Earlier this month I was invited to be an Aveda Institute Vancouver Ambassador which I did not hesitate to say “yes” to as I have been a long time user of their Rosemary Mint Shampoo and the “shampure” scent of the Hand Relief Moisturizing Hand Cream is just to DIE FOR. The first order of business was a hair appointment and tour of the Aveda Institute in Vancouver located on Water Street in the ever eclectic Gastown in downtown Vancouver. It is tourist season so this area was bustling with activity on the day of my appointment. For those unfamiliar with the Gastown area, this is the City’s oldest neighbourhood and has been designated a national historic site. There are loads of fun eats, treats and little boutiques that both visitors and locals enjoy regularly throughout the year. 
Founded in 1978 by Horst Rechelbacher, Aveda (“all-knowledge” in Sanskrit) is based in Blaine, Minnesota where all electrical usage is powered by wind! Early on in his career, Horst saw a connection between wellness and beauty as well as a commitment to environmental responsibility -shampoo bottles are made with a minimum 80% post-consumer recycled content, 90% of the essential oils used are certified organic along with complete traceability of certified organic ingredients.
I don’t think I actually knew that Aveda had their own makeup line! Everything in the line is gluten-free and vegetarian (beeswax in lip products prevents it from being vegan) and although I didn’t have time to swatch, the line is filled with gorgeous colours!
The Aveda Invati line is their bestselling haircare line. I have tried a sample in the past through Topbox and don’t remember liking it because there was no lather. Little did I know at the time that no lather doesn’t mean ineffective! The Invati line is meant for thinning hair and reduces hair loss by up to 33%. I shed like crazy so I may have to give this line another chance as I am honestly shocked that I am not bald at this point in my life.
Unlike the Aveda retail stores, the Aveda Institute is also a teaching facility and salon. Here, students and educators earn diplomas while getting hands-on experience in styling and colour. Feel like all you need is a haircut? Lend your tresses to an institute or academy student with services starting at just $18!
Many hair colours…by the end of the Aveda academy program, you will be THE colour expert!
My haircut was done by educator and stylist, Nadia, who explained every step of how “Aveda does hair”. Many of you know that I just went blonde a month ago so I didn’t want to play around with the colour at all just yet. We both agreed that my current hair concern was hydration now that the bleached parts of my hair were so thirsty! All Aveda services begin with a glorious scalp massage using Aveda’s Shampure Composition Oil that can also be used on the body and in the bath. This oil was rinsed out and to address my hydration issues, the Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque was applied from root to tip and left on for about 5 minutes. This is an intensive hydration treatment that should only be used once a week as hair can feel “heavy” with overuse. I loved how my hair felt after using this masque and had to pick one up for my own use as it is also safe for blondies.
After a trim that took off about 1-2 inches of hair and added in some extra layers, Nadia curled my hair with a conical wand to give my hair some seriously happening waves!
If you haven’t been into Aveda for a treatment, the pricing is quite reasonable and the staff and students very welcoming. The atmosphere was far from stuffy and even when I last visited on my own in December, I felt taken care of.
Thank you to Jessica for the Institute tour and Nadia for the happenin’ hair!
Have any of you had your hair done at Aveda or have a favourite Aveda product?
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