Why Perspective Is Everything: How a Hairventure Can Transform Your Craft
Perspective has been an interesting journey for me. Over the years, I’ve learned just how transformative—and at times, challenging—it can be. There have been moments where perspective has frozen me in place, leaving me questioning everything I thought I knew. Other times, it has been the catalyst for incredible growth. The shift can be hard. Trying to understand new viewpoints while reconciling them with your own isn’t always easy. But through it all, I’ve come to realize how invaluable a shift in perspective is to becoming a more understanding, open, and empathetic person.
For me, our Hairventures have been a profound part of that transformation. These journeys have helped shape my perspective on life, the professional beauty industry, my experience in the salon I work in, and even my business practices. It’s not always an immediate or comfortable change—growth rarely is. But it has made me more open to new ideas, better at having meaningful conversations, and more attuned to the world around me. It’s less about ourselves and more about how we fit into the bigger picture. And that’s where the magic of perspective lies.
Over the past decade-plus, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel globally with The Hair Nerds. We’ve brought people along with us to experience the professional beauty industry in ways that are truly unique. While each journey has its own flavor, our Hairventures go deeper. They’re not just about attending a hair show or sitting in a classroom—though those experiences are part of the mix. For example, in London, we took our group to a hair show, and on other trips, we’ve offered hands-on education. But Hairventures are more than just structured learning. They’re immersive. They’re cultural. They’re about stepping out of your comfort zone and into a space where vulnerability leads to growth.
What sets our Hairventures apart is the willingness of the people who join us to get vulnerable. These experiences aren’t just a blast of education—though they’re certainly that, too. They’re about taking a step back from the ego state and looking at the world around you with fresh eyes. For some, this shift comes easier than for others. But for everyone, it’s transformative. It’s a chance to connect with new ideas, new cultures, and new ways of thinking that will forever shape how you approach your craft and your life.
Kathleen, Kat + Marcela on Hairventure Tokyo Spring ‘24
The Power of a Shift in Perspective
Stepping outside your daily routine isn’t just refreshing; it’s vital for growth. Studies in psychology reveal that exposure to new environments and experiences can lead to cognitive flexibility—the ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges. This concept applies directly to hairdressers: when we experience different cultures, techniques, and ways of thinking, our creative toolbox expands.
Leaving the salon to embark on a Hairventure isn’t just about learning new skills (though there’s plenty of that); it’s about exposing yourself to a world of inspiration. Imagine strolling through a bustling market in Tokyo, taking in the bold street styles that challenge conventional beauty standards. Or standing in a centuries-old Parisian salon, where timeless techniques meet avant-garde artistry. These moments stick with you, shifting the way you see your craft and, ultimately, the way you show up for your clients.
Joe, Andy, Hannah, Kat, Julia + Lisa on Hairventure Osaka+Kyoto ‘24
It’s Not Just About What You Learn—It’s About Who You Become
A Hairventure isn’t a passive experience. You’re not just sitting in a classroom or following a scripted itinerary. You’re engaging. Exploring. Absorbing. You’re not just stepping into new spaces—you’re stepping into a new version of yourself.
When you leave your salon, you leave behind more than just your workspace. You leave behind preconceived notions, old habits, and the weight of routine. And when you show up in a new place, you’re forced to confront the unfamiliar. That’s where the magic happens. You start to see not just the world differently, but yourself as well.
Hairdressers who have joined Hairventures often talk about the profound personal growth they’ve experienced. Traveling to learn isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building confidence, reigniting passion, and remembering why you fell in love with this craft in the first place.
Why You Need to Leave the Salon to Grow
It’s no secret that burnout is a common challenge in our industry. Long hours, emotional labor, and the pressure to stay on top of trends can leave even the most passionate stylists feeling drained. Changing your environment—even temporarily—can be the antidote.
Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology highlights the benefits of “restorative environments”—places that provide a mental break and foster renewal. By taking yourself out of the salon and into a completely different setting, you give your brain the chance to recharge, your creativity the space to flourish, and your passion a chance to reignite. Hairventures offer the perfect balance: structured learning combined with unstructured exploration. You’ll attend workshops with world-class educators and take part in hands-on experiences, but you’ll also have time to wander, absorb, and let your imagination run wild. It’s in these moments of exploration that the biggest breakthroughs often occur.
Ultimately, a Hairventure is about you. It’s about showing up for yourself and giving yourself permission to grow. It’s about trading routine for discovery, comfort for curiosity. It’s about recognizing that inspiration doesn’t always come to you—sometimes, you have to go find it. When you join a Hairventure, you’re making a choice to invest in your craft and your future. But more importantly, you’re making a choice to invest in yourself. Because when you show up for yourself, the transformation is inevitable. You’ll return to the salon not just as a better hairdresser, but as a more confident, inspired, and fulfilled version of yourself.
So pack your bags, step outside your comfort zone, and let the world inspire you. Your next great idea—and the next evolution of your artistry—is waiting for you out there.
