Hi-Lites Aveda

Worst experience ever!!! Just moved to the area and tried them out for eyelash extensions. They fell off right after the week that they guaranteed them for. I called and they couldn’t fit me in right away and then I went in and they were going to charge me for a full reset instead
of a touch up. That is $ 300+. They were not compensating at all for their product not lasting. The response was oh well they are only guaranteed for 1 week. Horrible, rude, unaccomodating

absolute worst hair experience ive ever had. paid over 300 $ just to go to days later & get it fixed at the aveda in la quinta. would give this place a zero

This salon is great. I had Chris do my hair and my blonde hair looks fabulous. I can honestly say that this is the best color and cut I’ve ever had. He listened well, the staff was nice, and I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. The only reason I give it ⁴⁄₅ stars is because of the price. It can get pretty expensive.

I am (was) a regular customer of Hi-​Lites Aveda. When I walked in for my appointment this morning I was told it had been cancelled because I was 12 minutes late. I was shocked. I had driven quite a distance. When I returned home I found a message on my voicemail that my appointment was cancelled with a request that I call to reschedule. My appointment was for base color and trim (my hair is short) which is not complicated. I understand the need to keep a schedule, but the inflexibility and rudeness of the receptionist will keep me from ever going there again.

I was drawn in by the great reviews and the fact that I love Aveda salons. However, my stylist was double booked the entire time so everything felt very rushed. I paid almost $ 300 for partial highlights, color blocking, and a trim which is double what I am used to paying elsewhere. I left with my hair feeling heavy, dirty and extremely dry. Also, she had someone else waiting so I barely got blow dried and was being rushed out. For that price I feel like I deserve my stylists full attention and I deserve to have my services completed in full. I have to say I will definitely not be back… over priced and over booked…

My first visit was the crappiest ever! My hair looked horrible & I left in tears. I guess the guy that cut my hair no longer works there. The owner offered to make it right and cut my hair if I gave him the opportunity to. Luckily, I did & I love it. He did a great job with my cut & it was a much better experience overall!

I tried a curly style with Ashley. She taught me how to quit fighting my natural curls and make it last for days. I am on day 3 and I still have springy locks! Thank you Ashley

I love this salon. When it’s time for a little ‘self-​nurturing’ (or cuticles are out of control) I let Jamie rock my socks off with a pedi-​manicure! She is amazing at facials too! The salon is very Zen, and I know to go for a true ‘chillax’ experience!

So I guess you do tip now? Even though the only explanation was ‘we now leave it open for customers to put in a tip’… How come the mention of this very important update was not in the emails I get!!!
The particular stylist that did my hair did not achieve the look I asked for. She did not listen to the fact that I was blonde before and proceeded to bleach my hair twice. I literally have my hair in three different colors (the middle horizontal color is from dark color on top of bleached hair), that I only have been wearing in a bun. I can’t wait for it to grow in order to get a haircut.
I think you guys get periodic teaching and attend courses, but why can you not perform a balayage? Or peek-​a-​boo highlights? Or sun-​kissed hair? Those are all quasi-​synonyms that I used when describing the desired result… not to mention, I came in with a picture. I feel really sorry to say that my hair resulted in an ombré that someone could achieve at home… and that was en vogue starting three years ago.
Honestly, my fault is accepting an appointment with anyone that is open; also, I thought that starting with a color correction treatment was the way to go, but the stylist assured me that she was going to have good results. I should have been more pro-​active, but then again, I know nothing about coloring hair.
Sadly, I have a hard time trusting hair colorists now (this is not the first time that I don’t get the hair color I ask for, other salons have done the same).
I do not remember how much I paid for all of that, toner, and haircut, but it was, to the best of my knowledge, dangerously close to 300 (oh, plus tip and an ~18 $ shampoo). It was so painfully obvious that the ombré was not great, that not even the cashier complimented me on the hair… and she always did in the past. This time, it was just a polite smile.
I see many regulars there, even though the salon is not as busy as it used to be a couple of years back.
The hand massages and neck massages are always welcome.
The two stars are for the fact that I know you guys can do a great job! There are about 5 staff members that have been with this salon for years! I can tell that there is not a high staff turnover rate, and that some of those other stylists are very talented!

Chris Espinoza does a great job with hair. I have long layered hair, he took over a full hour on my hair and I knew he was doing things right. I get compliments all the time on my hair cut and so I owe that to him. It’s a beautiful salon, with perks like ring cleaning and a hand massage. The massaging chairs while you get your hair shampooed are wonderful. Its all around a great experience! And like others have mentioned, its a no-​tip salon, so you don’t have to worry about that. Highly recommend!

I used to love Hilites. Previously it was owned by Darla and she really made it the salon which earned the reputation this place still feeds off of. The salon used to offer complimentary services like makeup touch up, hand massage, mini-​facial etc… I still remember when there were new owners and the comps became paid «experiences,».
The salon just lost the specialness shortly after the original owner left. There are too many differences to list.
Also, the reception staff are not the most pleasant. I have found them to be extremely snooty. You must be careful if you don’t know who you are getting an appt with. I asked forms haircut with a person good with short hair and was told to try X. Since I always had the $ 40 level stylists, I was shocked when after I did get a cut, the price was $ 80. I actually went back to that stylist, Ana, because she is very good, but only when there were Facebook alerts for discounted services.
All in all I stopped going because I remember what Hilites used to be and know what it Is now– a shell of its former self. No thanks to the expensive up sells, no thanks to the tea you offer but never actually bring (reception), no thanks to the luxury washroom with broken massage chairs, no thanks to constant text messages asking me to come back in and to please write a Unilocal review to show how awesome they are.

I love Hi Lite Aveda. This place really does treat you right. Everything is clean and open, very friendly greeting when I first walked in. I got to know my stylist Chris and love the job he did. He cut and colored my hair and I never have to worry about it looking bad or worse off. The products they use are really good for your hair and smell great. They offer you relaxing services to make the color part better so that you dont leave all stressed out. All the products they sell are great even when used at home. I will definately be returning to Chris.

If there is a Groupon available for eyelash extensions, do not be tempted. You are better off paying full price with someone who is experienced. You will feel like a practice dummy here: eyes glued shut, lower lashes being «waxed off,» stray lashes stabbing you in the eye, globby clumps of glue, and they only last a few days. Not worth your trouble (and pain). Sweet aesthetician; just not experienced in this particular service just yet.
One additional star for the sweet demeanor and effort of the aesthetician. She had good intentions, and she definitely tried! Not faulting her for lack of experience under her belt.

Absolutely love this place! Everybody in here is so nice, and I’m always happy with the outcome of my hair. Honestly, I would never go anywhere else! The environment of this salon is as relaxing as it gets. Just the shampoo room is worth going to get my hair done. Instead of getting your hair shampooed under fluorescent lighting with 20 babbling hairdressers around, you get a calm, relaxing room with dim lights, a massage and heating chair, and of course the best neck/​scalp massage ever. I continually recommend this place to all my friends and family. A big «Thank You» to all the staff here at Hi-​Lights for MORE then just a trip to the salon, an actual relaxing «spa day».

I went to this hair salon after seeing it on Unilocal.I was a bit concerned after reading about a hefty price increase but it ends up that the stylists have different charges based on experience. The best thing, besides the great cut is the mini spa experience that goes with it! I went to Ashley who was simply great. She listened carefully, asked questions and checked with me often to make sure I was happy. All of this plus a hand massage for fifty dollars and no tipping. I can’t wait to go back and I normally HATE hair salons

Love Love IT. Total Salon Spa Experience. From the time you walk in you feel very pampered.
I am visiting the area and have been to the salon 3 x and each time has been a wonderful experience. Anna V has done my hair and it looks exceptional from the color to the cut and style. She listens to you and works with you, a truly great stylist.
I would highly recommend this salon to everyone.

I love love LOVE this hair salon. I’ve been going to Hi-​Lites Aveda, since I was in high school, and it was honestly love at first experience. Ever since the first time I stepped into Hi-​Lites Aveda, I haven’t gone to any other hair salon in the desert.
I currently live in San Diego for school, so if I get my hair done out here, it’s only because I absolutely have to. For instance, this weekend, I scheduled a hair appointment at a salon for an up do because I am going to a school ball. However, I won’t let anyone cut or dye my hair unless it’s at Hi-​Lites Aveda.
Keep in mind that this is a no tipping salon, so the prices may seem pretty steep, but gratuity is already included. The service is amazing. Honestly, everyone who works there eventually treats you like family, and if it’s your first time there, and you don’t know them, they are nothing but friendly and warm.
The place is well decorated and always clean. It’s spacious and the hair spa is one of the most relaxing place to be ever. It’s comfortable, dark, quiet, and relaxing. When they shampoo and condition your hair, they give you the most incredible head message in addition to an Aveda blue oil neck message. You’ll love it!
The most important factor: your hair! They will make your hair look the greatest it has ever looked. They won’t mess up, and if they ever did, they would be more than willing to fix it ASAP free of charge. I wish Hi-​Lites Aveda was in San Diego! I only have the opportunity to get my hair done there whenever I visit my family back in Palm Springs.
If you live in Palm Springs or happen to be visiting, give it a shot. Some of us don’t have that luxury!

I’ve been here for over 5 years. I am loyal now. I left for a short time when I moved to Palm Desert and then to Palm Springs, but I’ve learned my lesson. I will now travel wherever they are.
The salon is clean and quiet but bustling with calm people. Everyones relaxed and ready to help.
When you walk in you check in and can shop their store which has so many great items to choose from.
You get to choose from a list of ‘extras’ which include a lavendar facial, a hand massage or a neck rub free of charge. This is also a no tip salon.
You get what you pay for. All of the stylists are knowledgable and listen to what it is you want.
Great time estimates too so you don’t feel like you’re there all day.

I absolutely LOVE this salon.
I’ve been in the desert for almost 9 months and finally decided it was time to find a hair dresser. Something that is a sacred move in the world of Girldom. Once we find a hair dresser that we like, we’re loyal til the end!
Let me announce that I have found my salon and my hair dresser!
I’ll be honest, I initially chose this business because they had a coupon deal on a «group on» type site. I figured that since I hadn’t cut my hair in quite some time, I’d rather not invest until I found someone I liked. And who doesn’t like saving money, anyway?!
From the moment I walked in, I felt relaxed. My day was a bit hectic but was definitely helped by the first girl I saw, Joanna. Her friendly demeanor was much needed after a tough day. She told me that not only could I have some complimentary tea (which was Yummy!) but also I had my choice of 3 complimentary services; head, neck, shoulder massage, hand massage, or make up touch up. I chose the first one and Karen was the lady assigned to take care of me before I was to get my hair cut. Let me say that I am completely heterosexual… but after Karen’s neck and shoulder massage, coupled with her scalp massage while she washed my hair… I swear to God, I wanted to marry her. Somehow I managed, in my über relaxed state, to make it to Jackie’s station so she could cut my hair.
Jackie is a great stylist! I gave her a picture of what I wanted my hair to look like, and it seemed like it only took her 2 seconds to not only give me what I wanted, but also exceed my expectations. She’s MY stylist now: D
Ana finished my hair by blow drying and styling it. She was also amazing! To the point where, she was so gentle with my hair, that I almost fell asleep.
I left looking amazing, feeling relaxed, and wishing that I could book my next appointment for tomorrow.

I have been calling for the past two days to make an appointment for a cut and color, but have never been able to get a hold of anyone. It rings and goes to voicemail. I have probably called 9 times in the morning, afternoon and evening before their 8pm closing time– no luck! I feel like I am begging them to cut my hair! They have a voicemail service set up, but I would rather a person just answer the phone.