Working Hair professionals often exhibit interest in finding out what is new, getting latest technical information or styling collections, etc., and will take classes – sometimes live but more likely on-line, in areas that interest them.

What they often find, especially at hair shows which have been declining for the last decade in terms of attendance and exhibitors, is how little new information is out there.

Working in a big salon, products companies often offered “free education”. What was provided was more a demonstration of a new product, how to apply it and then how to sell it. Perhaps the stylists learned something new, but that was often more by accident than intent. 

Going to hair shows, stylists saw demonstrations on the stage by experienced pros, who demonstrate technique and provide limited training in how to execute haircuts, styling, blow drying etc. as they are here to show “how they do what they do.” Interesting at first, but as the “observers” watch and try to compare what the demonstrators did to their own technique. However, without follow-up and practice, the training would often fade from memory or not be used after the stylist made mistakes remembering how to replicate what they saw. 

  

The elusive concept of “education” is rarely found anywhere in the industry once a stylist graduates beauty school. Why?

One definition of education:

“Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, …and abilities; a process of systematic instruction using consistent methods of teaching. In its purest form, education entails teaching, interaction, study/practice and testing to ensure knowledge and understanding is retained.”

The Comb Enhanced Education program taught at The Comb Institute is an example of a systematic teaching and learning process, where our students retain learned information and gain new knowledge and skills, which are reinforced by practice and tested/verified. A student in this example has received education.

Continuing education is variable in the industry. In California and several other states, there are no continuing education standards, so a hair professional takes continuing education as a personal choice, not mandated, to continue to improve and become a better stylist. That education takes the form of demonstration or training at best. Without the components of education, the time and money may be better spent.

The Comb Institute has developed Standards for Hair Professionals, which include continuing education for our graduates to keep the certification they earned from our program relevant and current. A hair professional should always consider opportunities to gain new skills and knowledge, even if not mandated by a State Licensing Board.

 Our on-line classes would qualify for continuing education, where participants are exposed to applied technology, science, engineering and math using patented tools, found in our educational program and not found in any other. 

Come visit us at www.the-comb.com to learn more.