Federico Students Attend ISSE
Federico students had the unbelievable chance to attend the International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach, California from January 30 through February 1. Federico students had a full schedule in which they spent the weekend learning about all of the most up-to-date spa services and techniques. During their three day stay, they attended demonstrations, presentations, and classes for which they received school credit hours and which enhanced their development as beauty professionals.
Brazilian Keratin Treatments is one of the newest services that salons and spas throughout the nation are offering. This is a special, non-chemical treatment that makes any kind of hair smooth and straight, an effect that can last as long as four months. Federico students received certification in Brazilian Keratin Treatments when they attended on-site seminars. Also, the company Bella Donna Milan provided certification for students in Hair Lock extensions. Our students learned everything they will have to know with regard to applying, removing, cutting, and styling extensions, during the presentation of the extensions certification program. With the opportunity to add both of these to the list of services they will be able to offer future clients, our students have an advantage over the competition.
Students attended a few demonstrations by leaders in the beauty industry in which they improved their knowledge of cutting, coloring and styling. Knotting, lacing, and folding techniques that showed students more creative ways to style longer hair were demonstrated by Martin Parson, who is one of the leading long hair stylists in the world. John Simpson presented the Color by Design class, which outlined creative hair coloring techniques, utilizing light and dark contrast, in addition to opaque versus transparent styling. Simpson had the honor of being the NAHA colorist of the year.
However, ISSE involves more than merely learning the most up-to-date techniques and services. In addition, students receive an in-depth glimpse into the business operations of the beauty industry. Usually the Beacon track of education, presented by the Professional Beauty Association, is only open to an extremely select group of beauty students who attend an annual conference. However, more students had the opportunity to participate due to a special appearance of the Beacon program at ISSE. Federico students learned about what is involved in operating a salon or spa and working as a beauty professional as they attended presentations by some industry leaders.
During their stay in Long Beach, students also were able to meet with a few beauty industry celebrities. Tabitha Coffey, who is an original cast member of the Bravo show “Shear Genius” was in attendance. Coffey, who now has her own show on Bravo called “Tabitha’s Salon Takeover”, discussed successful salon design. This provided students with an additional glimpse into the business aspects involved in beauty. In addition, students had the opportunity to meet with Faatemah Ampey, a current cast member of "Shear Genius." Ampey was NAHA’s Fashion Forward Stylist of the Year, as well as the emcee of ISSE.
Naturally, one of the most exciting experiences for all our students was the opportunity to model for a number of demonstrations. Federico students took part in demonstrations on waxing, airbrush tanning, extensions, hair bling, nail art, and more.