Pistachio Cut & Color Bar, An AVEDA Salon

I love Pistachio Salon! Calm, friendly, atmosphere. Melissa listens to me and provides excellent color and cut. Lucy the owner is lovely.

Update, Jan 30, 2025; Today was my 2nd appointment with Hope and she really "gets" me, she's an exceptionally talented and intuitive hair artist! Thanks to the double consult on my 1st visit, I knew exactly who to ask for... So happy! TLDR: Dawn is AMAZING, and my best friend says, "I don't know if you've ever had a haircut that's more 'you!'" If you love details and want to be amused by my "holiday hair nightmare" (pre-Pistachio), read on, lol I've been looking for "that stylist" since moving to the area nearly 6 years ago... The one that would listen to what I want, and competently deliver. I kept receiving cuts I didn't like and color which aged me, because there's a certain "type" some stylists like to stick to (my experience in DC as well as CA, despite showing pics of myself with previous cut/color I'd like to have again). Just 3 days before Christmas, another salon (out of the area) had turned every hair on my head various shades of white and grey, then tried to convince me it was "beautiful blonde." After that, I was determined to find a place that cared about what their customers wanted... After a thorough search, I came to trust Pistachio's 5-star reviews, and got so much more than expected (and therefore, the least I can do is write a review of my own). When I booked the appt, I was assured Dawn had years of experience, and that I'd receive a "double-consultation," just to make sure "everyone's on the same page." That calmed my nerves... And thanks to the receptionist, I felt heard (despite speaking through a screen); when she asked about my previous hair appt, I explained I'd been turned into Mrs. Clause just before Christmas, that it had taken 9.5 hrs to undo, and sensing my confidence was shaken, she helped me gain trust that I'd be in good hands. I really appreciated the professional communication leading up to my appointment; the electronic confirmations, and even the paperwork they sent me to sign beforehand... So professional. It increased my trust and respect for Pistachio; I admire their efficiency. Dawn (as well as everyone else in the salon) was genuinely friendly, kind, and absolutely attentive... I certainly wasn't treated like "just another number." Dawn could have easily taken advantage of the situation by saying I needed a lot more color correction done... I was expecting it, but instead, after a considerable double-consult (as promised!), she saved me a lot of money, time and chemical-treatment by wisely putting less color to more use (especially when a lot of my hair was about to be cut off, anyhow, as she pointed out). The results were even better than what I'd asked for, because she listened to what I wanted and really "got me" - YES! Beautiful color that makes me look younger, rather than older (it's all about skin tone)... I found a true Hair Artist. Once the color was done, I was surprised to receive another thorough double-consult, as Dawn got clarity on the hairstyle I wanted. I'd like to add that even in posh NYC salons where I did receive a double-consult in the past, it was rushed, while my experience at Pistachio was completely different because both Dawn and Hope were each totally focused, thorough, and had meaningful input on what they thought should be done. Very well done, Hair Artists! I had a pic of myself with a triangular cut that I'd loved years ago... It's very sophisticated, and only 1 stylist from Paris had created and maintained it for me (on the East Coast), but Dawn replicated it and that speaks volumes because the stylist who gave me that masterpiece is one of Aveda's top stylists worldwide (he even styled the models that appear on the walls of many Aveda salons). Yes, Dawn is that good. I'm holding back tears because it means so much to me to know I don't have to be afraid to get my hair done anymore... I am so happy to have Dawn and Pistachio in my life. Thank you Dawn and the entire team... For anyone with hair anxiety or apprehension, Pistachio has truly earned their 5-star status and wants to make you happy. See you next time! 🙂

Do NOT come here unless you want a hack job. Came here to get a hair cut before an engagement party since I didn’t have time to go before coming in from out of town (I had been sick earlier in the week and could not get in at a local salon in time) and I needed to clean up my ends and long layers. I was recommended this salon by the hotel I stayed at and was just grateful to get an appointment next day. I regret not realizing at the time maybe that was for a reason. I have medium-long length, fine, straight blonde hair. I have never once been told my hair or requested cut is difficult or unclear before. I keep it simple and low maintenance. I have gone to various level salons in different cities and towns across the country, and have never come out with a bad cut. I asked to shorten up/clean up my face framing layers since they had grown out a lot in 5 months since my last cut (elsewhere). I even showed the stylist two different photos, one of me with my hair the way I previously wore it and liked it, and one of a celebrity with similar hair style and hair type as me. I should have known something was off when she said "we are a team based salon, so we do 2 stylist consultation." I had no idea what she was talking about and showed her and the second stylist the two photos, and they both reassured me they knew what to do and acted like it was easy. The other stylist left and went back to her other client. As this woman cut my hair, I overheard a different stylist next to me having a normal conversation with her client, and no "team based salon" bit was given, nor did a second stylist have to come consult too. I had a gut feeling something was off at that point, but by the time I realized the person cutting my hair was either brand new and/or incompetent requiring additional supervision, she had basically given me long CURTAIN BANGS. It looked NOTHING like the two photos I had provided. The layers were 1) too short 2) uneven 3) not blended at all into the rest of the hair around my face. She could see my dismay when I saw her work, and then tried to blame it on the way my hair was blowdried…by HER. She offered to cut the layers differently at which point I asked her not to cut my hair any further. Her boss clearly could see something was wrong and came over and tried to tell me that the layers looked weird because my hair was straighter than normal (again, the stylist did that, not me, I would never ask someone to make my already straight hair limp and volumeless) and that when I wash and style it myself it will be better. This person’s advice was that washing and drying my hair was better than her salon. Then she proceeded to charge me full price for this botched job ($90). This is a cautionary tale to all my girlies who previously thought getting a simple hair cut at a new salon is low risk, and specifically to steer clear of this place, and of anywhere that uses terms like "team based salon" or "2 stylist consult." It’s to disguise their incompetence or the fact that a given stylist is brand new, so RUN. To this salon, seriously reconsider how you speak with clientele about the fact someone who has no idea what she is doing is going to cut their hair. I might be just another client to you for her to practice/mess up on, but I only have one head of hair and have to look at and live with this every day now. Praying I find a real stylist to fix it somehow.

The staff at Pistachio are always kind and professional. I came in for a cut but talked to Lucy about different highlight options for the future. I loved her ideas, and she was able to fit me in for my impromptu wish for color! Just look at those results! Thank you Lucy (and David) for another great Pistachio experience.

Pistachio is a wonderful place to go for all your hair needs for many reasons. First they are an AVEDA salon with hair products and colors that are not only plant based and healthier but give long lasting vibrancy to your hair helping you feel more beautiful. Second I love the way this business is set up. The salon has a feeling of collaboration as all the stylists help each other. Third I love my stylist Melissa who has been doing my hair since 2019 when I first moved to North County. She is an absolute gem of a stylist experienced in everything color and everything cut. I have naturally curly hair and her cuts accentuate my hair into soft vibrant curls that are easy maintenance. She has a great eye for what cut and color is best for the shape of your face and what color will accentuate your skin and lifestyle. Fourth their customer service is top level as they are all about the best guest experience possible. It's easy to communicate by text rescheduling and I usually get an answer within 24 hours if not sooner. Same goes when I leave a message for them to call. Fifth I simply love the feel of the salon with great music, smiling faces, engaged customers and in general a great place to spend time getting pampered. I highly recommend the AVEDA Salon Pistachio Cut & Color Bar in Carlsbad for all your hair coloring and styling needs!

Love this salon! Best color and cut I have had since moving to north county 20 years ago. Lucy the owner listens to her clients, knew what I wanted even though I had a difficult time explaining it! David assisted and did a great job with the shampoo and scalp massage. Everyone there from the other stylists to the online check in assistants work well as a team and seem to look out for one another. This has created a wonderful environment that is both comfortable and professional. Thank you Pistachio Salon!

Great haircut!! Steve takes his time and I always feel better about myself after my haircut!