Advanced Academy NYC: Two Days to Create, Connect, and Get Inspired

Sometimes getting out of the salon is exactly what you need to feel excited about getting back behind the chair.

That was the idea behind Advanced Academy NYC, a two-day, hands-on experience filled with hair education, creative inspiration, and time to connect with the people who share your love for this industry.

Hosted at our stunning Aveda Arts NYC location in DUMBO, the weekend brought attendees together for live demonstrations, salon business conversations, a little exploring, and hands-on cutting with Traci Sakosits.

And yes, we made time for a few Aveda rituals along the way.

Advanced Academy NYC Started With a Fresh Look at Aveda

We opened the experience with a conversation about where Aveda is headed, taking a closer look at its evolution in production, product innovation, and design.

It set the tone for a weekend centered on fresh ideas and the possibilities ahead for salon teams.

After touring the Aveda Arts NYC space that would be home for the next two days, attendees settled in for demonstrations from Traci and Katie McClusky. Together, they explored how a strong haircut and thoughtful color placement can bring a look to life.

Precision Cutting and Color With a Purpose

Traci’s demonstration focused on precision haircutting and the idea of cutting the shape into the hair. As she worked, she answered questions and talked through how the head’s natural shape informs elevation and the finished result.

Being able to watch those decisions happen in real time gave attendees a closer look at the thinking behind the technique.

Katie followed with pops of color on a strong mullet/shag, exploring placement in relation to the haircut. Her approach involved feeling the hair and deciding where color would have the most impact.

The demonstrations gave attendees plenty to consider: how shape is built, how color supports that shape, and how the two work together.

A Little NYC Inspiration at the Banksy Museum

Next, we stepped away from the salon floor and into another kind of creative space.

At the Banksy Museum in New York City, attendees participated in a hands-on stencil class before touring the museum.

It was a chance to try something different, get a taste of the city, and look for inspiration beyond hair. When you spend so much of your time creating in one medium, there’s something fun about picking up another and seeing where it takes you.

Finished Looks and the Aveda Details We Love

Back at Aveda Arts NYC, everyone gathered on the clinic floor as Traci revisited the finished, styled looks from the earlier demonstrations.

Seeing the looks completed brought the day’s conversations about cut and color together. Attendees enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres while watching, followed by Aveda rituals, including hand massages and a custom paddle brush engraving station.

It was a thoughtful close to a full first day, with time to take everything in and enjoy being together.

Day Two: Ideas to Bring Back to Your Salon

The second day of Advanced Academy NYC opened with a look at the Aveda service wheel, led by Meryl. The conversation focused on how salons can customize the wheel for their own teams and guest experience.

From there, Cassandra shared opportunities within the Neill community, including involvement in Fashion Week. Tatum Neill spoke about the history of Neill and ELEVATE Hair, and Alberto Swanson walked attendees through our education offerings.

Together, these conversations offered a broader look at what continuing to grow in this industry can mean, from developing technical skills to finding new creative opportunities.

Want to explore what’s available for your team? Visit Neill’s education page for learning opportunities.

Lunch, Connection, and Hands-On Cutting With Traci

Before getting hands-on, we gathered for a beautiful lunch in the Dream Room, with time for guests and the team to connect.

Then it was time to pick up the shears.

Attendees worked on mannequins with one-on-one guidance from Traci, bringing the weekend’s cutting education into their own hands. They had space to practice, ask questions, and receive feedback as they worked.

That hands-on time was a fitting way to close the experience. After watching the demonstrations and talking through the details, attendees could explore the techniques for themselves.

Could There Be Another Advanced Academy NYC?

We loved bringing this experience together, and we’d love to see you in the room for what comes next.

Interested in a future Advanced Academy experience? Keep an eye on Neill’s education calendar and join our newsletter through the Neill education page for updates.

If another Advanced Academy is announced, you’ll want to hear about it.