I have mixed feelings about Carsten Institute. I guess this is because you never know if you're going to get a student with talent, or a student that should be kept far, far away from anything that resembles hair.
And even if you find a student that does a great job, they've usually graduated by the time you come back for another haircut, so you're right back where you started.
I've had both experiences. A few times I've had my hair cut and highlighted by students that have done a fantastic job, and then there was the time where I had two people blow drying my hair at once to get me out of there faster because my "stylist" took 5 hours to do my highlights. By that time I just wanted to run out screaming.
The only good thing about it is that your hair does have to be evaluated by the head instructor after, so if your student has chopped your hair unevenly, at least they can fix it for you before you leave.
It's just hit or miss with this place. And even though they use all Aveda products, is putting your hair into the hands of a scissor wielding untalented student a chance you're willing to take?