Finding Us: Location, Parking & General Info

If you are searching for the best "salon near me" or a top-tier "austin salon," here is everything you need to know about visiting our sanctuary.

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Where exactly is Apotheca Salon located? 

We are located right outside the ACC Highland Campus in the FiveTwo building. Important note: While our official address says Jacob Fontaine Lane, you will actually find our storefront on the corner of Denson and Highland Campus.

 

Where can I park when visiting the salon? 

We offer plenty of complimentary parking! You can park in the street spots directly out front, in the lot across the street, or directly behind the salon in the North Garage on Denson.

 

Is Apotheca Salon an inclusive space? 

Absolutely. We are a genderless, inclusive salon. From our gender-neutral haircut pricing to our free gender-affirming makeup lessons, our space is built on empathy, respect, and celebrating exactly who you are.

 

What makes your salon different from others? 

We are a premier Aveda salon dedicated to clean beauty. We exclusively use 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced products to protect both your health and the environment.

 

Do I need a consultation before my appointment? 

We highly recommend consultations for new guests, major color transformations, extensions, and perms to ensure we book the correct amount of time and understand your hair history.

 

Haircuts, Color & Blonding

Whether you need a fresh "haircut near me" or are looking to brighten up with flawless blonde highlights, our artists have you covered.

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How does your haircut pricing work? 

Our haircuts are completely gender-neutral and priced based on the length of your hair (Short to 2XL) and the time required, rather than your gender.

 

Do you cut curly and coily hair? 

Yes! We are experts in all hair textures (Types 1 through 4). Every haircut includes a customized treatment, scalp massage, steam towel, and a styling lesson tailored to your specific texture.

 

I want to go blonde; do you specialize in blonding? 

Yes! Whether you are looking for an all-over platinum blonde, dimensional highlights, or a seamless balayage, we use bond-building Aveda products to protect your hair's integrity while achieving your dream color.

 

What is the difference between highlights and balayage? 

Highlights are typically applied closer to the root for a more uniform, brighter blonde. Balayage is a hand-painted technique that creates a softer, "lived-in" gradient that requires less maintenance as it grows out.

 

Do you charge extra for very long hair? 

Yes. Guests with XL (waist) and 2XL (below waist) hair will incur an additional fee due to the extra time and product required to properly treat and style extreme lengths.

 

Hair Extensions & Integration

 

What types of extensions do you offer? 

We specialize in premium Vomor and Hairlosophy systems, offering five methods: Tape-In, Tape-In Wefts, Hand-Sewn (Comfort Wefts), Blue Light, and Integrated Toppers.

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What are Hand-Sewn Comfort Wefts? 

This is the gold standard for volume and length. Wefts are hand-sewn onto a micro-bead foundation, creating a secure, high-impact look that allows for versatile styling.

 

Do you have solutions for severe thinning or alopecia? 

Yes. Our Hairlosophy Integrated Toppers and Blue Light extensions are life-changing solutions designed to add density and flawlessly integrate with your natural hair.

 

How often do I need to maintain my extensions? 

Extensions require professional move-ups every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the method and your natural hair growth.

 

Are extension consultations free? 

Yes! We offer complimentary consultations to color-match your hair and determine the safest, most effective application method for your lifestyle.

 

Perms & Modern Texture

 

What is the difference between the Curl Cult and ISO perms? 

Curl Cult is a gentle, vegan, demi-permanent wave ideal for fine or colored hair. ISO is a traditional, permanent Thio-based perm best for achieving tight curls on resistant or virgin hair.

 

Why is Olaplex included in every perm? 

Perming breaks the hair's disulfide bonds. Olaplex rebuilds those bonds during the chemical process, dramatically reducing damage and keeping your new curls resilient.

 

Can I get a perm if I have blonde highlights? 

Generally, perming heavily highlighted or bleached hair is not recommended due to the risk of breakage. We will perform a strand test during your consultation to be sure.

 

What is the 48-Hour Rule for perms? 

.You must not wash, wet, or tie your hair up in a tight ponytail for at least 48 hours after your perm, as the hair is still setting into its new shape.

 

Will I need a haircut after my perm? 

Yes. The perming process alters how your hair falls and can leave the tips feeling dry. A fresh cut is required to shape your new curls.

 

How long does a Curl Cult perm last? 

It progressively and naturally softens over 4 to 6 months, leaving no harsh line of demarcation as it grows out.

 

Keratin & Smoothing Treatments

 

Will a keratin treatment make my curly hair completely straight?

No. These are smoothing treatments, not straighteners. They eliminate frizz and reduce bulk, but your hair will retain texture. We do not offer refunds if your hair is still curly.

 

What is the difference between Keratin and a Relaxer?

Relaxers permanently break internal bonds to force hair straight (causing damage). Keratin safely coats and seals the outer cuticle to eliminate frizz temporarily.

 

How long does a Brazilian blowout or Keratin treatment last?

Depending on the strength you choose (Express vs. Brazilian Renewal), results last anywhere from 6 weeks up to 5 months with proper care.

 

Do I have to use a sulfate-free shampoo?

Yes! Sulfates will rapidly strip the keratin from your hair. We highly recommend the Aveda Smooth Infusion line to protect your investment.

 

Should I color my hair before or after a smoothing treatment?

Always color your hair before (or on the same day). If you color after, you must wait at least 2 weeks so the developer doesn't strip the keratin.

 

Will my hair lose its volume after a keratin treatment?

It will feel very sleek and flat for the first week or two, but your natural root volume will return as the treatment settles, minus the frizzy bulk.

 

Blowouts, Silk Presses & Head Spas

 

What is the difference between a Classic and Glam Shampoo Style?

A Classic Style is a flawless round-brush blowout (or expert diffusing for curls). A Glam Style includes the blowout plus simple thermal styling (curling or flat iron).

 

What is a Silk Press?

A precision, tension-based blowout and flat-iron service for naturally curly/coily hair that provides a glass-like, ultra-straight finish without harsh chemicals.

 

What happens during the Ultimate Hair & Scalp Treatment (Head Spa)?

This 90-minute journey includes three signature Aveda treatments, extensive massage, steam, cryotherapy, and finishes with a glamorous blowout.

 

How long will my blowout or silk press last?

Depending on your hair type and the Austin humidity, a professional blowout usually lasts 3 to 7 days.

 

Why do you use steam during the shampoo process? Warm steam gently opens the hair cuticle, allowing our Aveda botanical treatments to penetrate deeply for maximum moisture and repair.

 

Special Events & Bridal Styling

 

Do updos and special event styles include a wash and blow-dry?

No. We require you to arrive with clean, completely dry hair. Freshly washed hair is too slippery to hold pins and intricate detailing.

 

What is considered a Special Event Style?

This includes detailed thermal curling (like Hollywood waves), half-up styles, and intricate prom hair that isn't fully pinned up.

 

Do you offer on-site wedding hair and makeup?

Yes! We offer on-site bridal services for an additional travel fee to accommodate our artists' time away from the salon.

 

Is a deposit required for bridal services?

Yes, we require a signed contract and a deposit to secure your wedding date.

 

When should I book my bridal trial?

We recommend booking your trial 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding to perfect the look and ensure a stress-free morning.

 

Clean Beauty & Makeup Services

 

What kind of makeup do you use?

We use 100% vegan, cruelty-free products, primarily featuring high-performance, studio-tested Smashbox Makeup.

 

What is the difference between Glam and Artistic makeup?

Glam is for a flawless, polished, red-carpet look. Artistic is for bold, edgy, colorful, or highly creative editorial styles.

 

What is the free 30-minute makeup lesson?

It is a free, private session perfect for our trans friends, guests seeking gender-affirming care, or anyone wanting to learn makeup basics in a safe, welcoming environment.

 

Are false lashes included in makeup applications?

No, standard strip lashes or individual clusters are not included in our Glam, Artistic, and Bridal applications.

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How should I prep my skin for a makeup appointment?

Arrive with a clean face and your daily moisturizer applied. Avoid heavy facial oils or sunscreens that might cause the makeup to slide.

 

Facial Waxing & Brow Tinting

 

What areas of the body do you wax?

We specialize exclusively in facial waxing, offering services for the brows, lip, chin, and ears.

What kind of wax do you use? We use a premium, 100% vegan, and cruelty-free hard wax designed specifically to be gentle on sensitive facial skin.

 

Do I need to stop using Retinol before waxing?

Yes. You must stop using Retinol, Retin-A, or prescription exfoliants 7 to 10 days prior to waxing to prevent severe irritation or skin tearing.

 

How should I prep my skin for a facial wax?

Arrive with a clean face and avoid using any physical scrubs or chemical peels for at least 48 hours before your appointment.

 

Will brow tinting stain my skin?

The tint is meant for the hair. You may see a faint, soft shadow on the skin for the first 24 hours (which makes brows look fuller!), but it washes away quickly.

 

How long does a brow tint last?

A professional brow tint typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Avoid harsh cleansers over the brow area to extend its life.

 

Will waxing make my facial hair grow back thicker?

No! Waxing removes hair from the root, which actually weakens the follicle over time, causing hair to grow back finer and sparser.

 

How do I reduce redness after a lip or brow wax? We apply a soothing botanical gel in the salon. At home, avoid hot showers, saunas, sweat-heavy workouts, and heavy makeup for 24 hours.