Affordable luxury at The Aveda Institute

I hope you're all enjoying your long weekend? I'm luxuriating in doing almost nothing except things that I love and that relax me....making good food, reading in bed, taking the dogs for walks and watching TV show marathons (currently Damages and White Collar). Oh yeah, and celebrating our 1st anniversary! Thanks for all your well wishes!

Last week, I had the immense pleasure of visiting Winnipeg's newly opened Aveda Institute. The kind folks at Aveda invited me down to tour the facilities and enjoy a little hair pampering. I wanted to share that experience with you, in case you are looking for a little pampering of your own at incredible prices (hint...haircuts for $15? Yes please!).

Located in the historic Ashdown Warehouse in the Exchange District, the Institute is spacious, warm, welcoming and smells ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! At the heart of it, the Aveda Institute is a hair and beauty training school, both for new stylists and those looking to expand their training. It's also the first Aveda retail store in Manitoba, selling all of their organic, plant-based beauty products. And finally, it's a salon - a place where Aveda students can fine-tune their craft on real-life clients for a fraction of the usual price.

But don't worry, as team leader and resident 'mother hen' Nan shared with me...your appointment will take a little longer than usual because student stylists are consulting with educators each step of your appointment. You're treated to a head and neck massage or a hand massage, delicious Aveda products are used on you and your stylist is there to make you happy - learning to listen to and interact with clients is just as important as the cut and style itself.

After browsing the gorgeous space and inspiring decor (while trying not to buy every product on the shelves!), I settled in for my treatment. 

My stylist Michelle was young, fashionable and friendly. She talked me through my wants (a few warm highlights in the front to hide colour growth) and needs (a trim and a blending of my growing-out bangs), while I managed to snap a few shots of her in action!

And...the end result! I love how the natural highlights blend with my existing colour and the cut is easy to style and healthy.

Thanks so much Michelle, Nan, Kelsey at Aveda Canada and the whole team over at The Aveda Institute here in Winnipeg. It was a wonderful way to unwind and get the special treatment after a long day! Something we all deserve :)

In case you're wondering, haircuts start at just 15 bucks while highlights start at 35 bucks, a great way to maintain your style while on a budget! The prices go up depending on the experience level of your stylist or educator. To make an appointment for a treatment, call 204-452-7380 or visit the entire service menu and prices online. My sister and I have already planned to get our next cuts together at the Aveda Institute and grab lunch in the Exchange afterwards.

How about you friends? What's your salon regime? Do you stick to a stylist or do you like to change it up?


**The Aveda Institute provided complimentary hair services to me, but all images and opinions in this post are my own.