Aveda Institute

I've been to an Aveda salon previously in Cardiff and find their colours are the best. Following an (admittedly self-inflicted) hair disaster last year, I had been waiting for Dominic to highlight my hair for months. I am over the moon with the results and have pre-booked my next two appointments as he is so popular. Not only did the results make a dramatic improvement to my appearance, Dominic is intelligent, fun and a great conversationalist. The receptionist was lovely too - exactly what you want when visiting a salon, as some people can find such places intimidating. Next time I must remember to buy some of the Aveda tea that they offer for free on arrival. In short, wonderful!

I went to the Covent Garden branch and it was HEAVEN. I used to be a hairdresser, so find it very hard to find a salon I can trust. But for the first time ever I experienced that. The whole experience from beginning to end was wonderful. I have never let anyone apart from one person colour my hair but my colourist, Dominic, not only accommodated my high expectations but exceeded them! Would recommend him to anyone.

I've been twice for colour. The first experience was OK, although the 'massage' lasted all of about 8 seconds. The second time I went (last week), there was no massage, and the woman who dried my hair was unspeakably rude and made no attempt to accommodate the way I wanted my hair done (which was the way I've been having it done for about a year, so in no way difficult!). I've also been to the Aveda on Holborn St, and I would strongly recommend it over this one.

I've had many pedicures and manicures here which have been great, so thought I would book a massage and facial for my birthday. Overall, the massage was fine but I will not be having another facial here.

The girl who did my facial was great until she began doing extraction that really hurt. When I asked her if she could be more gentle, she said yes, but continued to be harsh to my skin. I realise that extraction is forcing a spot out but if it's not coming, please leave it alone!

The other problem I had was the fact that I was going out afterwards, but after the extraction my face had blotchy red patches all over it. I was not entirely happy with the experience, especially considering how much it cost.

Oh dear. Booked ages in advance. Turned up bang on time. Waited half an hour, with not even a glass of water or a "sorry" offered. Then told I hadn't been booked in and the stylist had actually been waiting for me. What a waste of a precious evening. Poor service personified. And barely an apology.

I have been 3 times for treatments here. There's a cafe where you wait before your treatments, and then you go downstairs... it's a bit like going through the back of a kitchen, not anything special, but the rooms themselves are cosy and quiet. You get asked some questions to identify your ayurvedic type, and then oils are selected accordingly. Professional, if a little bit impersonal. It's expensive but good.

I haven't tried the treatments here, but I visit every few weeks to stock up on their great products. They seem to have the whole Aveda range and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

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