From Beverly Hills to the Bauhaus | My Sassoon Pilgrimage
One of the most important attributes of a professional designer is continuing education. When I started my career, I knew that education was crucial to maintaining guest loyalty and offering cutting-edge options and changes that always make them feel fresh. After further studying design in a holistic sense, not just with one medium, I knew this sentiment was more than true. It is the leading light in the life of an artist. While guests' satisfaction is paramount, the evolution of one's creative direction cannot be usurped. It's why some of the most talented artists, designers, and craftspeople of our time have been able to fluidly transition into different mediums and return to their signature with unparalleled skill and discernment.
As I've spent more time behind the chair, I felt the urge to reshape my foundation for my current guests and the guests that I wish to attract. After researching countless workshops and classes—social media offers an overwhelming variety—I found myself re-watching Vidal Sassoon: The Movie, the film in which the namesake unveiled many aspects of his story that were largely mythic in his era. After re-watching the documentary, I knew it was finally time to embark upon the pilgrimage to Sassoon and dip my shears into the Sassoon way of cutting. Fortunately, an ABC Cut class was offered nearby within a month of my decision, and I signed up immediately.
The Pilgrimage Begins
The class took place at the Sassoon salon in Beverly Hills, California, this past April, and I have felt so invigorated in cutting and design ever since. When I arrived, I was greeted by Sassoon Educator James and his assistant Kevin. I was overwhelmed by how gorgeous the architecture of the building is and how bold the placements of stations are. James agreed and likened the building to a church. Truly, it is a sun-lit sanctuary for hairstylists and a testament to the respect that the legacy of Sassoon shows us for what we do. There could not be a more fulfilling environment to attend such a class and to create wearable works of art. I immediately started shopping, and my hairkit has never looked better!
Sacred Geometry Meets Hair Design
Initiation of the course focused on technical theory in the ABC method. In the design language of Sassoon, “ABC” is the foundation of all cutting and is defined as: A) Line, B) Graduation, and C) Layers. Its genesis is rooted in the Bauhaus. The Bauhaus was a pre-war German art school that utilized classic geometric shapes such as the circle, triangle, and square to create a universe of designs. Their method emphasized “that the form of an object was determined by its function,” therefore, well-honed craftsmanship and understanding of materials are the focal point of all design (DK 169).
The ideals of the Bauhaus are evident in the minimal and timeless designs that are the heritage of the Sassoon brand – think the “Five Point Cut” and/or the “Halo Cut” as historical examples. Following the initial technical theory, we cut our mannequins from their factory-grade hair lengths into a very livable style which married the ideals of A) Line + C) Layers. Following the initial cut, we then formed a new style which focused on A) Line + B) Graduation. The 2 Day course finalized with James showcasing one method of combining A) Line B) Graduation and C) Layers. While cutting hair and fusing the ideals of the house of Sassoon, what struck me most wasn't a specific technique, but a fundamental shift in perception. The ABC method teaches you to see hair as living architecture before you ever lift your shears. Every strand has weight, every section has purpose, and every angle serves the whole.
The Mindset Revolution
This geometric approach doesn't constrain creativity—it liberates it. When you understand the mathematical principles underlying hair's natural movement, you can predict how each cut will behave. You're not just hoping for a good result; you're engineering it.
The ABC foundation translates into everyday practice in profound ways:
Before the Cut: Instead of immediately sectioning hair, spend time understanding its natural fall patterns. How does it want to move? What is its inherent geometry telling you? Always prioritize your cut goal and start where it makes sense.
During Consultation: Frame your questions around the guest’s lifestyle. How do they style their hair? What's their styling routine? How are they feeling about their hair that day? Form truly should follow function.
Building Your Skills: Invest in education that challenges your fundamental assumptions, not just your technical repertoire. The most transformative learning happens when you question why you cut the way you do, not just how.
Bringing Sassoon Home
Premium education isn't an expense—it's compound interest on your artistic future. Every principle learned at this level elevates not just your next haircut, but your entire approach to the craft. My guests have noticed the difference, not because I'm using “secret techniques,” but because I'm thinking more clearly about their personalized design.
Whether your next educational journey leads to Sassoon or another master class, the key is choosing experiences that challenge your artistic assumptions. Look for programs that teach principles, not just procedures—ones that connect your craft to broader design philosophies. It’s not about creating one haircut that fits every head but rather how you can use the fundamentals to create something truly unique to the wearer, each time they sit in your chair.
The best investment you can make isn't in the newest tools or products (although they do help); it's in the thinking that guides how you use them. This is your design foundation – your shears are only as sharp as the mind directing them.
What educational pilgrimage is calling to you? Sometimes the most transformative journey begins with simply watching a documentary and saying, "It's time."
Thank you to Sassoon Educator James and burgeoning stylist Kevin for a glorious two-day ABC Cut experience. I can’t wait to return!
Stylists – what's been your most transformative educational experience? Who is your favorite educator? Comment here or reach out on socials!
Guests – what type of content would you like to see next? DM me to schedule your personalized appointment today! Consultations are always complimentary!
[Book your Sassoon Academy experience here!]
Works Cited
DK. Design: The Definitive Visual History. DK, 2023.