Jean Madeline Aveda Institute - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Amelia Cole

Cannot recommend this teaching salon, unless maybe you are looking for a very simple trim. It’s a cheap place to get a haircut, but it’s just not worth it.

The stylists are all students, which I knew going in, as I’ve gone to other Aveda teaching salons before and had positive experiences. My stylist was very friendly and kind. She seemed unsure and unconfident, which is understandable. My issue is more so with the instructor who was present. The instructor provided little to no guidance for the student and was snippy with me (saying things like “it’s never going to look exactly like the photo”, when my haircut was wildly different). The cut took forever (two hours for a very simple cut- no color or styling). And much of the time was spent waiting for the instructor.

After almost two hours, the student was due to go on her lunch break, and then everything was clearly rushed. The instructor came over and tried to make adjustments, but they were not helpful at all. She also was constantly combing my ears which was painful. It didn’t look anything like I’d hoped, but at that point I just wanted to go home. I’m sure the instructor could tell I was disappointed, and she tried to assure me it would look better once I washed I dried it (it doesn’t). To make matters worse, at the end she took the hairdryer and blew all the cut bits of hair on the cape directly into my face. I’m sure it was accidental, but still wildly unprofessional.

Nothing hits quite like a disappointing haircut, unfortunately I can’t recommend this place.

Rebecca Rodgers

I always enjoy having my hair done here! I’m pretty adventurous with my hair, and the students always rise to the challenge. It usually takes longer than a typical haircut, and it’s unusual to have the same stylist two appointments in a row. To me, those are fine trade-offs for the reasonable price and the fun of being part of the students’ education.

jj y (Jj)

Need to write down the experience of the worst hair cut ever in my life! The student was cutting and kept combing on my ear for millions of times making it hurt. She has no idea how to blow hair, wash hair and cut. When I question about the layer, the instructor came to help fix but it was not a good fix at all. When I bring the problem up, she does not reflect on the bad customer service but asked me “do you know they are students?” as if it was wrong for me to get the customer service I should have as a paying customer, and blaming me for my request. If they have no customer service capability, how can you bring them to business The price isn't that cheap either. And the attitude as if customers are serving them is ridiculous. My hair isn't even left and right side and there is no style whatsoever. I've had this hairstyle for all my life and nobody has screwed it up more than those people. And they did not even admit their mistake and try to blame the customers. The tables are moving. The students are chatting among each other. Wig and garbage everywhere. The environment is a mess. Stay away!!!

Sruthi Saji

I had a great experience here! I was initially hesitant because I’ve never had my hair done by students before but the experience and haircut was great! Anaya was very sweet and she did an amazing job with my cut, wash and blow-out! She refreshed my layers and curtain bangs and my hair looks a lot healthier now! The students are being guided and supervised by their instructors so I wasn’t worried at all! 10/10 recommend 🙂

Marissa F.

An absolute mess. I will NEVER go back to this location. I have been a loyal Jean Madeline Institute customer for the last couple years (Queen Village location) and decided to give the University City location a try. I always get partial highlights, and while I am aware the service is no luxury I cannot believe the quality of my last experience. The student which to be fair, was super sweet, kept messing up my hair, leaving areas GRAY (my hair is dark brown?) and the instructors kinda just left them on their own. I got charged for 3 BOWLS (that were clearly NOT used on my hair so I have no idea how this math was done) and a blowdry (my hair looked awful and was damp wet when I left). I submitted an email to the coordinators but honestly, as you can read in the recent reviews, stay away from this location and go elsewhere.

Roselyanne Cepero Santos

I would recommend just saving up for a real, professional hair cut. For my 2:15 PM appointment I was waiting for 30 min (a customer that arrived 15 min after me was sat first with a stylist) then it took 30 min to wash my hair and 30 min to only cut split ends that were an inch long.

I asked for long layers and wispy bangs and the instructor had to finish for my stylist. I asked them in the beginning if there was anything I should know, and no one mentioned that I would have to leave by 4 PM with wet hair because my stylist couldn’t finish in time.

This is a very unprofessional work environment too. While we all love gossiping at a salon, if you can’t gossip and focus while cutting then you should choose your priorities.

Everything was below mid. I was considering getting my hair styled and makeup done here later on for a work party but I definitely won’t be coming back.

Carmell

I would like to say the instructor Ms. Dee was exceptional. Very knowledgeable and knows how to instruct the students. You need more instructors like her. Thank you Ms. Dee for your beautiful personality and excellent service you are truly a diamond. Please just stay perfect!!! As you are.

Trisha Lawson

My mother and I both got haircuts here. The staff were all super friendly, but our haircuts look awful. We showed them pictures and told them exactly what we wanted, several times. They completely botched our hair and did not at all do what we asked. The teacher is not present at all to help the students. If you want a much better result for the same price, go to the Paul Mitchell school in Newark, DE.