Douglas J Aveda Institute

I was very dissatisfied with my visit at the Douglas J institute in Royal Oak. My highlights turned out exactly how I DIDNT want them, when I specifically told the stylist what I wanted. I asked her to keep the ends of my hair the same color and just basically touch up my roots, but instead she made my hair 3 – 4 shades lighter when I was already satisfied with the color and kept my roots the same. The highlights looked streaky, especially at the top which is my pet peeve about highlights. They also put an additional finish in my hair that I didn’t ask for and charged me for it! The cut was fine, however it was shorter than I wanted and had just come in for a trim. Overall, I ended up paying almost the same as a professional salon and could’ve gotten wayyyy better quality at my normal salon. However, I was very satisfied with the customer service. Called the next day and explained the situation, and was given a full refund! However, I’m still scarred by the experience and my hair will take months to look the same again. :/

As mentioned it takes a bit longer as students do the job. That being said the training and supervision are excellent! The customer service is great also. One day it took too long for part of my service so I left– when I came back– they comped me for it. It’s this and the good haircuts that will keep me coming back!

I was recommended here because of the high sterility standards. All of the services are provided by senior level students. I’ve had two pedicures here. The experience is nice and relaxing but I didn’t feel like the students were as thorough as some of the other nail salons that I have been in. I don’t typically like to go to nail salons due to the cleanliness. The Aveda school is nice because they are required to sterilize the tools and you receive your own individual foot baths, not one that many others have used throughout the day. The actual services are subpar. You would think that because it is students doing the work that the price would be less expensive but in actuality it is more expensive, almost 50% more then a typical nail salon. due to the price and level of service, I will probably not return.

I love coming here because I love making a day out of getting pampered. If you don’t have an open schedule though, I wouldn’t recommend coming here. Otherwise they do very well (especially for being students). I’ve definitely preferred some experiences with specific students over others. Overall, I would recommend.

I’ve gone to this place multiple times and I usually come out loving the result after a 2 – 3 hour-​long haircut. However, the last time going to this place makes me want to never return again. The student’s behavior was outright unprofessional, complaining the whole time about wanting to go on break and having to work all day. She cut off more inches than I wanted and did not blend the layers into my hair at all. When I asked her for a more tapered look, she blamed my hair for being «too coarse.» I finally asked for the instructor and he made my hair look somewhat presentable, but it still is not what I wanted. Now I’m going to another place to have my hair fixed.

I went in today and had my hair cut and Brie and Mason did a great job. By far the best haircut I have ever gotten. Everyone there is friendly!!!

I went for a subtle ombré. Just to go from medium brown to a lighter brown. They bleached my hair for almost 2 hours. They dyed the top of my hair black (when I specifically told them I did not want black or dark hair). I had black hair on top & platinum blonde on the bottom! My hair is completely fried and I have no choice but to cut it all off. I stayed 1.5 hours after they closed so the instructor could tint the blonde to a brown. Spent $ 115 to have my hair DESTROYED. I don’t care if they’re students. The instructor was there 75% of the time, saying it would be fine and what I wanted. The worst dye job ever. I had to go out & spend $ 30 on products to try and save my hair. DO NOT GO HERE. IT’S A JOKE. I haven’t stopped crying since I left.

This is the second time I’ve gone to stylist student, Hannah Achille and she is FANTASTIC. This was the first time I have called in and requested a student a second time. I asked for a complicated balayage color fix and she and her instructor listened to every detail. I never felt rushed or like a bother. Hannah is an expert and I will continue to go back to Aveda in RO because of her.

The 5 stars go straight to Alex, Alex and Renee. These three helped re-​do my hair. They clearly enjoyed what they were doing, kept the conversations going and seemed to genuinely care about my experience.
Thanks!

I went there for the first time after a coworker suggested it. $ 16 for a haircut? Sure considering I usually pay that much every couple of years at great clips and all they do is use a water bottle to spray my hair and cut it, no drying or anything.
It did take 1.5 hours but considering they are students and have to go over everything with you and an instructor, it’s best not to have to be anywhere soon. My cut came out fine, I got a scalp massage when she shampooed my hair, and she dried it as well.
They are not allowed to accept tips. They do this for a grade. They offer tea or water when you arrive.

I just moved from southern ca, and have been looking for a new haircut place. 16 $ for women’s haircut, takes a little longer because of teaching institution, but pretty good experience. The instructors come around 2 – 3 times to check on your hair progress. I’d definitely go back.

I’m not sure how to rate this place. Well I will start out by saying the people are kind and nice but I’m not sure if I can call them professional. I completely understand this is a teaching facility and you will have students to doing your hair. I’m not sure if I didn’t explain to them correctly or they didn’t understand. I asked for my roots to be a lighter brown and have my highlights lighter. But instead they did a fine weave highlights all over my head and since they did them to my natural roots, so my highlights came out very brassy. I kept questioning them and their teacher about what exactly they’re doing Bc it didn’t seem like they were doing what I wanted. I was looking at their teacher straight in the face and was explaining what I wanted and she nodded and looked like she understood but my hair didn’t come out the way I wanted. The hair style I wanted was a balayage ombré, maybe it was more complex for the students to do. And on top of that I was there for 5 hours. My appointment was scheduled at 6 and didn’t start my hair until 7 and left at 11pm. I was very upset especially because in royal oak you need to put money in the meter and I was scared I was going to be fined. I called to complain and demand a refund Bc I got highlights that I didn’t want or like. But they couldn’t give me one and offered to fix my hair but I don’t want to go back because I’m afraid to have anyone do anything to my hair anymore. So I spend 86 dollars for unprofessional service and highlights that are brassy whenever lights shines on it. Perfect for summer right? :(

I come here for my haircuts, botanical treatments, and gel manicures. Sarah G is always who I schedule my appointments with. She’s cute and personable and takes her time to make sure everything is done right. She also has curly hair like me, so she’s phenomenal at blowouts. Trust me, you won’t leave with frizzy hair!

I went here after my original hair appointment fell through. Weary of my experiences at another Aveda Institute before, I didn’t expect much. well, the student who did my treatment and cut my hair was wonderful! They were ready for me in 2 minutes!!! It was a wonderful experience! I would go there again for hair trims and blowouts!

I just had my hair cut by a girl named Brittany, who did a magnificent job. I look awesome. My hair is so bouncy and my scalp is still humming from the massage and blow out. The instructor guy was great too. He showed Brittany a technique for cutting bangs that I’ve never seen before, and I’ve had bangs for most of my life. I know bangs seem like an easy feat but trust me, I’ve had forty dollar stylists do some pretty uneven jobs of them. The instructor suggested tapering the sides and face framing for a more rock and roll look. He really seemed to enjoy teaching. I couldn’t be happier with my new look.

I remember when this place opened up because prior to I travelled to Ann Arbor for haircuts and spa treatments. Recently, I have been avoiding this location. The last couple visits were sub-​par. I felt like I was getting tortured during the last four treatments. I don’t know what is going on but the way things are getting taught has changed greatly. When you check-​in, they ask if you want tea, water, or coffee. Then the student does his or her assessment. Next, the check-​in with the instructor occurs, then they offer the scalp and hand treatment, then onto your shampoo and haircut. This last time, the girl was scratching my head while shampooing my hair (ouch), then she kept digging the hair clips into my scalp (ouch, then I noticed that they don’t have their own supplies beyond tools. She kept dropping the comb onto the floor and I was just so frustrated when I left. During the haircut prior to this one, she was scalding my scalp with the hair blow dryer. I don’t want to blame the students because I sympathize with those who are new and nervous but… this place has become just like every other beauty school. Douglas J is supposed to be a high-​end salon but they are slower falling down the list. If you want a cheap haircut and to get poked and prodded, then this place is for you. I feel bad for the people spending good money to get taught here.

I read some reviews coming here and thought I’d have to wait or get a sub par treatment but I had a great time here. Everything is very relaxed and professional. They great you and offer a warm or cool beverage then take you upstairs for a consultation, wash your hair, then cut it. Before the cut and after, a senior instructor consults with you and the stylist. If there is anything that needs fixing, the senior instructor manages it.
My personal experience involved a wonderful stylist named Chelsea who gave me exactly the haircut I wanted. And she was great to talk to. So I would recommend this place for anyone who is looking for a haircut that is very inexpensive with really good quality. Also I went later on a Friday so that might be a reason why I didn’t have to wait.

I have been here a few times for a few different services and have been quite pleased with the results every time!
The facials are amazing! So relaxing and a nice treat for yourself!
I have had blow outs and been very pleased. Manicures, awesome!
I have not gotten a cut or color here yet. The stylist are still learning and I haven’t gotten enough courage to take the plunge for one of those yet. But with my previous experiences I would image they are just as great!
The price is really good too.

I’m always torn about Douglas J. On one hand, I love Aveda (and now Spa Ritual) products, but sometimes the service leaves a little (or lot) to be desired.
I would never get anything done either besides mani/​pedi or a facial because they use all the products that a Douglas J salon would use, and the students generally do a good job with those services.
I know I have to carve out extra time when coming here. Recently though, I waited 25 minutes for my facial. If I had to wait that long, I should’ve made the appointment for a half hour later. I just don’t understanding waiting that long when as a paying customer, you’re expected to be there on time. Worst of all, there was no acknowledgment about the wait. My friend had to wait even longer (ridiculous), but she was given a discount on her service.
I keep coming back to this Douglas J location because they also do classes and events, which offer an opportunity to try products, receive samples and get Pure Privilege points. I’ve been to a hair class and they recently had a holiday event, complete with free makeup application, blowouts and desserts.
The service ladies also remembered me from coming to a previous Unilocal event, so I was impressed that they remembered me.

These are students and it’s a crapshoot for services, but if you are a sucker for Aveda products you keep coming back. That said, here are some tips:
— What you trade for in great prices and products is your TIME. I had a haircut last 2 ½ hours. I have long, straight hair. Round layers are intimidating.
— Pedicures and Manicures: Between three friends, we all received pretty terrible paint jobs. These services are not that expensive elsewhere, and you won’t need to spend the time removing a bad paint job. BUT, you get to keep your nail polish!
— Parking in the Royal Oak location is TERRIBLE. The staff here are willing to put change in the meter for you. Bless their hearts.
— Sometimes they forget to give you your warm neckwrap. Maybe this is not standard for all their services (I primarily get haircuts). At a Unilocal event, my friend did not receive one. Just ask. Mine smelled like Apply pie and made me very happy.
All in all, you get for what you pay for. These students are working hard. If something is not going right, gently let them know. While they will fix any botched haircut within a week, you can save yourself a lot of time by speaking up.
That said, a reviewer mentioned the facials are worth it. Sigh, I have to come back!