Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, Covent Garden — Local services in London

I had originally visited a few months ago for a haircut and expressed my interest in covering my greys but shared my concerns about the process, as I was unfamiliar and nervous about hair colouring. I was introduced to a colourist, John, who assured me that a semi-permanent colour would be suitable for my needs—providing grey coverage while gradually fading naturally into my hair. Based on this consultation, I specifically booked an appointment with John a few months later.

The issues I encountered during my appointment are as follows:

Colour Application: John then proceeded to apply the colour in a rushed and careless manner, spending only around ten minutes on my hair. His approach was inconsistent, rushed, and careless, and I had to point out areas that he had missed. I was then left to sit with the colour for half an hour without any real check-ins or reassurance, despite my earlier concerns about the process.

Concern Dismissal & Feeling Like an Inconvenience: When I looked in the mirror, I was very upset to see that my greys were still visible. I attempted to get his attention, but I was completely ignored. When I asked the junior stylist to call him over, he was visibly frustrated and dismissive, instructing her to continue drying my hair before he would return. He was just plain rude to both of us—even though this was still my appointment time. He was talking to another client, which I understand, but I should not have been dismissed like that.

Extreme Rudeness from John: When John finally returned, he showed zero empathy. His response to my concern was, "Oh, looks like it didn't hold on to some strands," which I found dismissive. When I pointed out that my hair looked the same as before, he rudely replied, "That's a matter of opinion, darling." At this point, I realized he was unwilling to address my concerns, so I requested to speak with the manager.

The manager was more frustrated at having to leave a meeting —mentioning this a number of times rather than the fact that his colleague had left a customer in tears. At this point, I was feeling unwell, having not eaten all morning, and mentioned this to him. Instead of showing any care or concern, he dismissed it as irrelevant to the situation and not his problem—something I shouldn't be adding to the “equation.” I then reached into my bag to take a mint to help me stay alert and basically not faint, and he rudely remarked, "Oh, you're doing it again," as if I was being disrespectful for momentarily looking away. He was rude and constantly talked over me. We had a lengthy discussion in front of the whole store, which was embarrassing as I was in visible tears.

I contacted the customer service team who said there is nothing further to be done as i had paid 50% of the price - a price i had argued for after initially being offered 20%.

Basically if you care about your hair and want results rather than being made to feel like nothing but a sale - dont go here. Maybe other Aveda salons are better but the staff and the whole experience was too traumatic for me to ever return. The customer service requested a call but said nothing further would be done, failing to see the point of...

I I would have given a zero star if that was an option. I had a really uneventful experience and I am honestly not too sure if I would visit again. It is my first attempt trying to make an appointment here, I made an appointment weeks ago with their last appointment in the day to fit in my work schedule. Whilst booking, I have already got the impression that 6.30pm is the last available appointment for wash cut and blow dry. 2days prior to my appointment, I got a call from the shop saying the stylist I booked is not well, hence they arranged another stylist for me for the same price but at 7pm. I asked and double check if they really mean 7pm as I felt it's is probably too late for them, but the staff confirmed they can do it at 7, with me assuming the ground staff need to take up extra appointments, and hence that late. On the morning of my appointment day, I got another call from them, saying the replacement stylist was off for emergency reason? And they will reschedule me for another stylist same day same price at 7pm again. Again I double checked with the time as I was not too convinced, but they again confirmed verbally that it will be 7pm. Up to that point, I understand the sickness and unexpected situation, and still satisfied how they do.

Then, I intentionally adjust my journey time to arrive there on time, not too early and definitely not late. After work, after an hour stuck in London traffic, i got there around 6.45/6.50, and trying to register my appointment with the front desk ladies. I told them I got an appointment over the phone for 7pm and the first line she got back is "sorry you are late". I tried to explain why I got there for 7pm appointment, but she was not convinced, showing me the booking system and say I am booked for 6.30pm, basically the the no empathy nor understanding and a bit feels like "sorry not sorry" attitude. I limbo and tried to justify my arrival for a while with her and finally she looks like she walked inside and check if there is availability and quickly came out and say sorry we have no one available not it's too late. At that point, I was tired of work and the travel, hungry after work, wasting a lot of time to reach central with nothing done and yet I have to deal with these attitude with literally nothing positive nor any solution, like nothing. I have had hair cut with a few other brand at this price point in ldn, and honestly, with this situation, they could have done much better then that. They should at least show empathy/understanding, apologetic, perhaps offer a drink and alternative solution such as looking into rebook or so on.... all I got is I am late, #sorry not sorry I understand late duty staff may not be very well trained, but this is no where close to what I...

As a prestigious name in the beauty industry, Aveda sets high expectations for its salon experience. Unfortunately, my recent visit fell significantly short of the brand's reputation for luxury and professional service.

The disappointment began immediately upon arrival. While the staff offered to take my coat, their makeshift system of using Post-it notes instead of proper coat check tags immediately suggested a concerning lack of organization and professionalism. This improvised solution seems unbefitting of a high-end salon chain.

The communication breakdown continued when I was directed upstairs to wait for my stylist, only to be completely forgotten for 30 minutes. It took someone finally noticing my extended wait to inquire about my appointment time – a basic oversight that shouldn't occur in any salon, let alone one of Aveda's caliber.

The service issues extended to the refreshment offering. When I requested a coffee, I was surprised to be told to go downstairs and get it myself. This self-service approach contradicts the premium experience one expects when paying £100 for a salon service.

The physical environment also showed signs of neglect. Unbranded signage and chipped paint throughout the space suggested a lack of attention to detail and maintenance. These aesthetic issues particularly stand out given Aveda's brand emphasis on creating a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere.

The hair washing experience was equally problematic. The faulty shower head, which repeatedly sprayed water in my face, was explained away with a casual "sorry, the shower head is full of limescale" – an issue that should have been addressed through regular maintenance. This kind of equipment problem is unacceptable in a professional setting.

While the actual haircut and blow-dry service were satisfactory, they weren't exceptional enough to overcome the numerous shortcomings in service and environment. At £100, this experience simply doesn't deliver the value or luxury one expects from the Aveda brand.

Verdict: Despite Aveda's strong reputation, this salon fails to deliver the premium experience its price point and brand name promise. The combination of poor service, maintenance issues, and general lack of attention to detail makes it difficult to recommend. There are likely better options available for those seeking a high-end salon experience.

Would not recommend....