Aveda Institute Calgary

Chelsie did a superb job on my bob haircut. Clayton was the teacher today and he was so careful and upbeat. I had this cut for years. This is the best cut I’ve ever had. I’ll be back for a cut and color next month. The price for beginner students ($ 22) is amazing. Yes it took 2 hrs. But well worth it.

I went there for a trim, just to mention, my hair is straight and long. I was asked which oil I want and whether I want some condition treatment half price. I asked how much is half price -$ 40 so I said no thank you. The senior stylist washed my hair and blow dried straight after and then she proceeded to cut my hair??? What’s the point of washing my hair then??? Seriously?! She literally combed my hair and cut it without splitting it into parts. I paid $ 70 for this luxury. The effect was horrible, my hair was different length all over. I had to buy a pair of scissors and correct this rubbish haircut by myself in front of my bathroom mirror. Absolute rip off!

I came to Calgary at the end of August from Vancouver for a wedding and decided to get my hair done during the week while I wasn’t busy. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted, but I brought some pictures. I asked for the 2^nd level hair stylist. When my hair was finally done, apparently there was some mishap that they claimed was due to someone maybe mixing up the bottles or labels in the back… something like that… so my hair turned out not even close to what i asked for. It basically came out the exact same color but with orange roots. One of the instructors (I think) came to the rescue. Luckily I was in no hurry that day. When she was done, it didn’t turn out as blonde as I asked. She used some kind of product to make it lighter but it didn’t really help and it wasn’t what I asked for. I was charged for hair trim (which they barely did), dye, and some toning stuff. Of course, it was all still cheap and it was a better job than I would have done, but it was annoying to have to be there for 6 hours to end up with hair I didn’t love.

Got balayage hair lights today by a lovely stylist named Rochelle.
The color is amazing and the price is just right (120 something). I am very happy with the results. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because of time and the environment.
The students are slow so be prepared to spend time. I was there for a solid 4 hours for color, shampoo and style. I brought a few pictures from Pinterest and showed them to stylist and teacher during consultation. Color is tricky but if you give them a idea it helps. The end result is perhaps a little lighter than I expected but the level of detail with balayage is good. I’m pretty easy going so didn’t mind that it’s a litter lighter. Overall NO complaints because I wanted a change and it’s amazing. Let’s not forget aveda products are fantastic!
Also know that as this is a school, there is back and forth with the teacher. It seems some students are better than others so it’s your luck who you get.
I guess asking for an intermediate stylists is worth it for the extra few dollars.
I was lucky enough to get Rochelle who seemed comfortable with the technique and she knew what she was doing. The instructors also check their work every step of the way in case you are a little anxious.
My only advice is: know what you want and ask questions if you are not sure.
With respect to the environment, keep in mind this is not like most aveda salons. This is a «school» so if you are looking for that aveda ambience you won’t find it here. The work stations are close to each other and it is not very private per say.
Last but not the least enjoy the complementary aveda herbal tea (or coffee) and hand massage!
Great place for anyone on a budget and don’t mind spending a little extra time. Amazing products and great staff!
Keep up the good work and thanks Rochelle!

Complimentary neck and scalp massage? Am I in heaven? They know how to make their customers happy! Everybody there is very nice and friendly. I had a first year student who is close to graduating. She did a really good job with my haircut. She was very precise, checked regularly with me if I am okay with what she is doing and her trainer checked in several times as well. $ 23 for a new, good haircut, I think you can’t get that anywhere else. And the students need to practise, so it’s a win win for everyone. It was easy to get an appointment. It will take longer than your usual visit at the hair salon, so bring something to read or listen to. You can also get a trained and experienced hairdresser who is there to get even better. They are a little more expensive but still a good deal I think. So yes, I do recommend to check this place out!

It’s hard to find a good hairdresser in a new city, and even harder to find one that’s reasonably priced. A friend told me about this place and I’ve now been here twice over the past six months.
This is a training salon and you can choose from four levels of students, for which the price increases as they become more experienced. I’ve been here twice with a first year student and both times to colour, wash and cut my hair (even with a longer hair charge for the extra colour needed) has been $ 80 including tax and tip.
My main tip would be to allow lots of time! Both times my appointment took 4 — 5 hours, which would be more than double what I would usually expect at another salon. It mainly takes this long as they are so careful, and also need to wait to consult with the ‘educator’ before starting on your hair and before you leave.
Both times the student was really friendly and they take your coat, offer you water/​tea/​coffee and include a bit of a head massage while washing your hair as you would expect at any salon. I did find that they don’t have the finesse of a salon, but this is completely understandable and should be expected. I’m not super particular with my hair — I get a fairly simple cut and any shade of colour in the ballpark of what I’m looking for is fine with me. If I was looking for something more difficult I’d probably look at choosing one of the more experienced students.
Overall this is a great budget option in a convenient downtown location.

I don’t do anything fancy with my hair so it always feels crazy to pay $ 45-​$ 70 for a 45 minute trim. I started coming to Aveda because I wanted a cheap cut but I’ve been back a few times because I always have a pleasant experience. The girls are always super excited to talk to me about hair and share their knowledge, and I never feel like they are pushing product on me.
You do have to be prepared to be there a while — a wash & trim with a few layers takes between 2 – 3 hours, because they have to check in with educators constantly. But for $ 30 (including tip), its totally worth it!

*people please remember these are students working here*
I have had my hair colored, cut, and styled at a couple student training institutes or colleges several times. This was the best one I’ve experienced so far.
This was my first time at Aveda & I really enjoyed it. I will preface this review by saying that 1. My hair color was not exactly what I wanted or described to the stylist, and 2. The cut was mediocre.
HOWEVER I still 100% feel that the girls who helped me today deserve 4 stars. They were 1^st year students. I wanted a tricky color (very dark brown with a hint of purple undertones.) The student who colored my hair got it close — medium brown with reddish burgundy undertones. The color is gorgeous actually. We discussed it a bit and I decided to keep it as is, and in about 8 weeks when I go back for roots/​touch up, I can have it darkened and a bit more blue added to the mix. I am totally satisfied with that.
The shampoo and scalp massage was great. Nice gentle products. I also got a lovely hand massage. And was offered coffee, tea, water.
The haircut was «fit in» at the end as we agreed to do the color 1^st and the cut after, time permitting. So it wasn’t a grand re shaping but just more of a quick fix. So I ended up not as stoked about the layers however again it doesn’t look bad it’s just not exactly as I wanted it. I am growing it out however so I will be getting a trim again when i go back for roots and can fix a few of the spots I didn’t prefer.
I did get to have a neat little triangle undercut shaved in that I brought a pic of, so that was fun! It looks ok as long as you aren’t too close, the lines are a tad wobbly once you examine it.
The instructor with long dark ombré hair & a septum was so great, very knowlegable and clear with instructions. You could tell she really knew what she was doing. I felt very comfortable knowing she was supervising. There was another taller instructor with curly blonde hair who was not as pleasant she kind of had a way of teasing the students mistakes.
The building is older but nice enough. It could have used a thorough cleaning and a bit of updating.
As for the price, this place is certainly worth while. With a nice tip it came to 79 bucks for a full head of custom mixed color and a hair cut/​style.
But only go if you can keep in mind that these people are students and can possibly make errors or not get things «just so» on the 1^st try. Be ok with that, or else go to Deva salon on 17^th a few blocks away where they are all fully trained and certified Aveda pros.
I still gave 4 stars even though everything was not exactly perfect because I still am a satisfied customer and have every intention of returning. I feel I got good value, great service, and quality product for a verrryyy good price.
They were even able to fit me in on a Saturday wit only a few hours notice. Sweet!

I started going to the Aveda Institute to get my hair cut after my longtime hair stylist went on maternity leave and never came back. I like it because the students generally do a great job, it’s inexpensive, and they can usually get you in right away for an appointment.
Today was honestly the first time I’ve left the salon being disappointed in the haircut I received. The student basically parted my hair and went snip snip on either side. I think she used her scissors a total of four times. This was not the level of detail I was used to seeing at the salon. Usually the students are really thorough and go through small individual sections — this was about the equivalent of me taking my kitchen scissors, putting my hair in a ponytail and cutting. Took about the same amount of time too. She also didn’t talk me through all the steps she was taking — a detail that I think is really important in a hairdresser. I asked after she blowdried my hair if she planned to cut more with my hair dry and she said no. I was a little baffled I get the same basic trim when I go in every time and usually there is a good bunch of hair on the floor — there was about the equivalent of a teaspoon under my chair today. And my hair looked absolutely no different from when I walked in. A far cry from the usual polished and shined look I usually leave Aveda with. My ends still looked fried and frizzy and my fringe looked like an oil slick. I wasn’t super impressed. I’m usually the kind of person who doesn’t complain about something like this — I hate confrontation and I don’t want to make anyone feel bad, but I felt that because she was a student it was important for her to learn from her mistakes. So I told her and Oliver — the educator — that I wasn’t happy.
I have to give huge props to Oliver. Every time I come in Oliver is friendly, professional, and accommodating — and extends that same courtesy to everyone who comes through the door. Oliver fixed my hair up today and I was hugely grateful. There was no sighing or eye rolling from Oliver about it — I was grateful that I wasn’t made to feel like a huge jerk or inconvenience because I wasn’t happy with the student’s work. It was fixed by Oliver with a smile.
The only other thing I think would be worth mentioning, it’s not really a complaint, more just a suggestion — when I went to my old hairdresser, getting a haircut wasn’t just another chore that needed to be checked off the to-​do list. It was a break from a busy week, a chance to feel relaxed and a little spoiled. Every time my hair was washed and conditioned, a thorough and relaxing head and neck massage was given. And it wasn’t just my hairdresser, if I couldn’t get in to see her, I’d receive the same treatment from any stylist at that salon. This wasn’t an add-​on, it didn’t cost anything, it was just a really nice way to make their clients feel relaxed and at ease. I’ve noticed that this isn’t something that’s being practised or taught at the Aveda Institute, and I think that’s a real shame. That was always the one thing I really looked forward to when I was due for a haircut. Now it’s just a rushed wash and go with lukewarm water. I definitely think this might be a worthwhile extra touch to teach your students. Like I said, you want to come into the salon and feel pampered, and take a break from the real world, it’s little extra touches like this that these students will find help them get a devoted clientèle once they’re out of school.
So all in all, a great place. You have to keep in mind that they’re just students and learning these skills — but as I mentioned, up until today every haircut I’d had there I was impressed with.

I have not had my own hairdresser for over a 15 months since mine took on a different career and, as we all know, it is a very personal and intimate relationship that women have with their hairdresser, so I chose Aveda after a great deal of searching on the internet, reading reviews and scouring my options. I sought a good company where I would be comfortable but would not have to pay an arm and a leg – frankly most hair care does cost women an arm and a leg!!!
After carefully reading most Unilocal reviews on the Calgary Aveda Institute, I booked my appointment and went in. Dani was my student hairdresser and she was wonderful. We discussed my hair routine and I shared my mobility restrictions due to arthritis which affects my access to the back of my head and thus my ability to style the back of the head – lots of hairdressers do not understand this and still give me styles that I cannot keep up. Dani was not like that – she understood. I am a heavier person with a round face but I wanted bangs, knowing that on paper, this style should make my face look rounder but somehow it does not when I have the style. Dani was open to the style on me, suggesting we don’t do a blunt cut, but a tapered bang that eases into my other hair’s layers to soften the hard line, and the roundness of my face. I agreed and so did her instructor.
My appointment was for 3:30 and I was out by 7 but every moment was worth it! First my hair was coloured. Dani and the instructor suggested that rather than going lighter as I requested (but was open to suggestion) that I maintain my medium brown colour and just remove the grey on top with additional dye. Then lightening would be added with soft streaks on the underside of my crown, not on top, to five natural lightness and brightness around my face in a natural manner. If I went blonde/​brown, it would require an additional bleaching process to the dying, be hard on my hair and is not even necessary since the brown suits my facial colouring. I agreed, happily.
The dye took a bit, a couple of applications to the streak to get the lightness Dani thought was appropriate. No problem. Then that wash out of the dye – what a treat!!! Dani did a wonderful head massage and the scent of the products, divine. Such a delightful thing, to have someone else wash one’s hair – divine!!!
Dani took time to blowdry my hair and then straighten it as I wear it naturally curly so that would be a change and a treat in the same turn. It was not even cut and it looked great due to the care and attention to detail so far in the process.
Sadly, my hairdresser must have become ill with food poisoning as the instructor came, stating that due to Dani’s illness, she would complete the cut, and that she is fast – true – it felt like less than 5ish minutes or that not even all hairs were looked at. This was not true; they were and the cut was great. OK, how great you must wonder? I loved catching myself in the mirror for the next two days as I saw my ‘new’ reflection and marvelled at the change. But the true test of a hair change is what happens after the individual washes their own hair and prepares it for being seen by the outside world. I got the transformation on Friday and I washed it Sunday morning. I only put on my sea salt to texturize and bring out the curl, I scrunched the hair and let it air dry, then I applied some spray to maintain the beautiful curls. On this day I was simply helping my husband clean out the basement but I could not stop running to the bathroom to marvel at the beautiful, natural look. Obviously the cut and layers were perfect to bring more pep and body into my style. It is effortlessly beautiful, natural and most of all, so easy and manageable.
I cannot thank my Aveda folks enough. I love my cut. They told me to come back for a free bang cut whenever I need one so that was what I needed to hear to keep my hands off the scissors and ruining a good thing. I will return for both bang cuts and regular maintenance and this Aveda salon is MY new hairdresser location. I only wish I could keep Dani, but surely she will be off in the beauty world doing well in her business dealings.
Oh, best of all, the dye, streaks, cut and style came to a total of an unbelievable $ 89.00, $ 10.00 tip and I even bought some product to treat myself, celebrating on the deal and quality.
Parking is the only difficulty as they are on Stephen Avenue Mall. Oh well, with what you save, you can afford the crazy downtown parking fees.

My first foray into colour services at a salon, I felt uneasy to spend $$$$ on something I wasn’t sure with if I’ll end up in the drugstore hair dye aisle. When I saw the groupon for the Aveda institute I saw this was a sign to take the leap. When I called in for an appointment and asked for balayage (hand painted ombré), the girl on the other line must have thought I was asking for partial highlights. But when I showed up, the educator said that the call-​center girl didn’t book me in for enough time to complete a full balayage. They rebooked me for the following week but they did a test patch on my hair to see how the colour will lift.
When I came in for my full appointment, I asked for platinum haired academy student, Mandy (who did the patch test), again; since she looked like she understood how Asian hair coped with bleach. After Mandy and her educator looked at the reference photos, they determine what mixture was needed. A second girl was recruited to help with the foils on the other half of my head. After the foils were done, I waited for about 45 mins in the chair, where I was offered a hand massage, which left my hands soft and supple with the yummy aveda scent. I was told when I was lightening my dark Asian hair, I would probably need a toner to correct the brassiness, which ended up not happening because the end result didn’t look orange. After a blow dry with all the fancy aveda products in my hair, Mandy wanted to do a flatiron curl, which I didn’t mind the idea of, since she loaded up my hair with heat protectant. Perhaps she was quite new at it, but I didn’t get the waves I’d imagine but more high school grad curls. Okay that’s fine, it wasnt what a couple spritz of water couldn’t fix.
When it came to pay, my colour service ended up being around 120 $ for my length of hair (3 inches past my collarbone) still signicantly cheaper than most hair salons and they took the groupon without a hitch. It wasn’t until I went home and looked at my receipt closely, that I was charged extra for the toning treatment. I assumed it was a miscommunication and emailed the salon the next day, asking them to amend the problem. They promptly called me back with the solution.
Now what took away from the full five star rating was the fact they brought in the second girl to help do my other half of my hair, I felt that the side that Mandy did looked more natural and flowed seamlessly but the side that the other girl did, was inconsistent and there were pieces with a strong demarcation. It is not super noticeable but I wished I just had Mandy do my entire head instead of splitting it up. I understand it was a time thing, but i think it would have turned out to be more consistent look. Overall, the girls were great, the results will really depend on who you get. I recommend booking an academy student for a balayage and making sure you have plenty of time, as tracking down the educators can take a while, especially if they have clients of their own, too.

I love going to salons, but when I’m only getting a trim it hardly seems worth it. Luckily, I found out about Aveda. I get my hair washed, trimmed and styled from an Aveda student for around $ 20! You do sign a waiver (because it is a student cutting your hair) but they consult with their instructors (who also observe when the students are working) so I don’t have any anxiety. It’s right on Stephen Ave and it usually doesn’t take longer than an hour so I can quickly pop in over lunch and it doesn’t disrupt my day. I’ve been a few times and have nothing but great praises for this place. You’re helping a student practice and you get a salon experience for a fraction of the cost. It’s a win-​win situation!

I swear by Danielle B at Aveda. She is the best. For real. My hair has never looked more natural both in color and cut. She understands face shape and does EXACTLY what I want.
Go to her. For real. Plus it’s cheap. Like so cheap.
Be prepared to be there for three hours usually… but it’s totally worth it. Coffee, delicious. Service great. CHEAP AMAZING CUT AND COLOUR.

I had some highlights done at another salon which cost me about $ 250. They were Terrible and not what I wanted at all and they were going to charge another $ 200 to fix them. So I decided to try the Aveda Institute to save some cash. My stylist was Brianna and she did an incredible job! My hair has lots of red in it and she managed to give me some nice cool blonde highlights with no brassiness! Her instructor Pat was also great. And the whole thing with highlights, toner, a repair treatment was only $ 90. I will definitely go back! Thanks Brianna!

The haircut wasn’t bad, but the experience was dreadful! Although, you are aware it’s an institute, there are simple things like «washing your hair» that anyone with common sense can figure out. The stylist could not adjust the water temperature, it was either too hot or too cold. From that moment, I was scared of the finale. The girl was too nice and too nervous. She did not listen to the type of haircut I wanted. I even showed her a picture and she was trying to convince me otherwise. The educator got me right away, so I felt reassured. The educator ended up doing her work. The «advanced student» simply did not get it. However, the worse experience was the blow drying. She kept pulling and pulling my hair. She didn’t section off my hair as all stylists do. At that point I was convinced she had no idea what she was doing. The educator fixed up my hair in the end. But even she, was trying to make up excuses by stating that I have too much hair. My hair is short and straight, very odd statement. And finally as she’s brings the mirror to show me the final cut, I couldn’t even see it!!! She had no idea how to angle the mirror. Seriously, I don’t need to be a lab rat for people who have no idea what they are doing. This was my first and last time at an Aveda Institute and that is only because I couldn’t find any other salon while passing through Calgary. I do however, highly recommend the products and a real Aveda Salon.

Last time I was here was over a year ago. My experience was less than ideal. The hair dresser took over 5 hours for a dye (a shade lighter than my actual har colour) and cut. He was unsure of what he was doing and was more talkative than anything else. I understand that this being a school you have to be patient, but even the other students were amazed (and annoyed) at how long it took him. At the end of the cut the hairdresser had to have two more students help him with blow drying my hair. Overall the prices are reasonable, but I wasted far too much time. I would rather pay the extra money and have my hair done by someone who knew what they were doing and were fast!

I like this place. I found a senior stylist with some skills and she got the job done. The inside is lacking the pizzaz of some of the other Aveda locations but this one still works. The staff are very friendly. The only downfall is when I initially tried to make an appointment, it just kept ringing and ringing and there was no voicemail. It took several tries to get through. I wish they had an online mailing system where they provided potions like the other Aveda salons. In addition, I wish you could make your appointment online.

Awful. First I realize this is a school and the students are still learning. This is not a review of them or their skill. This is a review of a very specific treatment offered. The botanical treatment. I received this hour long treatment and then told at the end that styling is NOT part of the treatment! Due to the use of botanical they can not dry or style your hair. So I left with wet unstyled hair in a ponytail held back with an actual office rubber band, onto Stephen ave. A treatment should make you feel better, I felt awful and had to work the rest of the afternoon.
I hope this never happens to anyone else.
Also 1) prices are not reduced compare to your own salon you will be surprised and 2) you sign a waiver that says you take full responsibility if someone burns or chemically destroys your hair!
The ONLY reason I went here was bc someone bought me a gift certificate. Needless to say they do not have to worry about me returning.

Today was my first appt at the Aveda salon. My stylist’s name is Katy, and she came recommended to me through a friend of mine.
I walked into the salon, and instantly smelled that overwhelming calm smell that is distinctively Aveda.
The hostess greeted me with a big smile, handled te check in, and offered me a tea, water or coffee. I opted for coffee, and man, that was the right choice. I am not sure what they brew here, but it was perfect. It was not too strong, and not too weak.
Katy is a student at the aveda institute, so i worked with both her and her instructor. Unintentionally, i think i chose something complex. How it happened, was she asked me what i wanted done. I simply said, «i love your hair, how about like yours?». I didnt realize she had in two colors. There was a darker color on top in the shape of a star, as well as in the front. The rest was a lighter version of the same color. This, I believe, gave the illusion of a thicker mane of hair. Brilliant!
I was in the salon for a good 3.5 hours, and was extremely happy with the experience and the end result.
Katy did a fantastic job on my hair, and was friendly and competent.
Great work, Katy and Aveda Institute!

Aveda Academy Salon has that professional gloss that most high end salons do. A fancy interior, the robe thing you wear, that certain snooty air that means that you’re paying through the nose for an excellent hair cut. It was for this reason that I decided to get my tresses chopped here when I was experiencing student-​cashflow-​syndrome and decided to cheap out on my hair cut.
The cuts are reasonably priced — they start at $ 30 and increase from there. Colour is also quite inexpensive. They sell the full line of Aveda products too. I seriously thought I was getting a deal! I was never going to get my hair cut at my old favourite again.
My cut was meh at first. It was not until much later I was made aware of what had been done to me. My hair had been chopped so that one side was much longer than the other. This was not a deliberately fashionable cut, this was a mangling of my hair. And when she styled it I looked like a lollipop.
Save your money and go to someone who’s had experience, or go to a 10 dollar place to get a cut of the same value. Seriously.