09/08/09

AMAZING STUDENTS

by stepherz

OK FIRST OFF THESE ARE STUDENTS!!!

Second Tip your stylist just like you would anyone.

Third by law the instructor MUST approve the cut before and after, found this interesting.

Fourth, So many people want to come here and get a service one and they all wonder why there is a 3 week wait.

FIFTH IF YOU ARE SO UNHAPPY THEY DO REDO'S FOR FREEEEE

They are students its a earning experience, don't worry about hurting their feelings its constructive.

I've had color correction done and it was $97 and anywhere else would of been $350 + it wasn't perfect, but my stylist got it as light as she could, actually i asked her too, i just found it too light. So they gave me free low lights, 2 weeks later ( my choice so my hair could get healthy)

• Pros: Cheap, detailed students and instructors

08/30/09

Not always reliable

by citysearchreviews

I have been going to the institute for about a year for a haircut and single-process color. I almost always had a good cut and the color was what I asked for. But the last time I was there, not counting the most recent, this weekend, the cut and color were all wrong.

The student gave me permanent color instead of the demi I asked for, and it turned out way too red. This bothered me a lot because I bring my own color formula so I get what I want. The student obviously mixed it wrong -- perhaps on purpose, b/c her portfolio showed a lot of red hair. Plus the cut wasn't what I wanted, so I mentioned it, but the student pranced around and told me I looked "runway." I waited two months for it to grow out a bit and went back this weekend for a trim. I pretty much got what I asked for, cut- and color-wise.

The biggest downside to the institute is the time. For a cut and color, I have to plan on about three hours. Though the $65 I pay for both (plus tip) is excellent, I recently decided that I'm tired of telling a new person every time what I want, and may need to find a permanent stylist at a regular salon, even if I need to pay more.

Bottom line -- if you have the time, want to save money and don't mind a new person every time who only might give you what you want, this is the place to go. Call ahead, as appts. are difficult to get (plan to be on hold for a while). As an aside, I had a facial at the institute once, and it was great, good price too. Plus, the full line of Aveda products is available.

• Pros: Price, products, sometimes great cut/color
• Cons: Takes hours, not always good cut/color

08/14/09

Be willing to experiment

by mackoff

My GOOD experience:

Great Highlights! He was sweet, and listened to me. My guy took great care in foiling my hair. They look well blended and natural. probably the best highlights I've ever gotten to be honest. They also use as little heat styling as possible.

BAD:

The instructor recommended a paint between to "change my base" and I don't know what happened...maybe it was mixed wrong on left on too long, but my hair turned ORANGE. that gross orange after a botched bleach job. It also took four hours.

Now I have these great highlights with ugly roots. Not the end of the world for me, but I'll probably end up getting corrected.

So if you're the type who cries when you don't get the haircut/color you want, then don't go here.

If you're willing to be brave for a great price, then do it!

I saw some beautiful cuts and styles while I was there. However these are novice hairstylists and they might make a visible mistake...which can be said of the vets as well.

• Pros: Great price for NYC, Good product and methods
• Cons: Took a while...