


Open List Home > Seattle, WA > education > Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

Tap into the educational synergy of two fashion industry leaders. Seattle's Gary Manuel Salon has joined forces with Aveda to open the West Coast's first and only Aveda Institute. Now you can get your Washington State Professional license--and a fantastic career edge--in the exciting fields of Hair Design or Skin Care. Experience exceptional education in an urban, fashion-forward setting with Aveda's cutting-edge curriculum and enviromentally responsible products. Enrolling students now online, or call us for a visit.
I've been going here for years (and even worked here briefly a few years ago) and I've had some very good experiences here. Let me say at the outset that I never go here for cuts - only color, and only with...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/10/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been here to get a quick haircut and I've been really pleased with their service.The service is fabulous and it makes you almost feel like you're in a high end salon...I'm always a chicken to get…
yelp.com - user review - 08/02/2008
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2.0 of 5 stars.
My experience was very mixed. While I appreciate the price, I didn't find the customer service level to be very good and the length of time it took was just ridiculous. I went in for a haircut and…
yelp.com - user review - 08/01/2008
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Back when I was a Michigan State Spartan, the local Aveda Institute was a no-brainer for an uber-cheap, uber-fantastic haircut or eyebrow wax. So when I landed in Seattle and realized there was an…
yelp.com - user review - 07/28/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Appointments for my full-day spa experience had been so severely screwed up prior to my service, so I had mixed feelings coming in. The first time I scheduled via email, I did it a month in advance…
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2008
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Love this place!!!! I've been going to this institute for over a year now. I've had several students cut my hair and I've never been disappointed. The price is soooo within my budget. I pay about $20 plus tip...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/15/2008
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I have to tell you, as much as I look to Citysearch for recommendations, I've never written a review - not once. After seeing Lovie at the Aveda Institute, and getting a self renewal facial, I feel compelled!!...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/29/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I've been here for waxing, haircuts, and hair coloring. All my experiences have been positive and you can't beat the price. However, one of my hair cut/coloring experiences did take literally 8 hours.…
yelp.com - user review - 06/16/2008
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I've been to the school before, but it has been a while. I didn't know who was who anymore so I read the city search reviews and booked a foil and haircut with Megan. What a great experience. Best hand massage...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/10/2008
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My husband researched into where to find the Aveda products after a brief Vacation in Canada. (The Motel we stayed at there used Aveda products and I fell in love with them. ) He came across The Gary Manuel
citysearch.com - user review - 05/20/2008
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I went in for a facial and walked out relaxed and ready to take over the world. Ok, maybe not that dramatic, but my experience was wonderful. They took great care to match the oils, cleanser, toner and...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I rate this a four because my brother was trained at this school. The hair cuts are great and they have instructors to check up and off what's going on with the student (so you don't leave looking…
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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I went to this school after a friend told me to check it out. I asked for an experienced student that could help turn my shoulder length hair into a modern cut. They gave me a person named Megan. I must admit...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/20/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I was served a delicious tea upon my arrival. My stylist student was VERY knowledgeable about Aveda products, but not too pushy. She got right to checking out the status of my hair and then straight…
yelp.com - user review - 04/16/2008
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I went in for a damage remedy with Dakota a few months ago. She was amazing! I had the most relaxing experience, and my damaged hair felt incredibily soft afterwards. She really took the time to pamper me and...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/15/2008
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I just went from long hair to short, and I love it. Best haircut I've recieved and it was only $16. I highly recommend Devi, she was very confident and a perfectionist. She communicated with me very well to...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/14/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
As far as I am concerned, one of the better places to get your hair cut. I was never one of those guys to go to a "salon" to get a haircut; I'm a guy from Brooklyn, it just didn't happen. However, I…
yelp.com - user review - 04/05/2008
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1.0 of 5 stars.
DO NOT BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE... they cancel on you last minute. I have (or shall I say, HAD) 2 appointments for me and a friend for facials at 8:30AM tomorrow morning. It is now 12:30PM the day…
yelp.com - user review - 03/21/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I have been going here for over 3 years and I love it. I have only had one bad cut (by a like week 2 beginner). In the past year I have found a stylist that I love and keep coming back to him for cuts…
yelp.com - user review - 03/05/2008
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I just had the most amazing hair cut from Andee. She is a sweet girls and loves to talk which is great because it made me feel like she really cared. Go see her, she is really good. Im going to tell all my...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/09/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
This was my first real salon-type haircut. I grew up getting trims by my parents and then at cheap shopping center hair cut joints and barbershops in college. Haircuts range from $14-20. Mine cost…
yelp.com - user review - 02/08/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
There aren't many places you can get a 90 minute facial for $50. It's usually a really sketchy place or some sort of school; I'm ok with a school, I'm not ok with sketch. Sometimes I think getting a…
yelp.com - user review - 02/03/2008
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I just moved to Seattle and had no idea where to get my hair done, so I looked on City search and was happy to find myself another Aveda school. I am a former stylist and went to an Aveda school myself, so I...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/03/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I just moved to Seattle and had no idea where to get my hair done, so I looked on City search and was happy to find myself another Aveda school. I read the wonderful reviews and decided to give the…
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2008
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From a former guest to a GMAI Alumni, I've been shown nothing but perfection. My hair has never looked better and I had the pleasure to attend the best institute for cosmetology/esthetics around not only in...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/26/2007
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I decided to try out the services at the GM Aveda Institute since the service was inexpensive and there were good reviews for it. I asked for a partial foil and long layers... and ended up with fried...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/18/2007
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As a recent graduate from GMAI, I have to say that it was a rollercoaster of an education. I graduated from the esthetics department and feel that my education was pretty average. Now, I've never studied...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/18/2007
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Ricardo, at the Gary Manuel Aveda Insitute is definitely one of the best talent at this fine establishment. I have read the other reviews on here and have to say that it is definitely with whom you choose to...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/17/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
So after a year and a half of growing hair down to the swell of my back (not pretty at all), I decided that I needed t get my haircut and stop hiding my hair through clips. I walked in and hoped to…
yelp.com - user review - 12/15/2007
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I was going to the Institute for awhile for cuts and colors for sometime now, and recently have noticed that they are going significantly DOWNHILL since Elle left. I went in the other day for a chocolate brown...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/14/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
After years of buying Aveda products, I finally earned enough points on their Pure Privilege Program to cash in for a $50 gift certificate for any spa or hair service of my choice. The lady at the…
yelp.com - user review - 11/05/2007
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Went in for a shoulder length straight cut. Sounds simple since my hair was already in the basic st...
judysbook.com - user review - 10/19/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
It is extremely worth a try if you want color! This is the only place I get my hair colored. Really... I have going since it has opened and I have converted many to this ritual as well. It does take…
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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I had been here before for hair services and was always happy with the outcome so I thought it would be fun to take some girlfriends to get our make up done before a party. When we walked in the door there...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/07/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
A friend and I decided we both needed haircuts, so we bopped on over to Gary Manuel Aveda Institute today. Altogether, it was worth going, though since the stylists are students, there are a few…
yelp.com - user review - 09/18/2007
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I had simply gone in for a brow waxing and thought it would be nice to also have a facial. I don't want to say who did it, but let me tell you I left with an irritated face and a terrible wax job that was red...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/11/2007
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1.0 of 5 stars.
this place DOES NOT deserve even one star. DO NOT GO TO SCHOOL HERE! Unless you enjoy being belittled in front of your peers, robbed of thousands of dollars, serving tea is your favorite thing to do,…
yelp.com - user review - 09/06/2007
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Really you can't beat this Institute. It's a great place to get a color or facial or massage or makeup and Aveda products. I have gone to two really good students that stand out in my mind. Rainy and Roman...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/23/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I give this place 5 stars because you simply can't get more bang for your buck. Haircuts are very inexpensive but always great, you get a scalp massage and partial shoulder massage before they even…
yelp.com - user review - 08/09/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Alright, I've been to this place probably a dozen times and I think it's about time I write a review. Everytime I come here it's a different experience. They are not very consistent, but it's because…
yelp.com - user review - 08/06/2007
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I looked up Gary Manuel Aveda Institute on this site and I saw a review for Emma that described how great she is. I decided to go her and she took the time to talk to me and find out my hair personality. We...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/28/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This is the only place I get my hair done: I can pretend I'm being decadent and trendy, when I'm really getting a cut and partial foil for less than the cost of a haircut some places. Yes, it takes a…
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
You can't really beat a cut and partial foil for under $100 (and using Aveda products no less). Most of the students I have had have been good (some were GREAT), and only had one "bad" experience,…
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2007
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A good friend had recommended this place to me so I drove down from Bellingham to see what it was all about. The moment I walked into the door I was immediately greeted and welcomed. The staff was polite and...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/09/2007
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I have curly- unruly hair, and wanted to get a cut and color done. Everytime I get my hair done by a stylist it turns out bad. But I finally found my stylist and her name is Emma. Not only did she ask a lot of...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/02/2007
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I have searched Seattle high and low for a good cheap haircut and THIS is the place to go. I have gotten several great cuts there, better than a couple local high end salons that shall remain unnamed. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/01/2007
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I don't know what this woman is doing with a pair of shears other than ruining hair. She was supposed to cut jawlength bangs and instead I got a chunk of hair chopped off to only 1" long on the left side of my...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/25/2007
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After waiting WAY TO MANY MONTHS to get my hair done -- part of it being I have a toddler and I'm expecting my second bundle in a 7 weeks... I can never seem to find the time or justify spending a small...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/18/2007
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I was recently referred to the school by a friend of mine. His girlfriend is a student over there and so I went to Essence. She was not only very outgoing and sweet, but she put me to ease after I decided to...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/10/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i love this place. anytime i need something done i first opt to go here. i found my currently hair stylist first at aveda. i have frequented the gene juarez training schools (in fed way as well as…
yelp.com - user review - 06/08/2007
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I should preface this by saying I came here because of an ad on craigslist of a student needing hair...
judysbook.com - user review - 06/07/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Prices here are great, as others have mentioned, and the full body Caribbean therapy treatment I received was pretty good for $50 and an hour long. Downstairs in the basement is where all their spa…
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
This place is a great deal! I've had my hair cut here twice and have been very pleased both times. I like a good haircut, but do not blow dry, style, color, or tolerate anything high-maintance.…
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
Half head highlights for $40 bucks. Sound like a deal and to good to be true? That's what I thought. Easy location to find - however, make sure you bring lots of quarters for the metered parking you…
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Cheap cut, with error correction. This team approach to my hair in the planning and almost-done stages was a real eye-opener: the supervisor found and fixed subtle faults that will make my haircut…
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
I went here with my sister as a way to end my time as a spa virgin. The place was crowded--a bit chaotic. I got the Essential Facial, but don't remember who did it. Not that it matters as they are all…
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2007
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4.0 of 5 stars.
So after 8 mos of moving here to Seattle. I finally got a haircut. That makes my hair really long huh? I was looking for a place where I can get good styling and at the same time something affordable.…
yelp.com - user review - 03/29/2007
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My first visit to Gary Manuel was to meet with Lindsey for a consultation on my hair for my wedding day. She did an AMAZING job with my updo for my wedding! She did so well that my friends were bringing photos...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/08/2007
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I am a former student of the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute and decided to go back last week to get a brow wax/shape and a hair color, and what good way to perk up a Wednesday! I started my early morning out with...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/31/2007
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If you get a good stylist, this place is amazing. For the past 8 months i went to Alex and he was unbelievable. great haircut and a beautiful blowdry, from a STUDENT!! Now he's gone so I went to another...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/18/2007
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I'm very picky about getting my hair done because I have experience with coloring and styling hair. I was nervous about going to a training salon, but thought I'd give it a try since I had heard great things....
citysearch.com - user review - 01/12/2007
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I've been getting my hair cut at this school for about a year now and have always been pretty pleased with the results. The last 3 times I've been in I've seen Jasmine for my cut, and she is fantastic! I have...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/17/2006
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1.0 of 5 stars.
I am lost for words after my last experience at this place - actually I have words but I doubt that using expletives on this site would be appropriate. The Institute is fine if you happen to stumble…
yelp.com - user review - 09/12/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
No better place for a cheap cut and color. After leaving Park City and my favorite stylist I wandered around aimlessly in Seattle jumping from one salon to another wasting way too much money. And…
yelp.com - user review - 09/11/2006
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This training Salon is great and very very affordable. I have had my hair highlighted there twice and both came out looking great. The only thing to note is that both times it has taken 3 hours to hightlight...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/12/2006
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I started going there as soon as they opened. The first month all services were $5. However, I fi...
judysbook.com - user review - 07/28/2006
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I went to see Lindsay at Gary Manuel salon after reading some reviews on this site. I have to say I am impressed! I've had issues with stylists "getting" the fact that I want to hip and young but still keep...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/24/2006
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I am 45 years old and have received many facials throughout the years. The facial I received from Crystal Booth at Gary Manuel Aveda Institute is absolutely the best I have ever experienced. Certainly, I never...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/23/2006
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1.0 of 5 stars.
DON'T GO TO SCHOOL HERE! the services i had as student were fine but i was lied to about the curriculum of the esthetician program. when i ask"will i be taught methods other than aveda?" i was told…
yelp.com - user review - 04/03/2006
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1.0 of 5 stars.
After receiving several treatments including numerous hair services, facials, body wraps and purchasing several Aveda products, I had been satisfied with their environment and the qualified students…
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2006
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Sssshhhhhhhh.... you cant tell anyone how amazing this place is. Im afraid if word gets out that it will be harder to get an appointment here or that they will raise there prices. A mens haircut is…
yelp.com - user review - 03/27/2006
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I was happy with the overall experience but was landed with a horrible stylist who took 3 hours to foil my hair. While other customers were having these wonderful conversations with their stylists, my girl...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/10/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Why go anywhere else? I just got a great, fun haircut from a talented stylist at half the price! This place values fun hair design and you can tell by the students. Plus its Aveda, which is a great…
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I don't go anywhere else [from now on] to get my 'hurr did. 10 Dollas a cut is just my price, and for the reals you can get a color from 30-45$ [depending on what you need done] - plus, you're doing a…
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2006
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interesting,review was removed.i wanted a trim before my anniversary so i decided to go here. i will never go to a beauty school ever again. the salon is clean,modern and stylist was nice but i could tell she...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
i was thrilled to find out that an Aveda Institute had come to Seattle! Friends that had gone to Aveda training institutes in other cities raved about their services. The people working there were…
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2006
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What a fantastic salon! Cleanliness and atmosphere are the first things you notice as you walk into this hip salon. The service is excellent. Everything from the Aveda candles giving out the relaxing aroma...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/13/2006
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The facial experience was outstanding - soft lighting, candles, a choice of aromatherapies, soothing lotions, massage - WOW. It was so much more than a facial! The students are very well trained and make you...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/11/2006
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As one of Seattle's original Aveda Concept Salons, we were excited when Aveda opened an institute in our area. After hiring two esthiologhy graduates we were impressed and delighted by their skill and...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/10/2006
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These cosmetology courses do not prepare you for passing the state boards. The instructors are rushed and poorly organized, need more qualified instructors to cover the floor. Be very wary before. Lots of hype...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/08/2006
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Awesome conversations when I got my hair done and then when I got a facial. Felt really good afterward since it was such a deal to get either! Bought an Aveda product on the way out.
citysearch.com - user review - 01/08/2006
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I made an appointment at the institute after becoming very dissatisfied with my experiences at Gene Juarez. I was soooo happy with GMAI. People were nice, and treated me like a person/client, not a guinea pig....
citysearch.com - user review - 01/07/2006
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As a recent graduate of GMAI, I am honored to be an alumni of an institute that's committed to the business of being ... educational, inspiring and supportive of its students becoming successful in the world...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/15/2005
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Fantastic! This place is great because it is a school, but is also an Aveda Salon. The prices are not to be beat! Hair cuts start at $10, all over color is $30, facials $35, and highlights are $40.…
yelp.com - user review - 10/05/2005
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I enrolled 2 weeks ago for the esthetician program (begins in January). I wanted to have my hair colored after seeing many beautiful results while waiting for my tour to begin. My stylist was Ellen. I was...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/02/2005
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I wasnt sure what to expect when I booked an appointment at a training salon but I was more impressed than I would ever imagine! I got my eyes tinted, and a hair cut and color and could not believe how little...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/18/2005
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I went last weekend to the Gary Manuel aveda institute to get my hair cut and waxing. I was expecting a small place, but it was huge. The front desk staff were very nice also not what I was expecting. The wait...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/26/2005
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I have wanted to go to Gary Manuel's salon in Belltown for years, but let's admit it- it's pricey (as it should be). So thrilled I was when they opened their Institute on the Hill, just minutes from my work. I...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/11/2005
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It's about time that going to a cosmetology school became a really positive experience. This place isn't open until December, but they are interviewing students now. I was lucky enough to be one of them!
citysearch.com - user review - 11/09/2004
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As a student the toghest challenge is deciding where to go! There are so many great cosmetology institutes out there with the longstanding reputations to back them up. However, of all the places that I have...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/21/2004
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Everyone at the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute went out of their way to make my student interview an exceptional experience. There is a really special feeling here that I haven't felt or seen at the other schools...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/17/2004
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This Institute is state of the art in appearence, education, and quality. Highly recommended for training in the beauty industry.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/13/2004
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I went to meet with the recruiters about attending the Gary Manuel Aveda institute and my expectations were exceeded by far!! Not only did I enroll but I am even more insired about my decesion than I was...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/08/2004
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