Questions? We have answers.
Welcome!We know choosing the right education can bring up a lot of questions—and we’re hair for it. 😉Below, you’ll find answers about registration, cancellations, class structure, what to bring, and more.Still unsure? Reach out via email or message us on socials—we’ve got you.This is education built by stylists, for stylists. Your clarity matters to us.
Do I need an active license to participate? Nope. You do not need an active license to attend our classes. Participants can be licensed professionals, students currently enrolled in cosmetology/hair design/barber programs, or even non-licensed individuals looking to improve their skills. Our clinics are designed for professionals—but the techniques and systems are approachable for all levels and even useful for at-home application.
What can I expect on Day 1 (Theory) vs. Day 2 (Hands-On)? Day 1 is focused on understanding the method. We’ll break down the theory, demonstrate techniques, and explain the “why” behind each system. This session includes product knowledge, terminology, live demos, and plenty of time for questions. Up to 30 participants can attend. Day 2 is where you put it into practice. This hands-on session is capped at 12 stylists and includes guided application on live models or mannequins. You’ll get personalized feedback, coaching, and support from our educators throughout the day.
What order should I take the classes in? We recommend starting with the Wash & Style Clinic, especially if you’re new to CSE. It lays the foundation for product knowledge, ingredient awareness, and service flow across all textures and patterns. From there, move into the Universal Haircutting Method (UHM) clinic. UHM is our core cutting system and is a required prerequisite for any of the cutting-based follow-ups. After UHM, you can choose: • UHM: Short Cuts – for cropped, pixie, or barber-inspired work • The Color Journey (Virtual) – for theory-based color education and Q&A Each clinic builds on the last, but you can take them at your own pace. Just be sure to complete UHM before joining any of the cutting sessions.
How can I make sure I get a spot in the hands-on class? All sessions are open for booking now—but spots for Day 2 (hands-on) are limited to just 12 participants per clinic. To guarantee your spot: • Register for Day 1 + Day 2 at the same time • Don’t wait—once hands-on seats are full, we close registration for that day • You’ll receive an email confirmation for each day you’re enrolled in If Day 2 is full, you’re welcome to join the theory session and sign up for the waitlist and/or next available hands-on date. Email kristina@leftcoastsalon.com to be added to the waitlist.
What’s your cancellation or refund policy? We get it—life happens. If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 24 hours before class starts to receive a full refund or apply your payment toward a future clinic. 📍 If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, or don’t show up, we don’t offer refunds—but we’ll gladly credit your payment toward a future class, especially in cases of illness or emergency. Need to switch dates or join a waitlist? Email Kristina directly at kristina@leftcoastsalon.com and we’ll do our best to get you in. We believe in being flexible and fair—and we appreciate the same in return. We get it—life happens. If you need to cancel, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice before the class begins to receive a full refund or credit toward a future class. 📍 If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice or miss the class entirely, we do not offer refunds—but we’ll happily apply your payment as a credit toward a future session, especially in cases of illness or emergency. We believe in being flexible and fair—and we appreciate the same in return. Just shoot us an email if something comes up.
Can I join a waitlist if a class is full? Yes! If a class or hands-on session is full, you can absolutely join the waitlist. Just email kristina@leftcoastsalon.com with the class name and date you're hoping to attend. If a spot opens up, we’ll contact you directly. We manage waitlists manually so we can stay flexible and prioritize fairness. If we can't get you into your preferred date, we'll help you register for the next available clinic.
What makes CSE different from other classes? Contextual Salon Education™ is built by stylists, for stylists. We don’t sell products or teach trends—we teach systems. Our method is designed to be inclusive, teachable, and adaptable across all hair types and curl patterns. It’s not about memorizing a haircut or following a script. It’s about understanding the why behind your choices so you can deliver consistent results with confidence. You’ll leave with tools that work in the real world—not just on stage.
What if I’ve already taken a brand training—will this still help? Absolutely. In fact, many of our participants come from brand education backgrounds. CSE builds the foundational framework that most product trainings skip. It helps you apply what you already know in a more consistent, inclusive, and practical way—no matter what products you use. Whether you're unlearning, reinforcing, or filling in the gaps, this curriculum brings clarity to your craft.
Will I get a certificate? Yes! All participants receive a certificate of participation for each clinic completed. While this isn’t a state licensing course, your certificate recognizes your commitment to growth, technical development, and inclusive service. It's also a great addition to your resume, portfolio, or salon education log.
Where are the classes held? All in-person clinics are hosted at Left Coast Salon in Tacoma, Washington. Our space is designed for education—clean, inclusive, and fully equipped for both demos and hands-on training. You’ll get real salon experience in a supportive, peer-led environment. 📍 Left Coast Salon 3019 6th Ave, Suite B Tacoma, WA 98406 We offer free all-day street parking and are surrounded by local, walkable food options—perfect for lunch breaks or post-class hangs.
Can these classes help me become an employee at Left Coast Salon? They can—but not automatically. CSE clinics are part of how we train and hire at Left Coast, so if you're interested in working with us, this is a great place to start. You'll get to see how we operate, and we’ll get to see how you learn and show up in a professional setting. That said, taking a class doesn’t guarantee a job. We’re looking for team members who not only have skills, but also align with our culture and values. If you’re a good fit, we’ll know—and so will you.
