Milady Training

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Expert Career Advice ➜ Building a Future ➜ Out Of The Box Continuing Education

One of the great things about the beauty and wellness industry is the amount of continuing or advanced education available to anyone interested. The biggest challenge is not finding continuing education classes but figuring out which classes to take and in what space? Online learning is always an easy choice, especially if you are disciplined. It provides flexibility because you can do it at your own pace, however, if you are like most, learning with other people provides incentive and is a great motivator.

Manufacturers and distributors are a great resource to keep you current. However, they do have their limitations because most of their education is wrapped around a particular product and how to use it. If you are looking for more agnostic education, (not brand specific) then check out tradeshows, associations and education platforms.

Trade Shows

Trade shows offer amazing opportunities to learn. If it’s been a while since you have attended one or you have never been, you are doing yourself and your clients a disservice because you have under one giant roof one of the best places for professionals to gain knowledge about the latest techniques, trends, products, best business practices as well as provide excellent networking opportunities.

If you have never experienced a trade show, you are in for a treat, there really isn’t anything else quite like it. As you enter, the trade show floor comes to life with loud thumping music, runway stages that create a high level of excitement with lights, smoke machines, and outlandish high fashion. Hundreds of product manufacturers and vendors provide innovative demonstrations from creative avant-garde looks to the basics. If you’re looking for it, you’ll find it from hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. There are great deals on products, tools, and equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for new and seasoned professionals to build up /update their professional kits.

Trade Shows come in all shapes and sizes from large premier shows that are typically hosted in larger metropolitan cities to smaller local manufacturer shows. Show ticket prices can vary from show to show. If you find yourself on a budget, don’t worry, many trade shows offer special presentations and ticket prices. Here are two ways to score a cheaper ticket:

• Sign up to receive emails from different trade shows. Subscribing to email lists ensures you'll be the first to know when tickets go on sale. Most shows usually offer early bird prices too, meaning you could get your ticket for less.
• Join PBA or other associations. Being a member of an association like PBA gets you great discounts and access to trade shows, conferences, and educational workshops.

Even if you don’t spend much time on the show floor, the amount of education at these shows is worth the money to get in. Classes are scheduled throughout the day and they range from business classes, look and learn classes to hands on classes. Some may even be CE accredited.

Other Out of the Box Continuing Education Platforms

Community Colleges

Community colleges are a great place to take a business course. You can go in person or take classes online. Some colleges will even let you earn credit towards a degree with their certification courses.

Education Platforms

Milady Training
We have a ton of online classes for industry professionals that cover everything from finance to sales and marketing. Some are even eligible for continuing education credits in select states.

Lynda
Lynda is owned by LinkedIn and offers thousands of classes in business, design, and tech. Though not beauty professional specific, the skills learned here are easily transferable to any business.

Ed2Go
Here you will find hundreds of different online classes that focus on general subjects that can be applied to your day-to-day responsibilities (aka. they're not made specifically for salon and spa professionals but are still helpful).

Academies Run by Hairdressers

Beauty professionals are extremely generous, especially with sharing their talent and expertise. If you want to learn from some of the best, then check out these hairstylists teaching hairstylists.

NickEducation
Nick is a former Creative Education Director at Sassoon in NYC and top Wella educator who put together a team of the industry’s top educators teaching technical skills at every level.

CoCre8
Here you have the dynamic duo of John Simpson, former Goldwell Creative Director and Educator, and Christopher Dove, former Wella Educator. Both are previous salon owners and are committed and passionate about creating new ways to educate. They are often on the trade show circuit, so be sure to check them out. You will definitely be inspired and learn a lot too.

Ted Gibson Advanced Academy
Ted Gibson is a highly sought-after celebrity stylist who has created an advanced academy for those seeking to elevate their techniques in hairdressing, hair color, and haircutting thru advanced education.

By taking advantage of the many continuing education course options available you can certainly propel your career and your business. Always think out of the box and don’t limit your continuing education to just technical skills; challenge yourself to round out all of your skills as a beauty and wellness professional.