MENU
SEARCHIt was exactly one-week ago that I started beauty school at Pivot Point, and exactly one-week ago that I met Jackie O. She is a beautiful woman with long lashes and big, beautiful eyes. And now, world, I introduce her to you. Meet Jackie O.
Jackie O. will be traveling with me on my journey through beauty school, as I sculpt, and re-sculpt, her lovely locks. So, don't worry, you also will get to know her. : )Â
During orientation, we were told our first day of class would be like Christmas morning because the school literally showers us students with boxes and boxes of appliances, tools, products, shears and equipment. But no warning could prepare my class of 22 for how exciting the day would really be. Each student received four boxes of goodies-times the 22 students in my class-oh man! The whole room was packed with boxes of products; the girls (plus one boy, Alex) Â were SO excited!
My second day was so fun, too. We received three mannequin heads, along with about 20 hair pieces that snap onto the heads. It's Pivot Point's patented Snap Cap system: reusable, recyclable hair pieces for cutting, coloring, texture and styling techniques. The system saves a ton of space and cuts the waste of traditional mannequins.
Because we have such a large class, our educator Miss Marie (who oh-so-sweet and a very talented stylist) wanted us to shampoo and dry all of our hair pieces at once so we wouldn't have the whole class storming the shampoo bowls on the salon floor every time we were going to learn a hair cut. So she figured we could just knock them all out in one day. WOW. That was a lot of hair!! (Another lesson learned: mannequin hair smells reallllllly bad.)
We used Rusk's Calm: Guarana and Ginger shampoo and conditioner on all 20 heads. And that stuff smells SO GOOD!Â
Once I was done shampooing and drying all my heads, I'm not gonna lie, my back hurt so badly. I'm not used to being in that hunched-over position for such a long time-I've got to toughen up!
On our third day, we jumped right into our textbooks. Pivot Point's learning materials are so detailed and clear. Beautifully illustrated diagrams, examples and step-by-steps are so much easier to learn from than big blocks of text. We discussed important elements of design by looking at fashion's form, shape, color, texture and structure.
Day four was back into our textbooks discussing facial shape and what hair cuts complement certain face shapes, all with the goal of making the face look as though it were the ideal oval-shape. We also got to look at what hair cuts DON'T work on certain facial shapes-that was hysterical.Â
Then, we learned how to hold our shears properly, without moving any other finger except our thumbs. Miss Marie gave us the homework assignment of practicing how to use our shears. Ouch! I had no idea how difficult it would be to keep every finger still except your thumb.
And then, bum bum bum!, we hit day five. And day five rocked! The whole day was hands-on work. I actually got to sculpt hair! It was on a Mohawk-shaped hair piece, but that still counts! We sculpted (I was told by my instructor NOT to use the word "cut") this piece without any projection-which, again, was very difficult to learn how to do. But, thankfully, Miss Marie was there to help all of us learn how to do it correctly. It's so funny how we all kept second-guessing ourselves with whether or not we were cutting a straight line! But, we all got through it and we were SO excited to take our first snip. Then, we got to blow out and style the hair cut. Ooh, la-la!Â
Stay tuned, friends, because tonight's class we're doing another cut and style, and I CAN'T WAIT!Â
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.
Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.
