For young professionals, appearance plays an important role in our success. Maintaining a well-groomed look is not only crucial for those working in sales, with the public, or in the entertainment or beauty biz, but for everyone. We all know that when we look awesome we feel awesome, and when we feel awesome, we do awesome. But we also know that all the primping necessary for your well-coiffed look can be very time-consuming, and that finding just the right salon to keep your look fresh can be an overwhelming process. Lucky for our readers, one of Canada’s most notable salon chains, Aveda, has relieved us of all the guesswork. Aveda offers nationwide salons, top quality eco-friendly products, prompt services, and so many extra touches that you will leave feeling beyond relaxed, beautiful, and confident.
We visited one of Aveda’s Canada-wide locations, on St. Denis Street in downtown Montreal, and were impressed the very moment we entered the door. The fresh smell of herbs ushered us in toward the friendly front desk staff, who promptly lead us to where we were able to change out of our work gear and into more dye-safe smocks. While seated, amongst other young professionals banging away on laptops and chatting on smartphones, we were quickly offered tea or water. Take our word for it and go for the tea! Aveda’s own brand of herbal tea, made with mint, fennel, and basil, is richer and more refreshing than any herbal tea we’ve ever tried.
After a detailed consultation with our stylists, we sat back and reveled in the friendly conversation and great hair education. For our first pleasant surprise, while waiting for our colour to process, we were offered a soothing hand massage using Aveda’s incredible mint and rosemary lotion. Soon after we were escorted to the quiet rinsing area. To fight the common problem of neck pain caused by having to stretch back over the sink, selected Aveda salons are equipped with raised cushioned platforms, like beds, that allow you to simply lay back at level with the sink, avoiding any strain or pain. More importantly, head massages at Aveda are taken very seriously with staff spending much time making sure you are completely relaxed.
After our amazing dos were done, we changed back into our work attire and assumed it time for the usual pay and go…but no; Aveda also offers complimentary makeup touchups before you depart, perfect for those returning to the office or running off to an event. After having our noses powdered and our lips re-glossed we were then offered handfuls of sample bottles. The clever stylists at Aveda pay close attention to your salon chatter, keeping ears open for any talk of hair woes. Whether it’s dry ends or oily roots, annoying fizziness or even a boyfriend with balding issues, if you mention it, they’ll equip you with a solution to try out at home for free.
The most surprising part of our visit to Aveda, however, was that even with all the meticulous consulting and attention paid to extra service details, we were in and out of there so promptly. Us young professionals want to look our best but we don’t often have an entire afternoon to spend in the salon; Aveda gets that.
Finally, with salons located not only in Canada but also worldwide, Aveda is particularly notable for the traveling YP, offering their exceptional services and fabulous earth-friendly products just about anywhere you may need them.
Photos: Aveda Academy, Montreal