Cinta Aveda Institute
Beauty school salon in San Francisco, CA
Cinta Aveda Institute trains students in cosmetology, barbering and esthetics, and runs a student salon and spa on its campus. The school describes its San Francisco location as the only Aveda institution in Northern California and calls itself a leading beauty school in the city and the Bay Area. Its stated mission is to teach beauty industry skills alongside environmental sustainability, which the school says guides its decisions. The Aveda brand traces its roots to ayurveda, the Indian healing tradition.
Read moreAbout
Cinta Aveda Institute trains students in cosmetology, barbering and esthetics, and runs a student salon and spa on its campus. The school describes its San Francisco location as the only Aveda institution in Northern California and calls itself a leading beauty school in the city and the Bay Area. Its stated mission is to teach beauty industry skills alongside environmental sustainability, which the school says guides its decisions. The Aveda brand traces its roots to ayurveda, the Indian healing tradition.
A visit is a service performed by a student, so appointments run longer than they would at a typical salon. Only guests with appointments are allowed on the salon and spa floors, and pets are not permitted there. Guests who arrive more than 10 minutes late may lose their service slot and need to rebook. Changes or cancellations need 24 hours' notice by phone. Tips go directly to the student who performed the service. The minimum age for services is 8. Texture services, including relaxers and perms, require a consultation first.
Cosmetology is a 1000-hour program covering cutting, styling, chemical restructuring of hair, skincare, nail care and make-up, along with retailing, guest service, personal development and state safety requirements. It prepares students for the skill certification exam and the California State Board licensing exam. Esthetics is a 600-hour program covering dermanalysis, facial massage, hair removal, make-up and product knowledge, plus anatomy, histology and safety, with students working under faculty supervision in the student salon and spa clinics. Barbering is taught through the Barbering Crossover Program, which covers hair structure, the differences between hair and facial hair, precision cutting, beard and mustache trims, razor styling, hot towel shaves, clipper cutting and steam facials. An advanced CIDESCO program, requiring 1,200 hours and an international examination, adds coursework in massage, manicuring and beauty therapy; the school says its level can be compared to a college master's degree. Classes can be scheduled day or evening, full time or part time.
Admissions begin with an online information form and a meeting with an academic advisor; the admissions line is 415-496-4787. The school takes part in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Program, including Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct loans, and offers an interest-free payment plan. Qualifying students may also use the Sallie Mae Smart Options Loan or veterans assistance grants, and financial aid coordinators help build a financial plan. Career support includes resume writing and interview technique help.
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences notified the school on August 11, 2025, that it had acted to withdraw the school's accreditation. The school is appealing the decision and says it remains accredited while the appeal is underway.
The school pairs hands-on beauty training with a commitment to environmental sustainability. Its Aveda products are made from flower and plant essences and the school describes them as 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Students work behind the chair and the retail counter with guests in a salon-ready setting, which the school describes as positive and engaging.
Services
Final prices may vary.
Barber haircut at $18, buzz cut without scissors at $10, beard trim at $8 and straight razor shave at $15.
-
Beard Trim $8
-
Buzz Cut (No Scissors) $10
-
Straight Razor Shave $15
-
Barber Haircut $18
Tints, partial and full highlights, bleach and tone, and balayage (from $128), with add-on bowls of color and haircut combinations priced from $99 to $127.
-
Add Bowl of Color $15
-
Accent Highlight (10 Foils or Less) $64
-
Color Tint (Includes 1 Bowl of Color) $66
-
Partial Highlight $92
-
Bleach + Tone $94
-
Accent Highlight + Haircut $99
-
Color + Haircut $101
-
Full Highlight $112
-
Partial Highlight + Haircut $127
-
Balayage $128
Haircut and style from $35, shampoo and style at $28, updo specialty set at $42, curling or flat iron add-on at $12, and the Scalp Solutions Renewal Treatment at $40.
-
Curling/Flat Iron Add On $12
-
Shampoo + Style $28
-
Haircut + Style $35
-
Scalp Solutions Renewal Treatment $40
-
Updo Specialty Set $42
A bikini wax at $30, listed under this grouping.
-
Bikini Wax $30
Botanical Repair Strengthening, Nutriplenish Hydration and Scalp Solutions Express treatments, each $15.
-
Botanical Repair Strengthening Treatment $15
-
Nutriplenish Hydration Treatment $15
-
Scalp Solutions Express Treatment $15
The Renewal Treatment at $40 for scalp care.
-
Renewal Treatment $40
The Elemental Nature Back Treatment at $66, plus facials listed at $58 for 60 minutes and $38 for 30 minutes.
-
Elemental Nature Back Treatment $66
Perfecting Plant Peel, Botanical Skin Resurfacing and Energizing Eye Treatment, each $18.
-
Botanical Skin Resurfacing $18
-
Energizing Eye Treatment $18
-
Perfecting Plant Peel $18
Relaxers and short or long perms, all priced after a consultation.
-
Relaxer Consultation
-
Short Hair Perm (Above the Shoulder) Consultation
-
Long Hair Perm Consultation
Brow, lip, chin or cheek from $18, underarms from $22, arms, legs, chest, abdomen, back and bikini, with combined packages such as full leg and bikini at $58.
-
Brow/Lip/Chin or Cheek $18
-
Brow/Lip/Chin or Cheek each $18
-
Underarms $22
-
Abdomen $23
-
Half Arms $28
-
Half/Full Arms $28+
-
Bikini $30
-
Bikini Wax (online booking) $30
-
Full Arms $32
-
Chest $38
-
Half/Full Legs $38+
-
Half Legs $38
-
Back $42
-
Full Legs $48
-
Chest & Abdomen $50
-
Full Leg + Bikini $58
Photos
Meet the team
Their website doesn't list the team, so we don't either.
- Highlights
- Cosmetology, barbering and esthetics programs, with day or evening class options
- Student-performed salon and spa services supervised by licensed professionals, with discounted prices for online booking
- Barbering Crossover Program and an advanced CIDESCO certification track
- Only Aveda institution in Northern California, according to the school
- Financial aid options including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct loans and an interest-free payment plan
- Good for
- Budget-conscious clients willing to book a longer student-performed appointment
- Clients booking through the online platform for discounted prices
- Men's barbering and beard grooming
- Waxing clients
- Clients considering a beauty or barbering career
- Guests age 8 and older
- Clients who want a perm or relaxer after a consultation
- Treats
- Haircuts and styling
- Hair color and highlights
- Beard trims and shaves
- Hair removal
- Scalp care
- Hair strengthening and hydration
- Skin resurfacing and peels
- Eye area treatments
- Perms and relaxers
- Techniques
- Balayage
- Partial and full highlights
- Bleach and tone
- Color tint
- Relaxers
- Short and long perms
- Precision haircutting
- Clipper cutting
- Straight razor shave
- Hot towel shave
Products & treatments
- Aveda
Similar salons nearby
-
Alcheme Salon
Rated 4.3 out of 5
(26 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab)
San Francisco
Also offers Balayage, Men's Cuts
-
COH SALON + COLLECTIVE
Rated 4.8 out of 5
(26 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab)
San Francisco
Also offers Balayage, Men's Cuts
-
Ron Pernell Hair Studio
Rated 5.0 out of 5
(14 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab)
San Francisco
Also offers Balayage, Men's Cuts
-
Bijoux Salon
Rated 5.0 out of 5
(64 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab)
San Francisco
Also offers Balayage, Men's Cuts