Avatar Salon & Wellness Spa in Silver Spring, MD

I made an appointment for my first haircut ever at this salon upon recommendation of a cousin who recommended Yeama. I ended up getting an appointment with Jasmeen. Perhaps the first warning flag was when I made an appointment for a consultation (I ended up canceling and rescheduling my first appointment because of a family emergency). I took the train for my consultation only for the stylist to meet me in the waiting area, quickly ask me what I wanted (I told them that I wasn't exactly sure- hence, the reason for setting up the consultation, but had some ideas and showed them a picture. She looked at the picture and asked when can I come and we made an appointment). The whole process took 5 minutes, which I was a little annoyed with since I figured during a consultation the stylist will sit you down, look at your hair, and work with you on figuring out a style that would suit you. Nonetheless, I went ahead and made an appointment. Day of the appointment I got there and had to wait a little. Also, felt like when I came in to check in the staff found me funny or something/were laughing at me or something. Just a weird vibe, maybe I imagined it, but it was definitely something. The wait wasn't too long. The stylist says she remembered what I wanted. I still went ahead to show her a picture and said I still would like to put my hair up in a high bun. She cuts my hair after washing/combing it and asks if I'd like her to style it. We end up agreeing on flexi rods. I end up being at the salon for over 4 hours. While doing my hair I mention this is my first time getting a haircut and that joked that I didn't want to leave the salon crying because of a botched haircut. While the style is definitely shorter than I thought it would be I warm up to it, thank the stylist, and pay my bill of $130 ($156 plus the tip). Note: I am a student so, $156 isn't exactly cheap for me. The next day I realize how high maintenance the style is and decide to see what it looks like wet/how to style it. After coming out the shower I begin to cry at how different it looks from the picture I provided and how much length was chopped off (I'm okay with losing some length, but I still wanted to ability to french braid my hair/put it up in a bun). Furthermore, upon blow drying it I see that the cut was very bad and the sides are not equal, some pieces of hair on one side are longer than the corresponding sections on the other side. I realize that by styling it, it was easy to hide the botched hair cut. Probably will not come here again and wish I had some of my money back because this was a bad-quality haircut. I feel like my hair was disrespected. I would hope the stylist meant well, but based on the quality of the cut it seems like a lack of care was put into it, which is kind of pooped up given you are working with someone's hair. Hair is important in how you walk throughout society/your confidence. I know stylists probably get tired of doing hair, but they should remember that they are working with an actual human being with a life, insecurities, and who is putting their trust in the stylist to handle their hair with care and hopefully respect it. This experience has made me hesitant on letting anyone cut my hair again. My mom even asked if the stylist was laughing while doing it/if we argued because it looked intentional. Well braids it is for the next few months!

I went for a gel manicure and pedicure. The manicurist was a sweet lady but during the process, I found out she is not licensed. She is still a cosmetology student. I decided not to have the pedicure done after realizing this. She does not yet have the skill to work in a salon with clients paying full price. By day 3, the polish was so chipped I ended up just removing it all. It was $45 wasted. I would not recommend the salon. Even outside the unskilled manicurist, the nail area was not very welcoming. The salon did not have the proper chairs (I had to sit at a dryer) or other equipment. In general, the nail area looked poorly maintained.

This salon has stylists who have yet to pass their boards cutting hair. The experience was scary. Fortunately, Bruce fixed the cut. However, I ended being there four hours just to get the cut right. Never will I return.

This is the best salon on the planet. All stylists are highly skilled and licensed! Great, relaxing atmosphere.

Sharice always does an excellent job on my hair. I had not visited a salon in over a year and was badly in need of a trim. Sharice gave my thick mane the treatment it needed. We talked about color and the right oils for my curl pattern. For a reigning world champ in weave; her price is totally reasonable. My style lasts weeks and the cut makes me feel fresh and confident. Spa is conveniently located and I have referred friends and family.