Avant Garde salon in Gainesville, FL

I usually go with a certain stylist, but when i was recommended another and tried her, I asked for a trim and she cut half my hair off. I don't think she understood what a trim was, where u cut like half an inch. i'd say she cut 2 inches of hair off. I love going her but when I tried a different stylist I was given a pretty bad look that i felt like looked terrible.

Great hair cut and helpful staff when I asked about salon products. Also discounts for UF staff.

I recently came to Avant Garde when the stylist who was doing my color and i-link extensions retired; two of his stylists migrated here and one of them, Shawna, does the same type of extensions that my now-retired stylist was doing. I consulted with Shawna before the move and we coordinated for my first visit to Avant Garde. Turns out, one of the front desk staff, Donovan, was someone I'd with whom I'd become acquainted five years ago when he worked the desk in another industry - he is so friendly and engaging, always upbeat and cheerful, I was so excited to be working with him again! The fact that he's been here for five years tells you how the salon treats their employees; Donovan seems very happy here. And he's great. Avant Garde is an Aveda salon and Aveda salons ALWAYS smell amazing! They have lots of great products for sale, and they have many wonderful beverages including a delicious tea for you to stay hydrated while you wait and/or receive your service. Since I was getting extensions out and back in, and getting a full color in between, Shawna and I were hanging out for quite a while. During that time, I was able to observe the other talented stylists around her station, and in turn, they came over to see these extensions Shawna was doing with me, since they don't do them! I noticed the stylists around spent a great deal of time educating their clients on how to style their hair and what styling tools and products would best help them, in a way I haven't seen too often elsewhere. Though I'd met Shawna at the other salon, this was the first time she worked with me. Leading up to and during my visit she was very patient, asked lots of questions on the style I wanted. She did a great job with the color and the extensions, as well as the cut, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with her at her new work-home! I'd like to point out that Avant Garde is a full service salon and offers massage and nail services in addition to the hair services. For hair services, I've always found Aveda salons to be higher priced than other salons, in every city I've lived in, and that's not an exception here. Aveda products in general are a bit more expensive than other salon brands. Avant Garde is in line with that.

Fantastic stylists and great welcoming space, found my new go to salon in Gainesville!

Great salon! Very welcoming and kind staff. Coffee was offered which is always a plus. Jessica cut my hair exactly how I asked. I've tried many salons since moving to GNV and this is finally the one! I would definitely recommend this salon & ask for Jessica. Their prices are affordable too.