New York Beauty Show: Spa Phoenix Stylists Study with Top Salon Artists

"Before I left for the show, I told my clients, 'I can't wait to show you everything I'm going to learn.'"

Destini Bailey, a Salon Phoenix hair stylist, described the excitement of preparing for the International Beauty Show (IBS), a must-attend beauty show and training event held each spring in New York.

This year's event attracted thousands of the nation's best salon stylists, nail technicians and makeup artists to the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, April 26-28, 2008, for a non-stop three day workshop with top hair and beauty professionals.

Destini and fellow stylists Christina Tallmadge and Melissa Bullock, with Spa Phoenix nail technicians Michele Wipperfurth and Debi Mott, shared the beautiful adventure, April 26-28, 2008.The Big Apple weather was chilly, but their New York reception was not.

"We represented. People came up to us, asked to take pictures of our hair, examined our cuts from all angles, wanted our color recipes..." Validation feels great - and when a fellow hair stylist asks another stylist who cuts and colors their hair, that's the ultimate flattery.

Key educators at the show included Martin Parsons, an elite stylist and beauty educator whose specialty is the updo. An updo is when the hair is pinned up and styled, often with elaborate braiding, hair ornaments or curls. Upstyles most often enhance a woman's "dressed to the nines" look for a wedding, formal event or prom. Upstyling can be done well or badly.

Christina Tallmadge of Salon Phoenix first attended a Parsons class several years ago. It gave her the inspiration and the technique to become a top updo stylist in Virginia Beach. She has styled hundreds of brides, bridesmaids and formal event goers since, evolving Martin's tips and tricks and developing her own techniques.

A second ' must see" presentation was by Nick Arrojo, founder of Arrojo Salon in NYC, and resident stylist of the cult favorite reality makeover show "What Not to Wear."

As stylist for WNTW, Arrojo creates the hair design that's a key component of each episode's makeover. He is considered one of the finest stylists working today.

At the show, Arrojo was given rock star treatment. Details of his scissorwork projected on twenty foot tall video screens.

Hundreds watched Arrojo at each of his mainstage presentations as he confidently scissored and razor cut a dozen models' hair simultaneously.

Destini explains: "I learned an amazing technique from Nick's presentation - how to cut bangs so that they have length and fullness without the weight. Bangs that can be worn forward or to either side. I've already introduced this to Spa Phoenix clients, and they love it."

Michele W., talked about the highlights of the spa nails seminars.

"The show is for fashion forecasting, learning new colors and finishes and new shaping trends. The real breakthroughs are in salon safety and hygiene. We come back to the salon knowing how to give our clients the results they want without sacrificing a healthy nail."

Tuition for Spa Phoenix staff who attend educational events and workshops is underwritten by the Spa. What they learn benefits their clients and themselves. Professional development separates the best salon professionals from the rest.

In addition to formal education events, seminars and studios, the stylists spend time at a show like IBS sharing informal advice, product reviews and design advice with peers. The energy of a top Beauty Show is in direct proportion to the benefits a salon and spa reaps afterward.