Skip to content
Gila Rut Aveda Salons
Gila Rut Aveda Salons
Gila Rut Aveda Salons

Gila Rut Aveda Salons Salon Hillcrest

Hair salon in San Diego, CA · 2 locations

Rated 4.8 out of 5 (373 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab) Closed now

The business began in 1992 in Hillcrest, San Diego, when Keri Davis-Duffy and her mother Carol Davis opened the first salon. That Hillcrest location is the flagship and sits in the Uptown District, with neighborhood street parking nearby. A second salon opened at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista, with Karla Lopez-Martinez partnering with Keri Davis-Duffy and Carol Davis. A third location in Torrey Hills, near Del Mar, opened in 2011 and was merged into the other two in 2020. Both current salons are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, and close on major holidays. The Otay Ranch salon offers parking in the open-air mall.

Read more

About

The business began in 1992 in Hillcrest, San Diego, when Keri Davis-Duffy and her mother Carol Davis opened the first salon. That Hillcrest location is the flagship and sits in the Uptown District, with neighborhood street parking nearby. A second salon opened at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista, with Karla Lopez-Martinez partnering with Keri Davis-Duffy and Carol Davis. A third location in Torrey Hills, near Del Mar, opened in 2011 and was merged into the other two in 2020. Both current salons are open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, and close on major holidays. The Otay Ranch salon offers parking in the open-air mall.

The salon describes its core idea as linking beauty, the environment and well-being. It uses and sells only products it considers ecologically responsible. It supports local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, St. Madeleine Sophie's Center for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, and the Ronald McDonald House. According to the salon, what distinguishes it is advanced education, artistic passion and a positive environment. The salon points to several honors: a San Diego CityBeat Best of San Diego 2014 readers' choice poll win, being named six times to Salon Today magazine's list of the fastest growing salons in America, and a 2012 Masters of Business Award presented at the North American Hairstyling Awards in Las Vegas.

Every hair service includes a choice of two complimentary extras, such as an aromatherapy scalp massage, a neck and shoulder massage, a three-step mini-facial, a luxury hand massage or a makeup refresher. All colour services include a complimentary blow dry. Prices depend on the professional's level of experience and education. Haircuts run from $70 for a New Talent cut to $150 for a Master Designer 5 cut, and Blow Dry Only runs from $60 to $140. Colour menu prices are starting prices that vary by hair length, density and time required. Hair extension services and Modern-day Texture permanent waves require a consultation with a stylist before booking, and the $25 perm consultation fee can be applied toward the service. Extension fees do not include the hair, which is Bellami brand, described as ethically sourced, sustainably produced and 100% Remy.

Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice are charged in full. Gratuity is not included in service rates and may be paid by credit card or in cash. Products can only be returned to the location where they were purchased. Within 30 days, an unopened, unused product with proof of purchase is refunded in full to the original payment method. After 30 days, the only options are salon credit or an exchange for an item of equal value. Sale-priced items cannot be returned, and styling tools and makeup are final sale. Gift cards, in any amount, can be bought in the salon or online and used toward hair services, makeup or Aveda products. They are non-refundable and must be redeemed at the location printed on them. Gila Rewards members earn one point for each dollar spent on retail. Through the referral program, new guests receive $20 off a first service costing $50 or more. Active military members and their families get an ongoing 10% discount. On hygiene, the salon says both locations are Barbicide certified Safe Service Establishments and that each employee is individually Barbicide certified. Disinfectant is mixed fresh each opening day and discarded at closing. Single-use items are thrown away after one use, linens are laundered, and work stations are fully disinfected every day. Employees who are sick stay off the floor, and clients who are sick are asked to reschedule.

Training is central to how the salon develops its team. Staff begin in an Assistant Training Program with one-on-one and group instruction from the Educational Directors, along with weekly in-salon training and out-of-state academy education. New Talent stylists are licensed designers and colourists in a year-long advanced training program and offer services at a lower special price. The cut team's education runs five modules of six classes each, combining hands-on training and virtual workshops. The colour department offers a five-module program that can be completed in as little as five months. The salon says it invests $10,000 in each team member's education. Its hair model program offers cuts, balayage and highlights from licensed New Talent stylists at a reduced price under master educator supervision.

Guided by the idea of connecting beauty, environment and well-being, with products formulated to be ecologically responsible and staff growth built on structured education.

Specials & promotions

  • Choice of two complimentary services with every hair service

    Choice of two out of four complimentary services with every hair service.

    On their website as of Oct 29, 2026 · Where we saw it

  • Complimentary consultation and $250 off hair extension placement

    All hair extension installations must have a consultation previous to booking the actual service. Offer valid for first installation only. Other restrictions may apply.

    On their website as of Oct 29, 2026 · Where we saw it

  • Save $20 on first service through digital referral program

    Applies to your very first service of $50 or more.

    On their website as of Oct 29, 2026 · Where we saw it

Services

Final prices may vary.

Haircuts and styling priced by stylist level, from New Talent up to Master Designer, plus neck and bang trims, blow dry only, and haircut with styling.

  • Neck Trim $20+
  • Bang Trim $25
  • Additional styling to existing appointment $35+
  • Haircut New Talent $70
  • Haircut Designer $75
  • Haircut Senior Designer $80
  • Haircut Art Director $85
  • Haircut Senior Art Director $95
  • Haircut Master Designer 1 $105
  • Haircut Master Designer 2 $115
  • Haircut Master Designer 3 $125
  • Haircut Master Designer 4 $135
  • Haircut Master Designer 5 $150
  • Styling Price at booking
  • Blow Dry Only $140
  • Haircut & Styling $150

Single colour, glossing, touch-ups, highlights, balayage, full head lightening with tone and colour correction, with a complimentary blow dry on every colour service.

  • Full Head Lightening with Tone $150–$300
  • Colour Correction $250+
  • Colour Touch-up $70
  • Colour Gloss $80
  • Colour $85
  • Balayage Enhancement $95
  • 1/2 Head Highlight $105
  • 3/4 Head Highlight $115
  • Full Head Highlight $125
  • Full Head Lightening w/ Tone $150–$300
  • Colour & Highlight $170
  • Partial Balayage $210
  • Full Balayage $250

Installation, move-ups and removal across several extension methods, plus hair match services and wash and blow-out for semi-permanent extensions.

  • Hair Match Service $50
  • Wash & Blow-Out with Semi-Permanent Extensions $100+
  • Wash & Blow-Out w/ Semi-Permanent Extensions $100+
  • Tape-In Installation $150/unit
  • Ponytail Installation $85
  • Clip-in Installation $125
  • Complimentary Hair Match Service Price at booking
  • I-Tip Move-Up $100
  • I-Tip Removal $100+
  • I-Tip Installation $150
  • Keratin Bond Removal $100+
  • Keratin Bond Installation $175
  • Hair Match Service (micro-bead) $50
  • Micro-Beaded Volume Weft Removal $100+
  • Micro-Beaded Hand-Tied Weft Move-Up $150+
  • Micro-Beaded Hand-Tied Weft Removal $150+
  • Micro-Beaded Volume Weft Move-Up $200+
  • Micro-Beaded Volume Weft Installation $375+
  • Micro-Beaded Hand-Tied Weft Installation $600+
  • Tape-In Removal $125+
  • Tape-In Installation (per 50 grams) $150
  • Tape-In Re-install $350+

Permanent waves priced by length, density and desired results, after a required consultation.

  • Modern-day Texture (Permanent Waves) $150–$500
  • Modern-day Texture (Permanent Wave) $150–$500

Makeup application and lessons, false eyelash application, special occasion formal styling, and bridal hair and makeup packages that include one practice session, with on-location bridal available on inquiry.

  • False Eyelash Application $15
  • Makeup Application $60
  • Special Occasion Formal Styling $85–$150
  • Makeup Lesson $100

Waxing for the chin, upper lip, sides of face and brow.

  • Waxing Chin $17
  • Waxing Upper Lip $17
  • Waxing Sides of Face $20
  • Waxing Brow $35
  • Chin $17
  • Upper Lip $17
  • Sides of Face $20
  • Brow $35

Braids, styling for guests with extensions, up styling, and blow dry and style, with braid enhancements.

  • Glam Bar Braids (per braid) $15+
  • Glam Bar Guests with Extensions $25+
  • Glam Bar Up Styling $35+
  • Glam Bar Blow Dry/Style $60+
  • Enhance your Glam Braids $15/unit
  • Guests with Extensions $25+
  • Up Styling (after blow dry + style) $35+

Aveda deep conditioning, rebonding, and gloss and shine treatments, plus Keratin Complex options.

  • Aveda Deep Conditioning Treatment $40+
  • Aveda Botanical Repair Rebonding Treatment $45+
  • Aveda Gloss & Shine Treatment $45+
  • Keratin Complex Vitalshot Bond Rebuilder $45+
  • Keratin Complex Express Treatment $140+
  • Keratin Complex Natural Smoothing Treatment $335+
  • Bridal Makeup $300
  • Bridal Hairstyling $325
  • Bridal Hair & Makeup $550

Photos

  • Long wavy balayage hair result in the salon
  • Salon reception and retail area with blue ceiling
  • Salon styling floor with black chairs and mirrors
  • Dimly lit empty styling chairs in the salon
  • Wide view of stylists working at salon stations with product shelves
  • Retail product displays and reception area with Gila Rut mission sign
  • Salon storefront with Gila Rut Aveda signage and black awning
  • Close view of salon entrance with signage and posted hours
  • Salon storefront with awning, planters and patio seating
  • Shelves of hair care products on display inside the salon
  • Stylist cutting a client's blonde bob with shears and comb
  • Busy salon floor with stylists and clients at styling stations

Meet the team

Team members listed on their website. Individual roles, credentials, and current employment have not been independently verified.gilarut.com (opens in a new tab)

Highlights
  • Two Aveda salons in San Diego and Chula Vista, with the Hillcrest location as the flagship since 1992
  • Every hair service includes a choice of two complimentary extras, such as an aromatherapy scalp massage or a mini-facial
  • Hair extensions offered in micro-beaded, I-Tip, keratin bond, tape-in, clip-in and ponytail methods, each with a required stylist consultation
  • Modern-day Texture permanent waves using the Curl Cult formula, which the salon describes as vegan, paraben free and sulfate surfactant free
  • Assistant Training Program and five-module education for both the cut team and the colour department
  • Hair model program offering reduced pricing from New Talent stylists under master educator supervision
Good for
  • haircuts at a range of stylist levels
  • colour and highlight clients
  • hair extension wearers
  • permanent wave clients
  • bridal parties and brides
  • special occasion styling
  • makeup lessons
  • guests who want lower prices from New Talent stylists
  • active military and their families
Treats
  • haircuts
  • colour and highlights
  • balayage
  • colour correction
  • hair lightening
  • hair extensions
  • permanent waves
  • keratin treatments
  • waxing
  • bridal hair and makeup
Techniques
  • balayage
  • traditional foil highlights
  • glossing
  • colour correction
  • micro-beaded sew-in wefts
  • micro-beaded hand-tied wefts
  • I-Tip
  • keratin bond
  • tape-in
  • clip-in

Products & treatments

  • Aveda
  • Back of Bottle
  • Bellami hair extensions
  • Keratin Complex
  • Curl Cult perm formula

Similar salons nearby

Other locations

More in San Diego

Book online Call