About Contextual Salon Education™

Founded by Kristina Malolua, built by stylists.

Kristina’s journey through the salon industry began in 2002, driven by curiosity, cultural awareness, and a desire to serve clients others overlooked. Over two decades, she built a career grounded in strong technique, inclusive service, and thoughtful leadership. In 2017, she founded Left Coast Salon—a space focused on community, education, and integrity. By 2022, she launched the Salon Residency Program and Contextual Salon Education™ to train and support the next generation of wholehearted hair professionals.

As the creator of the CSE curriculum, Kristina continues to guide the program’s development behind the scenes. But the work of teaching, mentoring, and shaping the future of this industry now lives in the hands of the educators who lead the clinics.

Led by Stylists, For Stylists

Today, Contextual Salon Education™ is carried forward by Fern, Heather, and Hawnbee (Mel)—working stylists who teach from experience, not theory. Each clinic is designed to meet real needs behind the chair, blending solid technical systems with practical problem-solving and peer support.

CSE isn’t about performance or prestige. It’s about showing up, doing good work, and building the kind of careers and communities we all deserve.

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