Paul Mitchell was a world-renowned hairdresser right up until his death in 1989. Despite his absence, his teachings live on in the form of the Paul Mitchell schools. The goal of his schools is to prepare students for careers both behind the chair as hair stylists and designers, but also as potential salon owners or workers in fashion, television and film.
Getting an education at the Paul Mitchell hair schools is about more than just learning to use scissors or hair dye. There are classes that include design, cutting, coloring, multicultural techniques and the art of hairdressing. Besides hair, there is also instruction on makeup and fashion trends for those who may want to work in full-service salons, spas or the fashion industry. This is all taught in a three-part curriculum called Core (learn the rules), Adaptive (apply the rules) and Creative (expand the rules).
There are Paul Mitchell hair schools all over the United States, with locations in 36 states. Some of these are stand-alone schools that bear the Paul Mitchell brand name. Others are the entire Paul Mitchell curriculum, taught in a location such as a community college or technical school. Many of these locations offer free or discounted services performed by students who are closely supervised by licensed professionals and instructors. Many of these locations also sell Paul Mitchell products.
The Paul Mitchell Advanced Academy is a set of informative classes in the form of a three- to five-day retreat. Presentations are made by world class hairdressers. Information includes advanced hair cutting techniques, advanced makeup techniques and advanced hair coloring. They take the Core (learn the rules) and Adaptive (bend the rules) parts of their regular school curriculum and apply them to the advanced academy. Everyone from beginning hairdressers to advanced salon owners can apply for entry into the academy.