Intense Professional Training

While most hair stylists enter their practice after completing cosmetology school, Rolf believes that these initial licensing schools are just the beginning.

“We try to find the most talented and motivated of these school graduates—recruit the very best, the true cream. Rolf states: “In time, as they apprentice under our international artists, they’ll gradually develop the high skill level, perspective, confidence, and personal flair we require. We look for the greatest talent out there, and then make them a lot better—grow them into world class. And sometimes when we get lucky and bring in a seasoned, talented stylist with special heart from another place, even these seasoned people still need to be freshened up with our certain style and perspective.”

The Rolf Lohse Advance Academy is a 1-2 year formalized, paid apprenticeship. Our Master Educators provide daily, hands-on oversight with a 3-month 'on-going' rotation cycle across the full spectrum of services. Because Rolf’s Master Educators teach classes across the world, and with a flood of additional guest experts from NY and Europe, our Advanced Academy nurtures the stylist into becoming a confident artist of world-class ability. With classes kept below 12 apprentices, the training program is personal and intense. While the luxury ‘culture’ and Rolf’s special techniques are the constant theme, a variety of styles and techniques are presented. Once exposed to the top ideas, Rolf believes that each artist will eventually develop their own unique and personal flair.

Every Monday is devoted to formalized education. The rest of the week is live-client oversight on the salon floor. Apprentices also participate in fashion shows and Rolf’s numerous community events. While a day-long ‘test-out’ is required for apprenticeship completion, the learning never stops. To keep everyone fresh and sharp, Rolf’s makes every Monday an education day regardless of skill level.

While the modern techniques of style, cut, color, product, and care are increasingly complicated and demanding, Rolf believes that to transform yourself into a true ‘artist’ is much more difficult.

“In our Salon, advanced style and flair is more about confidence, perspective, focus, and lots of heart. You must make the client the star of every visit—see them fresh every time they sit down. Make this the best part of their day. Not everyone can do this. Once you have the technical skills, then it’s about seeing the beauty is each client—total heart and total focus,” Rolf explains.

The Rolf Lohse philosophy of 'Intelligent Beauty' exemplifies these values. While Rolf does believe that style and appearance are important, he also cherishes the higher attributes, such as mental and physical heath and doing good work. “Beauty is what beauty does and there are so many ways to be beautiful on this earth,” Rolf says.

In another important difference, apprenticing at Rolf’s means joining a company that plays as a well-coordinated team. Because our high-end, luxury clientele come to enjoy the Rolf’s environment and our five-star service, our artists don’t compete against each other. We are all specialists devoted to the same client, helping each other, providing the best we have for each of our guests. If your intent is to join Rolf’s to just build a client pool which you eventually try to take away, then Rolf’s isn’t for you—it won’t work. A Rolf Lohse trained artist will be successful anywhere in the world.

If all this sound good to you, and if you’re ready to work hard to achieve the top in a creative and important professional field, then come on by for an interview. Of course because of our high standards, we'll eventually pay you the very best in the industry.