Masters Degree: A Review of Aquage's Masterclass Academy

Day one hosts the optional Luis Alvarez Image Making class. Alvarez walks attendees through click image to zoomAnn Brays classic French twist. the steps of a photoshoot, from capturing the image to editing the result—along with a review of his favorite published works. Students get the opportunity to ask questions about hiring a photographer, choosing a model, wardrobe selection, branding and questions on lighting and angles.

Day two begins with another optional class for attendees—though most, if not all, students attend: Eric Fisher’s Best Practices and Business Program. Fisher shares his successful salon business practices and systems that have kept business booming in his Wichita, Kansas, salon. Customer service, retailing, marketing and branding are all key points in the session. Students ask questions and get customized feedback from Fisher based on his years of experience in the business. 

The hands-on education kicks off with cutting, where NAHA award winners and educators Shawna Parvin and Fisher push students out of their comfort zone by using organic cutting and texturizing techniques to take the longhaired mannequin up to a close crop by the end of the session.

As Parvin put the focus on graduation, layering and elevation, a big takeaway is ensuring students maintain a consistent degree of projection for a predictable result. At the end of the session, three cuts are created showcasing various texturizing methods, diffusion, balance or disconnection.

Throughout each lesson, the Aquage line up of products is used to get everyone comfortable with the different offerings. From thermal protectors and putty, to working sprays and holding sprays, students receive product knowledge while also learning varying functions of each product.

Alison’s Overview

click image to zoomEric Fisher with MODERNs Alison Shipley. “The Aquage Masterclass Academy was two full days of inspiration and interactive hands-on education. The education was top notch—educators paid close attention to students and accommodated each skill level. Educators got everyone involved—from sitting to watch the demos, to getting on our feet for the hands-on portion, the class stayed focused and excited as we jumped from updos to cutting, styling techniques to business education. An ‘optional’ class was offered on each day—everyone attends. Students leave with a greater understanding not only techniques, but of the Aquage family, product knowledge and the professional salon industry.”

While attending beauty school, MODERN and First Chair Editor Alison Shipley documented her experience in her Beauty School Diary blog. Now, she tours advanced academies, using her license to participate in and report on education and certification programs across the country.

E-mail her your suggestions at ashipley@vancepublishing.com. While Alison’s experiences in class are a good representation of what you can expect to learn, please check with individual academies for complete details.

LEARN MORE ON WHICH ACADEMY IS RIGHT FOR YOU: modernsalon.com/academies.

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