Aura Hair Boutique

**Updated - Bryn was quick to contact me following this review and was able to accommodate me into the salon within the next day to fix my hair for me. I sincerely appreciate the care that she took to get my cut/colour to where I wanted it.**

This was my first time getting my hair done postpartum and I was really looking forward to it. My mom was in town from Ontario so I finally had someone to look after my baby and the opportunity to go to the salon. I've been to Aura before and usually see Amber, but she is on mat leave.

This was my first time seeing Ry - unfortunately my hair did not turn out at all like I was expecting. I filled out the form online stating that I wanted very natural, ashy highlights, lots of layering, curtain bangs + attached a photo. She did cut my bangs, but when it came to layering, I told her i'd like them quite short and showed with my hands where I wanted them to start (ear/cheekbone area). She did very minimal long layering. The whole time it felt like she was rushing and told me towards the end that she "didn't have time to finish...too much hair" so she just blow dried it instead of styling.
This made me feel like I couldn't let her know that I wasn't satisfied with the cut and colour of my hair. My highlights turned out very bright yellow/brassy, very contrasty and chunky - not lived in or natural at all. I've been extremely satisfied with how my hair colour/cut has turned out in previous visits with Amber so i'm saddened to be writing this not so great review.

I'm writing this a few weeks later and still feel embarrassed to put it out in the open, but I can hardly stand looking at my hair and it most definitely affects my confidence.
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I've attached photos of my hair before and another after Bryn corrected it.

I've been a LONG time client of Natalie's (I think 7+ years or so) and she is seriously the most honest, talented, professional hairstylists out there!! I have had so many bad experiences at other hair salons prior and she has restored my faith back in hairstylists. She is a true expert, very passionate and is a true master of her craft. We have done long hair, short hair, black hair, to full blonde, to warm brown tones and everything in between. ANYONE LOOKING TO DO ANY MAJOR CHANGES, SPECIFICALLY BLONDES, NATALIE'S YOUR GIRL!!! I swear that girl has magic hands. --also her haircuts/layering techniques are second to none. Beautiful beautiful work. Here are some of the many transformations we've done over the years. --and after all that, she has always kept my hair's health in mind when achieving drastic changes. She's a gem and I couldn't recommend her enough.

I have been going to Aura for over a year now and I always leave feeling Fresh and Happy with my hair. Grace is patient and so understanding when it comes colouring my hair each time. She is knowledgable, talented and will be your go to if you are looking for blonde, balayage, or hair styled for an event! The Salon has a light and airy atmosphere that makes the experience that much better!

I would definitely recommend Aura! My first experience with Aura was for my wedding. My husband and I were living in Northern BC, so I was unfamiliar with any hair salons on Vancouver Island. However I feel so fortunate that Aura Hair Boutique was recommended to me. Bryn and Niki did mine and my bridesmaids hair. All of our hair turned out beautiful! They made the experience so much fun and were super professional and efficient. Plus they travelled to us which was super convenient!

My husband and I recently moved to Nanaimo and I booked in with Hannah to install volume weft extensions and got a full head of highlights and she absolutely killed it! They turned out beautiful. I get sooo many compliments on my hair now. I am in love with them! Worth the investment for sure. I highly recommend Hannah if you are looking for bomb hair. She is also the nicest lady. I always enjoy the time I spend in her chair.

So if you are looking for a beautiful salon and highly skilled ladies to make you feel like a million bucks go to Aura! You won’t be disappointed.

Aura is the #1 salon to go to in Nanaimo! Everyone there is so lovely and and welcoming and my stylist Hannah is the best! Hannah has 100% changed my salon experience. I’ve never had a stylist listen to me as well as she does, she always takes the time to listen to what I want but is also very mindful of taking good care of my hair and will give me her honest opinions! I leave every time feeling so confident in myself. Hannah always makes sure to check in throughout the duration of the appointment and is so kind and personable, we always have a blast at our appointments! Each stylist at the salon are so talented and they are always staying up to date on their skills, which is awesome! I would recommend Aura to anyone and everyone!! :) They are THE best!