Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Charlotte ‍…read more I have been a big fan of Aveda schools since my days in San Francisco. I used to go to the school on Kearny and Bush in the Financial District, and I absolutely loved it. So when I relocated to Charlotte, it was an easy transition to discover there was an Aveda school here as well--same trusted brand, same great products, and the same strong training philosophy, just organized a little differently. In San Francisco, students were grouped by skill level. The graduating students--called the "gammas"--were the rock stars of the school. They had the most confidence, the most experience, and could complete services efficiently. They worked on the main floor at street level, almost like a little jewel box where passersby could watch them practice their craft. It made the whole experience feel special. One thing I'll never forget from San Francisco was the shampoo experience. You would sit in the chair, it would gently tilt back, and your head would be perfectly cradled in the bowl. The hair wash was so relaxing and luxurious that I used to joke I'd install a shampoo bowl in my own bathroom someday. There's something very comforting about having your hair washed--it's simple, but it feels wonderful. Now, back to Charlotte. The setup here is different. All haircuts are priced the same--currently about $22--regardless of the student's level. There are add-ons available, but one thing to plan for is time. You should expect to be there for at least 2 1/2 to 3 hours, especially for hair services. What I truly appreciate is the level of supervision. Instructors are everywhere. They check the consultation, the cut, and the final result before you leave. Because of that structure, you're very unlikely to walk out with a bad haircut. In more than 20 years of visiting Aveda schools, I've only had two less-than-ideal experiences, which is a pretty strong track record. I've also had facials here, and they were excellent. The experience includes thoughtful touches like a relaxing foot wash, shoulder massage, steam, extractions, and a thorough skin analysis. It feels professional and surprisingly luxurious for the price. I remember paying around $45 for a longer facial, which is incredibly affordable compared to traditional spas. A few practical tips: * Parking is easy--there's a lot and a garage behind the building * Scheduling multiple services (like a haircut and facial) can be a little tricky, so patience helps * Bring cash for gratuities, although some students accept digital payment options Most importantly, remember that this is a teaching environment. These students are learning, building confidence, and preparing for careers in the industry. If you're expecting a fast, high-end salon experience with every bell and whistle, you may want to visit a traditional salon instead. But if you value affordability, professionalism, and supporting students as they grow, this is a wonderful option. I genuinely love this place. It has become one of my go-to spots in Charlotte, and finding little creature comforts like this has helped the city feel more like home. Treat yourself. Get the haircut. Book the facial. Enjoy the day. I recommend it.

5 stars for Shay! She did my partial highlights and was a doll. She lit up while talking and was so…read morepersonable and made me feel comfortable. Amazing communicator, human, and stylist. I left a happy customer. I watched other people not be as happy with their partial highlights so I think it really depends on who is doing your hair. Reasonable price (they are students, after all.) The instructor Sam was also wonderful and fun and funny. I'll be back! (Mainly for Shay)

Diana was great! She did a really good job and explained everything that she was doing.read more

I'm obsessed with my cut and color from Lux! She did such an amazing job--my hair has never looked…read morebetter. You can really see the difference. She took her time to moisturize my hair and brought my curls to life with the perfect layers.

So this past Monday I went to see Donna. To be completely honest I was always suspicious of this…read morewhole color analysis thing. Couldn't I just use an app? Couldn't I just figure it out on my own? What could I possibly learn from this? Will it be worth it? I came in pretty confident that I'm warm toned. Oh baby, little did I know I was SO WRONG. My head is still spinning from how much I learned. She spent about 2 hrs to educate me on color theory and then put it into action with the color draping. She not only answered my questions, she showed me so I could see with thine eyes what happened to my complexion. I could truly see a difference in what colors made my skin. Donna is amazing at what she does. I left the session feeling informed and so grateful for my experience. If you are curious about color analysis in general, I highly recommend going to see her! I feel confident in knowing what makeup, clothes and even shoes to wear to look my very best. Thank you so much Donna! Lastly, if you're not convinced, swipe through the photos. The beige/orange colors make my skin look grayer and my eye bags darker compared to the black/flowery drape and red colors.

I booked a personal color analysis with Donna and have no regrets! Donna is a fantastic teacher and…read moreexplained everything so well in an engaging way. I loved that she had so many visual aids. I've seen other color analysis done with colored drapes but I really liked Donna's curated selection of clothing as an alternative. The clothing with it's various textures, sheen and depth made the analysis more grounded and real to me. I'm already a huge fan of wearing colors and was thrilled to learn that my instincts for color were mostly spot on. And now this explains why there's a few pieces of clothing that just didn't seem right to me. And I really appreciated that we figured out if gold or silver jewelry was better for me too! I'm approaching my current closet and future shopping with new eyes and feel empowered that I'd be making the right color choices for me. If color analysis is something you've been curious about, I highly recommend this service from Donna.

As a licensed barber ,cosmetologist, Esthetician, manicurist , and massage therapist the…read moreInternational Beauty College is the top tier in this trade. I loved my time there. Don't just learn...enjoy all that they offer. GROW Ciena Rae

The most unprofessional school I've contacted. I'm a prospective student and have been researching…read moreschools in the area. Their website didn't offer up much information, so I called in. When the woman answered the phone, all she said was "Hello?" She didn't announce where I was calling, and I had to ask/verify whether or not I'd even called the right place. I began to ask questions in regards to their program, and was still left with little information. I wanted to know the daily schedule for part time and full time requirements. I was told "Oh you just show up, and if you're full time you have to be here 40 hours, and part time only 24hrs..." Every other school I've contacted has set rules and attendance, and it seemed extremely odd to me that a legitimately schedule wasn't part of their program, or that she couldn't tell me this specific information. Overall, very unprofessional - and I question the aptitude of the students who complete whatever program it is they offer.

Tacha did a really great job on my make up not only once but a couple of times either for a fashion…read moreshow or a photo shoot..she's on my top 10 list..she's the best, hope to work with her again.. Theresa

Bernadette did an amazing job for my girlfriend and my halloween makeup. She took on our ideas,…read moreadded her own thoughts, was meticulous in her detail, listened to feedback, used great products, and had excellent communication throughout. Tacha was excellent in organizing the whole event and making sure Bernadette was at our hotel on time. Total value for money. We would definitely use DreamGirl Makeup Insitute again and ask for Bernadette

Highly recommended! I have been getting my eyebrows done for…read moremany years! This lady is the best and very lovely!!

Great place to get your hair cut and styled! I got a nice…read morelayered cut after a wash it's lasted

DON'T BE A FOOL! SAVE YOUR BUCKS! xxxx I signed up an…read moreunlimited student. They are not organized, and play games with you once you paid the $$$. All they do is try to cheat you once you sign up for the class, and you also paid for an expensive kits and only learn the tricks that you already knew from high school. The instructors are terrible, especially owner Michelle who always talks nasty in class. Her daughter Angel is sneaky who plays games with you and tries to give you a hard time. Instructors? They won't tell you who is the instructor in scheduled classes coz they don't even know whom will be available..

Save your money...You'll get better tips and direction from Youtube…read more Seriously!

This is a lovely break from the hustle of city life and tourist rushing. The Way of Tea is…read moreparticularly focused on noticing *this* moment right here - this one that will never happen again because even if we came back to this place later we would be different people. Urasenke hosts an abbreviated (not the four-hour long-form) tea ceremony at 6 PM on the first Wednesdays of each month. It's part educational program - because the hosts encourage everyone to ask questions as they go - and part tea ceremony. If you have no idea what to expect, here's some help: - You will be kneeling or sitting on mats the whole time, so wear clothes that are comfortable and stretchy (jeans can be binding in the knees). But do dress up a bit, as this is a somewhat formal event. - You will be asked to remove your shoes just inside the door. Wear clean socks. - You won't be served a meal. While the long-form ceremony includes a light meal, this presentation does not. You'll get a little sweet to contrast with the tea. And the thin tea is meant to be exactly three-and-a-half sips. - You really can ask as many questions as you like. Take some time soon to pause and notice the moment. Have some tea at Urasenke.

If you've ever read "The Book of Tea" by Kakuzo Okakura this is place for you to experience the…read morefull tea ritual involving all of your senses. This unmarked tea room presents the entire experience of formal tea ritual as practiced by the Urasenke Foundation, a Kyoto-based non-profit. From the Japanese prints, to the flower arrangement, to an inspiring poem to the subdued lighting and tatami mats, a theme for the season is expressed to prepare your mind...then you enter the tea room. Each tea utensil and movement in making the tea has been refined to create a meaningful ritual that celebrates the beauty of the moment and being in the present. We had a very bitter live tea that was whipped and served with sweets that created an effect that the bitterness became suprisingly pleasant and refreshing. The students and teachers were exceedingly friendly and calmly dispelled any awkwardness for those of us on dial-a-clue as to the subtlties of Japanese etiquette. Among our group was a Buddhist monk from Tibet who asked a number of interesting questions relating tea to zen. Check their calendar online for the weekly "Open Hearth" dates and make a reservation as this is no casual cup of tea. I believe the Urasenke people also host occasional tea services at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.