MENU
SEARCHI had a conversation with an attendee at Premiere that got me thinking. The central point of our conversation was that there really is no advanced men’s hair education. I think I knew this from years of experience, but the conversation explained it well.
Our industry recently gathered for Premiere Orlando. The show was well attended. Classes were full, attendees were pumped up with energy and enthusiasm. I shared eight classes over the three days, all to SRO crowds.
Ivan Zoot
I had a conversation with an attendee that got me thinking. The central point of our conversation was that there really is no advanced men’s hair education. I think I knew this from years of experience, but the conversation explained it well.
For many years I worked with dealers and distributors who staged clipper cutting and guy haircut classes. If we offered beginner classes no one would buy a ticket. When we offered advanced skills classes everyone who showed up was a beginner. We were forced to just share beginner content. Calling it advanced made attendees feel more skilled and confident.
The reality is that men’s haircutting techniques are all very classic and all very basic. There is not much new in the game. I have frequently joked that the last time things changed in guy haircuts was when we stopped squeezing the clipper and started plugging it in. That was nearly 100 years ago. No, not the last time I mentioned it, the last time a barber squeezed a clipper.
The true “other” form of men’s haircutting education is fashion and trend adaptation. These are the programs where we share how the classic, basic skills we work hard to master are applied in different ways to create the different looks of today. This is where the innovation lies. Sometimes it is a classic look adapted in a new way. Sometimes it is a new tool used to create a variation on a classic look. Sometimes it is a new way to use an old tool or a new way to use a new tool. Bottom line, classic, basic skills adapted to today’s fashion and trend.
This is not a bad thing. I am not griping about a lack of advanced education. There are plenty of classes to take and knowledge to be accumulated. I just think that advanced men’s education is a unicorn. It does not exist, except in the imagination. Going forward, I will strive to label my programming to meet this reality. Offerings will either be characterized as classic technique or contemporary trend. In this way you will know what you are getting and I will know what I am doing.
Happy clippering.
Ivan
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.
The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.
The 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
A new professional smoothing collection designed to help stylists control frizz and humidity while maintaining natural-looking results.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.
