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How to Choose Advanced Hair Education in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of classes for licensed stylists. The difference between a class that changes your book and one that becomes another certificate is usually in a handful of details.
The short answer
Choose advanced hair education by who teaches (verifiable, working artists), how much of the day is hands-on, how small the group is, whether you get individual correction, what you take home, and whether the price is clear. The best class for you is the one that fixes the specific gap in your book — a technique, a client type or the business itself.
1. Who is teaching — and can you verify it?
Look for educators who still work behind the chair and whose credentials you can check: industry awards, brand education roles, editorial work and an actual salon. At Kaizen Education, classes are led by Sal Misseri — Davines Global Artist, 17-time NAHA-recognized stylist and founder of Reverie Salon — and the Kaizen educators.
2. How much of the day is hands-on?
Demonstration builds understanding; doing builds skill. Ask how many hours you will actually be cutting or coloring, and whether you work on models, mannequins or both. Kaizen's cutting and color classes are six to eight hours, with demonstration first and then hands-on time with correction.
3. How big is the group?
Small groups mean an educator actually sees your sectioning, tension and placement — and corrects it in the moment. Ask for the maximum class size before you book.
4. Will you be corrected, individually?
The fastest progress comes from someone watching your hands and correcting in real time. If a class is mostly watching, you will probably leave inspired rather than improved.
5. What do you take home?
Handouts, a class summary and a clear framework let you repeat the technique on Monday. Ask what materials you leave with.
6. Is the price clear?
Good education states its price. Kaizen's hands-on cutting and color classes are from $600; the eight-hour salon owner intensive, Chair to CEO, is $1,495. Payment plans are available on select classes.
7. Does it fix your actual gap?
Pick the class that addresses what is holding your book back: a technique clients ask for (balayage, curly cutting, dry cutting), a protection-first skill (regenerative hair color) or the business itself. If you need something tailored, private mentoring or in-salon education may fit better than a group class.
Questions to ask before you book
Who exactly teaches the class, and where do they work?
How many hours are hands-on, and on what?
What is the maximum group size?
What do I take home?
What is the total price, and are payment plans available?
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to choose a hair class for licensed stylists in Chicago?
Check who teaches and whether their credentials are verifiable, how much of the day is hands-on, the group size, whether you get individual correction, what you take home and whether the price is clear — then choose the class that fixes the specific gap in your book.
How much do advanced hair classes cost in Chicago?
Prices vary by format and length. At Kaizen Education, six-to-eight-hour hands-on cutting and color classes are from $600, and the eight-hour Chair to CEO salon owner intensive is $1,495.
Do advanced hair classes count toward a cosmetology license?
Kaizen Education offers post-license education for working professionals and does not provide cosmetology licensing hours. Check with any provider before booking if you need licensing or continuing-education credit.
Where are Kaizen Education classes held?
At Reverie Salon, 300 W Grand Ave, Suite 5, in Chicago's River North neighborhood.
Learn it hands-on
See Kaizen's classes
Hands-on cutting and color classes from $600, plus Regenerative Hair Color and Chair to CEO.