Athena Aveda Salon Spa (Reported Closed)

Doesn't Recommend

h20girl

Joined 5 years ago

Amazing Olga but salon operations leave a bad taste.... I had been going to Athena Aveda faithfully, about every 6 weeks, for about 2.5 years (started going when it was still called Linear Aveda). Olga gives amazing haircuts that are chic and flattering. Her chair-side manner is also terrific; she definitely listens. However, Olga is the only good thing left at Athena Aveda. The new owner seems to have little respect for the salon's clients and shows poor business etiquette. One of the interactions I had with her was memorable for leaving a bad taste in my mouth. When a friend purchased about $100 of Aveda products for me, she actively watched over the ladies at the register in order to make sure they would not add the credits to my Aveda rewards card (b/c it was my friend who had actually purchased the products, not me). Very petty. As another example, at a visit about 3 months ago, I was given a 10 or 15% discount for prebooking my appointment. However, at the very next visit, they increased the price of my haircut by approximately the same amount so that in the end, it was as if I never got the prebooking discount. What was most offensive is that nobody informed me about the price increase until AFTER the haircut, when it was time for me to pay. Can't help but feel that the salon is trying to pull one over on you. Small things do make a difference. And since Linear became Athena, things like this have gradually turned me off. At one point, I thought that I would put up with the poor operation of the place because Olga was so amazing. But I think it is now time for me to find another salon. Too bad. They just lost a customer who was once very loyal.

Recommends

veb

Joined 6 years ago

Olga is the best!. Olga is a fabulous stylist. I used to bounce back and forth between stylists, but am loyal to Olga because she does such a great job! She gives my hair amazing texture. Long, short, it doesn't matter- she can handle it. She's also a smart woman, so you get great conversation along with your haircut.

The salon space is a bit crowded, but I can ignore the atmosphere when I get such a great cut.

Recommends

jillmast

Joined 6 years ago

Great salon and spa. I went to this place because it came recommended to me by more than one person. The space is absolutely beautiful. There is even a downstairs that you would never knew existed if you didnt go down there. I had my hair cut and colored and I couldnt be happier. This is the best salon in the back bay by far. The stylist took the time to do exactly what I wanted. I have never had so many compliments on my hair than I do now.

Doesn't Recommend

larousse31086

Joined 6 years ago

disappointing return visit. have been to aveda several times and in the past have always enjoyed my visits. last year i went with my friend while she had her hair done and the stylists did a good job so i booked an appointment and the stylists did an equally good job highlighting my hair. however, when i went in today for a highlight and a cut it was one of my WORST salon experiences ever. when i booked my appointment i explained to the receptionist that i wanted a trim, highlights and a root touch up. when i sat down to talk to the stylist about what i wanted done he began to make a face and told me that he wouldnt have enough time to do what i wanted and insinuated that i should come back another day. when i explained that i had told the girl i booked my appt. with exactly what i wanted and i understood if there was an error because that happens he begrudgingly rearranged somethings to 'squeeze' me in. i then waited another 30 minutes to even start my appointment while he shampooed and cut another client's hair. when i finally sat down to have my hair highlighted he rushed through it, got die all over my face. after i had the dye rinsed out i waited another 30 minutes for him to get around to cutting my hair. i told him that i wanted to keep the length but to add some layers to give it more shape. he snipped off about half an inch all around and...that was it. no layers. nothing. i could have done that myself. and i was charged $65 for it!!! i don't mind paying almost $180 for highlights because i have a lot of hair, but to pay $65 for a half inch trim and be treated like i was an invasion on time on top of that....my highlights look good but i will not be going back!

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mweatherbottom

Joined 6 years ago

Such a great group of people, new ownership shouldnt matter. I have been going to this salon for the past couple years while I was in school. I have since graduated and moved on. Renee was my stylist there and she is amazing! I wish I could fly her out to do my hair because every time, its just the way I wanted it. She went to the Aveda Institute so she really knows the product line and she is always so friendly and sweet. I have also had my hair dried and styled by Kim, Craig, Lauren and Scot and I have been very happy with the results.

The assistants they have there are awesome too. Before going here, I had never been to a salon that had assistants. I've seen a couple different ones, but their pre service massages are wonderful and they always make me feel relaxed and welcome. Ask to see Shey, Enver, or Nicole if you can.

As for the Spa, I have only had a few services there, mostly because I was a poor college kid, but the ones I have had were amazing. I've seen both Arlene and Christina for facials and they are both amazing. Harmony and Zoran do massage there too, and they are also great.

There have been some changes with the new ownership that I havent been a fan of, but the staff there is so amazing, it shouldnt matter how the owner is.

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meconomougr

Joined 6 years ago

Best experience EVER.. It was finally nice to go into a salon and feel welcomed. I got a facial by Arlene, mani-pedi by Claudia and hair styled by Kim. I felt great. My friend recomended it for brazilian wax by Christina; next time. The place looked great since they changed ownership. So much more hip and CLEAN. Loved it!

Doesn't Recommend

caoileann

Joined 6 years ago

Don't count on it.... I would echo the above complaint - I went for a facial at this spa, only to be told I had called to cancel the booking (which I did not do). Regardless, they could not offer me the 60 minute facial I booked, and instead offered a 40 minute mini facial. That's good enough reason for me to never go back again!

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Back Bay boutique uses Aveda products in various services such as haircuts and styling, makeup and massage among others.