one point, she stopped cutting my hair to walk over to the radio herself and didn?t say anything. My hair is stick straight and she used thinning shears the entire time. You could see all the blunt chunks and one layer half way up the length of my hair. It looked like when I tried to cut my Barbie?s hair when I was a kid. I explained to her it was too harsh and choppy; she said that she has been doing hair for 10 yrs. and that she didn?t know what I was talking about.
I reluctantly paid and left the salon to inspect the mess on my head. I was in my car when I saw that she could not even trim my straight-across bangs right. I literally just needed a quarter of an inch taken off the length of my bangs, but she failed to section off all of the hairs so I had stray strands that were longer than the rest of my bangs. I hadn?t even left the lot so I went back up and spoke to the receptionist about my bangs and she went to talk with Melissa. Melissa had already taken her next appointment and refused to see me. She thought it would be better for me to get my bangs repaired by someone else. After some frustrated, firm words with the receptionist I had to wait 20min or so for another stylist to come back from lunch. I ended up with Daisy who trimmed the rest of my bangs. I scheduled with Angelia from Wet salon to fix the rest of my hair.

Pros: I can't say anthing good about this place.

Cons: It was all very, very BAD.

Posted 08/17/08

I am the type of person who enjoys walking into a salon and telling any stylist the basic changes I want (i.e. short, growing it out, highlights, single color process, etc.) but after a disaster with a new stylist in New York, I've become a little more detailed about my hair preferences. I started seeing Kim who was referred to me through a friend and I am so happy to have found a stylist that understands me again! I give her basics (short, darker, lighter, layers, no layers) and tell her other contributing information (I often air-dry my hair and when it's short it's poufy) and she goes from there. I've avoided going for any bobs lately because my hair gets poufy but we talked it over and I ended up with one of the best haircuts ever! Even after the cut had essentially grown out, I continued to get compliments. All of the stylists I encountered at Avant were friendly and personable. The salon has the appearance of a more snooty environment, but everyone there is fun and down-to-earth (as much as stylists can be). I definitely recommend this salon....especially Kim! My boyfriend just gave me a gift certificate for the Avant Spa. Reading the great reviews, and based on my experience with Kim the bar has been set rather high.

Pros: Great customer service, great energy, great cut, great products (AVEDA)

Cons: Avant Spa is North (i live in San Marcus), good news I was told Avant Spa SouthPark is opening

Posted 08/16/08

Ric did an awesome job helping me choose a cut that really works with my lifestyle. I'll definitely be coming back, and have told many of my friends and family how happy I am that I went to Avant.

Posted 07/16/08

I found Avant while searching the web for a new salon to get a haircut. Between the mixed reviews and high prices I was very skeptical, but I felt like treating myself and thought I would give it a try. After all it is just hair. It will grow back, right?

When I walked in two very friendly ladies at the front desk greeted me. They offered me some complimentary beverages and a comfy place to sit while I waited for my stylist Laura. After a very short wait, Laura took me back for my consultation. She was very patient and listened to everything concern and question about my haircut. She gave me a great style recommendation that best suited my needs.

I was then escorted back to a Zen-like room where I received a very relaxing shampoo and the most amazing scalp rub ever. I almost fell asleep in the chair, but it was time to go get my haircut.

Laura was very polite and conversational while I was getting my haircut. After the haircut and style I was very impressed with my new look and my new salon.

For a person who isn?t comfortable paying 40 or more for a simple haircut I have been converted. I will be back to Advant and to visit Laura as the years come. It wasn?t just a haircut it was an experience.

Pros: Great service, Friendly staff, more than just a haircut

Cons: Haven't found one yet

Posted 07/13/08

I have been getting my hair done at Avant for a few years and like it just fine. Amanda is my stylist and she is friendly and does a nice job. I have a very simple hairstyle, though, so I can't speak for someone who wants a lot of styling done. In fact, the best thing about Amanda is that she listens to what I want. Many stylists try to push you into a certain style. Amanda will state her opinion, but will also listen and give you the final word, with a positive attitude. She found a nice way to frame my face and layer my hair without losing the simplicity or making it a bother for me to style every day.

The first time I went there I visited a different stylist to see about getting a perm. That stylist tried to talk me into highlights, which I declined, and then gave me a perm that literally did not change my hair at all. (I think my hair is unpermable, because the same thing later happened at another salon.) I called the management at Avant a few days after the perm, when it was obvious I had gotten no results, and asked for a refund. The manager listened to what I said, was respectful and gave me a prompt refund with no hassle. Later I was referred to Amanda for cuts and styling.

You can trust this salon with your business.

Pros: Good customer service and styling

Cons: A bit expensive

Posted 06/29/08

I made a big mistake... "cheated" on my regular hairstylist thinking that "the grass was greener somewhere else". What a terrible mistake! I live in north Austin, therefore ended going to Avant Salon looking for a new spa experience. Amanda was recommended by the person on the phone as a great stylist.

Posted 05/31/08

This is well worth your money. This was the best brow wax I have ever had. The gal spent about a half hour just on my brows. She waxed, plucked, and trimmed forever. I felt so pampered and she was very attentive to my wishes. It was wonderful...Very recommended!

Pros: Skilled staff-very nice atmosphere back in the spa

Cons: The atmospher in the salon was a bit noisy...A little overwhelming for an aveda salon.

Posted 05/29/08

I have been a regular customer at Avant since the days of one salon on Guadalupe in the early 90's. My daughter was in kindergarten then and I would bring her with me and the stylists would give her a "workstation" and brushes and combs so she could pretend to be a fabulous stylist; and they'd take her next door to Amy's Ice Cream when it was still in the Guadalupe building. My daughter is now 25 and since those days, I've followed Teresa to the north Austin location who has cut, curled, and colored my hair for all these many years. She is a wonderful, hilarious, talented, kind stylist and colorist who genuinely cares about her customers. I can't imagine going anywhere but Avant. The people who work at this salon are special and it is always a wonderful treat to spend a morning or an afternoon with people who are warm and friendly, and of course, highly skilled and professional. I recommend Avant to everyone I know.

Pros: Teresa and overall experience

Cons: none

Posted 05/21/08

I just want to tell you that you are very lucky to have Amanda Hasty working for you. I have been coloring my hair for years at many different salons in many different states and I have never found anyone as knowledgeable as Mandy. She not only knows her stuff, she is a lot of fun and makes the client feel special. This visit was my second with her and I live in Tennessee. I will be coming to her again this summer. If I could get a special airline fare more often I would never let anyone else touch my hair, she is that good! Thank you for employing Mandy. Donna Kelley Belvidere, Tennessee

Pros: staff especially Mandy Hasty

Cons: too far away from Tennessee!

Posted 05/21/08

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 my stylist did a great job, and I get compliments all the time :) Both services I got from your salon has been great.
I hope your services stay the same. Thank you!

Posted 05/19/08

I love love this place, probably one of Avant's biggest fan! I've been a very very satisfied/returning customer for over 5 years. I'm Asian and I have really thick dark hair (not coarse), just really thick and straight. I've been seeing Shanna for over the 5 years now and she knows what she's doing. She gets my hair and she gets me. I always have an idea of what I want, but Shanna always refines it, giving me a haircut that makes my friend's envious all the time. I also have to mention that I currently live in LA, but always schedule to see Shanna for a cut whenever I'm in town, because she's so talented. I also have to mention when Shanna was sick and I was in town and desperately needed a hair cutt. I saw Emma and she was fantastic as well. She fixed my terrible haircut that I had gotten in LA.

I have to say a key attribute to the stylists at Avant is that they listen to your needs/wants in a hair cut- they don't dismiss your opinions.

The talented stylists, the amazing/super nice and knowledgable front desk staff and fanstastic ambience is why I keep coming to Avant. You won't feel out of place. It's a down to earth place where there's just enough energy and hipness but yet tranquil enough to feel like a spa/salon.

Pros: friendly and professional staff, great price for an amazing hair cut, the ambience makes you feel casual chic

Cons: haven't had any issues

Posted 05/19/08

This place is the best. It's pampering all around since the very moment you enter into it. I have been going with Jenn Marie and Ashley for haircut and highlights since 2003. They are great. I have done 3 "make-overs" there with their suggestions. I trust them. People are always complementing me on my hair. Even strangers !! It's awesome ! The ambiance is modern and elegant. I have to go there every month and a half. I cannot go anywhere else.

Posted 05/19/08

I have been going to the downtown location of Avant for awhile now. I just recently got married and Mandy, who does my highlights, did my updo for the wedding. It could have possibly been my favorite thing about my entire "outfit." I absolutely LOVED it. And of course she always does a great job on my color. I would not go anywhere else, or to anyone else.

Posted 05/18/08

Love what Amanda Hasty has done for my color. Everyone is super friendly and concerned with my results. Haircuts or color are always done right.

Pros: Staff is great

Cons: no complaints!

Posted 05/18/08

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.

Posted 05/18/08

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.

Posted 05/18/08

Its funny I just so happened to go on to the site to get the dwontown number and saw this last review about "the girl with the dreadlocks". Just wanted to say a couple things real quick. Thats my girl and she has been doing my color for about two or three years. I have followed her from north Austin to downtown and will follow her back North when she goes. The salon has not once ever made me wait more than 15 minutes to get my hair done, and as far as not worrying about my hair...lol! Girl drives me nuts with her worrying. Im a red head thats platinum blonde. Im always trying to get her to push the limit with my hair. She sweetly refuses, even when I argue with her. I dont know what happened with this other person, and no disrespect to her, but I just want everyone to know that she DOES care very much and i love her to death! You go momma see you this week!

Pros: great atmosphere, over concern for my hair and its health, great staff, great products!

Cons: the parking is terrible

Posted 05/18/08

I have been a faithful Avant customer for the past 8 years and will not be going back. Service has been great until now. I have made 4 appointments between August 2007 and April 2008. Three of the four appointments have been miss-scheduled or not scheduled at all (even appointments I've made in person!!). The first 2 times I rescheduled, but the third time I said no. I will not be going back to Avant. Staff was unapologetic and rude. I do not recommend Avant.

Posted 04/25/08

I got a massage during Spa Week at Avant and was very impressed with the treatment that I received for the price. Don't be fooled by the busy salon area up front. They take you to a back area that is quite, dark, and serene. My massage therapist was great. She asked me what I was looking for from my massage and she did a great job at working my back and getting some of the knots out. I will definitely return!

Pros: Convenient location, lots of parking

Posted 04/22/08

Being a recent resident of the Austin area, I have been able to experience a few of the so called "top rated" salons in the city. However, I have just really never seem to click with a stylist. Either the cut was a little too edgy/funky or the color would just be an unnatural brassy tone. I had just about given up, when a co-worker of mine came back a little late from her "lunch" with absolutely stunning hair! Within minutes I had made my appointment with her colorist, Mandy. Although I had to wait almost 3 weeks to get an appointment! The salon was very busy when I had arrived, but Mandy made me feel right at home and really gave me one-on-one attention. From the first few minutes of our consultation, I knew I was in great hands! We went over some options for my "Spring Color," and I was totally impressed with our end results. The perfect mix of highlights and low lights to give my hair depth and dimension. Mandy even showed me a few techniques to style my hair, although it never looked so good as when I walked out of the salon that day and I was already on 4th! Even if the color didn't turn out exactly how I had wished, I would have gone back for the shampoo! While my color was processing I never felt like I was forgotten about either. The experience was wonderful! I even made my appointments for the next year! Now I know why it's so hard to get in. Thank you Mandy! Thank you Avant! You have a client for life!

Pros: Amazing, knowlegable colorists!

Posted 04/11/08

Please be careful who you go to get your hair colored. I learned the hard way by choosing a terrible salon like Avant. Tina colored my hair and it is now a brassy orange color. She didn't seem like she was paying any attention to me when I was there. I think she was more concerned with her other clients and getting out of there for the day. I've been wearing hats for the past few days and don't know what to do. I thought about making an appointment to have her fix it but I'm sure she'd only make it worse. I'll have to pay for another colorist at a different salon. I would not go to this salon again.

Pros: nothing

Cons: staff acted hurried, tina was the worst, overpriced for orange hair

Posted 04/11/08