Oh, how I love New York City! 

Who wouldn’t fall in love with its electric energy pulsing through every block into the wee hours of the morning? The cultural influences pour into the hair and fashion scene, and for hair industry professionals, the city is a living, breathing canvas where creativity runs unharnessed. 

In NYC, anything goes—the bolder, the better. From cutting-edge trends displayed on the catwalk during Fashion Week to the eclectic street styles of Soho, people are rocking avant-garde styles that look like they stepped straight out of a fashion editorial.

The beauty of the NYC hair scene is that everywhere feels like a judgment-free zone, where self-expression is celebrated and individuality thrives. Of course, if you’re on the Upper East Side, things might be a little more...how do we say it, refined? But even the polished styles of the Upper East Side influence NYC’s eclectic spirit, paving the way for tradition and innovation to collide. NYC is a playground for hair industry professionals.

It’s truly one of the best places for stylists and colorists to keep their skills sharp and their creativity inspired. That’s why some of The Color Room’s team members joined me at the beginning of August to participate in L'Oréal Professionnel’s two-day Academy Experience at The Main in their new Manhattan location.

Seven of us were supposed to attend the experience, but flight cancellations and travel chaos chipped away at the group, leaving only myself and three others able to attend. While I was disappointed that not everyone could make it, I was thrilled to introduce Kaylee Nuesse, Amanda Mendenhall, and Leah Hyman to NYC for the very first time!

Our whirlwind tour of the city was a fantastic blur of sights and sounds. We navigated through most of the city, taking in the dazzling lights, towering billboards, and crowds of people in Times Square. We enjoyed a quick jaunt across the Hudson River to New Jersey’s most charming town, Hoboken, and soaked up the enticing aromas and colorful storefronts in Chinatown. We didn’t spare a moment, fitting in as much as we possibly could in our four days in NYC.

Oh, and the best part? We only got lost on the subway once!

Your Retail Dollars Made This Trip Happen

One of the things I’m proudest of as The Color Room’s owner is how much training and education I can provide to ensure YOU—our incredible guests—always get the most for your money. Every guest that purchases retail products helps make this possible.

Your retail purchases were the driving force behind our team’s educational trip to NYC at the beginning of August. When you purchase hair care, skincare, and other retail products, a portion of those sales contributes to our employees' growth and learning to enrich future offerings to loyal customers like you.

What We Learned at the Academy Experience

We learned from the best during the immersive two-day workshop, guided by renowned educators Nina Rubel (@ninarubelhair) and STL native Drew Schaefering (@drewschaefering) from L’Oréal Professionnel. Inside The Main's vibrant co-op space in the heart of Manhattan, we had the opportunity to work on mannequins in what was called a Total Look class, mastering advanced hair coloring and cutting techniques. We spent time behind the chair learning and creating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday and Monday. The time at the experience flew by because when you’re in your passion zone, doing what you love, you aren’t watching the clock.

Insights from the Academy Experience

Here’s a little secret: perfectly styled hair doesn’t happen by accident. No one’s hair falls perfectly into place by magic or good genes. It’s cut that way. Every snip is deliberate, crafting your locks to fall just right. No one’s highlights are toned perfectly by chance; they're toned with intention.

It’s our effort behind the chair that creates less work for you at home—and achieving that effortless look for our clients takes continual education and practice.

As Drew Schaefering wisely put it, “Simple isn’t always easy.” That effortless look you love? It takes a hair artist’s dedication and skill to achieve, ensuring it’s effortless for the guest.