American Salon's Exclusive Guide to Education

Best In Class

One of the most popular theories about how we learn suggests that people fall into one of four basic categories: visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic. For the record, most beauty professionals are either visual (images and visuals help you learn) or kinesthetic learners (you learn best by actually performing the task yourself). Paul Mitchell The School adheres to the theory of multiple intelligences to tailor its curriculum to best suit the needs of its students. Both Pivot Point and Aveda use 4MAT, a system that accommodates various learning types. In fact, Aveda partnered with the 4MAT 4Business team to develop a customized curriculum to train future Aveda educators. The bottom line: Look for education that suits your particular learning style.

Wella World Studio, NYC, Wella Studio, LA

The education at both studios is geared toward any stage in a stylist’s career like improving fundamental skills, increasing revenue or learning a new technique. In addition, Wella guest artists at the top of their field, like Sonya Dove, Patrick Cameron and Nick Berardi, offer their expertise. In October and November, four new classes will be offered at the Woodland Hills location: Holistic Color, Cut & Finish (October 25) offers a step-by-step total service approach to designing a complimentary cut and color look. Sebastian Gallery Jam Session (October 6 - 7) is a two-day intensive studio seminar that delves into Sebastian’s beauty philosophy. Holistic Color, Cut and Finish (October 25 - 27) and Groundwork: What's Next Awards with Anthony Cress (November 1 - 2) round out the schedule. Call 800/422-2336 to book classes at either location.

Bb.U (Bumble and bumble University), NYC

If you’re a stylist at a top Bb.Network Salon and want to continue to grow and learn as a beauty professional, Bb.U offers technical and business training as well as classes on personal and professional growth. The Design School offers courses on developing your eye and mastery of cutting and color techniques. Bb.U also has a business school that focuses on training successful leaders and salon managers, helping them to build strong brands and creative teams. If you want to refine your skills on live models, check out The Model Project at bumbleandbumble.com

TIGI Advanced Hairdressing Academy, NYC

All courses combine precise technical knowledge with creative freedom. Coming up on August 17 is a three-day intermediate cutting class on mastering the technique of graduation. If you’re a colorist and want to refine your skills, there’s a two-day advanced color education class on September 28. The course will explore the world of haircolor, taking inspiration from art, fashion and new media. Want to learn how to recreate the latest TIGI collections? Check out Creative Cutting, a two-day advanced course offered at the Academy in November. us.tigiprofessional.com/education

SkyFall Academy, Palm Springs, CA

Matrix Artistic Director Nicholas French offers two-day classes (enrollment is limited to 12 students) at his private retreat in Palm Springs, California. One of his classes, Back to the Future: Journey of a Lifetime, focuses on finishing, brushing and setting techniques, updos and dresswork. nicholasfrench.com/education

Goldwell KMS Academy, NYC

The newest location in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District (there’s another academy in Santa Monica, California) offers a stunning rooftop classroom with views of the city's famous skyline. The 2015 education courses are all taught by the brand’s Global Masters. Courses range from cut and color to style and barbering, which are available at both locations. Want to learn about red carpet-inspired styling or razor artistry? Check out the education portfolio at goldwell.us/education/education-offers.

The Redken Exchange, NYC

The Redken Exchange offers interactive, hands-on training with Redken’s leading experts. Classes include Design, Color, Finishing, Photo Shoot, Men’s Cutting and Wealth Building. What’s more, Redken provides iPads so you can take notes using The Station App. Students have access to all Redken products and tools including Sam Villa’s flat-irons, razors, brushes and dryers. redken.com

Repêchage Post-Graduate Skincare Academy

Once a year, Repêchage founder Lydia Sarfati teaches a four-day intensive master class at her Post Graduate Skincare Academy in Secaucus, New Jersey. Coming up on October 5 - 8, she will be teaching a master class for experienced estheticians with at least three years experience. The class will focus on advanced skincare techniques that will improve the administration of treatment solutions for any skin type. As an added bonus, Sarfati will offer a business lecture on how to establish your professional image, how to improve customer service and increase profits. repechage.com/lydia-sarfati-academy

Great Lengths Certification

Great Lengths (GL) offers a three-day, hands-on certification class that focuses on placement strategies for lengthening and volumizing as well as dimensional color effects and proper removal procedures. Limited class sizes allows for more personal attention from experienced educators. At the end of the training, your certification in Great Lengths extensions has the potential to increase your earnings. Find out about becoming GL certified at hairuwear.com/great-lengths.

The International Dermal Institute

The International Dermal Institute (IDI) has 32 locations worldwide. Dermalogica founder and skincare icon Jane Wurwand has helped to build IDI into a global brand. With 18 locations in the U.S., skincare professionals can find classes to suit any experience level from foundation skin, advanced skin and personal success to master therapist classes. There’s even a Career Mapping tab on the website that helps determine the best courses to help you meet your goals. dermalinstitute.com

New Course from Aveda

Cultivate Your Color: Pure Blonding is a brand-new course offered on aveda
.com. Learn the golden rules of blonding from Ian Michael Black, Aveda global artistic director, hair color. From exploring how to maximize Aveda’s blonding components to hands-on practice with double-processing, toning and low-lighting, you’ll have the language, formulas and techniques to ensure your guests receive the golden treatment. avedaeducation.com

MAJOR TRADE SHOWS 2016

◗ PBA’s ISSE Long Beach, California (January 30 - February 1, 2016)

◗ IBS New York

(March 6 - 8, 2016)

◗ ABS Chicago

(March 12 - 14, 2016)

◗ Premiere Orlando

(June 4 - 6, 2016)

◗ IBS Las Vegas

(June 25 - 27, 2016)

◗ Cosmoprof North America, Las Vegas (July 2016)

SKIN CARE AND ESTHETICS SHOWS 2015

◗ International Congress of Esthetics—Long Beach, California (September 20 - 21)

◗ International Spa Association—Las Vegas (October 19 - 21)

◗ International Esthetic, Cosmetics & Spa Conference—Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (November 15 - 16)