Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Birmingham

I went in for a cut and color on 12/19/25. I had an appointment with Alyssa. She did a Fabulous job on my hair. Everyone in there loved it. The instructor Melissa was Awesome with her help and teaching her students. Everyone was so professional and so sweet. I booked another appointment with Alyssa because she did a Great job. I can't wait to go back in January 2026! Thank you all for a great first experience there!

Extremely Disappointed – Quality Has Plummeted I used to be a loyal client at the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute in Hoover (Birmingham area), but after my last four appointments, I won't be returning. Every single time, they've completely botched my hair color. Not once did they get the formula right – I left with horribly mismatched, uneven, and downright awful color that looked nothing like what I asked for or what I'd had before. I specifically requested that they pull the handwritten formula sheets from my previous visits to replicate the exact shade, but they either ignored it or were incapable of following it. The color never comes out consistent anymore; it's a total gamble each time. This all started after the previous manager left, Ms. Anna. Since she is no longer there – the decline in quality has been drastic and obvious ever since. On top of the color disasters, basic service elements have gone out the window. They've run out of shampoo multiple times, forcing awkward workarounds. The little extras that made Aveda special, like the hand or scalp massages, are gone unless you constantly remind them – and even then, it's half-hearted. The included conditioning treatment? They forget it almost every time, and you have to beg for it. Overall, the place feels very poorly run now. The students seem less prepared, and the supervisors doesn't catch the mistakes. The quality of service and the graduates coming out just isn't what it used to be. It's sad because this used to be a great affordable option, but now it's frustrating and unreliable. Save your hair and go elsewhere.

Most of the students do a great job ; however, just because the clients sign a document stating that we won’t hold the salon responsible for damage to our hair doesn’t mean to have students just practice on clients’ hair that can cause damage. They should still only be assigned to do styles that they have shown that they are capable of doing multiple times while a teacher is present before being allowed to do it without guidance, and also knowing their limitations. I had one young lady who could not even shampoo hair properly yet was assigned to apply HEAT to my hair; and this was AFTER I was assigned this person because they didn’t tell me that the person I made an appointment with was not available. No call. No email. Just a random student who didn’t even know how to shampoo. Completely unacceptable. Also, teachers please inform your STUDENTS that if a client asks them a question about products that they’re about to apply to one’s hair that they should just answer the question and not catch an ATTITUDE …it’s not about your capabilities but informing your client that may not know the difference. If you can’t handle someone asking a question as a student then how are you going to be successful as an actual stylist?

We had a wonderful experience with Xuan at the Aveda Institute! She gave my teen daughter an amazing haircut and blowout—she took her time, listened carefully, and made sure everything was just right. My daughter left with the biggest smile and hasn’t stopped talking about how much she loved it. Xuan was kind, professional, and clearly very talented. We’ll definitely be coming back to her. Thank you for making it such a great experience!

We always have a great time when we have an event at this location. All the staff and the students are always nice-they always speak to you when passing in the hall and smile. The theater is a great venue for business meetings or parties and get-togethers. We’ve been here several times for our business and have used two different rooms that they have available- the big theater and a smaller classroom upstairs. Our mentor in real estate schedules meetings at places where she will be able to provide the best experience for the most people at the most reasonable cost. This was another example of that today.