Aveda Opens New NYC Institute with Innovative Curriculum

Beauty Editors caught a glimpse of Aveda’s newly transformed New York Institute earlier this week and got a sneak-peak at some of Aveda’s newest curriculum and upcoming product releases. The SoHo-based 14,500 square-foot space channels Aveda’s commitment to environmental responsibility and leadership. Think: recycled decorative scrap-wood panels from the prior institute, Forest Stewardship Council wooden cabinetry, linoleum flooring made from biodegradable recycled content and natural rapidly renewable materials, and low-energy-consuming LED lighting. The space not only houses state-of-the-art classrooms and a coloring and cutting center, it also encompasses a spa designed so esthiology students can easily move from bed to bed and learn in a prestige environment.

Part of the new curriculum includes a color harmony class where colorists can learn not only about color theory and how they can use that knowledge to suggest colors for their guests based on skin tone and eye color but also teaches them how to tie-in makeup based on the same principles so they can offer guests a finishing touch to their service. “One of the number one questions women have after they get their hair colored is what do I do with my makeup?” explains Aveda Global Artistic Director of Makeup Janell Geason. “Things shift and change [after getting hair color]. We want the students to be able to create a great color story for their guests.”

Launched in January, Aveda students also can now partake in an online cutting curriculum that works in conjunction with the hands-on classes. “It’s pretty revolutionary and we wanted to create something unique to Aveda that fits in with our mission,” says Aveda Global Artistic Director for Hair Cutting Ricardo Dinis. With an emphasis on wellness and cutting with intention, the pause-and-practice style videos are broken down into step-by-step cuts that also demonstrate hand positions and emphasize body potions based on Ayurveda, meditation and yoga. “It’s giving them the opportunity to understand the principles behind cutting hair,” explains Aveda Canada Senior Creative Director Tristan Morrison. And with 24/7 access, “practice makes perfect. This allows the students to go home and practice the right thing [versus] practicing from memory,” he explains. This method also allows for instructors to be able to provide more one-on-one education as students will have a leg-up on the day’s lesson and can then follow along on iPads at the Institute. “It accelerates the learning process,” says Dinis.

Also on the docket are Aveda’s upcoming product releases: makeup and oil. Set to launch in February, Aveda’s Spring/Summer 2016 Indian Sunset Makeup Collection consists of colors based on “the warm shimmery shades of a sunset and cool, water-color tones of dawn,” says Geason. Think: lilac and peach shadows, violet and sea foam eye liners, and a rosy lip liner and gloss. Inspired by the late Horst Rechelbacher, Aveda’s founder, Aveda Love Composition Oil is set to launch in March with $4 of each bottle purchased going to the National Audubon Society. The nourishing bath, body, hair and scalp oil works to calm and sooth with the aromas of plant and flower essences including jasmine, rose and sandalwood. “This was one of Horst’s favorite things,” says Aveda Institute Development Master Educator Holly Leshovsky.” He was all about love of the environment, love of the world and love of education. We got the love back for him.” –Molly Church