Asha SalonSpa Evanston

I’ve tried this place 3 different times in the last year and only had a positive experience the first time.
1^st visit: hair cut and deep conditioning treatment with Shaina (I think) and it was great! She understood my hair texture and what I needed/​wanted. I scheduled a follow up for 6 weeks later and was scheduled to visit with the same stylist from my first visit.
2^nd visit: I arrive for my next visit 6 weeks later and it’s a completely new stylist with no mention of my previous stylist or the fact that my appointment had been scheduled specifically with her. I would have appreciated a message prior to my visit letting me know that my stylist had been changed. This stylist completely hacked my hair and it took almost a full year to grow it back out. Terrible experience.
3^rd visit: I was lured by a complimentary manicure with the purchase of a $ 55 pedicure. The amenities were great: free tea/​coffee, nice warm neck pillows switched out regularly, comfortable pedicure chairs but the nail tech was terrible!!! She was rough and scratched my legs on several occasions with the pumice stick, cut into my cuticles to the point of bleeding, leaving ingrown nails without an attempt to remove, nail polish all over my cuticles. I even had little pieces of the sea salt scrub left under the polish. I asked her to remove a fiber that was literally sticking out from my nail and all she did was glob more polish on top of it. When she turned off the fan from drying my nails i asked if I was okay to leave and she assured me I was… the polish smudged immediately after leaving. I felt like I was being rushed out. My appointment was at 3ish and I didn’t walk out until 5 so I understand if she was trying to get out of there to close up shop for the night but then they shouldn’t have booked me so late in the day!
All of this I can generally excuse but when I tried to email and call about my concerns, I never got to anybody. It has been over a week and I still have not heard back about my complaints. Terrible customer service! If you’re going to spend the money, consider a more professional location with a focus on the customer experience!

I had a great experience here at this salon. Everything seemed to be well organized and the staff was friendly. Shaina, the stylist, gave me quite the trim, she had a great attitude and was attentive to my haircut :) Would definitely recommend her. I would definitely go back there again!!!

I went for a significant change in hair color and they perfected it with no fuss. I love the deep, rich color and the crisp haircut. I was offered water and a snack while processing. The ambiance is very soothing and the location is fun. You can get a refresher then enjoy the area shops and food. I will be back soon!

I have received services from many of the team members at this location and have been very happy with the results. They are helpful, accommodating and overall the salon is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Don’t know why there’s so much negative reviews got a prenatal and I’m going now for my second very professional and respectful and not bad in price very clean and relaxing place

I really wish there was a way you could leave no stars because they don’t even deserve one. I made an appointment for a glaze because this is what I was told to do by the receptionist. The shampoo girl (not the stylist because she was running late) shows up 20 minutes late. She takes me back to see the stylist. The stylist informs me that the correct type of appointment was not booked and I would have to leave the salon with wet hair if she colored it. This is the stupidest thing I’ve heard. If she messed up, I wouldn’t know until I dried my hair at home. I had booked a glaze and blowdry because my husband was taking me out for my birthday. I’m a customer. Figure it out and make time. I wouldn’t recommend this joke of a salon to anyone.

Are you looking for the Full Aveda experience? Request Dawn Marino — lead Nail technician at Asha. Yesterday while quietly «processing» during my hair appointment, I was offered a complimentary hand massage by Dawn. She spent 5 full minutes massaging my hands and arms. I was so impressed with her technique and professionalism that we arranged a pedicure later that morning. From start to finish I was handled with great and soothing care. Hands down this was the best pedicure that I have ever experienced. My feet feel wonderful and my toes look beautiful — Dawn also touched up my lip stick! My experience with Dawn absolutely embodies the Aveda way and has renewed my faith in the wholesome elegance of the Aveda experience that won my loyalty over 15 years ago. Thank you Dawn. I will look forward to my next appointment at Asha!

I’ve always had good experiences here with waxing and facials. The staff is really knowledgable and provides good skin care recommendations. The staff is also friendly for the most part.
Asha doesn’t get five stars bc their online booking system doesn’t always work. I booked a haircut once but was told that the stylist was double booked when I arrived. The owner ended up cutting my hair, after I had waited for a while, but charged me the full price as opposed to the Fresh Talent price that I had booked originally. It was one of the better haircuts I’ve had, I just don’t appreciate paying $ 50 more than I was supposed to.

Edit: I noticed the owners have only been responding to positive posts lately. Red flags.
I really wanted to love this place, I wanted to love it so much. On the website under spa and services it says there is a Caribbean Body Treatment and in that description is: dry exfoliation, followed by a smoothing seaweed back and foot masque.
I will preface this by saying that I’ve gotten spa treatments all over the world from Italy, to Greece, to Poland, to different states in the US. Since moving to Evanston, I regularly go to Egea, but I was given a gift card so, why not try out Asha. When I arrived I saw that the elevator was broken and to take the stairs… no biggie, I am young, healthy, and not in a wheelchair or crutches. I walked up the flight of stairs and entered the Spa through the rear. How terrifying. I realized during my whole stay there that anyone could enter, they could shoot up the place, they could waltz into the changing room and rape someone, or break into the lockers, no one would be the wiser. Perhaps that’s dramatic, but in this day and age, that was the DUMBEST thing I’ve EVER seen a business do. I went to the front desk and overheard a regular asking if the elevator was still broken from last week. A WHOLE WEEK, and they said yes. I’m sorry, but if your only entrance is an elevator, then please for the love of all that is good, hire security to stand by the rear entrance and SCREEN all the visitors. Holy crap. Regardless, the front desk staff was lovely, Missy was super bubbly and answered my questions about the treatment as I told her it was my first time at Asha. She guided me to the changing room and then told me to walk out to the waiting room area to wait for my cosmetician. Weird, but okay… I’m used to being guided from the changing room to the next room, but no big deal. As I walked to the waiting area I passed a small counter that had a tray of upside down glasses, a pitcher for coffee, and what looked like someone’s breakfast in a bowl, I assumed it was for the staff. As I sat down in the waiting area, I looked for some water pitchers, a plate of cookies/​treats, or tea. Nothing. Okay, surely someone will ask me if I’d like tea before my service. Nope. Paulina came and was ready to guide me to my body treatment. No big deal. She went over the treatment with me saying, «first there is the scrub, then the seaweed masque, and then I will put this on you (motioned to some blue curtain), and then you’ll shower and I will put body lotion on you.» I agreed since it sounded all correct. As I got on the table I noticed a single blinding light above my head… great. So every time I flipped over I was blinded, fine, I will deal. As the treatment began I was never offered a hair net… I never experienced this in my life. I have long hair and was pretty much eating it when I was on my stomach; even Paulina had to move it several times to avoid getting product in it… then my body was buffed. Not scrubbed. Paulina had some loofah type gloves that she buffed by legs, feet, arms, and back with. A dry exfoliation to me has always been a dry scrub, like sea salt, sand, whatever dry material appropriate to the treatment would be scrubbing my body, not a pair of gloves. Even Egea did a full body scrub on me (NOT MISSING MY STOMACH OR CHEST), but fine. After that came the masque, and they weren’t kidding all they did apply the mask to was my back and my feet, nothing anywhere else on my body. Not my legs, not my arms, not my chest, and not my stomach… so really this is a ¹⁄₃ body treatment for the mask. I then got wrapped up and was face down, as the blue curtain was pulled, apparently it’s a giant heater. This was new, but sure let’s try it out, 20 min in and it was over. I didn’t really get to drift away or sleep because Paulina was in the room the whole time and making little noises shuffling around. So, no real relaxation there. Then she gently removed some of the mask and sent me to shower and to meet her back in the waiting area. I showered, and as i walked out I was so parched and eyeballing the side counter to which Paulina asked if I wanted water, and I said of course (most times after any treatment especially at Egea it’s insisted that you drink water after a body wrap) and Paulina told me to help myself… okay, I guess I will, if you wont. I went back in the room and she put the lotion on and this time my chest, legs, and arms, got a little bit of love. After the lotion was applied she told me to get dressed and go to the front desk. Well jeeze… thanks for letting me relax and let it sink in before putting my clothes on! I went to the front desk and asked why the masque wasn’t applied to the fully body in the BODY treatment and was told, that feet and back was all that was included and the Missy understood me wanting more of the mask. I paid and then saw myself out bc no one was gonna escort me of course. I guess I Egea, it is.

I recieved a giftcard so I booked two appointments. The facial with Jodi was great. She’s very professional and friendly.
The mani-​pedi I had scheduled after was not so great. The interaction was very silent and she had left me in the room with my nails drying in front of the fan for longer than she had stated. I couldn’t ask anyone anything though because I was the only one in there!
I’m going to take it off tonight and redo it myself. I’m very disappointed. The paint is uneven and doesn’t cover my entire nail either.
I will probably not be going back unfortunately. Although I would recommend Jodi to anyone looking to get a facial.

No thanks…
I booked an appointment online, got confirmation, arrived to salon & was told they didn’t have it. They did take me, but never apologized, young girls at desk didn’t even make eye contact, very unprofessional & immature.
I’ve had cheaper manicures that were much better,
NOT worth it!

Plan to update this once I try out different services. Keep in mind this is a training salon so it seems kind of unfair to rate it compared to other salons, but I thought it might be worth it to give some feedback.
I went here for a blowout and it was just bad. If this were a regular salon I would give 2 stars or less, but I paid $ 15 for it so I can’t complain too much! I have straight hair and I like to get my hair professionally blown out whenever I need volume for events. The trainee blow-​dried my hair flat and straight (I told her «as much volume as possible») and then attempted to tease up the hair on top to get volume after the fact. Asha, please re-​train your newbies how to blowdry hair! I had to completely redo it after.
Like I said though, I’ll return for other services and update my review. I’ve had great experiences for massages and facials at other aveda training salons.

I found Asha Salon through
. I got a healing mani & pedi. Karoline did both and she was super friendly. She made sure that that my heels were very smooth, even checked with me. It was a bit more than I’d like to spend on a mani/​pedi, but I will go back because my feel and hands feel so smooth and hydrated.
I gave the salon 4 stars because I put in 3 appointments online. I received an email stating I would get a confirmation, but did not. The salon called to see where I was and I rescheduled on the phone.

Never go to Kim if you want to get highlights — I had the misfortune of having her as my stylist and the highlights ended up looking unnatural and cheap. I had to come back to a different stylist to get my hair glazed to remove the monochromatic effect. At least it was a compliment of the establishment.
I’ve never had issues with my hair prior to this visit. I don’t know what kind of colors are used there, but now my hair gets very tangled when I’m washing it and is shedding terribly, looks dry and not healthy. I am extremely disappointed, should’ve continued going to Ergo to my stylist there. It never pays to experiment with new places. Now I’ll have to cut my hair short not to lose it all and to help it recover faster from this accident.

Always go to Shaina for a regular tune up. wash cut & style. Price is decent & service is great. Friendly staff & the best products here since it’s Aveda all natural. I recommend shampure, scalp benefits & pure abundance line .
Always a pleasant experience here.

I’ve been going to this salon for many years, getting facial and waxing services from Jodi. Jodi is skilled, knowledgeable, and a pro with the services she offers. And she’s sweet and kind as well. I would highly recommend her for any/​all facial and waxing related services.

Just finished a fantastic massage from Paulina. She was professional and attentive to my old shoulder injury. Front desk service was friendly and helpful. One of the reasons I like Asha, Aveda products to shower and rinse off after massage. I miss the rain shower that’s at Woodfield. The peaceful atmosphere and easy parking at this location, make it a plus. But the service is why I will definitely be back.

I visited this salon for the first time July 2014. I am writing this review because I almost canceled my hair appt. due to some of the negative reviews I read here. However, I decided to take a chance (because the downtown location and early hours of operation were so convenient for me) and I had a very good experience. I had a highlight (by Tamar) and cut (by Juana). Tamar did a beautiful job with the hair color — the highlights look very natural and the toner/​conditioner she used made my hair soft and shiny. Juana asked a lot of questions about the cut/​style I wanted, my lifestyle, etc. and she gave me the perfect layered cut/​style. Both stylists were on time, professional, pleasant, time efficient without seeming rushed. My hair really looks great.
For 10+ years, I have exclusively used Aveda salons across the US and believe this salon compares favorably. I would give 5 stars for the quality of hair services and 5 stars to the stylists. However, I am giving 4 stars because I think there are a few things I have seen in other Aveda salons that could improve the «overall experience.» E.g. Better selection of magazines/​music, self-​service coffee/​tea/​infused water bar, complimentary hand/​head massage offered, etc… The decorating also seemed very sparse — not a very warm/​inviting space, though the front desk/​stylists’ attitude was very welcoming and friendly. Maybe they could spruce it up with more artwork/​flowers, etc. — maybe even a change of paint color.
Also, they required cash for stylist tip. I was not allowed to just add it to my credit card receipt which meant I had to use the ATM in their salon for a $ 2.75 fee as I wasn’t carrying cash — I have always added tip to my salon c.c. payments so found this inconvenient. I did like that the stylists were not overly pushing the Aveda product line at the register (which I’ve experienced in other salons). And for the high-​quality color/​cut I received, I did not find their prices that high. Their prices seemed very competitive (even less pricey) compared to other salons I frequent for the same quality of services.
I will definitely return to this salon again.

Second time at this location and last.
I have been to the Schaumburg location several times over the years and then came here late last year when they offered a Groupon deal. The service was pretty good and the masseuse did a great job. My daughter wanted a massage for her birthday and decided to bring her here and get one as well. The masseuse I had last year, I was told was no longer with Asha, but the 2 available for our appt are «highly recommended» by the person booking the appt on the phone. My daughter said her service was ok. Mine was ok as well, but I was never asked about pressure (was it ok? more, less?) She just went about the task and I was not impressed.
In terms of facility, it is somewhat run down. There is only one shower available and I noticed several screws on the tile that must have fallen out of the broken down bench in the shower stall.
It would also have been nice to have some decent after shave, deodorant, etc products to use after the shower, but the sink was basically bare.
If they want to charge premium prices, then they need to offer a premium experience.

The salon is nice but the prices are really high! $ 65 for a Brazilian wax is very expensive plus a tip makes it $ 75.
They should have some sort of special like other salons for loyal customers. Currently they have savings for massages and facials but you have to PAY membership fee to get these perks. That is insane. This is not the spa at Trump! and they probably charge you $ 65 for a Brazilian.