I remember when I was new to the salon industry, when a hair show was in the neighborhood, or in a neighboring state, it was so exciting to go and see what I could learn (because there was PLENTY to learn!). I'd be excited for weeks in advance and would plan to be at the show every second it was open. I'd sit in on as many classes or sessions that I possibly could, load my suitcase up with the newest products and tools and head home with my head spinning.

Twenty years later, hair shows have become a different thing. I still go looking to learn something new, but now I have to look a bit harder for it. I am choosier about the classes that I sit in on because I can spot a "filler" class a mile away. I don't enjoy sitting in on classes where the platform artist makes snide comments about salon work or clients. After all, that is my bread and butter, and likely, it is where they go back to when the stage is packed up and the lights are put away. I can spot a "green" artist in the quiver of the voice or the shaking of their hands...

Now days, a hair show is less about what I can learn, but about finding new inspiration and getting rejuvinated in an ever-changing and creative industry. No, the wild looks on the stage are not going to translate to the suburban streets, but seeing beautiful, colorful and, yes, even crazy hair, makeup and wardrobe, get your mind thinking in a different way. It reminds me of why this is the industry that captured my heart.

Thank you for allowing me to do what I love!

~Shawn

PS. I've given you a sneak peak into the opening of the 2011 Matrix Imagination Hair Show. As the person who commented below the video said, "what does this have to do with hair?" Indeed. It's not about the hair. It's about the inspiration.