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Habitude
Categories: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Day Spas, Hair Salons [Edit]
2801 NW Market St(between N 28th Ave & 54th St)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighbourhood: Ballard
(206) 782-2898
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Bronwen H. said: "Nice sign that sticks out and is very easy to spot. woohoo. I liked the decor, laid back and edgy. Maybe that sounds contradictory but either way I felt comfortable and had fun. I met the owner and she was an awesome lady. Monica…" read more »
131 reviews for Habitude
131 reviews in English
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Review from Jocelyn A.
Seattle, WA
5/24/2012
I had a great experience at this spa yesterday. I came in for a brown/eyelash tint and a haircut. The ladies in the spa area were very kind and offered me a cup of that yummy Aveda tea while I waited. Tera did the tinting and she was amazing! I have never had better results. My haircut was with Naomi who was equally awesome. She cut my hair exactly how I asked and was very good about asking what hair products I wanted used in my hair. She gave me a neck massage to start and flat-ironed my hair at the end. I will be back to see these lovely ladies again!
I had a Groupon (which made the experience that much cooler) and the receptionist gladly excepted it without judgment. Naomi only charges $35 for a haircut even without the coupon, and I think that is a bargain. -
Review from Carrie P.
Seattle, WA
5/24/2012
Terrible.
Carrie -
Review from Texie Y.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 5/23/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Despite all the bluster in my previous review, I have continued to return to Habitude for haircuts and have found my recent experiences more in line with what I was accustomed to prior to issuing my 2-star assessment. I have received good haircuts, prompt service, and the "Aveda experience" I enjoy. Stylist turnover seems to have slowed some too. I have been seeing the same faces every 6-8 weeks, and I take that as another sign of improvement in the salon operations.
On my last visit, I overheard one stylist ask her customer whether she preferred Aveda or B&B products, and though I have never been given the option, my stylists have used Aveda products exclusively on my last few visits. This is worth clarifying since it was one of my big gripes in my previous review.
As a long-time Habitude customer (7+ years), I do not think my prior observations about the salon's state of affairs last year were off-base, but I am so glad to be able to share my recent positive experiences and raise my Yelp rating.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/3/2011
There are many Aveda salons in this city, several within walking distance of my home. Once upon a… Read more »
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Review from Sweetp G.
Tacoma, WA
Updated - 5/20/2012
Love, love, love William. All I was in for was a simple cut - but he was so incredibly thorough and went well over the allotted appointment time to make sure it was just right and I was happy.
I especially like that he is admittedly anti-gobs of product and goes for as natural as possible. Though if someone begged him I'm sure he'd accommodate. Maybe.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/13/2009
Daniella gives a mean chair massage. For the cost, really amazing. I swear the 20 minutes felt like… Read more »
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Review from Melissa S.
Seattle, WA
4/21/2012
Booked the Ultimate 1.5 hour massage with Arjuna and paid with my 40 for 80 Groupon. Did not get heckled or given attitude when I booked my appt over the phone. The spa is quaint - small and shares space with the manicurists, showers, sauna (coed with curtains), changing space all on the second floor. Dried fruit, self serve lemon water and the rumor of fruit smoothies are complimentary.
Arjuna has 20 years of massage experience so they really hooked me up on my first visit She is worth every freakin' penny. I have had the worst neck/shoulder kink for the last two weeks - planning a wedding that keeps falling through, work stress, etc - and normally when someone works through my knots, I end up crying or not breathing. Or both at the same time...which is really difficult if you think about it. She spent the majority of the time trying to relieve the pressure and had to move on since the body can only handle so much deep tissue before it begins to backfire. I think I will need to book a 1 hr follow up with her next week (bummer? ya right!). Also - straight up the BEST scalp massage I have ever had. Ever. Like, I might start a Facebook fan page just for Arjuna's scalp massage.
Like other Yelpers have stated, there is a wee bit of a retail aspect when you're finished. However, Arjuna didn't bring me a basket 'o crap for my to buy, just mentioned that the Action Oil she used to warm up my body for the massage was available downstairs and then recommended the group massage room for my fiance and I after the wedding and said that there are some wonderful hair and makeup folks downstairs if I was looking for wedding glamour, which I thought was very helpful and not at all pushy.
Arjuna also teaches massage, does Reiki, and is a doula. Girl can HOOK IT UP. Oh, and the crazy thing is that she didn't even inform me of this, I asked downstairs about her experience. I find this very classy of her, but I wish she was allowed to promote her other services. Or maybe she can but she just didn't feel it was relevant.
Only reason it doesn't get a 5 is the price. For $140, I would expect more amenities prior to the massage besides some dried fruit, lemon water, and a coed sauna. Other spas in this price range usually have a plunge pool, both hot and cold, and also make sure you know that you can stay as long as you like. Habitude did not. -
Review from Kristen D.
Seattle, WA
3/21/2012
I got a facial and mani/pedi groupon--I had never gone to Habitude and thought it was a good opportunity to try it out.
The facial was good--similar to other facials I've gotten--I'm not so sure about the $45 up-charge for the peel, as the acid peels I've gotten seem to yield better results. The Mani/pedi was nice but a few things: 1. The pedi polish didn't last more than three days! For the price, you're better off going to an Asian nail salon where it lasts weeks. 2. There are no water jets for your feet. 3. The chairs aren't exactly comfortable. 4. The magazine selection was limited and boring.
I'm glad I tried them out, but I'd say the experience was only so-so, and if I had paid full price, I would have given it one star. -
Review from Erika F.
Seattle, WA
4/28/2012
One too many bad haircuts. Only one stylist actually listened and gave me a great cut and she is no longer there...wish I knew where she is working now.
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Review from Danielle M.
Seattle, WA
4/5/2012
Oh, Habitude. Constantly wooing me back with your walnuts, cranberries and Groupons.
The four star status is given with consideration to voucher pricing, as it seems that Habitude offers Groupons/Living Socials every few months. So before I proceed, I must be clear that I unfortunately would not pay full price for most of the services here. This is in no way a reflection upon the quality of services other than they are very standard, so that they are marked up so much more than other salons and spas does not seem warranted. Know that the pedicure, for example, at $64, is the exact same pedicure you are likely to receive at a local salon for $35. I realize that the price differential is attributed to the availability of spa amenities (sauna, showers, dried fruits & nuts), so just keep this in mind when booking, and perhaps allow yourself some time to take advantage of them.
So with that said, the service providers/aestheticians are all solid; my favorites are Sabrina and Jen for massage, etc., and Hulu for nails. All three of these women are very knowledgable and professional, and they do a great job providing a wonderful experience.
A final point worth mentioning: I have received "mixed messages" about the best way to book voucher services. I already had an account for online booking prior to purchasing my first Groupon, and I asked Habitude at the time if it was okay to book voucher appointments online and they said it was fine as long as I called right before my appointment to provide the Groupon number. Fast forward a number of months, and when I followed this procedure, I was snippily told by the front desk that this procedure is frowned upon because they have to collect 'additional information' at the time of booking and it is handled differently. The gentleman with whom I spoke was borderline rude and made me feel like a chastised child. Imagine my surprise when I looked back at the fine print of my Groupon to make sure I hadn't violated any of the rules and I found a link to their website and encouragement to follow it to book my appointment. It seems like there needs to be some consensus reached among the staff and communicated to Groupon, and in the mean time they should stop blaming clients when they are not breaking any rules.
Other than that, I have never been treated differently as a Groupon customer, though, and always make a point tip generously on the full prices of services because I don't think any of the issues I may have with Habitude are the fault of the aestheticians. -
Review from Robyn S.
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is for Habitude's Essential Pedicure. It was amazing, definitely the best pedicure I've ever gotten! I usually go to the cheaper places that charge $20-25, and while those are good, the pedicure I received at Habitude was far more superior. Hollis took the time to carefully trim and paint each toe. She did a perfect job on all 10 toes. While I probably can't come back often for the essential pedi since its pricey ($64), it's definitely worth it for a special treat once in a while.
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Review from Allison F.
Seattle, WA
5/5/2012
I needed to have my shellac redone so I went to Habitude for a manicure because it's extremely close to my house. I called to make an appointment and was pleased to find they could accommodate me the same evening. When I went in for my appointment, I was surprised by the vast size of the place. Downstairs is a pretty large salon and upstairs is a cozy spa. I walked upstairs to meet my manicurist and I was immediately greeted and offered a cup of tea. She sat me down and efficiently completed my manicure in about 30 minutes. I was pleased with the results. The only thing I was very unsatisfied with was the price. I assumed that my shellac would cost about $40, as this is the median price quoted on the CND website and what I've generally been charged at most nail salons. This was not the case at Habitude, however, as I was charged $70 for the very basic shellac. I was pretty disappointed and I will definitely not return.
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Review from Michele P.
Seattle, WA
11/15/2011
I purchased a Living Social deal for a $35 haircut at Habitude. My stylist works out of Habitude and typically charges $60 for a cut so I was very excited at the prospect of saving so much money. Before purchasing the deal I called the salon to confirm that my stylist was participating in the Living Social deal. I was assured that she was. I arrived for my appointment only to be told that my stylist was on vacation and I would be seeing Justin. I would be more understanding if my stylist called in sick but surely a vacation is something that is planned in advance. I was leaving Seattle in three days and getting married in a week so I felt like I couldn't reschedule but at the same time nervous about having an unknown person cut my hair before my wedding. I chose to live dangerously and went with Justin. My cut was lovely and he did exactly as I asked.
When I went to pay I asked how much Justin charges for a cut (Habitude stylists charge on a sliding scale based upon experience and expertise) because I wanted to tip him the appropriate amount. I was told $35. My Living Social Deal wasn't a deal at all!
If I were to remain in Seattle I would start looking for a new salon. Habitude had gone downhill over the last few years. It used to be a peaceful oasis where I could relax before my services. They have now stuffed the space so full of beauty stations, makeup counter, and retail (including a TV in the waiting area that is constantly running an infomercial) that it feels more like an arcade. If you feel compelled to go here for a cut, I would recommend Justin. At $35 he's a steal. -
Review from Krista J.
12/29/2011
This review is specifically related to the Spa. I purchased the Groupon deal offered in December and used it towards a facial. One of the best Groupon deals I have done as far as what it offered and it was very easy to schedule my appointment and redeem.
The whole experience was fantastic. It is a very well run place and the staff is super courteous and helpful. Nice sitting areas, locker room, and sauna.
The facial was very good and even without the Groupon would have been a great value.
Loved the complementary blow-dry after my shower! -
Review from My Review For You S.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2012
Great place for Demi-Permanent hair color (blend those grays). I was able to select a hair color from swatches and get a professional opinion about my selection. The result was great and I've received compliments on my color.
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Review from Anna C.
9/15/2011
I'm only reviewing this place because of Holly's incredible mani/pedi services. Since I am a hairstylist my fingernail polish doesn't usually make it very long, but my toes are another story! She has really given me the best nail services of my life...
She was once at Habitude and then at Spa Scotta, and now she's back! She's worth the trek, people.
I have naturally very long fingernails that I choose to file into what one would call a "stiletto" or curved point. I am very specific about the way they are shaped because my hands and fingernails are constantly in direct line of vision of my clients and I prefer them to appear well-manicured and professional, as a reflection of my services. Holly does her absolute best to maintain my preferred shape with a few little additions I forget to do myself, like buffing.
Did I mention that Holly herself is also very talented, chatty, professional, and cute? She is also an LMP. I've had a massage with her and would have one again in a heartbeat if I had more time in a single visit with her! -
Review from Henriett a.
Seattle, WA
1/31/2012
So so so disappointing. The re-cut by one of their most senior stylists was worse that the original cut and now I have not enough hair to salvage any style. I went in with my dried/styled the way it usually is, photos of how I wanted my hair cut, and talked to them about exactly what I wanted. They didn't listen! What a disaster. I have to wait A YEAR before I can do anything else with my hair. I will NEVER go back to Habitude again for any service.
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Review from Lacie T.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2012
Molly does an amazing job! I didn't put two and two together, until recently. I was eight months pregnant and starting to feel achy and sore. After a session of reiki, I all of a sudden started feeling better even though I wasn't being as active as I should be and I was getting further along in my pregnancy. One week away from my due date, I went again and she added in some massage, which was fantastic! I would highly recommend reiki, especially if you're pregnant.
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Review from Betsey S.
9/21/2011
Ah. The spa. I wish I could give an extra half star.
Habitude is a wonderful place... and I prefer it in the winter. I love the quiet, dark atmosphere (even though it's a bustling spa), the lounge with fruit and nuts, Aveda tea, the heated cushy tables, and the cozy robes. I never leave without taking a full shower in their cool little shower rooms and using a lot of Aveda products.
As my product and skin care obsession grows, I am coming to the realization that I can give myself the best facial at home (exception: Cassie's Place in Fremont). However, I still love the Essential Facial at Habitude for its relaxation and multitasking factors. You get massage over much of your body, aromatherapy, AND skin care. I don't do it to get skin WORK done, son, I do it to peace out.
Their massages are much more vital for me. This is not something I can do myself. This morning I had a neck relief massage by a fabulous lady who made my $65/half hr very productive. Yes, I'm sore but I can move now!
The main drawback of Habitude is the price, and sometimes product pushing can really ruin your spa buzz. I can't hit it up more than once a year when I get lucky and someone gives me a gift card. -
Review from Yumiko K.
6/4/2011
I got a Groupon deal for a haircut and makeup touch-up for $35 or so. This location has a small parking lot for the guests, and the building has a very open and airy feel to it.
As soon as I checked in, I was offered tea/coffee/water and changed into a robe. The tea was delicious, and the couch in the waiting area was super comfortable.
Adriana was my stylist. She gave me a killer scalp massage in a comfortable shampoo chair. I loved the wooden styling counter/table. The haircut was good (not the best); the makeup touch-up was a nice service; all in all, I had a pretty pleasant experience at Habitude. (Online booking is a plus too!)
However, as perfectly reasonable as the whole experience was, I thought it was a bit hollow. Everyone went through the motions and didn't make even a slight effort to elevate the quality of service. I am not requesting for special treatment. I'd like to connect with people I meet.
It is a shame that I couldn't relate to anyone there as I like the salon itself. -
Review from Jinnie N.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2012
I think the experience depends a lot on your stylist. I've gotten my hair cut with 3 different stylists and two of them were great. They offer a head massage during shampoo and use aveda products. The place feels like a lodge and you're offered a drink while you wait. On Saturdays, the wait can be longer than expected, but overall it is a good salon.
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Review from Beth A.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2011
I've had two haircuts and a Brazilian Blowout here.
Both experiences were positive and worth the money. -
Review from Becky M.
Seattle, WA
9/5/2011
I love to get my haircut here! It's like a little spa treatment for my head. The staff is fabulous; so polite and friendly.
Only complaints are the lack of easy parking and sometimes I have to wait longer than I think I should for an appointment (eg. running behind schedule). But lately I've been booking morning appointments that are always on time. -
Review from D B.
Seattle, WA
4/1/2011
I really wanted to like Habitude. Sigh.
First off, I'm a last minute hair appointment maker. Always. I'll find that I have a spare few hours, and I'll frantically try to find someone available to cut me and color me beautiful. With that in mind, I thought Habitude in Ballard might become my go-to salon. It's big and it's open Sundays and Mondays, which is hard to come by. I so wish my experience was better.
I called to make my appointment, and I have to admit that I had fantastic service over the phone. I made a cut and all over color appointment for later in the afternoon.
When I arrived, the staff at the desk was just as friendly and accomodating as the phone staff, so that was great. I settled in and my stylist ran about 15 minutes late, NBD. She was nice enough and apologized for running behind. We did a quick consult and I let her know that all I needed was a root touch up and a trim, as I was growing out my hair. She got to work, and her personality was a little lackluster, though she was plenty nice. Conversation lulled terribly. I almost brought out my book to read, but then I started eavesdropping on the stylist next to me and his client. They were talking about a load of topics I find interesting and I almost wanted to interrupt them to join in, but didn't want to be rude. My hair was done, and I'll admit the cut was great. The color seemed fine too, and I went on my way. Satisfied if not thrilled with the experience.
Then two days later I washed my hair, and the roots didn't match the rest. At. All. My hair isn't complicated. It's dark. Just dark. The roots were really red. So I called to make another appointment. Again, great service over the phone. They fit me in that day even though I had a tight schedule, assuring me it was a 45 minute appointment.
New stylist, nice girl. She was ten minutes late. I let her know I needed to pick someone up at a specific time. She said that wouldn't be a problem. Then she vanished. I waited 20 minutes before she came back from mixing my color. She applied it and said she'd be back in another 20 or so. She started on another client as I waited. And waited. And waited. A good 35 minutes went by and I knew I was really cutting it close time-wise. She came over and said someone ele was on his way over to rinse and blow dry me. Then I waited some more.
Eventually she came back over and said she would just rinse me herself. So we went over. I was rinsed. And then left there to wait some more. Eventually the guy who had been sweeping hair off the floor came over and gave me a limp handshake and said he'd be drying me. Ok. Fine. I'm in a huge hurry right now, so I just want to leave. He then proceeded to give me the strangest hair experience of my life. He kind of used the tips of his fingers to lift and drop it while he dried me. He used a paddle brush to kind of skim the surface of my hair. Was he afraid of my scalp? If you want to style hair, ya gotta git in there, buddy. I was nearly hysterically laughing at this point. It was absurd, and all I could think is that I was being held hostage. My hair was never going to dry and I'd be stuck with limp fish fingering my hair forever.
Finally it was over. My 45 minute appointment took over an hour and a half. The people were all nice enough. In the end I really did like how my hair looked, but the journey was just too difficult. I'm still searching for a salon to love. -
Review from Jenn D.
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great big HOLLER for the ease of buying Aveda items here! I'm an introvert who hates a hard sell--intensely. So when I go into one of the Aveda chain stores, I'm most uncomfortable (they pounce on you, probe you about your decision to choose the products you select, try to force you to drink their tea). None of this annoyance at Habitude! *insert happy dance*
You want Aveda products? Just walk on in here and get 'em. No one is up your butt. Of course, if you need assistance or have questions, they are accommodating and helpful. They even give you a free pump when you buy a shampoo bottle. Nice!!
One star off for parking, because the small lot taunts you with the possibility of finding a spot, only to have you drive in and discover Parking FAIL. -
Review from debi f.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 5/13/2011
I just went in for a brow wax and a pedicure. New aesthetician (to me), she did an okay job, but made me feel uncomfortable, and she was very pushy with the products. Something new at Habitude - now, when you go, they fill a basket of goodies of items they would like to sell to you, In fact, this gal was so self involved and pushy with the products, she made me late for my pedicure. When I mentioned this as I paid for my services, the cashier informed me that it must be me, and that obviously our personalities didnt fit. Well, honey, no, it is you.
Thu did my pedicure, and I couldn't be happier! She was fabulous, took amazingly great care of my tired little tootsies. they are now a beautiful bright pink, ready for Palm Springs! I highly recommend her for pedicures.
So, a mediocre wax experience was offset by a fabulous pedicure. Will I be back? The answer is, will I get another gift card?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2010
The Husband got me a gift certificate for an Ultimate Pedicure at Habitude. What a sweetie!
The… Read more »
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Review from Personal B.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2011
I know I live in Seattle and so I have to experience a little "New Age, eastern BS" every once in awhile. But it was a little offputting when going to get a massage to first have to pick a certain card, which is one of the "seven" core centers of the universe (or something along those lines). And then hear their philosophy on how am I'm connected to everything mumbo jumbo.
But the massage was good and the gal was friendly. Overall, a good experience as a massage should be. But leave the religious philosophy at the door please. -
Review from Stephanie B.
Seattle, WA
7/14/2011
I go here for waxing (brow and bikini) with Jessica. I think she's fabulous, easy to chat with and good at what she does. The atmosphere at Habitude is really chill and I like the way it smells (not at all chemically). They're always friendly and attentive (even it is there job, they are pretty good at it). Plus, the bed is heated which is great on the cold winter days.
The reasons I didn't give it 5 stars is that it's pretty pricey and I've only interacted with Jessica for services. I imagine that if she were to leave, I'd be hard pressed not to follow her. -
Review from Mary P.
Seattle, WA
11/17/2010
I feel like this spa experience left so much to be desired. My husband and I went for the under the rain forest package. Being 9 months pregnant, i really needed some TLC. My massage was rushed, and barely worth mentioning. She did not even scrape the surface of addressing my massage needs
The Essential facial was the better of the two experiences. Rather than call it the Essential facial and massage they should call it the BARE MINIMUM treatment.
Please be careful when trying to turn into their small parking lot. It is not marked and we almost got killed trying to find parking.
For how expensive this was, you are better supporting a local small business. Their bathrobes are horrible terry cloth material. Disgusting. -
Review from Erica S.
Steilacoom, WA
12/5/2010
Kate is AMAZING. She is an incredible stylist and colorist who listens to what you want and then beautifully interprets it. It's obvious that she has a passion for what she does and has a fantastic command of technique. She really takes the time to evaluate your hair type and texture and your face shape to give you a phenomenal style. She's the kind of stylist that can totally kill the trendy, avant garde, Capitol Hill look AND she can give my mom an adorable (but "age-appropriate") look. She graduated from the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute around a year ago which means that she still has new stylist pricing. Only $35 for a fabulous Aveda experience! It's kind of ridiculous.
I love Kate, I love Aveda, and I love Habitude! -
Review from JP A.
King, WA
6/14/2011
2 stars for the salon, 4 for the spa, so average 3. Here goes:
- Salon: Been to the hair salon a number of times. The last visit will be just that, my last. Its always average, and the vibe of the stylists is more like that of super cuts, and less like an upscale salon.
- Spa: Treatment was nice. Agree w/ other comments regarding the not so nice bathrobes. -
Review from Jenny W.
Seattle, WA
11/5/2011
I've had three haircuts at Habitude and they've been ok, but not to the quality I would expect for the money. The experience they create in the hair salon is nice in terms of pre and post haircut. I think they need to spend more time on training to provide higher quality services for their guests.
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Review from Adrienne W.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I took my mom to Habitude for a birthday spa day. We each had a facial, full body massage, and a mani-pedi (bought via Groupon).
The spa was great. When we walked in, we received a tour of the spa and shown to the women's locker room where we were given robes and flip flops to wear. We had our pick of waiting areas, or "living rooms", to lounge in while we waited to be called back. The living rooms were nicely appointed with leather couches and chairs, soft light, magazines, and fruit and nuts to munch on. We were also offered water and tea.
Both of us enjoyed the facials and massages. Alicia gave me one of the best facials I've ever had, and I've had quite a few. Molly was my massage therapist and was also fantastic. Both took the time to consult with me about my face/body before the service, and ensured that I was enjoying myself throughout.
The mani-pedi's were only okay. I felt that my nail tech didn't really try to shape my nails or make them look uniform. She also left a noticeable gap between the polish and my cuticle, even after I asked her to go closer. I would not go there for a manicure or pedicure again. I usually get regular pedicures from Source Salon and Spa, and will continue going there for those services in the future.
My one reservation about my time at Habitude was the prices. My other and I got an amazing deal on our services, but I don't know if I would pay $106+ for a facial on a regular basis. -
Review from Sonya L.
7/1/2010
Let me preface this review by saying that I have only visited the gift store inside, and have not gotten my hair done or gotten a massage or anything like that.
After walking past this place many, many times, my friend and I went in to see what it was all about. The inside looked large and spacious, and several people were getting their hair cut.
When we walked in, we were greeted by the staff at the front desk. Since we were only there to look at the gift shop, we said hello back and turned to start looking at some of the items. As we walked around looking at everything, I kind of had this odd feeling that they were watching us the whole time. It just felt sort of uncomfortable.
I didn't find anything in the store I was interested in purchasing, despite the fact that they had all sorts of items. Prices were very high, even for small things like candles.
I'm not adverse to trying Habitude for a hair cut/color or massage sometime, but I just didn't really like the feeling I had when I was in there.Listed in: Bodacious Ballard
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Review from Anje V.
Seattle, WA
7/2/2007
Muy, muy malo...MUY!
Dealing with Habitude is a lot like blind dating. Sure the prospect pumps them self up to be this wonderful experience, but after the experience is over, one wonders if the planets are lined against them.
Rather than admit a request is beyond their capabilities, the staff at Habitude would rather set the damage rolling, not only on one's head and body, but, on their wallet as well. And don't expect an apology or restitution in the aftermath of destruction. A manager who I never saw or met seemed to have some rather intimate knowledge of my hair. Apparently after my lifetime relationship with my hair, I knew less about it than the manager did. Interesting.
Habitude is mainly about product sales rather than service. The Northwest rustic chic direction in dcor is a pretentious kafuffle. Not exactly sure where they are going with that. I am also confused as to where Habitude finds the nerve to bag up some of the product they sell to present at the end of one's experience at like it is a gift bag. This "gift bag" will total no less than $100.
Bollocks to Habitude. -
Review from Kaitlyn M.
Venice, CA
8/3/2007
This place is nice. Nice, but not nice enough to justify the somewhat outlandish prices. Bikini wax was 40 bucks, and I am pretty sure I was this woman's first client. That just doesn't add up. Anyways. Looked through a brochure of their services, and a pedicure is something like $52 bucks. I mean, really? Are you serious? I will paint your toes for free before you go to Habitude and shell out that kind of cash, just give me a call. Sheeeesh...
... Ok not really, I'm not touching your feet... but you get the point :) -
Review from Karen S.
Seattle, WA
1/12/2008
For more than 8 years, I frequented Habitude at the Locks in Ballard. When I first began going, the services were high-priced but quite worth it, the staff was attentive, friendly, yet professional, and the atmosphere was relaxing in a new-age sort of way. I'd had massages, reflexology, hair cuts/styles/color, manicures, pedicures ,waxing and facials.
In the past two years, however, they seem to have gone to the dark side. They can't seem to hold on to any of their long-time, tried and true employees, and their current staffers are inexperienced, seem to be 'wishing they were somewhere else instead of working on me' and quite unfocused. Too bad, since their prices are higher than ever, exceeding most of the other local 'high end' spas in the area.
My worst - and last - experience occurred last year, when I had a brow wax, got significantly burned, wrote to both the owner and the Locks location manager explaining my long time client status, the recent brow wax burn experience, and how disappointed I'd become in their salon -- and a few weeks later I received a 'Dear Jane' letter 'thanking me for my input'. The lack of customer service had hit an all-time low, and I will never go there again, nor will I recommend friends or colleagues to go either.
There are so many other options for salon services in the Seattle area - ones that I'm certain are more eager to have you - and keep you - as a client. -
Review from Crissy H.
Seattle, WA
7/24/2008
I live in Fremont, so I decided to give the Fremont Habitude a try in December. I received an ok haircut, which motivated me to try it's big sister in Ballard when I was due for another cut in March. What a mistake.
When I called for my appointment, I made sure to mention the fact that I have very curly hair and needed someone who knew what they were doing with it. Price didn't really matter - as long as I got a good cut.
The girl who gave me the cut was nice enough, (wish I could remember her name:( ) and seemed competent. I told her my needs for the cut - a trim with some short layers added. I also told her what, if all else failed, I didn't want: no long layers, they make me look like I have a mullet and the shortest layer shouldn't fall at my chin (I'm pale with a square face and curly blond hair, so chin length hair makes my head look like a big blond puffball. Thanks, but I'll pass...)
Since I do have very curly hair, I typically just get a shampoo and cut - blow drying only exacerbates the frizz-fest - so I opt out of that portion of the service. I got the haircut late in the day, so I ended up going to sleep with my hair still wet.
The next morning, my new haircut revealed it's true self. I got exactly what I didn't want - a cross between a bob and a Carol Brady mullet - and there was a difference of at least 2 inches in the hair on either side of my face. I am not an overly vain person, and have never cried over a haircut - until that morning.
Sweet God, I had a wonky Carol Brady-on-Crack-Bob.
In summation:
- every $20 haircut I got at SuperCuts during college was better than this.
- come to think of it - the haircut my cousin gave me when I was 5 with safety scissors was better than this.
- I have never demanded my money back for a service until now.
- I had to wait until July to get a new cut so that it could grow out enough to be fixed. Frownie Face :(
- will never set foot in here again. -
Review from Michelle S.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2008
You might wanna make this place a habit! I went here while visiting the beautiful city of Seattle. I was treated to a facial and mini massage. Let's just say that I was VERY relaxed from the wonderful aromas, oils and caressing... So relaxed in fact, that when I sauntered into the ladies with my fluffy white robe and herbal tea eager to saturate myself in the shower..I completely forgot that I was still wearing my skivvies.
I will definitely go back if I ever make it back to the beautiful Northwest. -
Review from Hanna W.
Seattle, WA
3/31/2008
If I was an extremely wealthy woman I would like to think I would that I would still pretty much be the same. One exception - I know I would splurge on massages and body treatments like those at Habitude ALL THE TIME. Since non-profit life is not leading me to this wealth anytime soon, I happy to say that I have wonderful friends who treat me to it instead.
Today is my birthday. So with gift certificate in hand I headed to Ballard for a Herbal Body Masque. When you rarely do these kind of things you have to pick the most interesting one, right? Well I made the right choice. Jenny was great and made me feel so relaxed and pampered! Also, rain forest shower is SOOO nice. What I wouldn't give to have one of those in my house.
All of the staff seemed so friendly and attentive. There was no rush to get in and out like other places I have been to. Bonus points for the free smoothie and makeup application that didn't make me look like a drag queen. I now have the smoothest skin in Seattle! -
Review from Danielle J.
Seattle, WA
7/2/2010
Loved my experience at Habitude. The staff is SO friendly and wonderful and the facility is just great. The locker room and showers and amazing and I loved the robe and disposable slippers provided for use during my treatment. The nuts and cranberries and tea were lovely while I waited in the lounge for my service provider.
Both my aesthetician and massage therapist were fantastic and I cannot wait to return for more treatments! Mishka is amazing. As someone who worked in the spa industry, I can tell you that this is a spa worth visiting. -
Review from Lisa S.
10/20/2006
Habitude at the Locks is a pretty good spa, but their hair salon is lackluster. The overall spa vibe is pretty good -- I like the dried fruit and almonds in the waiting area, and the decor is dark, quiet and relaxing. The shower area is nice, with lots of Aveda stuff to sample, and while Aveda's not as exclusive as you might expect to see in a high-end spa, it does smell good and so adds to the overall spa experience while you're there.
I've had a lot of services at Habitude. Probably the best is the pedicure, particularly if you come with a group of friends and can reserve the whole pedicure room with the comfy chairs (no cheesy massage chairs here -- real chairs with real sinks for your feet -- and it's all kept very clean). The manicures are decently executed, as well. Their bikini waxing is good, or was when I used to go there regularly for them a few years ago (too far out of the way since I moved).
The massage and body wrap I've had there were okay, but not the best I've ever had. They're good about letting you mix the scent for your oil, but she didn't ask much about where to target, and when I finally did mention the areas I needed to target, she really didn't focus on them. I do wish they wouldn't play insipid "new age" music in the spa, but then, that's just about any spa in the world, unfortunately.
I've had negative experiences in the hair salon and wouldn't recommend it. I had my hair cut there last summer and the cut was really ho-hum. I have short hair that stylists usually love to do fun things with; this stylist gave me the most boring cut I've had in years after boasting about how she'd just come from working in New York City (guess they have run-of-the-mill stylists in NYC, too). I've had updos at Habitude twice for formal occasions and have gotten high helmet hair both times despite instructions otherwise. The last time, I walked in with a picture of Sienna Miller's tousled bob, and ended up with teased helmet hair about 15 minutes later despite protestations. I know it's called an "updo," but I didn't want my hair to actually go up. $80 is a lot of money for 15 minutes of work that I then had to redo before the wedding I was in.
On the other hand, I had one of the best cuts in my life with Angela at the Habitude in Fremont. She left a few years ago, though.
