I would not recommend Aveda Institute. I have made appointments for highlights on 3 different occasions. Although I book with a specific stylist, in each case I arrived at the salon to be told they moved move to someone else, usually more junior than what I selected. The last Time the place me with Jax - it is terrible, not at all the blonde highlights I am accustomed to. I asked to speak to a... more

I was very hesitant to have my hair done at aveda because of the very mixed reviews on Google and yelp. I'm very happy I decided to get my hair done. I got partial hi lights and they turned out great. I'm at a level 6 and wanted a shade or two lighter and I got just that with ashy tones which is what I asked for. The girl who did my hair was professional and nice. She didn't try to have those... more

The best possible hair school. Great service from
Front end staff and students to the educators. Everyone is very knowledgable and professional. Remember if you're getting a new student, THEY ARE NEW!! So it takes more time but very worth it overall.

I would recommend the Aveda institute for straightforward things like a cut or root touch up color. I wouldn't recommend the Institute for hair correction or brunettes/black-haired ladies and gents going blonde (the trickiest tasks).

I've spent the last ten years blonde, so i have become pretty well versed in all things blonde: what is realistic, what to expect, how hair reacts, what is... more

I've been here about about 4 times and am giving it 3 stars because of a few different things. I have thick hair that is naturally very dark brown and that is a very ashy blonde now, every time I get my hair done it takes longer than the time I am scheduled in for and every time I call I tell them this and they still say that 1.5 hours is the max they can book in for a colour. The students and... more

I've been waiting to write this review - basically waiting for 5 haircuts before I did, and surprisingly I have never had a bad experience.

My haircuts with institute students were pleasant, in the area code of what I wanted, albeit long - but I knew what I was getting into. I have long, straight, thick hair and it takes a while (read forever) to cut it. The students listen to what you want,... more

'Twas my first visit to the institute and I'm hooked! To all the "men" who've never set foot outside the old school barber scene, you have no idea what you're missing. From the relaxing massage to the final rinse; it's an extraordinary experience from end to end. Walk in an animal-walk out a movie star, it's that simple. Big thanks to Maxine, you're living proof out what the institute creates-... more

I had a terrible experience here, the first visit and the correction visit.

Correction visit:

The girl who messed up my hair the first time had the audacity to come up to my colorist, pull her to the side and ask her about why I came back. I was at the sink toning my hair but I could see and hear them in the corner talking smack about me. WOW. You had a client who had the guts to speak up... more

This was not my first visit to Aveda, nor my first time getting my hair done by a student. While I only come for blowouts (ridiculous cheap when done by the newer/first year students), I quite like the location and the atmosphere inside Aveda.

I just want to mention that if you're visiting, you need to understand that these people are learning their craft. I have curly hair. If I try to... more

The hair stylist in Aveda are fairly stubborn, especially for the educators (based on numerous experience), they do not let you do what you wish to do so I went to Sasoon Academy in Yokville, it turns out to be great, they give me what I wanted!

I've never had a good experience here. It's always lacklustre, even painful.

When I wanted my hair short, they never got it short enough.
The student stylists tamely snip at small bits and aren't capable of adding any shape to the cut.

On one particularly bad occasion (and my last visit there), the student was a middle aged woman out to try a second carreer. She was terrible at it.
Her neck... more

I've been to Aveda once for a wash and style and a few times for a haircut - all by institute students. Try and call a couple weeks ahead to book an appointment as their appointments book up pretty quickly.
All my visits have been pleasant - everyone is very pleasant and friendly. Part of the Aveda experience is they offer you a coffee/tea when you first arrive and also a nice head massage. I... more

So sad and disappointed.
My highlights turned out nothing like the picture I brought to show the colorist.
Now there are grey blonde streaks in my black hair that makes me look 20years older. My hair is super dry throughout and there is breakage at the roots.
Plus I have blisters all along the hairline and scalp...help!!! I have coloured my hair many times before including at Aveda and had... more

I usually go to Aveda on Queen/Civello but I just can't justify spending $250+ on my hair anymore. I knew Aveda institute would operate at a high level and had heard very good things. Overall I was satisfied although the grey parts near my face were not highlighted (that's the first part I mentioned)!; I also thought the back of my hair looks ridiculous. Too straight and thick with no shape or... more

This place is really hit or miss. If you're looking for an inexpensive hair cut, go here. If you're looking for a guaranteed excellent inexpensive haircut, go elsewhere - if such a thing exists? I have seen 3 different institute students. The second time I went, Anna was fabulous. She told me she would be in the academy in May, so I tried to make an appointment with her, only to be told she was... more

I've always had stubborn, asian, black hair; and I've gone through a million (chinese, korean, boutique) salons only to feel disappointed from the results that fell short [significantly] from the picture I showed the barber. Now that i want to colour my virgin hair, I didnt want to risk going to a random chinese salon to get it done for cheap, nor pay an arm and a leg for something that may not... more

I wasn't looking forward to spending a lot for a simple hair cut, so decided to give it a try at Aveda with an Institute Student.
The girl talked to me a lot and understood what I was looking for, she was very careful but there wasn't any educator watching her.
She cut my hair dry so I didn't get to have a full style after all - it was just flat.
I enjoyed how they give you a scalp massage at... more

COLOR:

Had my hair colored by Eric (he's a graduate of the school). He did a great job and I will back . I had previously been to see the director but I didn't see any difference in the service so I'll stick with Eric. Cost was ~$73 for shoulder length hair.
I used to go to Parlour on Ossington but they charged more and they used heat after applying the color, whereas here at Aveda they just... more

My first 2-3 visits were fine. I kept with the same stylist and she would do highlights on my hair, then a cut. This time I went in and since my colour was good, asked for a base adjustment, which basically means lightening just the roots somewhat to blend in with the pre-existing colours. My previous Aveda stylist in the States would suggest this as an alternate to just highlights everytime.... more

I have always left happy from here, I have been here a handful of times and had a good experience and end product. I have always had full foils, a cut and a style with good results. If you are booking with a more junior student level, leave yourself a lot of time because it is a lengthy appointment.

I went here for a cut and was really pleased. I have a really hard time finding a good stylist - as a grad student I've moved back and forth between a bunch of cities in the past few years and haven't developed a really strong relationship with any one salon or stylist. I've also tried stylists across the spectrum of price points - and have realized that with the basic, long and layered with... more

I was pleasantly surprised with my haircut from Jay. For being a student he did an incredible job and Morgan was an excellent mentor and stylist . I will definitely be back!

I've gone to Civello which was part of the Aveda family of hair salons, and thought I'd get my hair cut at the institute instead. My hair cut experience was with a senior stylist and she (sorry I cannot remember her name) was really great.

I will definitely be returning here the location is close to my work and the price is really good.
If money is not a big issue then I suggest booking with a... more

Overall, I had a good experience here. I have my normal hairdresser, who I've been seeing for 13 years, but I got a call for an interview and she couldn't fit me in within the next few days. I'm typically a blonde, but every 2 years or so, I go a dark brunette for a change, and last month I started the process of going back blonde, so my hair was an in between colour. I'm pretty skeptical of... more

I cannot sing the praises of Aveda enough! From the moment I stepped in to the moment I left, it was a great experience and I am very happy with the work that Jazzy did on my hair. The absolute best thing about this place is that all of the stylists LISTEN to what you want to do with your hair and want to make sure you are happy with the result. Too often stylists (especially ones that come... more

I came for the experience having long gone to the same hairstylist and salon for over a year now. I like trying things new, and having read the great reviews on yelp, I decided to give this place a go.

When I first entered, it smelt great and the atmosphere (first floor) was welcoming. My cut was on the second floor (student) by Rihanna. We talked for about 3 minutes on what I wanted - a basic... more

Went with the academy student. The result was great !

I came here based on reviews from here and lets face it the low price tag!
At first I was nervous that someone i was unfamiliar with would be touching my hair (I am a one hairdresser kinda woman) but since my usual hairdresser is 3500 miles away in England (my home) I had to bite the bullet!

I was with a girl called Hunter and she was so friendly and professional and kept me chatting the whole... more

Being long, frizzy, curly and dry of hair, I am very picky with anyone taking scissors to it! That being said, with my end starting to look ratty but wallet taking a freshly-moved-to-the-city hit, it was time to find an affordable stylist.

The risk with Naomi, at the end of her 10-month program, was well rewarded. She did a lovely consultation (actually listening to what I had to say and... more

So far I've really lucked out! The students have all been very sweet, and very good, and very CAUTIOUS, which is good because I'm picky.

I like this place a lot. Price can't really be beat. I got a haircut from Stella (Academy Student) who was great. Staff are nice and helpful. Love my hair cut. Going back again soon hopefully for cut and colour!

The only good thing I can say is that the guy that cut my hair was friendly.
Other than that... It took 1 hour and 25 minutes for a simple haircut!! This is 3 times what it usually is... The worst is that my hair looks so bad that I need to buzz it off!
And to top it off it was not really cheaper ($34) than many other salon were you get a hair cut by someone with experience and not a student!... more

I hadnt had a haircut since febuary last year and had been growing out a bob. I moved from Halifax back to Toronto and found myself stylist-less.

All i needed was to give my hair some shape and add a few bangs in there. I looked up places and came across Aveda cause its close to work. I called them about ten times getting up the courage to set up an appointment, till i finally decided to take... more

Those who know me, know I'm a stickler for my hair - especially the colour. I have been colouring my hair as long as I know and used to struggle finding a hair stylist I trusted and enjoyed until Aveda. My introduction to Aveda Academy was a total fluke. I had responded to an online advertisement calling for hair models. Being hesitant from once having my hair almost ruined from a hair show, I... more

I have been coming to Aveda Institute for the past 3 years, and I've had all kinds of experience. I understand they are students, so I wasn't expecting too much. First time I went I had long hair, and I only needed a trim and layers fixed. I was very impressed with the result. I kept going back. I figured, you can't significantly mess up long hair. I usually like the girls and neck/head massage... more

Let me walk through my experience because it was a great one! And this is saying a lot because I'm very very picky and very money conscious.

I called the institute on a Thursday knowing I wouldn't get an appointment for the weekend as the other reviews have said (I ended up coming in on the Tuesday). The woman on the phone was very helpful in letting me know my options and making sure I knew... more

This is my second trip to Aveda. My first experience was amazing. This time around I am not as impressed. Best thing I can say is that I only paid $18 and I normally pay $60 at my usual place back home.
My Joan Jett hair has been getting heavy with layers starting to get too long. I decided to come back because I had such a great time last visit. I wanted an advanced grad stylist or instructor,... more

The staffs are always so friendly! I usually go for the institute students or the graduate. They are both amazing. They're all so knowledgeable. I've used Charise and Jessie before, I would highly recommend both of them. I've been getting compliments for my hair ever since I start getting my hair done here :))

My hair was in need of some TLC. It needed a good deep conditioning treatment. I've been a fan of Aveda products and past Aveda salons. But my wallet isn't very deep. Perfect solution in theory? Visit the Aveda Institute!

I just wanted the botanical hair and scalp treatment with a round brush blow out for a treat. I was done within an hour and had a decent massage during the service. Marie,... more

I went in today for a revisit as I wasn't too happy with my hair the first time. The second cut was free, which is great. I had an awesome stylist the second time around. He really paid attention to the smallest things and gave me the exact look I wanted. I can say 4 haircuts later (from several different places), I finally have what I want! I believe his name was Florinda but I'm not exactly... more

I've gone to a couple of salons here and there, but never consistently. I have pretty simple hair - it's fairly straight and long, and I don't usually go to salons to get anything other than a simple haircut.

Was in desperate need of a haircut and heard about Aveda from a friend, so I decided to check it out. I must have gotten lucky, because they had an opening right during my lunch break on... more

The students are great

but I do not suggest attending this school. It's made up of bad politics and even worse equal opportunity from teachers and other staff. I was told it was a great school to attend but have now been told much much differently by people who have attended.