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Our story

Built by hairdressers.
For hairdressers.

We didn't start as a school. We started as a salon, and we built the school we wished had existed when we were learning.

How we got here

From Vancouver
Hairdressing Academy
to Aveda Institute.

In 1998, Michael Levine and Liz Abreu opened their first salon together in Vancouver. What started as two hairdressers building something they believed in grew, over the next decade, into a salon company of over 50 people, built entirely by training their team the right way.

In 2012, they founded the Vancouver Hairdressing Academy, born out of frustration. Graduates arriving from other schools weren't ready. Michael and Liz knew they could train better hairdressers, faster, and built a school to prove it.

The academy grew. The reputation grew. And then came an opportunity that changed everything.

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Why we became Aveda Institute Vancouver

The transition from the Vancouver Hairdressing Academy to Aveda Institute Vancouver wasn't a reinvention, it was an evolution.

We kept the same program. The same educators. The same philosophy that our graduates can thrive in any salon, anywhere in the world.

What we added was Aveda's incredible organic product line and Vidal Sassoon's iconic ABC cutting system, two of the most respected names in the global industry, now woven into everything we teach.

The result is a credential that opens doors our students couldn't open before, in any salon, in any city, anywhere in the world.

Aveda Institute Vancouver
As an Aveda Institute, we teach through Aveda's holistic, wellness-based approach to beauty.
But we train you for every salon. Not just ours.
Our curriculum is built on universal technical skills, strong fundamentals, and adaptable product knowledge. Whether you graduate into an Aveda environment or any other professional brand, you'll have the foundation to thrive, and the credential that proves it.
1998
First salon opened by Michael & Liz
2012
Vancouver Hairdressing Academy founded
90%
Graduate employment rate
6×
Canadian Hairdresser of the Year
The team

The people who
teach here.

Our educators are working professionals active in the industry every day. Not retired stylists teaching old methods, current practitioners sharing what actually works right now.

Michael Levine co-founder and director Aveda Institute Vancouver
Michael Levine
Co-Founder & Director
A hairdresser since 1993 and one of Canada's most in-demand stylists. Michael has appeared on stages around the world as an educator, led his team to Canadian Hairdresser of the Year six times, and built a salon company from the ground up. He built this school because he knew Vancouver deserved better.
Liz Abreu co-founder and master stylist Aveda Institute Vancouver
Liz Abreu
Co-Founder & Master Stylist
A hairdresser since 1992, salon owner since 1998, and co-founder of the Vancouver Hairdressing Academy in 2012. A member of the Pulp Riot show team, Liz has travelled the world working countless shows and brings that experience directly into the classroom.
Anthony director of education Vancouver campus Aveda Institute
Anthony
Director of Education, Vancouver
Doing hair since 2003 and with our team since 2014. Anthony is a highly technical haircutter who takes tremendous pride in his cutting and colouring work. But it's his personality that really makes learning with Anthony something to look forward to.
Liliana director of education South Surrey campus Aveda Institute Vancouver
Liliana
Director of Education, Surrey
Trained at the Aveda Institute and originally from Mexico, Liliana is a supremely talented stylist and colourist, and an incredible educator. Her understanding of the Aveda system runs deep, and it shows in every student she trains.
Kirsty colour specialist instructor Aveda Institute Vancouver
Kirsty
Instructor
Kirsty loves the entire rainbow of colour, but especially blondes, balayage, and rich brunettes. A diligent student of the craft herself, that dedication translates directly into how she teaches. She makes you want to be better.
Izzy wave specialist instructor and graduate Aveda Institute Vancouver
Izzy
Instructor
A graduate of our own program, Izzy is a wonderful young talent who loves the craft and is developing a deep understanding of our systems. Her teal waves speak for themselves. And nobody does waves like Izzy.

Train with
this team.

Small classes, expert educators, working professionals, every day. Spots are limited and fill fast.

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