When I walked into the Aveda Experience Center at the Mall of America to test-drive the eco-beauty brand’s new Scalp to Soul service recently, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I was told that it involved “a moment of wellness tied in with an analysis of skin and hair using our new scalp camera” and a “Sensory Journey Ritual with a neck and shoulder massage.”
“Scalp camera”? “Sensory Journey Ritual?” Color me intrigued.
My Scalp to Soul consultation started with a checklist to complete, stating my current hair and skincare challenges.
The scalp camera is a magnifying camera that takes a close-up shot of your scalp. Big surprise—I had some dryness, and it wasn’t a pretty sight. (I’ll spare you the details.) The evaluation went beyond my scalp health to also analyze my hair follicle density, for which I receive a solid A grade (phew!), though my hair was also deemed to be in dire need of moisture.
At this point, I sensed a theme emerging: winter dryness. Fortunately, I was in good hands. I already swear by my Aveda skincare products, such as its Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant—a gentle liquid exfoliant that helps wipe away dead surface cells, and I use a blend of Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair and Daily Moisturizing Oil to protect my damp hair before blow-drying.
But my hair and head dryness struggles are worse than usual, thanks to the current dry-Minnesota-winter climate (and my current obsession with grey hair color doesn’t help). My Scalp to Soul advisor recommended I try Aveda’s Invati Exfoliating Shampoo—it’s for removing scalp build-up and renewing the scalp. I also restocked my Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo and Conditioner and added the Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment, which is meant to be used once a week in place of conditioner. A week later, my scalp is already feeling refreshed and itch-free.
And Aveda wouldn’t be Aveda if it didn’t completely address the mind and body, I was encouraged to try its Chakra Balancing Body Mist, which is meant to be sprayed and breathed in deeply. I went for the Chakra #5, which is said to be centered at the throat, the center of creativity, self-expression, and communication. (Perfect for keeping at my desk to stave off imminent writing blocks.) Following my Scalp to Soul evaluation, I was treated to a relaxing shoulder massage and a quick facial.
I also was treated to a quick makeup touch-up featuring my favorite Aveda lip shade, Goji Berry:
To try the complimentary Scalp to Soul consultation for yourself, walk in to one of the Aveda Experience Centers in the Twin Cities, with locations at Mall of America (952-854-0595), Southdale (952-920-3411), and Aveda’s headquarters in Blaine (4000 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE, 763-783-4250).
