I have been going to the school for many years. I have had lots of different things done haircuts dye hair removal and my feet. EVERYONE has been delightful. Some of the students are really well trained and some are led by an instructor. The products are wonderful. I strongly recommend the institute for its value and the community spirit of the owners and the students

I understand this is a place of learning but how can this school, in good conscience, allow their students to do this & charge $20 for their manicures? Shouldnt there be a process in place for the students to learn how to properly give a manicure before they practice on the public?

I had a color consultation for bleaching my hair and the strand didn’t lift properly which isn’t their fault and completely I understand I should go to a professional but the girl left the bleach in my hair. I worked an 8 hour shift to take down my hair and find that piece completely fried. I literally washed my hair in a grocery stores bathroom once I realized what happened. I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for that on top of awful customer service and won’t be going back.

Ive had a lot of horrible experiences here and definitely would categorize this place as a gamble. The last grown woman who was there with her daughter had absolutely no clue how to cut layers (standard right) and claimed it was because she was left handed she of course ruined my hair so I had to get it fixed at JCPenney. This is just one horror story out if countless ones Ive experienced after trying to give this place a chance over and over again. Id stay away from here unless you are desperate for a trim and dont really care what happens to your locks.

I messed up my hair during quarantine... I ‘m new to Albuquerque and Aveda school was a great option. Cayla was the student who did my highlights. It took a long time because of the work required. plus, she cut and styled my hair like a pro. Love, love Cayla. Instructor was great too.Aveda school is affordable , products are excellent. What else can we ask for after a year of darkness and despair?

Extremely Hurt & Disappointed more with management than even the hair. Ive been going here for 3 years with the understanding that Im taking my chances with it being a school. The hair color was never really on point but I always left there happy with what it was with the understanding that the student was still learning. Today for the first time I absolutely hated it. No hard feelings. I was nice to the girl & told her & management that she was nice & I know she tried but they asked my opinion & I was honest. For the first time I was really disappointed & wanted to cry. They asked my what I thought, I told them. I was also upset because when I first got there I was told they couldnt do what I wanted because there wouldnt be enough time. I had a 4 hour slot. I wanted two colors, they said they couldnt do it in that time, so we decided on one color instead even though I explained what I wanted at booking. I spent 6 hours there!! & didnt get an ounce of what I wanted. I felt like I wasted the whole day. I was practically in tears but was still willing to go back & try again another time to fix it. I could not even believe it but because I said I didnt like it 4 managers ganged up on me up at the front when I went to pay & said I was not allowed back there again. I wasnt even being rude!! I said the girl was nice & I know she tried, I just simply didnt like it. I couldnt believe I was being 86d out of the place & in that manner. Ive never been kicked out of anywhere much less a hair school just because they cant swallow the truth. Was that really necessary?! NO! Youre a school. Not everyone is going to be happy. How are you going to learn if you cant take constructive criticism & be told when you did something wrong & learn from your mistakes. I wasnt mad just disappointed but the way your managers & staff made me FEEL was way Worse than the hair itself! 💔 I left crying & my heart hurt more than the disappointment of my hair & what a WASTE of day! I was there since 9:30 & left at 4! I was patient & hadnt eaten & then they made me feel like that?! Just because I said I wasnt happy with it. Youre a school! Not everyone is going to be happy its a learning curve! You got mad at me just because I told you I didnt like my hair & because I hurt your students feelings. Really?! What about the customer?! & You hurting my feelings & the way you made somebody feel was far worse than the terrible skills. You need to work on your attitudes, professionalism & management! We already know your working on your skills. No one should ever be treated that way, or made feel that way! Youre damn skippy you arent the place for me. GO ELSEWHERE!!

Went in to get some information on their schooling. Got my questions answered and the receptionist was courteous.

I got a perm on January 11th at the Aveda Institute that took 4 hours!! The first problem was they only had 3 sizes of perm rods and none were the size I normally used (should have left then) I went ahead and just putting the rods in was 2 hours. The training told the student to saturate each rod, he proceeded to apply the solution a single drop at a time; he did the same with the neutralizer. I understand this is a school but this was the first time this student was doing a perm - the trainer should have paid much more attention to what the student was doing. Not a good experience by any means, I wont be back.

Rain is amazing!! She really cares about her clients! She teaches you about what she is doing and why she is doing it! She is more than 5 stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I used to love going to the institute. As a student myself, it was an affordable way to get a great haircut and help other students learn. However, today was the second time they had to cancel my appointment due to weather. I totally understand the need but then the girl on the phone was snotty and rude about trying to find a convenient time. We were basically looking at a month out when I had to schedule this appointment a month ago. My wedding is in 3 months and my plan had been to go in January and again 2 weeks before the wedding. Due to being canceled on, I had to settle on a super inconvenient time that I am just going to cancel. The girl was not helpful in rescheduling me at all and got huffy every time her middle of the day in the middle of the week appointments weren’t going to work because I work. I felt rushed to find a time and like they didn’t value me at all. I understand having to cancel but then you need to bend over backwards to get your client in in a timely fashion. I’ve been going to the Aveda institute for 6 years but I will probably not go back after this. And now I am in a panic because I need to get my hair done this week to stay on my wedding timeline. Completely unprofessional and I totally blame them for ruining my wedding hair experience!!!!

Aveda Institute is an amazing option if youre looking to get a great haircut for a discount price. Today I got an amazing, professional haircut for $10 as part of one of their deals where Men get $10 haircuts on Tuesdays. The students here have impressed me more than workers at other professional salons due to the fact that theyve always taken their time to get the best result they can. If youre feeling uneasy about a student cutting your hair, an instructor will assist them in whatever way they can. Ive been a happy customer for 3 years at this point and would proudly suggest this for any hair styling or cutting needs. Also, if youre a man theyre always looking for more practice with guy cuts in particular. So stop on by if you get the chance!

You WILL get CORONAVIRUS HERE!! this place used to be a nice place to go and I would come just for the treatment, but over the past year or two this place has absolutely fallen apart! They mislead you with promises and just want your money!They DONT CARE about you or the students... SAD very sad....

Love it!

Very great service. Relaxing facials! :))

WHAT A NIGHTMARE. Student, Mercedes should not be cutting hair at all. I showed her a picture of a Bob haircut, my hair was already shaped like a Bob, but needed a 1/4 inch trim. I got butchered!!! Mercedes layered all over and my original Bob is no longer a Bob. My husband said that you can tell where one side of my hair has more hair than the other side. The supervisor tried to fix what he could. Still looks terrible. I have been there twice before, showed a picture and came out very happy. Not this time. I literally came out crying. I have a wedding this weekend and have to go look for a wig. Before I could put my Bob in a pony tail. I can no longer put my hair in a pony tail!! The supervisor told her how to cut my hair and evidently she did not listen. The supervisors need to walk around more and pay closer attention to the students instead of talking among themselves. I realize they are students, but even if you show them a picture. I will never go back again!!!!!!!!!!! I also called and left a voice mail for the director, and still have not received a phone call back. They really dont care about their reputation or business.

Great place.

Don’t go to this place, it’s operated by a group of Commi-Capitalist who don’t care about the community it operates in. They literally care more about exploiting you as a cash cow than actually providing education and mentorship. But what can you expect from trash right.

We were visiting Albuquerque last month. Wanted to treat my 82 year old mother to a pedicure. This one of our worst experiences weve had in a long time. We understand these are students, and are learning. We had one student who looked like she didnt want to do a pedicure on my sister. It took her about 10min to complete the whole procedure. When my sister wanted to talk to the instructor he gave a lecture that went like this, Women who come in here expect to be pampered like other salons. Its not that we want to be pampered its we expect to be serviced and not embarrassed. To our surprise the student wasnt the problem it was one of the instructors. He was very rude, and unprofessional to us. His rude remarks that were directed to us were uncalled for. Did talk to one the the upper staff and she had promised to have the director contact up. Well its been a month and no contact as of today. WHAT A SURPRISE!!! If I had been contacted I wouldnt have posted this. They didnt take my concern seriously. I just wanted to give consecutive criticism so this wouldnt happen to another client. I had more to that happened but felt you get the picture.We are from San Antonio TX. So if you come to our city go visit the Aveda Institute you will get professional and best experience youve had in a long time.

I don’t know how the actual services are as I never actually got past scheduling. I made an appointment on a Thursday for Saturday, as I’m getting ready to leave for my appointment I conveniently get a “reminder call” for my appointment Tuesday. As I already had plans Tuesday, I never would have made that appointment. No apologies, no appointment available available for the day I actually scheduled my appointment for, the staff I spoke with was snotty and impatient. I asked to speak with a manager. Conveniently the only manager they have won’t be avail for two weeks. I was excited to try the school, but I will not be returning to a place that I can’t rely on to have my appointment when I actually scheduled it.

Hit or miss. The big deal for me is that they do Not know how to wash hair. After hair color, the color is left on the scalp, they dont scrub the scalp! I always ask them to do it and the back of my head, even then its never done properly. I love the products and the girls are friendly.

The students at this salon are so friendly and inviting. The instructors are a bit less so, but they still know what theyre doing, and are experienced. I love coming in and being given a full salon experience. The free scalp massage and tea is amazing.

I really like Aveda so much Im gonna go back.

I went here for a long time to get my haircut and colored. Its sort of a gamble on the results based on the student. The last three times I went I was a bit disappointed with the coloring, though the cuts were fine. I will still come here for a haircut, but I now color at home. The coloring process just takes too long and it fades within three weeks.

When I went in I had Harley she was friendly and easy to talk with, she made me feel very welcomed and I loved the cut and color .. Great job 😊

Great staff that are willing to work with you for what your want. The teachers really know theyre stuff and the products are amazing. Miki was fantastic.

Aveda Institute New Mexico strives to offer our guests a wonderful experience and service. The students have so much passion and it is a fun environment to be in. I work at the Institute and I absolutely Love it! Come see us!

It’s been a year since I had a haircut so I decided to finally make an appointment to get one done. I had never been to the Aveda Institute before but I am really glad I decided to go. My hair was to the middle of my back, it constantly was getting tangled and was not manageable that’s when I decided to really make a dramatic change. The enviroment of this institute is wonderful, the stylist who cut my hair was very pleasant and she had a very professional demeanor. We went through the consultation and she listened to my concerns and took care of me properly. I showed her a picture of what I was wanting, I knew that the exact cut wasn’t possible but I asked for something similar and she actually got pretty close! My hair feels great, she used products that would hydrate and soften my hair, and recommended them at the end of the service as well which was helpful. The only thing I don’t really like is that you can’t request the same student for another service, it’s not easy to build a trust with someone behind the chair when you’ve had awful experiences in the past. Other than that, everything went really well!

I went to Aveda for what should have been a super simple haircut, one that Ive had many, many times from other places. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes at most. It took about 2 1/2 hours at Aveda.Much of that was just because the student who was working on my hair was really new and very unsure of herself. But I noticed that the instructor (who was an arrogant jerk, truth be told) was confusing the heck out of both of us. He gave her the most convoluted way to do the cut (seriously, Ive had this cut at least 20 times, and Ive NEVER seen anyone do it the way he told her to), and he kept talking to me as if I was a nuisance. He used an extremely condescending tone, didnt really listen to me at all, insisted on using only jargon and not telling me what any of the words he was using actually meant when asking/telling me what I wanted, and corrected what I wanted, since the cut apparently didnt meet his approval.He never actually picked up on what I was saying. I would blame myself for that, except that Ive literally asked for this particular haircut many times in the past at different places and never had anyone get confused by what I was saying before. But this guy was a total jerk and just wanted to brag about his expertise and tell me what I wanted was something different.Luckily, the student actually did listen to me and respected my wishes. Unfortunately, she wasnt quite experienced enough yet to know quite how to do it. She kept kind of cutting the same area over and over instead of doing the whole head.... Anyway. Theres a huge chunk missing on one side, weird layering in the back, and its much longer in the back and shorter in the front than I requested... Its not *absolutely* horrible, but I will have to wait a few months for it to grow out some before I can even get it corrected somewhere else.On the plus side, their products are great, and the haircuts are super cheap. Unless you consider the time factor and the fact that Ill have to get it re-done into the equation....

Megan did a great job cutting my hair, Ive been to her twice and cant wait for her to put color on it this next time too.

The director of this institute is very unprofessional and rude. While trying to speak with her on the phone she refused to speak with me and hung up on me. I called back and spoke to the manager who was supposed to have Mark the owner call me back. Its been over a week and I still havent received a call. At this school you are paying for the name of the school not the quality. Multiple students and teachers have left this school due to the way that they have been treated by the director and others at this school. I would recommend checking into other schools if you are considering going to cosmetology school. Seems like a lot of Aveda students are going to The Avenue Academy.

Sad to hear that you can not request the same stylist again. Stelina was Great. She trimmed my processed blonde hair and did a professional quality job. She took off a minimal amount but still made it look thicker and healthier. So many times Ive gone to a salon and paid far more to have the stylist ignore my requests and try to get artistic. (Im grown. I need a trim, not asymmetrical head art.) She also took extra time to blow dry on a cooler setting because platinum hair can be fragile. If I cant request her then Ill just have to wait and see what lucky salon snaps her up.

I have been to actual aveda hair salons in the past and had an amazing experience. So, I figured that the school would be similar since they are being trained the aveda way. I thought I would try it out since they were offering a teacher discount. WOW it was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had while getting a haircut. Every minute of it hurt. I think she pulled out more hair from my head than she actually cut. I even told her I have a sensitive head and she continued to rip through my hair with the brush and the thinning tool. I have very long thick hair but have NEVER experienced that before. My haircut wasn’t bad but usually haircuts are a relaxing experience, this one was very painful. I understand this is a school so I am simply posting this for improvements. I appreciate the discount for teachers and will continue to go to aveda...probably not the institute though.

I went in for a set of gel nails and was so disappointed with the whole experience,Harley had no idea what she was doing,and constantly told me how much she did not want to be there! because I went to cosmetology school I know you do not apply hand cream first!The bottles of gel were empty and she was struggling to get some out! I hated every moment in her chair,on top of that the instructor causally passed by but never addressed the lack of gel polish! Therefore it was a sloppy sticky mess! As I walked out the door I was peeling the gel off my nails! Again I hated every moment there!I will never return or recommend!

I went yesterday First time, I Saw this girl ALEX.... She is only 18- But she did a Really Good JOB AND Enjoyed being in her presence, everything felt calming & Secure in her hands- she will go far, I can see she will have great potential as she grows and would recommend her, for people to ask for-dont let her age fool you- she got this!

Ok normally I love this place but the past 2 times Ive gone and taken my daughters its been pretty bad. My daughter went in yesterday (11/28/17) for just a hair cut nothing fancy just a cut no layer just a simple cut it usually takes them about an hour and half or less. We were there for 3 1/2 hours!! Like I said all she wanted was a simple CUT nothing fancy all one lanth. The girl who cut my daughters hair didnt start on time she kept leaving doing other things her appointment was at 430 she didnt get to washing her hair until 5:15!! 45 minutes later!! The teachers there are amazing. Normally its a good exsperance but the last few times Ive gone has been very upsetting. Hopeful they will get things back to the way it use to be.

Do not recommend!!Had the absolute WORST experience at this place. I waited for 45 minutes in the lobby for the girl at the front to find a pedicurist, but I got no updates from her and was left hanging. If I had known the wait would be 45 minutes, I would have left immediately but this fact was never made clear to me. When my pedicurist finally got around to coming to get me in the lobby, she let me know that they did not have time to do my nails because they were closing in 30 minutes. That would have been nice to know 45 minutes ago while I was waiting around in the lobby! Absolutely awful customer service, and the girl at the front was non-responsive and seemed like she could care less about letting me know what was going on. I will never be back, (even though I live right in the area) and I will make sure that none of my friends ever make the mistake of trying to be attended to at Aveda Institute New Mexico.

I had an appointment today at 330, I took off work early to get there and when I show up, the doors are locked. Big waste of time. I wont go back.

Earlier this year, I attended an event in Albuquerque, but did not have enough time to get an appt with my usual hairdresser in Nob Hill. I decided that I would use the Aveda Institute NM because I had the formula for my color, so did not think things could go awry.My scalp started to itch into the coloring, but I thought it was just because the women doing my hair were taking a little long....after all, they were students. However, the itching did not stop. My scalp was burned, requiring a visit to my dr. in CO, who gave me a prescription for the burned scalp. It was 3 months before I could go to my Aveda hairdresser in CO for color.My letter sent to the Institute did not receive a response....neither an apology nor recommendations for further treatment.I will no longer use my wonderful Aveda hairdresser in CO, and she now knows the reason. I cant support a company which has such total disregard for its clients.

Ive been there three times over the course of the last year. The first time I got a decent haircut. Nothing to write home about, but at least it didnt leave me angry. The second time I got an acceptable haircut but again nothing to write home about. I wasnt angry but neither was I completely satisfied. The young lady did what many hairdressers do when you tell them what you want done. They pretend to be listening and then go and do whatever they want.My recent experience was terrible. First they called me 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment to cancel because the young lady who was supposed to do my hair hadnt shown up because of snow. I checked on the news and turns out there was no snow where she was at, but..oh well, why should I be upset because some young lady decided to not come in to work and therefore ruin my schedule for the whole day. After all Im only a customer. Since when does my time matter? At first they couldnt fit me in for another appointment on the same day. Then finally they got me in late in the afternoon. This third experience lasted 3.5 hours. They dyed my hair a horrible color. I didnt like it. I told them I didnt want it that dark, but according to them they couldnt do anything about that because my hair was dark so they couldnt make it any lighter without lightening it and stripping it. Ive never been to any beauty salon and been told this before. Ever. At other places they have no problem dying my hair a lighter color. The highlights I requested cant even be seen. I should also point out that they dyed my hair and did the supposed highlight before cutting my hair, thereby raising the price because my hair was longer than shoulder length. Why not cut first and then dye? Do I detect price gouging? And the haircut. It was okay. It wasnt anything I couldnt have gotten somewhere else. When I left there I looked awful. Just awful. And to make matters worse it cost $140.00. What a rip off! I could have had the same end product by going to any Albuquerque Supercuts and then gone home and colored my hair with a $10 box of Clairol or LOreal hair color. Seriously! It would have looked no different. And to make the experience complete, the young lady that did my hair asked me if I wanted her to remove the dye from around my face and hairline. Really? You have to ask that? I thought that removing it would be the obvious thing to do and part of the finishing process. Its not something you need to ask the customer about. But apparently I was wrong. I made a sarcastic comment to the effect of Really? You have to ask me that? Gosh, I was sorting of hoping that youd leave it on so that others could enjoy the effect also. But it went over her head.Bottom line is if you want marginally acceptable work with people who dont seem particularly interested in customer service at a price that is higher than the quality level of the work, then this is a great place for you. And please, dont tell me that $140.00 is a reasonable price. That works out to $40.00/hour and theyre not even paying the girl that did my hair. And Im sure they buy their hair dye products wholesale. And I doubt the wholesale price is $140.00 for the products they used on me today. I just think that the end product I received was not worth $140.00, 3.5 hours of my time, and lots of frustration. I will not be returning to this place. But I have to pass in front of their building on my way to downtown, so every time I go I will be reminded of having paid $140.00 for a $30.00 product. Thats galling. Oh, one good point in their favor. I got there 15 minutes early and one young lady did offer to do a hand massage while I waited. That was nice. Unfortunately, my appointment was not for a hand massage. If you are wondering why I went back after my second experience even though I wasnt completely satisfied, I went back because the students are different each time. Also, I try to give an establishment three chances before I write them off.

This is a beauty school so all the prices are very reasonable and the supervision of the haircut is excellent so you get a good haircut and great service.

Enjoyed my service! Super friendly staff!

Every girl I know that comes from this school is amazing.

The institute is BEAUTIFUL and everyone was very helpful.

Super friendly staff!

Best beauty bargain in ABQ