image of students at aveda institute portland at school

Why choose Aveda Institute Portland?

Choose Aveda Institute Portland for fashion-forward, eco-friendly training in cosmetology, esthiology, and hair design. Students learn through a hybrid model combining classroom instruction and hands-on experience with professional tools and educators. The institute focuses on creativity, sustainability, and career readiness, preparing graduates for licensed careers in the beauty industry.

Is Aveda Institute Portland Accredited?

Aveda Institute Portland is NACCAS accredited. The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which allows eligible students to access federal financial aid programs. Accreditation ensures our programs meet industry standards for education quality and allows eligible students to qualify for federal financial aid.


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Why Students Choose AIP

Discover why students choose Aveda Institute Portland for hands-on training, experienced educators, flexible learning, career preparation, and an accredited beauty education.

Learn from Experienced Educators

Our Aveda Certified Educators undergo ongoing training and certifications to stay up-to-date on teaching methodologies and trends paired with 5+ years of industry experience.


Train in Student Salons Serving Real Guests

Practice what you learn with supervised services to real guests in our student salons. This hands-on experience helps you refine your techniques and prepare for a career in the beauty industry.

Learn Aveda – Your Digital Learning Platform

Access Aveda and Pivot Point curriculum anytime with Learn Aveda. Students can explore instructional videos, interactive lessons, quizzes, and digital learning resources that complement classroom instruction and support training both on campus and at home.


Hybrid Learning

Our hybrid learning model combines live online instruction with in-person, hands-on training, giving you the flexibility to learn foundational concepts while developing practical skills in the classroom and student salon.

Choose from Portland or Vancouver Campuses

With campuses in both Portland and Vancouver, you can choose where you prepare for licensure. No matter which location you attend, you'll receive the same hands-on education, expert instruction, and training designed to prepare you for your state's licensing requirements.


Financial Aid for Those Who Qualify

Investing in your education is an important step. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and our Admissions team can help you explore your options and navigate the application process.

What Sets Aveda Institute Portland Apart

image of a student working hair and makeup during an event

Learn with Aveda Curriculum developed by a globally recognized beauty brand while building confidence through hands-on training in a student salon serving real guests. You'll gain technical expertise, build professional confidence, and learn with premium Aveda products used in salons and spas around the world. Explore our programs to discover which beauty career path is the best fit for your goals.

Cosmetology | Esthiology | Hair Design

Image of students and local businesses at the career fair

At Aveda Institute Portland, you'll learn alongside a community of students who share your passion for beauty. You'll build the skills and confidence needed for licensure while exploring career paths and connecting with local employers in hair, makeup, skincare, and other areas of the beauty industry. Discover how we support you in building the skills, experience, and connections needed to pursue your career goals.

Career Opportunities


 

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Aveda Institute Portland and Sassoon Connect curriculum

Learn With Sassoon Connect

Build your skills with industry-recognized techniques.

Aveda Institute Portland students have access to Sassoon Connect, a digital learning platform featuring haircutting tutorials and techniques from Sassoon educators. Along with classroom instruction and hands-on practice, students can use these resources to study cutting methods, improve their technique, and learn new approaches to hair design.

Learn the Sassoon Method

Use Sassoon Connect to study the ABC cutting system for precision cutting and learn the fundamentals of haircut structure, and shape. Follow step-by-step tutorials to understand cutting techniques and how they work together.

Educator-Led Instruction in Sassoon Cutting

Learn from educators with training in the Sassoon approach to haircutting. Explore cutting methods that focus on sectioning, shape, balance, and technical skills.

Explore New Sassoon Techniques

Access educational content from the Sassoon Academy Creative Team, including haircutting techniques, current styles, and different approaches to hair design. Use these resources to expand your understanding of haircutting.

Explore Cosmetology and Hair Design Programs

Find out what you'll learn in Aveda Institute Portland's Cosmetology and Hair Design programs. Explore the curriculum, haircutting techniques, hands-on training, and Sassoon Connect learning resources available to help you develop your technical skills.

Cosmetology | Esthiology

Make a Difference Through Beauty

At Aveda Institute Portland, students engage with the local community while developing the professional skills needed for a career in beauty. Through service-focused initiatives, students have contributed to causes such as raising more than $270,000 during Earth Month for local nonprofits and providing free K–12 back-to-school haircuts through Cuts for Kids. These experiences help students build confidence, connect with their community, and pursue a career rooted in creativity, service, and purpose.

 

How do students live the Aveda mission at Aveda Institute Portland?

As a student at Aveda Institute Portland, you are part of a global brand built on purpose-driven values. Aveda is committed to cruelty-free products, ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, 100% wind-powered manufacturing, and packaging made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Students don’t just learn beauty skills, they participate in a mission focused on sustainability, responsibility, and leading positive change in the beauty industry.

image of a plant in a hand to represent sustainable, fair-trade sourcing

Sustainable, fair- trade sourcing

We live the Aveda mission with cruelty-free products that are ethically and sustainably sourced, produced with 100% wind power and packaged using 100% post-consumer recycled materials. 

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100% Vegan & cruelty free products

Formulated with naturally derived ingredients. Sourced from plants, non-petroleum minerals, and water. Cruelty-free—never tested on animals. 

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Worldwide Network

63 institutes and over 6000 salons across 6 different contents and a team of trendsetters on the Aveda Global Artistic Team.


Frequently asked questions

Have questions about student life, hands-on learning, career preparation, or the Aveda experience? Browse our FAQs to learn what it's like to be a student at Aveda Institute Portland.

Is Aveda Institute Portland the right beauty school for me?

Aveda Institute Portland combines hands-on education, live client experience, hybrid learning, and an industry-recognized curriculum. Students learn from experienced educators while developing the technical, professional, and communication skills needed to succeed in today's beauty industry.

What's it like to go to Aveda Institute Portland?

The Aveda learning experience blends classroom instruction, virtual learning, and practice in a real salon and spa environment. Students gain experience with guest services, professional products, and the techniques used by beauty professionals every day.

Will I get hands-on experience as a student?

From your first day through graduation, educators provide guidance, feedback, and practical instruction designed to help you build confidence. Students also receive career preparation, portfolio development, and opportunities to connect with employers throughout their education.

Will I have opportunities to meet salons and employers?

Students have opportunities to network with salon and spa professionals through career fairs, guest educators, industry events, and the Aveda network. These experiences help students build relationships before entering the workforce.

Does Aveda focus on sustainability?

Sustainability is part of the Aveda mission. Students participate in community initiatives, and work with products developed with a commitment to caring for people and the planet.

What's student life like at Aveda Institute Portland?

You can expect a friendly, inclusive learning environment. Our educators and students work together to create a positive atmosphere that encourages creativity, builds confidence, and helps you prepare for a successful career in the beauty industry.

What is Sassoon Connect?

Sassoon Connect is a digital education platform that gives Aveda Institute Portland students access to Sassoon haircutting education, including step-by-step tutorials, cutting techniques, and instructional resources.

 

Find the Right Program for You!

Have questions about our beauty programs? Get the details you need, explore your options, and schedule a tour to see our campus for yourself.

Start Date

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Title IX Policy

Aveda Institute Portland prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity it operates. Individuals can report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. For more details, see our full Title IX Policy.