The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Explore the vibrant tapestry of

Student Life

Dive into a dynamic academic environment, engage in diverse extracurricular activities, and discover a supportive community that nurtures personal growth. From cutting-edge programs to exciting campus events, find your perfect fit for an enriching and fulfilling education experience.

Students working with guests on the clinic floor

3,000+

Alumni Network & Growing

9,100+

Aveda Salons & Spas Around the World

30+

Experienced Aveda Professionals

89.75%

Licensure Rate

Day to day

Life at the Institute

Campus

Discover a cutting-edge campus where your beauty education comes to life. Immerse yourself in our modern facilities in Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee, igniting your creativity and fostering hands-on learning. Unleash your potential today!

Wellness Lifestyle

Wellness education is integrated into all our programs, featuring activities like meditations, injury prevention exercises, Aveda rituals, diaphragmatic breathing, and healthy recipe exchanges.

Student Classrooms

Our classrooms are equipped with the latest technologies in audio-visual equipment and access to learnaveda.net, Aveda's online curriculum portal.

Clubs + Events

Dive into a world of camaraderie and shared passion with our diverse range of clubs and events. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and have a chance to network, learn, and celebrate your accomplishments.

Equipment

We offer students the chance to work on a diverse clientele in a top-quality salon and spa setting, where they can perform a range of services under licensed instructor supervision, ensuring comprehensive and up-to-date training.

Guest Educators

We believe in the power of continuous learning. That's why we regularly host expert guest educators for students and alumni to learn insights, techniques, and industry trends. It's an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world knowledge and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving field.

Yoga Classes

We emphasize holistic well-being, providing guided yoga classes in-person and virtually. These sessions focus on essential body mechanics for professionals who work on their feet all day, promoting mindfulness and balance.

Get involved

Clubs & Councils

Embark on a journey of enrichment and camaraderie. Join our vibrant community for personal growth, professional development, and lasting connections among students.

Get involved
IBW Student Leadership Council members

Develop professional skills

Student Leadership Council

Students at our Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee campus have the unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills through active participation in the student leadership council, engaging with industry trends, networking with professionals, and gaining insights into business practices, all to prepare them for careers in the beauty industry.

Topics covered in these meetings include:

  • Strategies for social media marketing
  • Effective salon & spa management
  • Boosting retail sales
  • Preparing for a career in the beauty industry

Additionally the Institute offers students the chance to network with professional partner salons and spas, as well as participate in meetings with community business leaders, providing valuable insights into business development and management practices.

Madison students gathered outdoors on the grass

Demonstrate an eco-conscious lifestyle

Green Team

Be a part of the change, join the Green Team, a dedicated group of students committed to promoting environmental responsibility and green living.

Activities include:

  • Inspiring our Institute community to take action and make a positive impact on the environment
  • Encouraging sustainable practices and green living among our students and team
  • Nurturing and maintaining our rooftop garden on our Milwaukee campus to create a sustainable and eco-friendly space
  • Engaging in a school-wide philanthropic project during Earth Month to promote environmental responsibility
  • Bringing nationally-recognized guest speakers to educate and raise awareness about environmental initiatives

Market your brand

Digital Media Club

Students passionate about digital and social media can enhance their knowledge by joining a club focused on impacting beauty & wellness professionals' careers. Led by school leadership, meetings allow students to choose discussion topics and select guest speakers from industry experts. Participants will create content aligned with meeting objectives and share their findings with the club, promoting collaboration and information sharing.

Topics include:

  • Learn how to effectively promote beauty & wellness brands to a wider audience.
  • Unleash your creativity and master the art of content creation.
  • Develop a strong brand identity and learn the secrets behind successful branding.
  • Gain valuable insights into the world of digital advertising and learn how to create impactful campaigns.

Every year

Signature Events

Sustainable fashion for clean water around the globe

Catwalk for Clean Water

The Institute of Beauty and Wellness hosts an annual Earth Month event featuring a sustainable fashion show that dazzles both visually and morally. Proceeds from ticket sales support clean water and local environmental causes, making it a win-win situation. Students and creatives unite to craft innovative looks using repurposed materials, elevating sustainable fashion to new heights.

These creations extend beyond clothing, meticulously conceptualized from head to toe. Beauty industry professionals judge teams on creativity, construction, hair, makeup, and overall cohesion. But it is not just about competition, the audience enjoys cheering on their favorites, getting up close with the fashion pieces, and indulging in services provided by Institute students. It is a relaxed yet vibrant gathering where beauty enthusiasts celebrate their passion amidst sustainable fashion and camaraderie. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening!

Runway hair and makeup look created by student teams

Pink runway for breast cancer

Catwalk for a Cause

Every October, the cosmetology department collaborates with a team of creative professionals to design themed hair and makeup styles for runway models, culminating in a special segment featuring breast cancer survivors. The proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis).

The looks are evaluated by experts in the beauty industry, such as salon owners from Milwaukee. Teams are assessed based on their creativity, hair styling, makeup application, and the overall visual harmony of each model. The student team that emerges victorious receives a prize.

Attendees are encouraged to root for their favorite designs, enjoy services offered by students from the Institute like hand massages and makeup touch-ups, and mingle with beauty professionals and peers in a laid-back and enjoyable setting.

All year long

Ongoing Events

Student Assemblies

Experience the buzz and excitement of our student assemblies! These lively gatherings bring together our vibrant community for informative sessions, inspiring talks, and fun activities, fostering camaraderie and growth among our students.

Spirit Week

Celebrate school unity throughout the year! Enjoy themed dress-down days, AVEDA beauty & wellness service incentives, product perks, and humanitarian events aligned with the Aveda Mission and benefitting our communities.

Open Houses

Join one of our quarterly open houses for a tour of our campus; curriculum, admissions, and financial aid overviews; opportunities to speak with current instructors and students; and complimentary hand massages and an Aveda gift bag.

See upcoming dates

Ready to turn your passion into a profession?

Tour our campus

Take the first step by signing up for a tour at one of our campuses. Explore each program and discover how we can support your journey in the beauty and wellness world.

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