Aveda Return Policy Guide (2026): 30-Day Returns & Free In-Store Exchanges
Buying hair care or skincare products online can be tricky. You never know if a scent will work for you or if a shampoo fits your hair type until you try it. If you are looking for the Aveda return policy, you have come to the right place.
Aveda accepts returns on online purchases within 30 days from delivery. The best part? You can return items in new or gently used condition. This means if you tried a product and it wasn't a match, you aren't stuck with it. You can return items by mail or enjoy free in-store returns at over 200 Aveda Experience Center locations across the United States.
This guide breaks down exactly how to get your refund, which items are eligible, and the specific steps for returning online orders versus salon purchases.
Aveda Return Policy at a Glance
Before packing up your items, review this quick summary to see if you qualify for a refund.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 30 days from the date your order was delivered |
| Item Condition | New or gently used (heavily used items may be denied) |
| Proof of Purchase | Shipping confirmation email is required |
| Return Methods | Return by mail or free in-store return |
| Refund Method | Credited to your original payment method |
| Exchanges | No direct exchanges; return for refund and buy again |
| Salon Purchases | Policies vary; independent salons generally do not offer refunds |
| Processing Time | Approx. 3 business days after warehouse receipt |
Return Window & Eligibility
To get your money back without hassle, you must meet a few specific requirements regarding timing and item condition.
30-Day Return Window
For orders placed on Aveda.com, the return window opens the day your package is delivered. You have exactly 30 days from that delivery date to start your return.
- Note: This timeline applies to official online orders. If you bought an item at a salon or a third-party store (like Sephora), their specific deadlines apply.
Acceptable Item Condition
Aveda stands out because they accept gently used products.
- New/Unopened: Always accepted within 30 days.
- Gently Used: If you opened a bottle and used a small amount to test it, it is usually eligible for return.
- Heavily Used: Items that are empty or nearly empty will be inspected and likely rejected.
- Damaged/Defective: If the item arrived broken, it is eligible for a return or replacement (see the "Damaged Items" section below).
Required Documents
You do not need a paper receipt for online returns, but you do need your shipping confirmation email. This email serves as your proof of purchase. If you return an item in-store, show this email on your phone.
How to Return Items to Aveda
You have two main options for returning products purchased online: returning them to a corporate store or mailing them back.
Option 1: Free In-Store Returns (Fastest Method)
This is the easiest way to return online orders because you avoid shipping hassles and fees.
-
Find a Store: Use the store locator on the Aveda website to find an "Aveda Experience Center."
- Warning: You cannot return online orders to independent Aveda Salons, Institutes, or counters inside department stores like Nordstrom. It must be a corporate "Experience Center."
- Bring Proof: Have your shipping confirmation email ready on your phone.
- Hand Over Items: Give the product and proof of purchase to the store advisor.
- Get Refunded: The store will process your return immediately. The credit will appear on your original payment method within a few business days.
Option 2: Return by Mail
If you do not live near a corporate store, you can mail your return. Aveda does not offer a "one-click" automated label system for everyone, so follow these steps carefully.
- Contact Support: Call 1-800-644-4831 or use the live chat on Aveda.com. You need to let them know you are making a return.
- Check for Label: Ask the customer service agent if a prepaid return label is available for your order. If not, they will provide the return warehouse address.
-
Pack Items: Place your gently used or new items in the box.
- Important: If your order came with free samples or a "gift with purchase," you must return the free gifts along with the purchased item, or your refund may be denied.
- Include Paperwork: Print your shipping confirmation email and put it inside the box.
- Ship It: Attach the label and drop the package at the carrier location (usually UPS or USPS).
- Track: Keep your tracking number until you see the refund in your account.
Refund Methods & Processing Time
Once you hand over your return, here is what happens to your money.
Refund Method
Aveda refunds are strictly issued to the original payment method.
- Credit Cards: The money goes back to the card used.
- Gift Cards: If you paid with an Aveda gift card, a new gift card or credit will be issued.
- PayPal/Afterpay: Refunds are credited back to the respective account.
Processing Timeline
- Warehouse Inspection: Once the mail-in return arrives at the facility, it takes about 3 business days to inspect and process.
- Bank Posting: After Aveda releases the funds, your bank may take another 1 to 5 business days to show the money in your account.
- Total Time: Expect the entire process to take roughly 7 to 10 business days from the time you mail the package.
Exchange Policy
Aveda does not offer direct product-for-product exchanges for online orders. The process is handled as two separate transactions:
- Return the unwanted item for a refund.
- Purchase the new item as a fresh order.
Tip: If you are near an Aveda Experience Center, they may allow you to return the online item and buy a new product on the spot, which feels like an exchange but is technically a return and re-purchase.
Non-Returnable & Restricted Items
Not everything can be sent back. To avoid a denied return, make sure your item doesn't fall into these categories.
- Salon Purchases: Items bought at a local salon must be returned to that specific salon. Aveda.com cannot process these.
- Third-Party Retailers: Products bought at Amazon, Sephora, or Ulta must follow those stores' return policies.
- Empty Bottles: Products that are completely used or show signs of abuse (e.g., refilled with water) will be rejected.
- Missing Promotional Items: If you kept the free tote bag or sample set that came with the bundle, the return will likely be refused.
Fees, Deductions & Shipping Costs
Does returning items cost money? It depends on how you do it.
- In-Store Returns: Always free. No restocking fee or shipping cost.
- Mail-In Returns: Aveda's policy is vague regarding return shipping costs. In many cases, the customer is responsible for return shipping unless the item is defective. Always ask customer service at 1-800-644-4831 if they can provide a prepaid label.
- Restocking Fees: Aveda does generally charge restocking fees for consumer returns.
- Original Shipping: The original shipping cost (what you paid to get the item sent to you) is usually non-refundable.
Aveda.com vs. Independent Salons vs. Institutes
This is the most confusing part for shoppers. Aveda products are sold in three very different environments, and the return policy changes for each.
| Location Type | Policy Owner | Typical Return Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Aveda.com & Experience Centers | Corporate Aveda | 30-day window, refunds allowed, takes gently used items. |
| Independent Aveda Salons | Small Business Owner | Policies vary by location. Often exchange or store credit only. Strict "no refund" rules are common. |
| Aveda Institutes (Schools) | Educational Locations | Often has a longer window (e.g., 180 days) but stricter proof of purchase rules. Refunds may be harder to get. |
Key Takeaway: If you bought your shampoo at "Main Street Salon," do not mail it to Aveda.com. Take it back to Main Street Salon.
Special Cases: Damaged Items & Gifts
Damaged or Defective Items
If your package arrives leaking, broken, or with the wrong product, do not just start a standard return.
- Take photos of the damage immediately.
- Keep all packaging materials.
- Contact customer support right away.
- They will typically send a replacement free of charge or provide a prepaid label for the return.
Returning a Gift
Returning a gift can be difficult because Aveda requires proof of purchase.
- Have the Order Number? If the gift giver gave you the packing slip or order number, customer service may be able to help you exchange it.
- No Info? Without an order number or email, it is very difficult to process a return. Your best bet is visiting a corporate store to see if they can offer store credit, though this is not guaranteed.
Customer Support & Contact Information
If you have a complex issue or need a return label, reach out to the Aveda team directly.
- Phone Number: 1-800-644-4831
- Live Chat: Available on the Aveda Contact Page
- Hours: Generally Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST; Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I return items to Aveda without a receipt?
For online orders, you do not need a paper receipt, but you must have the shipping confirmation email. If you lost it, check your order history on the website. For in-store or salon purchases, a physical receipt is usually required.
Can I return online orders in-store at Aveda?
Yes, but only at Aveda Experience Centers (corporate stores). You cannot return online orders to independent salons, spas, or Aveda Institutes. Use the store locator to find an Experience Center near you.
What items are non-returnable at Aveda?
You cannot return items that are empty, heavily used, or purchased from third-party retailers like Sephora. Also, promotional items (free gifts) must be returned if you return the qualifying product.
How long does a refund from Aveda take?
Once your return reaches the warehouse, it takes about 3 business days to process. Afterward, your bank may take another 1–5 business days to post the credit.
Does Aveda charge a return shipping fee?
Aveda does not explicitly state that return shipping is free for all customers. You may have to pay for postage unless the item is defective. We recommend calling customer service to ask for a prepaid label.
Can I return used products to Aveda?
Yes. Aveda accepts items in new or gently used condition. This is great if you tried a product and realized it wasn't right for your hair or skin type.
How do I return a damaged or wrong item?
Contact customer support at 1-800-644-4831 immediately. Do not use the standard return process. They will arrange for a replacement or a free return of the damaged goods.
Can I return salon products to Aveda.com?
No. Products purchased at an independent salon must be returned to that specific salon. Aveda corporate cannot process refunds for items bought at franchise or independent locations.
Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official Aveda website or with your local store. Information verified December 2025.
Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest Aveda return policy updates and check our other guides for brands like Kerastase, SalonCentric, and CosmoProf before your next purchase.
