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Look Good for Less At the Aveda Institute, professional treatment can be had at a fraction of salon prices. By Claire Cella Imagine a place where you can enter a salon and spa, and an hour or so later, walk back out with shiny, healthy hair infused with rosemary extracts, and pristine nails and lavender-nourished hands—all for less than $30. No, this isn’t an Aveeno commercial. You don’t have to just envision this utopian situation; you can have it. Clients of the Aveda Institute Austin, located at 3300 N. Interstate 35, can enjoy a full menu of Aveda salon and spa services offered at a typical Aveda salon for an almost unbelievably lower price. The institute itself is a training center and school for future cosmetology and esthiology professionals. But in order for students to reach that level of mastery, they require experience and time on the floor with real and willing clients (also known as you). You don’t need to prayerfully surrender to a leap of faith under a pair of shaking scissors or scalding wax, however, as the students are supervised and guided throughout the session by seasoned and licensed Aveda veterans. This additional attention and reassurance may make the duration of the service longer, says Beth Ray, director of the Aveda Institute Austin, but clients often save at least half the cost of services, if not more, compared with other salons. “You’re basically dedicating your time to the education process,” Ray says, “and letting yourself be a learning experience in return for the discounted service.” The institute offers a range of hair treatments, including traditional styling, haircuts, texturizing, extensive coloring options and even indulgent botanical therapy treatments. Sessions begin with a consultation to determine your desired outcome, and end with stress-relieving neck, shoulder and hand rituals taught only at Aveda schools—an aspect that sets Aveda apart, Ray says. “We have added experiences, moments of wellness and rituals put in to our services that are no additional charge,” she explains.
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Hair students are separated in to two levels: Level one students have met elemental standards, proving their readiness for the salon floor, while level two students have passed additional requirements and are now perfecting their techniques. You are able to select your preference upon booking, which alters the price: The difference between level one and level two is usually $6 to $20, depending on the service. In addition to salon services, Aveda Institute students are also trained in nail, skin and body care. The institute offers manicures, pedicures, facials, waxes, body polishes, wraps and peels, massages and makeup applications, available to suit every skin type or specific focus area. Prices for these services are based on appointment times, with peak times (Friday and Saturday) being more expensive by $2 to $10 than off-peak times (Monday through Thursday), allowing clients to choose convenience over value or vice-versa. (Although, the prices are still so reasonable, it’s always a value.)
Compared with the cost of other salons and spas in Austin, the Aveda Institute offers savings of nearly 50 percent on almost every service. For instance, a colorbalancing treatment that would cost $75 at Jackson Ruiz Salon on Lamar Boulevard, or $60 or more at various Avant Garde Studio locations, is a mere $30 to $40 at the Aveda Institute. A 30-minute manicure at the institute is $12 to $15, compared to $25 at Maximum FX on Congress Avenue. Women who have visited the Aveda Institute Austin rave about the services received, considering them equal to, if not better than, full-price salons, Ray says. Other benefits include the availability of evening appointments, a clean environment filled with aromas of Aveda products’ renowned organic plant essences and two stylists supervising the service’s progress. All in all, a bit of patience but no reverie is required for this surreal scenario. The Aveda Institute and its well-equipped and creative students will skillfully take care of the imagining for you. Visit avedainstitutesbb.com for a full list of services provided, hours and booking details.