Learning the tricks of the trade

Times Reporter   

 

Cosmetology students from Strathmore High School (SHS) attended the Allied Beauty Association (ABA) hair show in Calgary Oct. 6 and 7. 

The hair show is a twice yearly convention where industry specialists and experts gather to discuss what’s happening in the industry each year.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to see what’s going on in the hair industry,” said SHS cosmetology instructor Cheryl Davidson. 

During the show, there are educational classes going on around the perimeter of the convention floor where students can take in a demonstration. There is also a main stage where competitions take place between senior stylists for things like trendy cuts and colours, an updo competition, fantasy hair and esthetics.  

For the past 11 years, Davidson has taken her students to the show in Calgary in the fall, and to Edmonton in the spring.

“They look forward to it every year, they like the shopping part too,” said Davidson. 

Industry tools and products are sold at a discount to the attendees of the hair show. Davidson said the students will buy tools of the trade and then want to come back and test them out. 

“The students always come back and they want to try stuff. That’s what I love — the experimental part,” said Davidson.

She said she also enjoys attending the show because she gains inspiration from it for the following year.