frequently asked questions


general information

  • where is your institute located?

    aveda institute maine

    43 bridge street

    augusta me 04330

    207.621.9941

  • how long does it take to complete the program?

    program lengths differ based on the course of study you choose

    cosmetology

    our 1,500-hour program can be completed in as little as 12 months

    esthiology

    our full-time 600-hour program can be completed in as little as 6 months

    barbering

    our full-time 800-hour program can be completed in as little as 8 months

    nail technician

    our full-time 200-hour program can be completed in as little as 2 months


    ask an admissions representative for additional details for the program that you are interested in

  • what is the course schedule like?

    the schedule differs based on the course of study you choose. please ask an admissions representative which program you are interested in

  • how much does the program cost?

    you can reach out to our team to get an exact cost and learn more about financial aid, available to those who qualify. you can pay for school using federal grants and loans, scholarships, and more, and we’ll help you every step of the way

  • when do classes start?

    we have classes starting at multiple times throughout the year for each of our programs. if you want to know when classes start next, reach out to our team. we’ll let you know when our next start dates are and how to get started

  • what is the difference between esthiology and esthetics?

    esthiology is AVEDA’s term for the study of skincare, using all natural AVEDA products. if you are interested in becoming a licensed esthetician, you can do so as part of our esthiology program

  • what is the difference between cosmetology and esthiology?

    estheticians and cosmetologists are two common licensures in the beauty industry. cosmetology is the study of hair, skin, and nails while esthiology is focusing on the study of skincare. esthetics programs are often shorter than cosmetology programs, while cosmetology programs are longer and have a more extensive curriculum. call us today to learn more about the differences between the two programs

  • how do I apply?

    ready to start? the first step to applying is to reach out to us! we’ll schedule a tour with you to see the school and walk you through what to expect as a beauty school student. when you’re ready to start the application process, we’ll provide you with an application packet that includes details that you’ll need to provide, such as:

    • high school diploma or GED
    • social security card
    • driver's license or birth certificate

    you can read more about the admissions process and what to expect when starting with us

  • do you help with job placement?

    with a network of 9,000 high-end salons and spas nationwide, aveda institute maine assists students to begin their professional careers by listing job openings for positions throughout the U.S. and abroad. aveda institute maine will help students gain the employment knowledge needed by offering career facts, career days with local salons & spas within the community, and self-promotional instruction. however, aveda institute maine is primarily an institute of learning and does not guarantee or imply job placement directly or indirectly. there is no additional charge for job placement assistance

  • is housing available?

    aveda institute maine does not offer housing, but ou admissions representatives can provide information and apartment guides to find a place to live near our institute

  • is aveda institute maine accredited?

    yes, aveda institute maine is accredited by NACCAS – the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences

financial aid

  • is financial aid available?

    financial aid is available to those who qualify!* if you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you can see what you may qualify for. there are federal grants, loans, and payment plans for those who need them


    *the nail technician course does not qualify for financial aid as it is only 200 hours

  • what is your school code for FAFSA®?

    when filling out FAFSA®, you can use our school’s code:

    041774

    when using this code, it will send your info to us to see what you may qualify for, such as pell grants or other federal loans

about aveda

  • what is aveda?

    aveda is a brand of beauty products with a mission to create stunning looks while reducing your carbon footprint. aveda focuses on an ayurvedic and holistic approach to wellness, from the feel to the scent of each product. learn more about aveda and their mission

  • what makes aveda institutes different from other beauty schools?

    aveda institutes use naturally derived AVEDA products and provide a unique approach to wellness, from providing a complimentary cup of AVEDA comforting herbal tea at your appointment to using all-natural products and no harsh chemicals. at aveda institute maine, we strive to prepare our students for their future in the beauty industry with unique extracurricular activities available, including fashion shows and earth month events. through these opportunities, you can build your beauty resume and become part of the worldwide AVEDA network

salon and spa services

  • do you take walk-ins?

    yes - we love walk-ins!  however, we always recommend booking in advance.


    our talented students work hard to fill their books every day. if you have a specific day or time in mind, be sure to call in advance to secure a spot. we don’t want anyone to miss out on their appointment of choice. remember that you can always make changes if you need to. 

  • why am I not able to book appointments with students for the whole year in advance?

    aveda institutes are not like other salons. our students schedule depends on their progress with their education. it is important to us that we are building schedules that support the development of our students. schedules are built a few months at a time as students progress through the program to make sure that we are allowing them the time they need to properly learn the skills they are developing, as well as provide quality services to their guests

  • can I purchase aveda products at your institute?

    yes! the naturally derived, certified organic, 100% vegan AVEDA products we use during your appointment are available for purchase. during your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask your student what products they are using for your look to recreate the look at home! we offer a 20% discount off all AVEDA products when you receive a service. you can also purchase AVEDA products online while supporting our institute with your purchase

  • can I purchase a gift card?

    yes! when you come into our experience center and salon/spa, you can ask us to purchase a gift card to use that can be used on services and products

  • is your school wheelchair accessible?

    yes, our clinics are wheelchair accessible. however, due to the heritage status of our buildings, the upper floors of the building are stair-access only - there are no elevators. please contact us in advance regarding any accessibility questions or concerns, which we will make every attempt to accommodate

  • can I leave a tip for my student?

    gratuities are welcome for all students. please note that tips can only be made in cash - not on credit card or debit payments while you cash out. you can receive cashback from our experience center team if you need it. 

    if you'd like to leave a tip: give the cash directly to your student at the end of your service before you cash out

    OR

    let our experience center team know that you'd like to leave a tip. they'll enclose your cash tip in an envelope with your name and your student's name on the front. students receive their tips from their educator at the end of the day

  • what is your cancellation policy?

    our students depend on guest appointments for the practice they need to strengthen their skills. we understand that things can come up at the last minute, so as often as possible we ask that all guests provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations.


    repeated last-minute cancellations may require pre-payment for future bookings

  • why are your service prices “starting at”?

    the amount of product needed to achieve the desired look AND your hair's length and density determine the price for color, highlights, color correction, and other technical services

  • why aren't you able to quote final pricing over the phone?

    the integrity of your hair is very important to us. we want to make sure that before we tell you how much a service will cost (and how long it will take to complete) we have seen the condition of your hair, and made sure that the services you want are safe for your hair. complimentary consultations can be done any time during our hours of operation. for your convenience, please contact our experience center team

  • what if I'm not able to come for a consultation before my appointment?

    we want to provide you with the highest level of service, so consultations are provided at the beginning of every appointment.  you and your student can discuss what you are looking to achieve, how we can help you make that happen, and exactly what to expect

  • why do some services with some students take so long?

    student stylists in an institute take longer than experienced professional stylists in a salon to achieve the high-quality services our guests are used to because they're still in the middle of the learning process and check-ins with their educator are required throughout an appointment

  • what happens if I'm not satisfied with the outcome of my service?

    our goal is to provide every guest with the level of service they have come to expect from an AVEDA salon, so please let us know as soon as you can if you have any concerns about the services you've been provided with us!

    we appreciate that sometimes it might feel uncomfortable to tell a stylist that you’re not 100% satisfied with their work. part of the learning process for our students is how to communicate with guests when things don’t go as planned, and how to correct a service properly.

    we’ll do everything we can to help make it right.

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