Education For Stylists
In NOCO and Surrounding Areas
Continuing Education At Hearts & Hair
At Hearts and Hair, we believe education should be shared, not guarded. Whether a stylist works in our salon or not, learning is something we b elieve belongs to the entire community.
Our owner, Dre, has been behind the chair for over 24 years and has always invested in continuing education as a way to become a better stylist, a better educator, and a better human in this industry. Over the years, Dre has attended countless classes and hair shows, including large scale events like IBS, Premiere, Presley Poe and Friends, the American Beauty Show, and many in salon education opportunities across the country.
One of the biggest takeaways from those experiences has never just been technique, it has been connection. Networking with other stylists who care deeply about their craft, who stay curious, and who want to grow behind the chair has always been one of the most valuable parts of education.
At the same time, it has become clear how inaccessible education can be. Between the cost of classes, travel, lodging, and time away from work, many stylists simply cannot afford to leave town for continuing education, even when the desire to learn is there.
That is why Hearts and Hair is opening its doors as a host salon for education in Northern Colorado.
This space exists to bring quality education closer to home. To host educators from near and far. To support stylists who are passionate about learning but need accessible options. And to create a place where knowledge can be shared without competition or gatekeeping.
We also welcome educators who are looking for a salon to host their classes, whether they are established educators or stylists stepping into education for the first time with something valuable to share. If you believe in community over competition and growth through education, there is space for you here.
This page is dedicated to stylists. Below, you will find upcoming classes and events designed to support continued learning, connection, and growth within our local and surrounding stylist community.
Class With:
Fern The Barber
December 6th, 2026
The Art of Textured Haircutting
FREE Professional Education with Fern the Barber
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Hearts & Hair | 428 Remington St., Fort Collins, CO 80524
All Hair. All Textures. Continued Education.
Hair is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is haircutting education.
Every head of hair is unique. From straight and wavy to curly and coily, different textures require an understanding of how hair behaves, moves, responds to cutting, and holds its shape.
At Hearts & Hair, we believe that every hair texture deserves the same level of care, knowledge, respect, and technical expertise.
And we believe every hairstylist should have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to work with a diverse range of hair textures.
That's why we're incredibly excited to welcome internationally recognized platform artist and educator Fernie Andong (@fernthebobber) for a FREE professional education experience focused on textured haircutting.
Meet Your Educator: Fernie Andong
Fern is a licensed cosmetologist, barber, international platform artist, and professional educator with 20+ years of experience in the beauty industry.
His career has taken him from behind the chair to classrooms and major industry stages, where he shares his knowledge and passion for haircutting with professionals worldwide.
His professional accomplishments include:
- Helping develop the Paul Mitchell Schools barbering education program.
- Serving as an educator within the Paul Mitchell education community.
- Contributing as a featured educator to Milady's 2017 barbering textbook.
- Recognition as a three-time Behind the Chair #OneShot finalist.Educating and demonstrating on major professional industry stages.
- Having his work featured in publications including Modern Salon, Behind the Chair, American Salon, and Beauty Launchpad.
Fern's experience across cosmetology, barbering, and professional education brings a valuable perspective to haircutting artistry.
About the Class
This two-hour educational experience will focus on the artistry and professional practice of working with textured hair.
Attendees will have the opportunity to observe Fern's approach to haircutting during a live educational demonstration, learn from his experience, and gain inspiration to continue developing their own skills.
The specific haircut and techniques will be determined by Fern.
Whether you're a cosmetology student, a newly licensed stylist, or a seasoned professional, this is an opportunity to expand your perspective and continue growing in your craft.
Why Textured Hair Education Matters to Us
At Hearts & Hair, inclusivity isn't simply something we talk about. We actively work toward it through our services, our salon culture, and our continued education.
We are a gender-neutral salon that welcomes guests of all hair textures, colors, lengths, and identities.
Our team has invested in professional education across different hair types and textures because we believe a well-rounded hairstylist is willing to learn beyond what they're already comfortable doing.
No one should have to struggle to find a hairstylist who understands their hair simply because of its natural texture.
We also recognize that textured hair education hasn't always received the same attention or accessibility within traditional cosmetology training.
And while we're proud of the knowledge and experience our team has developed, we know there's always more to learn.
That's what makes this opportunity so meaningful. We're not hosting this class because we believe we've mastered everything about textured hair. We're hosting it because we believe education should never stop, no matter how many years we've spent behind the chair.
We want to continue expanding our own knowledge while creating opportunities for other hairstylists in Northern Colorado to do the same.
When we share education, we strengthen our entire professional community, and ultimately, the guests who trust us with their hair benefit.
A Full-Circle Moment
For Salon owner Dre, welcoming Fern is especially meaningful.
Dre first met Fern at a Paul Mitchell Gathering in 2011 while involved in the Paul Mitchell Focus Salon and education community.
Fern was one of the industry educators Dre admired for his precision, artistry, and dedication to continued professional development.
Now, years later, having the opportunity to bring that education directly into the Salon and share it with other local professionals is a full-circle moment.
It's a reminder of why we continue investing in education, building relationships within our industry, and creating opportunities for others to grow.
Who Can Attend?
This class is open to:
- Licensed hairstylists and cosmetologists.
- Licensed barbers.
- Cosmetology and barbering students.
- Experienced professionals who want to continue expanding their education.
You do not need previous textured haircutting experience to attend.
All experience levels are welcome.
Is This Class Really Free?
YES! Completely FREE!
This educational opportunity is made possible through Hattori Hanzo.
Attendees may learn about professional shears and cutting tools during the experience, but there is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything.
We believe access to great education should not depend on your ability to purchase a particular brand of tools.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM MST
Location: Hearts & Hair, 428 Remington St., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required; limited seating available.
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early and bring something to take notes with.
If you register and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so another stylist or student can take advantage of this opportunity.
Come Curious. Leave Inspired. Never Stop Learning.
We're excited to welcome you into our Salon, connect with our local beauty community, and continue growing together.
Because all hair deserves educated hands.
🖤 The Hearts & Hair Team
@Hearts.And.Hair.NOCO
FREE ADMISSION | LIMITED SEATING | REGISTRATION REQUIRED