Aveda Georgetown Lifestyle Salon & Spa

YUCK. I’ve been a Pure Privilege (it’s like a rewards program at Aveda stores) for like 4 years or so. Since it’s my birthday I got a little card in the mail stating that I can go to Aveda to pick up a complementary skin/​hair oil. Cute. So I stopped by the Aveda in Georgetown. Being a newbie to DC, I just saw the sign for Aveda while walking, figured I’d go ask about this gift. First of all when I walked in, you would think I had 5 heads or something since everyone looked at me, yet went right back to work. Sweeping, tasking, putting things together, etc. No one could be bothered to greet me during their business. Even though they were kind of snooty, I didn’t let that ruin my disposition. I marched up to the cash wrap and pleasantly said to the lady (she’s still sweeping, stops for a sec) «Hi, I wanted to redeem my gift…», showing her my post card. She looks at me narrowly and points to the card «OH, they tell you where to go.» And keeps sweeping!
Look, I don’t have a problem following the rules. After I took a better look at the card I realized that the card pointed me to Aveda Stores, not Aveda Salons. I didn’ t know… I thought the salon could still help since they sell the products as well. I’m not taken back because I have to visit a store, I’m taken back because the whole staff acted like they couldn’t be bothered with me. I may have even made a purchase, but she didn’t even ask me if there was anything else she could show me. She seemed totally annoyed and so unprofessional.
I’ve been in the customer service industry for over a decade now. The key is to treat everyone the same. Whether you think the have two bucks or two million, whether they look untidy or dressed to kill, whether they’ve come to redeem a free gift that THE STORE SENT THEM or not, you must treat everyone the same.
I’m turned off to the whole brand now.
I repeat, YUCK. :/

Eyebrows, eyebrows, eyebrows! On fleek! Karina is a miracle worker with my eyebrows! She takes her time, is so amazing with creating the arch, and knows exactly what I do or don’t need done to my brows. I’ve gone to her twice and each visit has been perfect. Not to mention, she is such a sweetheart!

Kamal did a great job with my hair! Spent time and care with my layers and cutting off the right amt of length. Only 3 stars because it was soooooo expensive. I miss the days of haircuts outside the city!

As a long-​time fan of Aveda salons in Miami, the one in Georgetown is good, but doesn’t carry the same pizzaz. The salon itself is small and cramped, and its changing room is also the only bathroom in the salon. It seemed a little bit chaotic and doesn’t offer the same hospitality that the ones in Miami have. I do have to say however, that my stylist Shari Ko did an AMAZING job working with a sad haircut that was given to me by a stylist at so-​called five-​star salon Immortal Beloved, where the stylist butchered my hair to the point where she left the texture unmanageable. Shari did a great job layering the hair to restore it to its natural texture as much as possible and even out the cut itself. I am not sure how she accomplished this without shaving my head bald (which I contemplated because the hair was in such bad condition). I give major kudos to Shari who was kind and receptive to my concerns and was REALLY honest to tell me not to schedule my next hair appointment until early 2016 to give my hair time to grow. I love Aveda stylists. I wish I had sought this place out first before trying out the ridiculous over-​priced salons in U-​street corridor. If Shari were to get her own review, she would be 5-​stars. I am looking forward to my next visit.

I love the atmosphere. I’ve been an Aveda fan since 2005. After they we’re bought out by esté Lauder I stopped believing in the product. I recently stopped in and was made a believer again thanks to pleasant time I spent with Zach he has great knowledge about product and a great personality!

I experienced a serious glycolic peel burn by Maria back in March. It’s been 8 months and I’m still experiencing skin problems from the damage she caused. Not once did the Owner try and call me and Maria never offered to help me or ask me back in to address my issue. I work in Media so my appearance means everything. Had to seek an attorney for personal injury. This burn has cost thousands of dollars, Emotional distress, and may be permanent. They don’t have you sign a consent form and don’t take responsibility. Never ever trust their medical spa. Worst experience of my life.

Shanna Dee (@hairbyshanadee) is fantastic at doing my color. I haven’t found her match, she’s spot and on thinks outside the box to get you what you’re looking for. I 100% recommend her!

I decided to try this salon and a specific stylist (Shana Dee) based on the recommendation of a friend. I was immediately welcomed and felt comfortable (we all get a little nervous when we try a new stylist). Shana began the appointment by asking me about my hair and what I was looking for. I could tell that she was really invested in her work and wanting to make the client happy with the end result (she listens!). I came in for highlights and lowlights and she did a wonderful job! She used a technique I was not familiar with, painting vs. foils, and I was amazed by the end result! The technique is much more efficient than foils and looks so natural!
Shana has incredible skills with color and I have officially changed salons! I am so so happy I found her and would recommend her to anyone!
Additionally, she is such a beautiful person inside and out. She really engages with the customer and I found myself getting additional tips about hair, make-​up, etc. Such a fun stylist!
There’s no going back once you’ve tried Shana!

My daughter got her hair done by Richard, who is an expert with tape-​in extensions. My daughter has shoulder length hair, and the extensions added an additional 10 inches to her length. What I loved about him was how attentive he was to her ensuring that she was satisfied with what he was doing to her hair each step of the way. In the end, the final product looked very natural. It met her criteria of versatility. But more importantly, he explained to her how she was to manage the upkeep between appointments.

If I want my hair dyed for the season change I go to Aveda. I trust Aveda’s products for my hair and face why not try out the hair salon and dyes and it was a positive and great experience with each Salon I have gone too. Knowing exactly what to do for my hair and color. Its always been great Brooke is awesome for color.

As an out of towner and Philly native, I was nervous to get my hair and makeup done at a place that I hadn’t been before for my brother’s wedding. Shana Dee did my updo and makeup for the event and it turned out FANTASTIC! I even got fake eyelashes, which she recommended and did a great job with. She was very knowledgeable with curly hair, which does not always happen with hair stylists. Definitely would recommend Shana Dee and this salon!

I had a haircut with Shana and absolutely loved it! By far one of the best salon experiences I’ve had. She was friendly and professional, and the overall cut and style was great. I didn’t need to explain too much before we started, but it turned out on point. Because they are an Aveda salon, they use all Aveda products which is a real treat! Giving 4 stars for now because it was my first time, and I have yet to try other services.

My review is specifically for John. To start I want to say the receptionists were lovely and while I liked my cut I had a terrible experience with the stylist. After scheduling the appointment the receptionist called me back asking if I could come in half an hour early. I showed up the 30 minutes early but had to wait 45 minutes (15 later than my original appointment time) for John to see me. He spent the next 2.5 insulting my hair and complaining about how hideous and damaged it was. Now I know my hair is damaged and it was the first thing I addressed in my consultation, but that does not mean it was acceptable for him to blatantly insult me. At one point he said he was glad I came in because «he judges women on the street with hair like mine.» He measured out my roots with his fingers to embarrass me. I liked my color and cut (though it cost about $ 100 more than the quote on the website) but I walked out of the salon feeling terrible about myself. Even at the end when I thanked him he said, well it at least looks better than it did, digging the knife in a little deeper. When I go to a salon I go to make myself feel confident and beautiful, not to be degraded by a stranger. This was one of the most expensive cut and colors of my life and I can unequivocally say it was not worth it.

Not up to par with other Aveda salons that I’ve visited. Only 1 restroom that is used as a changing room for putting on smocks. Can result in a wait to just get started. Staff is very friendly. Wasn’t really that excited by my service that I would return. Especially for the price, which is on the higher end. Love Aveda products so will continue to stop by to pick up necessities. They give Pure Privilege points for product purchases so that is a big bonus.

The first time I went here I had a great experience — Shana Dee really is as great as all the reviews say, and did an amazing job with my fine hair — so when I needed another cut, I decided to come back here. This time I had a different stylist — I went in and simply asked for a couple of inches off my hair and to retain the long layers I already had — the same thing I asked of Shana Dee a few months ago. Somehow, the stylist didn’t understand that, even though I showed her pictures of myself. All the stylist did was bluntly chop my hair off, and it looks awful since my hair is so fine. I could’ve done the same thing myself for free. Considering I paid $ 100, I would’ve expected a better cut/​styling, and not just a Cuts-​By-​Us experience. All I can do is hope my hair grows out more so I can go somewhere else and have them fix it.

I went in for a haircut last weekend, for the first time. I just moved to DC and have been trying salons out. Considering the price ($ 95 with tip and ATM fees… more on that below), I expected great customer service in addition to a great haircut. The haircut itself is fine. However, the customer service was just bad.
After a woman washed my hair, they apparently couldn’t locate the stylist, so I sat in the hair washing area for 10 minutes with wet hair just waiting while people repeatedly reassured me that he would be right there and then looked around for him. Finally I was approached by the stylist, but by that point my hair had started to air dry, and he had to spray my head all over with cold water before starting. Very unpleasant. Because the stylist hadn’t seen me before the first woman had washed my hair, he had no idea what my hair looked like dry and seemed (unsettlingly) surprised when I mentioned that I have bangs. Good thing I mentioned that before he started cutting.
After the cut, the woman at the register and my stylist both did not know how much to charge me. They asked if it was $ 60. Only the woman who had made my appointment, who might have been the manager, seemed to know because she had told me $ 77 when I arrived, and she swooped in to make sure they charged me that amount. Are the prices determined based on what they think they can get? That more than anything made me feel ripped off. Finally I tried to leave a tip at the counter but I was told that they only accept cash tips. I didn’t have enough cash in my wallet, so I asked them to run my card for the amount of the tip and give me the cash to give to the stylist. They refused and sent me down the street to get cash from the ATM, which was not my bank’s ATM. Awesome.
Never again! The only reason I gave 2 stars is the cut was decent. I got a compliment after leaving the salon. However, that was definitely not a $ 95 experience.

I’ve been coming here every month or so to get an upper lip wax. The woman who waxes me usually (Karina, I believe is her name) does a fantastic job and the wax lasts for a long time — and I’m even willing to pay $ 17 for it.
However, the past few times I’ve come in, she has mentioned my eyebrows every single time — asking whether I want her to do them, or bluntly telling me how «thin» they are and asking if I «pick» at them.
No. I do not «pick» at my eyebrows, thank you very much.
First of all, it’s none of your business. Second, I’m paying you nearly double the price I would pay at any other salon AND you’re double dipping.
Au revoir, Aveda. We’re definitely over. I’ll keep my $$ and go somewhere that’s more focused on clientele relations.

I have been getting my hair done for 10+ years now at mid-​range salons in the DMV (Urban Halo, Drybar, Sugarhouse, other Avedas) and today was by far the strangest experience I’ve had — ever. After a birthday brunch, I made the spontaneous decision to NOT do research (sigh) and did a walk in appt for permanent, one-​color-​process hair w/​Marc.
I kind of had a bad feeling about the whole thing — Marc was dressed sloppy and his clothes were hanging off him. He didn’t speak English very well, and I asked him for a red/​black, very deep hair color and he kept bringing me swatches of hair in light browns… I finally said «red» louder like an ugly American (he is Vietnamese I think) and it worked — we figured out one color that would work. He mixed up the color, and started using the brush to apply it to my hair — like by globs… then he would use his fingers to massage it into my scalp, and use a comb to yank it through my hair. After he got it all on, he used a wet towel to wipe around my face and neck bc there was a LOT of splashes. He then dropped the towel on my lap and said to hold onto it «in case of drips.»
After it set under the dryer, he took me to the sink and rinsed it out. After that, in the chair, he used a paddle brush to YANK my hair — starting at the TOP — and pulling straight down. I said «ow» in a progressively louder voice. He never apologized (again wasn’t sure if there was a language barrier, and at one point handed me the brush, and said «you comb your hair» and walked off to do something else. It wasn’t like he was angry or offended, he literally was just telling me to comb my own hair which was weird. Anyway after that, he blew it dry — again — using the paddle brush to yank straight down, and rough-​dried my hair in a mullet — lots of volume up on the bangs, and straight on the backside.
After it was dry, I said that I wanted allover color — the rest of my hair remained black — and the crown was bright red… it looked like some bad British punk hairdo. He explained (I couldn’t understand a lot of it) that my hair was too dark to begin with, so that was the best that he could do, and he hoped I would come back so he could cut my hair and color it again.
At the checkout, the receptionist asked me if I was satisfied as I paid $ 75 (they took off $ 5 since I wasn’t supposed to get a blow dry). I said no, and that I wanted my hair all one color (duh) instead of my natural hair color at the bottom and red crown. She said she understood, talked to Marc, and mercifully the head stylist or the manager (not sure which but he was fabulous) intervened:
He told Marc to redo it, talked to him like he was a 5 year old, and walked him through the steps on how to correct my hair color. I think the manager knew Marc was NOT competent, because he oversaw him mixing up the new color batches, and checked on me no less than 4 times. I asked Marc how long he had been a hair stylist, and he said, «oh I’ve been here a while, but I usually cut hair, not color.» Great.
Oh and here’s the kicker — Marc bleached my hair — which I found out when he basically dropped a washcloth over my face and said «don’t open your eyes.» After that, it was basically a repeat of the dye-​glopping-​on process, and Marc had left a HUGE smear of red on my face — I didn’t say anything because I kind of wondered if he’d notice that there was a burning patch of RED that went from my right ear halfway to my nose and kind of hoped it would stain.
He didn’t notice of course, and in fact went off to tend to another client. Another stylist who had fabulous short red hair came by and apologized, brought me tea, and used a solution to wipe off my face. Marc came back at some point and spoke (not nicely either) to the very sweet hair washer lady and told her to set an alarm. When the alarm went off later, he didn’t hear it — she had to go after him — and then he said she’s not done yet (my hair). The woman looked really frustrated and went back and got him — and even the manager said I was done. After that was the setting, rinse, and more pulling and drying, and mullet-​making, and I didn’t say a peep.
At this point I’d been at the salon for 3+ hours (2pm-​5pm or so) and was close to tears and just wanted out. I didn’t tip, and didn’t say anything as I walked out because I literally thought I was going to bawl. Maybe I’m being melodramatic but I am not used to going to Aveda and having a guy with the social skills and competence of a cab driver or butcher doing my hair. NOT what I’ve come to expect from Aveda — and btw I’ve been to Avedas in Honolulu, NY, and Pgon Row — and they were all fine. I’m hoping this was a one-​off experience.

Just called to schedule a cut/​color with Andrew, only to be informed by the perky receptionist that he is no longer at Aveda Georgetown… and she wouldn’t tell me where he went!
He’s gone? Me too. No need to make the schlep to Georgetown for overpriced services in a subpar environment.

I’ve been getting my hair cut and colored here for some time now. I have difficult hair in that although it isn’t thick, I have a lot of it. I also have an unusual texture and cowlicks everywhere! However, Jennifer is always able to tame my hair and has given me great recommendations for hair cuts depending on my mood to cut it short or grow it out. She’s also fantastic with color, especially the plummy reds that I really like. I’d recommend a cut and color with Jennifer anytime. Parking can be a bear, but it’s really not that far of a walk from Foggy Bottom or Dupont. If you go on a day with nice weather in the Spring and Fall you can really enjoy the view from the metro to Georgetown. If not, parking on Sundays is plentiful and free!