Avila's is tucked away in the middle of Southmore near the Walgreens by Almeda. It is a little hard to locate because it is actually inside of a building that was formerly a house. It's the cutest little boutique salon which also has a spa upstairs. I have never been to the spa section, so this review will solely be about the haircuts that I have gotten over time here. There used to be a lady whose name I can't recall for the life of me and she no longer works there. She would always cut my hair and I was not a big fan but it was the best that I could find for my hair type in the area without having to go to 1960 and 45 area where my former stylist moved. So after she left I was a little apprehensive when I walked in (because I like to sometimes get my haircut at a whim and to get Walter you should usually call because most of the time he will be booked) and I got someone I had not seen before, named Jennifer. From the very beginning Jennifer understood exactly how I wanted my hair done. She did exactly what I told her and I was extremely happy with how my hair turned out. I have been here several times and each time I have left satisfied with my haircut, be it by Walter or anyone else that works here. For this price tag, you get a nice haircut, a wash, and a hot towel. Since you cannot predict when they will be having a busy day (recently, that's been all the time), I would highly recommend booking ahead of showing up. I was very lucky last time I went because I called ahead of time and Walter was able to squeeze me in his busy schedule. A day prior to that I had just shown up as a walk-in and they were understaffed and fully booked. Do not make that mistake! There's parking in the back side in the private lot that they share with the law firm next door. And if you want to park on the street, you can do that too. If you are in need of a mini "treat yo self" kinda mood this place ought to do it. read more

Terrible service. Does not stay on top of their Groupon. Had me in the chair and mixed up the color and then asked how I heard about them and I said Groupon. Then I showed Groupon pricing and they said that's not correct and wanted to charge me double. Absolute waste of my time when I had called prior stating what I wanted. It's not the customers fault you don't keep up with your own Groupon account. I should have been able to get my hair at the Groupon price since I was there and it was their mistake. read more

Spa treatment and quality at barber shop prices!! The Avila Salon and Spa feels like an indulgence that doesn't break the bank. I've been visiting Walter for cuts and shampoos for about a year now while he was a Vincent's Hair Salon, and I've never had a bad haircut from him. He is friendly and remembers how to cut my hair even if I haven't stopped by for months. The shampoos are an indulgence that doesn't break the bank. Walter now has his own salon and it is a major upgrade over Vincent's. Avila's is a beautifully decorated home with a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere complete with a complimentary beverage when you arrive. I was visited the salon a week after it opened and Walter let me tour the house, and what a wonderful job he has done with the place! Despite the luxurious feel of the place the price is still a bargain - I payed $25 for a cut and shampoo. This is a $5 increase over the price at Vincent's, but I would gladly pay a little more to upgrade from the store front to spa atmosphere. This place is a real gem, and I highly recommend it for someone looking for a good stylist and spa at reasonable rates! read more

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$50 for a shampoo + cut including tip! Really a pretty good deal considering the location, quality, and level of service. Avila's is in a converted house in museum district with a small parking lot in the back. The salon is clean and cool - all the amenities in a more laid back setting. My haircut was with Walter, and the two other stylists were in and out, chatting on the phone and just hanging out, at the same time. I liked it, had a more personal feel than some of the larger salons. The shampoo/head massage was so relaxing and I was happy with the cut. Walter offered some good tips on how to care for for my hair which tends to be dry. The whole process lasted about any hour and I only waited about 2-3 min before the cut. Overall, I'm happy with the results, though I personally did find it to be a bit pricey for a pretty simplistic cut. Definitely one of the most affordable in the area, though. read more

Hear me now: Ivan just gave me a cut that LOOKS GOOD WHEN I DO ZERO THINGS. I did the first post-cut wash yesterday evening- I just let it air dry, didn't even brush it, and was like dang I DON'T EVEN NEED TO. The salon is pretty, clean, and in a cute little house super close to the med center. Ivan was super nice. My hair smelled good. But the biggest point is how I can keep up my same level of lazy, but look better doing it-- read more

Horrible service. Very unprofessional staff specifically IVAN. Girls please DONT TRUST HIM WITH YOUR HAIR!!!!! You can tell He was on a hurry and he didn't want to stay there any more. Luckily me, I chose the last appointment!! Wrong! He cut my bangs, we I can't say cut let's say murdered my bangs. Now I have to wear a hat or gel until it grows again. Usually, someone told you and ask you how long/short you want to go, but here nothing! Just go and ruin my style in a second. IT IS A BIG NO!!!!!!!!!i will never come back to this place! Don't let IVAN ruin your week please! read more

I was a first timer here and I have to say I will definitely be back!! I needed a keratin treatment and was skeptical of trying a new place since my previous hair dresser retired. I received this treatment about a week and a half ago and I waited a while to review to see if the treatment actually stayed in place after a couple washes. My hair continues to look and feel great!! I was expecting to be there approximately 3-4 hours for this treatment due to my previous experience, but to my surprise I was done within 2 hours! THANK YOU Walter!!! You did an amazing job! You will definitely be seeing me again! read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I signed up to Yelp just to write this review. Ivan: what a polite and professional gentleman. I told him how I like my hair to be cut, he suggested a small thing and guess what? I have had the best hair cut in 5 years. He is so talented. The place is clean, quiet and modern. I would give them 10 starts. read more

Thanks, Mitchell. Letting you know wouldn't have helped much because there was little hair left to work with. She cut my hair very short, shorter than I wanted and shorter than the picture I showed her. What I didn't say in my first review was that the time before last, Birsha no-showed for my appt. She'd evidently forgotten to put the appt. in the salon computer? She said she'd lost her cell phone? Whatever the reason, I arrived early, 30 minutes passed, and we called Birsha, only to learn that she could not come in to work that day. Leaving me stranded. So the salon squeezed me in; Sebastian did my hair which turned out well. I liked the cut he gave me a lot, the color, not as much. But after this past Birsha-gone-rogue hairstyling, I won't be trying again, not after being stood up for my appt. the time before last. Thank you for the reply. read more

After years of getting okay, but cheap haircuts at rando TGFs, I finally decided to commit to finding a stylist. Walter is the first stylist I've come back to - three times now! My haircut always looks great when I leave, and he spends a ton of time showing me how I can style my hair at home to replicate his blow dry. He even makes me hold the round brush and blow dryer so I can "feel" what he's talking about, as opposed to just listening to his instructions. Also, the value is unbeatable. There have been some intense staff turnover recently, and I'm not sure what precipitated the changes or what their ultimate impact on the business will be, but I hope the answer is "not much!" read more

This is such a cute salon with very friendly and professional staff! I loved my hair cut, but was not happy with my highlights (especially for the price). read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - Loved my cut, but was not impressed with my highlights. - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Avila's is a brand new salon-but the stylists aren't! They all are very experienced and were ready to create their vision of what a salon and spa should be. Go check out their new space--it's warm and inviting. (And not over priced!!) As for who you should book with-all three do great work (I've seen many finished looks from these folks) but I only have personal experience with Ivan. Ivan is a terrific stylist. My partner and I have been going to Ivan for over a year. (Prior to finding Ivan, we went through several unfortunate hair cuts at various places.) After giving him a general idea of the look I want, he will always execute a great cut. He thoroughly checks his work and will make adjustments even after styling. The attention to detail is what keeps me coming back. He is also adept at suggesting new styles that may flatter. You can't go wrong with Ivan at Avila's Salon & Spa. read more

What a fantastic salon! Tucked into the fashionable Museum District, this is a great little retreat. The staff are welcoming, professional and charming. Visitor's are quickly greeted and offered refreshments while they wait. The salon itself is calming and tasteful and puts visitors at ease right away. Ivan Martinez is a great stylist! I've gone to chain places for years because I hadn't been able to find someone affordable and could also provide cool recommendations for styling. I was used to just cutting my hair short so I didn't have to mess with it, but Ivan has showed me multiple styling options with very little fuss. Want an added treat? Make sure you get Ivan to give you a shampoo after your cut. If you don't fall asleep from the relaxing head massage that comes along with the shampooing you'll definitely leave completely relaxed. This is the second location I've followed Ivan to and will happily continue to go to him for my haircuts. read more

Went in for a regular men's haircut and had a terrible experience re payment. I had a Groupon which he refused to accept. He said he turned off his Groupon 4 months ago and hasn't been accepting Groupons since. That is a complete lie, because there are reviews on his Groupon page from this month! And he made me pay full price at the salon ($30, which is not cheap) so in addition to the groupon, I was out $45 total. read more

I love this salon. Jennifer always gives me a great cut. She is always very happy and professional. Walter, the owner, is always cordial and he has created a very welcoming and stylish atmosphere at the salon. Iris, the other stylist, is always friendly towards me as well. This is definitely a classy place, staffed with wonderful people! read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

I loved this new (for me) salon! I felt right at home in the elegant, yet very comfortable, surroundings. Jennifer did an EXCELLENT job on my cut and blow dry. She was conscientious and skilled. With a sweet personality to boot! Jennifer gave me a tour of the upstairs where there is a massage table, facial treatment area, a beautiful bathroom where you could even shower, and a pedicure / manicure room. A person could make a day here and then go "trip the light fantastic"! read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - Avila's Salon & Spa ~ ROCKS ~ and so does Jennifer - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

Today I came in for my appointment with Walter. I was running late and made sure to call, thankfully I was only 10 minutes late but as soon as I got to the salon Walter and another stylist greeted me. I wanted the keratin treatment but over the phone me and Walter talked about the Brazilian blowout. He made sure to explain the difference and the convenience perspective. I was happy to hear I didn't have to go 3 days without washing my hair. Walter was very nice, he kept good interaction with me, I was also given complimentary wine. I came in with crazy, curly, frizzy hair, but walked out with beautiful manageable hair. The salon was beautiful and clean. There was a parking lot behind the salon. Thank you salon Avila's and my amazing stylist Walter. I will be sure to come here everyone I am in town :) read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - I got the Brazilian blowout! I came in for my appointment with Walter today. My hair is feeling amazing! - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

I have been seeing Ivan for a few years now and have followed him from several salons to the current Avila's. He is great and has always gotten my haircut right. The new salon is very nicely done with a nice and homey feel. I guess since it's in a little house. read more

I moved to Houston from NYC about four years ago, and was used to getting a stellar haircut for a decent price. It took me almost two years to find Ivan, and I've been going to him ever since. He is precise, attentive, and enjoyable to talk to. Every now and then I want to change up my hairstyle a bit, and Ivan has made suggestions on what would and would not work. I've always left satisfied. The salon itself is very pleasant to be in. The feel is modern but warm, with dark woods and modern finishes throughout. They also have a pretty sizable parking lot in the back. read more

Finally I found THE place!!!!... I've tried pretty much every salon in a 2mile radius around the museum district and this salon is by far the best service & skill I've found. Sebastian was very skilled and a nice person to chat with. I am 100% sure to come back. read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - 2 of the stations - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

This place rocks!! I searched my entire life for someone who could cut my hair and Walter is the man! He refuses to let me leave until he has me looking my best, he is extremely focused and takes great pride in the job that he does! That said, the salon is really cool, it is in a remodeled house in the Med Center area and has great vibes on the interior! Match that with the fact that a Men's haircut with a scalp massage and shampoo is only $25 and this place is the real deal! read more

Elizabeth is so great I can change to whatever color with ease in her chair. Not to mention the cut itself and blow dry job is always beautiful. I always feel fabulous when she's done with me. I would never go to anyone else read more

Avila's Salon & Spa - Hair Salons Near Me - Houston, Texas

I really, really like this place. After enduring what felt like an eternity of mediocre stylists around town, I found Avila's. Thank goodness! My color has never looked better, and the style is exactly to my liking. Thank you, Sebastian. I also really like the vibe of the place--professional, but very friendly. And, the price is right--especially considering the amount of time devoted to each client. If you have kids, consider bringing them here. My daughter's hair has never looked better. read more

I have just found a local neighborhood salon that is magnificent! Gilbert is accommodating, kind and good at his craft. I brought him a picture and he did a fabulous job. I like that he is efficient and also quick. The shop is clean and friendly, but most importantly it is so nice to find a salon in my neighborhood where I don't have to drive and the quality is excellent. I have colored my hair for several years and have had some good and bad experiences. This by far is one of the best if not in the top 3! Thank You! I can' wait to come back! read more

Professional, courteous and respectful to customers! offers a great and efficient service! Highly recommended read more

I've known Gilberto for almost 12 years. Now I live in NYC and I always see Gilberto when I'm back in Houston. He is so kind, funny and incredibly hardworking. I highly recommend Gilberto if you're looking for great service, reasonable prices, and beautiful hair! read more

Birsha is still my stylist and she is awesome. She soldiered it out for hours to get my dark brown hair to purple and it came out perfect! She also gave me tips on how to make the color last and get my moneys worth. She always does what's best for my hair and is honest with me when I ask her questions. I love having her as my stylist! read more

This place was AMAZING!!! It was beautiful and so clean, it felt like I was at home, and that's exactly how Walter made me feel. He is extremely professional and very smart, knows exactly what he's doing. My cut was absolutely gorgeous, and he fixed the color mistakes I had in my hair. I don't think I'll ever go anywhere else again. And the price was an absolute STEAL for what I got. I've paid 3x this much at other places and wasn't ever this happy. Walter Avila, you have a new forever client. Thank you again! read more

Walter takes wonderful care of my hair! I can easily relax here, the salon is not too big or noisy. I feel genuinely cared about here, I had a color correction and Walter saw me twice to make sure the problem was fixed to my satisfaction. Thanks! read more

Jennifer did an excellent job on my color and cut. Such a sweet person! The Salon has such a nice space. It is a very beautiful salon with wonderful hairstylists! I would recommend Jennifer and the Salon to anyone! read more

This is a gorgeous boutique salon/spa, tucked in the Museum District, and located in a beautiful vintage home which has been lovingly converted into a retreat. A first time visitor, I was warmly greeted and promptly given a glass of wine. The interior is lovely and inviting. I had partial highlights. with Gilberto, who is an amazing color artist. The highlights are a perfect blonde. Furthermore, Gilberto is very warm and friendly, and I was relaxed the entire visit. I will most definitely be back, and I encourage everyone to try this little gem of a salon. read more

I have been seeing Birsha for about 2 years now and recommend her highly. She is now in this new location which is very comfortable with a homelike feel. So happy for her , Walter and Ivan and wish them all much success. read more

I have never once written a bad review before but this was by far the worst salon experience I have ever had. I have been disappointed or unhappy before but I have never actually left a salon in tears from how bad the result came out to be. I showed Walter pictures of what I wanted after finding their Groupon to make sure the offer would achieve the result I wanted. He ASSURED me he could do this, however, what I got was NOTHING like what I wanted. Maybe this salon is better in other areas but blonde is not one of them. The customer service I received was the most rude and unprofessional service I have ever experienced. When I asked to be refunded (because I should never have paid for the disaster in the first place) I was told no, because I decided to get it fixed at another salon (that I had to pay double for so it could be fixed correctly), that he would not refund me and he "hopes I'm happy" with my decision. Please do not waste your time or your money at this place. read more

Loveeeee Elizabeth!! She is awesome on color and cuts. I've been able to keep my hair healthy and still have beautiful color. You've got to stop by and ask for Liz! The location is super comfy and chill. Will always be back. read more

We have been seeing Ivan for about a year now, and he does a great job every time. This location is much nicer than the previous and we look forward to trying out some of the new services. read more

There are few times that I leave the hair salon satisfied with my hair... Birsha did an excellent job on it and talked me through every step of the way! She was friendly, talkative, and made my experience there amazing! I got an ombré and a trim and she did such a good job. Now it was a little pricier than I expected or that I budgeted for and that is the only reason I give it four out of five but I was okay with it because of the experience I had there and I left happy with my hair! read more

This a brand new full service salon in the museum district. I recently found Ivan after searching long and hard for a good stylist here in Houston. I would definitely recommend Avila's...the location is great, everything in the salon is brand new, price is great and more importantly...Ivan is a very talented hairstylist. read more

Really happy and pleased with the services I've received here. Ivan is really attentive to what kind of haircut I want to get and he also has great suggestions. The environment is very welcoming and even though there isn't a big waiting area there is plenty of room to sit. The fresh fruit infused water and free snacks are definitely a plus! I highly recommend this salon to anyone. read more

Sebastien was great. He took his time and was efficient. These guys clearly are better than the average barber at a chain.

I got my hair done a week ago with Shannon - layered haircut with purple and magenta highlights. I absolutely love my hair! I haven't had a haircut in years that I've loved so I've always jumped around. Very impressed and super happy with my do. And it helps that the price is reasonable compared to what others are charging in the area. Thanks Shannon for understanding what I was looking for and running with it! read more