Gila Rut Aveda Salon

I absolutely love and adore Missie. I downright refuse to let anybody else anywhere near my hair with scissors. Even when I’m being obviously difficult and asking for the same as before, but something different («I want bangs, but not bangs…») she somehow makes it happen. I have curly hair that frizzes easily and she knows just what to do with it. She’s never pushy, always easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about my input and how my visit goes.

The reason I’m rating this 5 stars is because they went above and beyond to make sure I left 100% happy! I am very satisfied with my hair, I absolutely love it! Everyone their is very sweet and helpful also a beautiful salon. I would like to personally thank Michael for personally reaching out to me and making sure everything was perfect! Also my stylist Ashlyn she was great, very patient and left my hair AMAZING! I recommend it 100% and love this place!

Have been going to Gila Rut for a year and a half now. Andrea for color and Lisa for cut and really, I couldn’t be happier. I try to change it up a little every now and then and both are happy to accommodate me, but also recommend what they think is appropriate for my hair texture, etc.
It’s the little things I really appreciate about this salon. They’re on time. All the staff are pleasant, door to door. I love the water or tea that they offer and continue to offer while I’m there. The complimentary neck massage and hand massage/​makeup touchup or mini-​facial are great. I love feeling appreciated.

I have thick curly hair, and finding someone to cut this type of hair is hard. Missie was the perfect stylist for me, she has the same hair type! She recommend the perfect Aveda «Be Curly» product that I am in love with. Thanks again!

Been going here for a couple of years already. Tried finding other salons more in my neighborhood but no salons match up to Gila Rut. Ze (for hairstyle) and Hallie (for color treatments) have been taking care of me well the past few years. I always feel like a million bucks after leaving the salon. Receptionists are awesome. Only complaint I have is the parking especially during the holidays. If you will book an appointment, give yourself at least half an hour to find parking or get a friend to drop you off.

I stepped in today just to purchase Aveda products. Bettina was there to greet me. She just finished up with her client. She was very helpful and knowledgable with all the Aveda products. I asked her to color match me with a few cosmetics. She was very delighted to assist me and her customer service was excellent. She is a hair stylist and I can tell she is passionate about her job. I loved her energy! The salon was clean and well stocked. I would come back to check out her services.

My regular stylist at a competitive salon was out of town and I needed a quick little trim. Seriously Sean Robert was the sweetest, most professional, meticulous perfectionist! I highly recommend Sean Robert for any of your cut, style and color needs! Makes me want to cheat on my hair guy!

Saturday was my first time at Gila Rut. Everyone was amazing from the reception to the colorist. I absolutely love the products… I actually walked out with over $ 80 worth .
If I could give Jennifer 10 stars, I would! She went above & beyond my expectations! Now please know, I am super picky and might not be the easiest client lol. Jennifer made sure I left with the biggest smile on my face! I even got a neck and hand massage to boot! You NEED to see Jennifer!!!

If you are looking for an excellent salon experience in San Diego, go to Gila Rut. I see Missy for my cuts and Andrea for color and from the moment you walk in the positive energy of the staff begins to encompass you. Genuine and talented, the people here really know how to take care of their clients. A wonderful experience and one I recommend to anyone seeking a knowledgeable consult and great style!

This was my 1^st time at this salon and I have nothing but good things to say. I have had boring brown hair for over a year and was looking to vamp my style. I scheduled my 1^st appointment with one of their Jr. Stylist Erin Davis. Upon arrival I was greeted by the front desk and offered hot tea or water, she politely took me over to my stylist, who then gave me a tour of this gorgeous serene salon. During my consultation Erin was very knowledgable and thorough. We discussed what was realistic and possible in one session and our ultimate goal. I eventually want to be a vibrant red head, so she did an ombré to start the transition process. She actually acheived the red I was dreaming of! I love it!!! During the experience she introduced me to another beautiful stylist/​cutter by the name of Missy. I had previously experienced a botched v bang attempt and was looking for someone to help repair the cut. Missy took time out of her schedule to come talk to me and offer to fix my bangs free of charge. I walked out of there feeling totally pampered and beautiful. I rebooked with both Erin and Missy for a few weeks out to continue my transition look. They were both amazing!!! and best part of all my husband LOVED IT. The whole experience was a win win situation!!!

I have been coming to this salon for almost 10 years now! I started at the Chula Vista Otay Ranch location and then followed my stylist to Hillcrest when she moved there. Her name is Veronica and she is the best! She really understand coarse thick hair and how to make it manageable in style and cut! I’ve had everything from an angled bob and usually long layers, straight cut bangs and even a special event updo. Since I live in North County now and only make it down for appointments on the weekends and I don’t think she works weekends anymore, I’ve seen Ashley for my color and Missy for cut. Missy is so great and really understands hair texture as well! I am moving from California soon but I will continue to be a client at Gila Rut Aveda when ever I happen to stop by and visit in San Diego! Thank you Gila Rut Aveda for your talented professional service!:)

Did a walk in a couple of days ago and need another appointment to FIX THE UNEVEN AND BUTCHERED HAIRCUT I RECEIVED.
Going back to see if anyone there can correct it and how this business deals with stylists they employ who CANNOT CUT HAIR.

I’ve previously written a review for this salon but wanted to write an update specifically for Crystal. I’ve been going to Gila Rut off and on for at least 4 years. I’ve tried different salons and am always pulled back here by the relaxing experience and talent of the stylists. I’ve now had my hair cut twice by Crystal and they have been the two best cuts of my life! Each time I haven’t been able to stop looking at my hair in the mirror after leaving the salon. On top of being a great stylist, Crystal really listens to your concerns about your hair and is able to recommend the perfect products based on those concerns. My hair has looked phenomenally healthy since my appointment with her. I hope Crystal sticks around for a while, as I’m so looking forward to my next appointment that I’m thinking of moving it up!

Yesterday I saw Kimmee and Nadia for my hair. Besides being personable, Kimmee is an excellent colorist! She touched up my roots and the results were beautiful! I have never walked away and thought my color is gorgeous. Yesterday I did! Kimmee you’re the best!
If you have thick and curly hair, don’t even think of going anywhere else. GO SEE NADIA! There are many in San Diego who say they cut curly hair, but they do not understand it. Nadia get’s it!!! She has curly, thick hair herself. The best haircut ever!!! Truly a wash and wear cut! Nadia, you and I are forever joined!
Both ladies are personable and delightful! Your time at Gila Rut will not only be a fun experience, but you will come out looking better than when you went in.

I love my new do! Thanks to Jennifer I feel like a new woman. My hair had been black for 15 years and I was so tired of it but scared of change. She talked me thru the entire process and made me feel really comfortable and confident that I would love my new color. We lightened me up and did a subtle biolayge. I look so much younger and fun! I definitely recommend you go to Jennifer for all your color needs!!! She will listen to what u want and give u her professional opinion while making you feel so relaxed. She’s really funny too! I wouldn’t go to anyone but her now. Thank you Jenny!!!

So, after my initial awful experience, I was contacted by the proprietor of the salon, telling me that she would have the manager in contact with me about my experience. As I have never had a negative experience at an Aveda concept salon before, I agreed. I didn’t hear from him right away, and I desperately needed a trim, so I decided to go out on a limb and try this place one more time.
First they asked me if I’d like to see Zane again (After that last experience?! No, thank you!) and they set me up with Missy instead. Missy is a true professional in her work — she was fun, lighthearted, and good with communication. I felt like she really wanted to help me and make my hair fabulous, and she styled it with a round brush — just like I always do it! :) in short, I got exactly what I needed and never felt her suggestions were pushy.
On top of this great salon experience, I was contacted by the manager of the salon, and he apologized profusely for my previous poor experience and seems absolutely thrilled I came back in and saw Missy. He was so disarmingly friendly, even if I spoke to him before coming in, I could not have been upset anymore at this place. They clearly care a whole lot about their customers’ experiences. On top of that, as an apology, he offered me a free haircut and conditioning treatment to help my dry colored hair get more life in it.
⁵⁄₅ stars. Thanks so much for your dedication to your customers!

How your hair is colored and styled can be considered art; and it says a lot about you. My hair is the curly «wake and wear» kind, so the only thing I can play with is the color. My go-​to girl is Lori, who is the Art Director at this salon. And she is amazing in all caps. (I don’t like to yell, but she deserves a shout out.) Kimi is also incredibly talented.
I come into the salon, with terrible roots, and faded ends and then I give her a picture of what I want my hair to look like, and Lori nails the color every time.
Color is a lot like vodka. It’s not Day 1 that matters, it’s how your feel later. Many hair colors fade and my hair ends up looking like it has a massive hangover. The Aveda color says looking vibrant for 6 weeks. Plus, Aveda products are natural, so I feel better about using them. I don’t want to soak my head in the nasty chemicals those «other» hair dyes are made of.
Bonus: they treat you like you’re at a day spa here. Start with warm tea, and a little massage, and end up walking out relaxed with great hair for a reasonable price! This isn’t local for me, but it’s absolutely worth the drive.

This is the first time I have been to a salon in 8 years, and I was super embarrassed, considering I used to be a hairstylist at one point. College, motherhood, moving around, and the effects of the Great Recession turned me into a frumpy, sad mom with terrible hair.
I’ve been too ashamed to get my hair done, but Ze made me feel at ease, and treated me very well. He shared his expertise, and gave me a haircut that felt flattering and stylish. I feel ten thousand times better about myself! Ze has a gift for intuitively knowing what the client needs in a hairstyle. You can tell that he truly enjoys making people feel good about themselves. His energy is so calm and positive, and having been around many hairdressers, I can tell that he really takes his craft seriously. I am very happy with my hair, and I feel anything but frumpy now. Thank you, Ze!

This was my second time going to this location. I used to go to the otay location.
This place makes you feel so relax while you’re getting your hair done. I’m such a fan of their hot tea!
My hairdresser Ze was on-​point with the vision I had for my hair. I trusted him with my hair and he always makes me look flawless. I wished I had him blow dry my hair everyday. I asked for volume and he gave me volume. I loved the complimentary neck and back massage along with the hand massage.
Recommend coming here for overall experience.

How about some pampering? Complimentary neck massage, facial, or hand massage? Yes PLEASE!
I’ve been coming to Gila Rut for a few years now, ever since my good friend recommended them to me. Well, I’ve always been super satisfied with the services.
Not only are the stylists professional and talented, they work to make sure that you are pleased with their work. If you aren’t, they will make it right, no questions asked!
I highly recommend Justine for your coloring needs and Veronica for a stylish cut.
The pampering and quality services will keep me coming back for years to come! :)
Don’t wait… BOOK NOW!

I have been going to Aveda Gila Rut salons for about 7 years now (OMG) and before today, had only frequented the Otay Ranch location (which is WONDeRFUL! Btw!).
I moved to North Park recently and haven’t been able to get an appointment at a convenient time for me at Otay Ranch Gila Rut. I’d noticed this Hillcrest location a few times so since my color was in pretty neglected condition it was an emergency and I decided to try for a last minute appointment!
I called halfheartedly not expecting to be able to get in. I was wrong! The receptionist fit me in for an appointment only 45 minutes after the time I called!
The hillcrest location is fairly large and located in the trader Joe’s shopping center– tons of parking in urban hillcrest!
Opal colored my hair and she did an incredible job. She matched my color perfectly and it looks impeccable! I also was very comfortable because she was extremely knowledgable about treatments and the entire line of Aveda products. I ended up getting a gloss per her expert recommendation and my hair looks great.
Opal is super pretty and super nice with great hair color talent! Her hair color is really cool too.
Opal gave me the best complimentary mini massage I’ve ever had in my approximate 7 years of going to Gila rut salons! I thought I was drooling a few times during it because I was so relaxed… Awkward!
My complimentary mini facial also included a perfecting mask.
Opal gave me a beautiful blow out w/​a round brush (so much work when I have so much hair!!) and the result made me super happy!
I always leave Aveda salons feeling ridiculously refreshed. More so today thanks to Opal! Thanks again for making me look pretty and giving me great color!!!