Pivot Point encourages their students to look at the world around them for inspiration. Beauty is everywhere; visiting other cultures to learn how they view beauty and apply their skills in the beauty industry is a great way to broaden your horizons. Throughout the year, Pivot Point schedules trips abroad that feature cultural excursions and hands-on learning opportunities.

Travel Day

For many students, this was their first experience traveling abroad. The girls had been preparing for this trip for months during meetings detailing passports, baggage weight limits, etc.   When the day finally arrived they were ready to go!

The 12 hour flight time was filled with anticipation, and they were excited to hit the streets of Barcelona, Spain as soon as the plane touched down on foreign soil. 

Day 1- Tour du Jour

A half day trip to Sitges, a beautiful village by the sea and one of the most picturesque towns on the Mediterranean coastline. The morning was spent strolling around this ancient city.

I was so excited to put my feet in the Mediterranean Sea!! – Micayla R.

 

Walking along the Passeig Marítim gave students the opportunity to enjoy the views and immerse themselves among the artists, painters and sculptors who reside and work there.

Dessert was this block of ice cream with homemade chocolate sauce that was rich and creamy.  Juicy fresh strawberries were served on the side… I have literally been dreaming about this dish since we got home!!  – Rebekah A.

After a lunch overlooking the harbor and afternoon city tour, Federico students arrived at Hotel Evenia Rossello Barcelona to unpack.

Dinner was at the popular restaurant near the hotel – Balthazar. Balthazar offered a fusion of Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine with a hint of the Orient.

Day 2- Gothic Barcelona Exploration

After breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, the group explored Barcelona in depth with a full day tour to Montjuic Hill, Poble Espanyol, an open air museum and the Barri Gothic (“Gothic quarter”).

The places we went were so gorgeous.  The day to day scenery was extraordinary!  Our tour guide was really funny and she kept us laughing all afternoon.  – Kristen J.

Spain’s most popular museum – The Picasso Museum,  was also on the agenda for the day.

A group diner at Alba Granados – a unique Barcelona restaurant that mixes the energy of Barcelona, the feel of New York with the food of Paris.

Afterwards, the girls were on a mission to experience the local night life.

It was the strangest thing because they played the exact same music as the clubs here in America.  I was expecting something totally different, but we had a ton of fun dancing the night away!! -Adrianna B.

Stay tuned for the rest of our Barcelona series and find out about the rest of this once in a lifetime trip.  Are you interested in attending Federico Beauty Institute? For more information,  contact an Admissions representative at 916.418.7223 .

It was 1996.. the Spice Girl’s released their debut album, Y2K was barely on the radar, and Adam Federico had just graduated cosmetology school.   The Federico Family has always been passionate about advanced education so the next logical step was The Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica.

“I first met Gerard Scarpaci  when he was working with Sassoon in Santa Monica back in 1996 , I was attending the classic cutting course at the time and he was one of the teachers in class,” Adam says,” I was naturally drawn to Gerard because even at that time he presented a more natural rawness to his approach that stood out from what all the other Sassoon folk were doing .”

Fast forward through Gerard’s career: Sassoon Educator, Salon Owner, Aveda Artistic Director, Joined ARROJO Education and Co-Founded Hairbrained with Randy Taylor.  

As Creative Director of FBI, Adam, feels it is extremely important to expose our student body to as much of the industry as we can during their time with us.  When the opportunity to bring Gerard Scarpaci to California to educate our students and staff presented itself, he jumped on it. 

Students were invited to participate in the Razor Fundamentals course and an intensive Barbering class through our advanced education program.

We hope to help open new networks and create future relationships for them to build on once they graduate.  The introduction to advanced education is key to cultivating life long learners and letting them know that there is a whole new world out there for discovery that doesn’t end in beauty school .

Students have benefitted from Federico Beauty Institute’s Master Salon, AJF Salon, for years, but are now gaining access to ARROJO Education because of the partnership Adam Federico has built with the company.

Through a time of corporate take overs and Major conglomerates ARROJO stood on its own, being Independent and offering Education for the hairdresser which seemed to be a dying thing through the early part of the new Millennium . Bringing ARROJO into AJF is by far the smartest and move I have made in a very long time . It is refreshing to be partnered with a company that is independent and education driven . I feel passionate about their message , Philosophy and Methodology, as if it were my own. -Adam Federico

What did our students have to say about the class?

 ” Take this class, do it… whatever it takes!! ”

” What a great educator!Gerard answered all of my questions and gave me one on one assistance when I was unsure of something. ”

” Do it!! This class was so worth it! I received education that was helpful, fun and challenging.  Gerard Scarpaci is such a talented and humble artist. He was very tentative to us students. ”

“Gerard Scarpaci is AMAZING!!!!!  I loved the Razor Fundamentals class he taught.  I received such wonderful education that was way beyond what I was expecting.  I am so lucky to have had training with such a talented and successful artist. ”

“I feel so lucky to attend a school that brings celebrity stylists in to educate us! Best. School. Ever.”

Interested in attending our school or want information about future Guest Artist appearances contact studentservices@federico.edu.

We love to reconnect with alumni, especially when we are able to share in their successes!With dozens of career options in the beauty industry,  our students often wonder what will be the best fit for them .   In conjunction with our extern program,  we invited three recent graduates to share the path they had chosen.

L to R: Nichole M., Robert E. and Lorena M.

Nichole, Robert and Lorena graduated the Cosmetology program less than 2 years ago and came back to talk about both the triumphs and roadblocks they have experienced since leaving Federico.  They each explained the career path they chose and talked about their time here at school.

Robert E.- Assistant

Cowboys and Angels (San Francisco)

Robert spoke about externing at Cowboys and Angels while he was a student at Federico Beauty Institute and being offered a position before he even graduated.  He painted a very clear picture of what to expect when working through a rigorous assisting program and encouraged students to consider externing.

“I don’t have a super outgoing personality and I had been really nervous to extern.  Robert really helped me realize that externing is so important to my future career.  He inspired me to start visiting salons and checking out their assisting programs.” -Allie B. (student).

Nichole M.- Commission Stylist

Urban Hair Lounge (Rocklin)

There are several different types of stylists in a salon, and Nichole explained each one for Federico students, citing pros and cons of each situation. After graduation, Nichole struggled to find a salon that was a perfect fit.  She was hired at Urban Hair Lounge and has since had the opportunity to learn from greats like Steve Elias and Steven Robertson.     

“Nichole gave a lot of information and really shed light on the reality of being out of school.  It was awesome to here from someone who is in a salon and tell us what to expect.  I think that is the scariest part of a new career…. not knowing what to expect.  For me, it answered tons of questions I had about working on commission.” – Joana J. (student)

Lorena M.- Salon Owner 

 The Colour Bar (Arden)

When Lorena speaks about her journey to Federico Beauty Institute she becomes very emotional. Her story is one of sacrifice and pursuing personal fulfillment.   Colleagues chastised her for wanting to leave her job to attend beauty school and the importance of believing in yourself  and your abilities.

Owning a salon, educating for Davines Color, and working as a special beauty correspondent on  Univision/Telefutura TV; leaves little free time.  Lorena explained to students the demands becoming a salon owner brought, but offered encouragement to anyone who dreams of one day opening a space of their own.

“I was truly inspired by Lorena’s story.  We have similar backgrounds in accounting and I connected to the fact she left her career to follow her passion. To watch someone who has been out of school such a short time be able to  create so much success for themselves  is what this industry is all about. ” – Michelle S. (student)

We are so proud of our alumni’s achievements and can’t wait to see what the future brings to these rising stars!

Are you a successful graduate?  Visit our Success Stories tab on Facebook and let us know what you have been doing since you left Federico Beauty Institute. 

If you regularly visit salons, you may have heard the term “esthetician” used to describe a person who specializes in a certain area of beauty. However, if you’re like most people, you might not be exactly sure what these professionals do.

Estheticians are skin care professionals who help clients with the care and beautification of their skin through services like facials, body treatments, and waxing. They are professionally trained to do these tasks in settings that make people feel comfortable and beautiful, such as salons, day spas, and medi-spas.

In order to perform these tasks, all estheticians must pass written and hands-on exams through a recognized certification program, making them eligible for state licensing. The educational preparation for these exams requires an initial commitment ranging from 250 to 600 hours of study, with follow-ups recommended once licensing is achieved. These classes are intended to keep estheticians up-to-date on skills and safety, as well as provide education on trends in the industry.

Because they are not licensed doctors, estheticians cannot offer any medical advice for treatments, but many choose to work closely with dermatologists to offer more comprehensive care for their clients.

Federico Beauty Institute has been offering students the opportunity to enter into the field of esthetics with confidence and skill. Our part-time esthetics program allows students to learn in a flexible and supportive environment that allows them to work their way through school.

Through our program, students are given the skills to offer evaluation, consultation, and treatment of minor skin disorders. Tuesday through Saturday, students and instructors meet for hands-on instruction in massage, aromatherapy, facials, make-up application, color analysis, and waxing—everything students need to learn to become successful in the field.

We take care to provide students with the right mix of traditional learning and hands-on experience, supervised by a passionate and professional staff. Our modular program is built on a solid educational foundation of Bioelements professional skin care, and our curriculum was designed by CIDESCO esthetician Barbara Solomone. The program is overseen by Dr. Billie Radd, who has a PhD in Pharmacology and Masters in Cosmetic Science.

If you’re interested in learning more about Federico Beauty Institute’s esthetics program or any of our courses, please call our admissions department at 916-418-7223. We’d love to talk with you about your interest in the field!

Have you ever wondered what the best celebrity stylists have in common to make them so successful in working with the stars? Simply put, one of the things that really stands out is their unbridled passion for their craft, which shows in their work. This, paired with outstanding creativity and motivation, has made these individuals some of the most trusted stylists in the world.

These people can serve as encouragement for up-and-coming stylists, as by capitalizing on skill and passion, anyone can turn their enthusiasm into a serious stream of income and success. In order to offer a little inspiration to aspiring estheticians, here are some of the hottest celebrity stylists out there:

Damien Carney
Claim to Fame: Damien Carney has been a trendsetter in the styling world for nearly 20 years. He’s styled for international fashion powerhouses like Louis Vuitton, John Paul Gaultier and Giorgio Armani, and worked with countless celebrities and famous photographers. Not quite satisfied, Carney founded Damien Carney London, the first mobile beauty academy in the world.

Inspiration: Not afraid to give credit where it’s due, Carney gathers inspiration from his team, working with them to create a total image for clients. His classical training as a stylist has given him the ability to take his inspiration and transform it into chic tresses.

Tabatha Coffey
Claim to Fame: You might recognize reality TV diva Tabatha Coffey from her over-the-top Bravo series, “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” or from her picture on the cover of her book, “It’s Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love and the Business of Beauty.” What you might not know is how she’s taken her love from the clippers to companies of all kinds, applying her know-how and style to help people around the world achieve the look they want.

Inspiration: Coffey’s inspirations come from all over, primarily founded on visions of the mess she’s cleaning up—a serious asset for the aspiring stylist.

Nick Arrojo
Claim to Fame: Nick Arrojo’s signature styles have graced the places all stylists dream of. He has worked with some of the most influential salons in the industry, including Vidal Sassoon, Wella International and Bumble & Bumble. After setting out on his own and building a name, Arrojo served as the stylist for TLC’s “What Not to Wear” for seven seasons. He has since moved on to create his own school and line of products.

Inspiration: Arrojo draws heavily on street fashion, giving his styles a raw edge coupled with sophistication that is hard to forget.

Now that you know a little more about what makes a celebrity stylist turn their enthusiasm into inspiration for success, think about where you want your career to take you. If you’re ready to take your aspirations to the next level, get in touch with the admissions office at Federico Beauty Institute. From there, the sky’s the limit!

Would you like a career that involves helping and working with people? If you have been looking for a flexible, rewarding career, massage therapy could be a great option for you. In addition to helping people feel their best, the massage therapy industry allows you to earn a comfortable living while working hours that fit with your schedule.

A large part of a massage therapist’s day is about creating a relaxing atmosphere for stressed clients. Ambiance, atmosphere, and a willingness to work with the client’s wishes are the central pillars of the job. The technical aspects of the job involve a complete understanding of human anatomy and musculature, and build the foundation for a successful career.

If you’ve thought about becoming a massage therapist, now is the time to consider your options. The best way to learn safe and effective massage techniques is through a reputable school that offers hands-on learning backed by instructors with knowledge and experience. At Federico Beauty Institute, we work with our students to ensure they have the knowledge required to break into this potentially lucrative career.

There’s no better time than today to start your next adventure, especially right now with your chance to win a $10,000 scholarship to the Federico Massage Program. Through a special on Facebook, we’re giving you a chance to tell us exactly why you deserve to be selected as the lucky winner!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for massage therapists is almost $35,000 a year. Depending on your job specifics, you might work for yourself or as a staff member at a salon or spa. If, however, you are an entrepreneur, you might work for yourself on a full- or part-time basis from an office or on an on-call basis. As an independent masseur, you have more control over your schedule and earning potential.

If you want to build a steady foundation for your future massage career, you need to learn the craft from an accredited school with a positive reputation in the industry. Federico Beauty Institute’s professional educators and advising staff will work with you to teach you the knowledge and skills needed to move into the massage industry with confidence.

Still unsure? Speak with one of our academic advisors to learn more about our curriculum or work with the financial aid office to put together the right package for financing your education. We pride ourselves on providing professional, affordable education opportunities for dedicated individuals looking to advance their knowledge in the career of their choice.

Sometimes it can be hard to decide what to do with your life. If you’ve ever considered working in the beauty industry, but hesitated because time and money spent on school wasn’t going to guarantee a job, now might be the time to reconsider. For the past several years, the beauty industry has grown about 16 percent annually, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

In the fast-paced digital age, people are looking for more than just a trim and a wax. Clients are willing to pay good money to escape and relax under the care of trained beauty professionals. Salons and spas are seeing an increase in customer traffic as the idea of relaxation spreads, meaning there are more jobs in the field than ever before.

Would you like to make a living making people feel good without having to worry too much about job security? If you’re looking into becoming an esthetician or beautician, you can move forward with confidence that jobs will be available in the field you love. Recent trends in natural health and beauty products have created a serious demand for highly trained stylists, estheticians and massage therapists, as well as related fields.

At Federico Beauty Institute, we offer professional training in cosmetology, esthetics and massage, with a focus on healthy ways to help people feel beautiful. Our financial aid packages make it easier for you to follow your dreams without emptying your savings, while our experienced instructors can show you the right techniques to give clients the look they want.

What are you waiting for? If you’ve been thinking about becoming a stylist, esthetician or masseuse, it’s about time that you finally move forward toward your goals with the help of Federico beauty college. There are endless career opportunities for our program graduates, including the chance to work in the beauty field as an employee of a salon or spa, or even as an independent contractor setting your own schedule. You choose the direction that’s right for you and we’ll show you how to get there.

To learn more about our program, contact us today at www.federico.edu!

For many people, their hair style is their crowning glory. But sometimes that crowning glory can be in a fragile state, thin from years of mistreatment. As a stylist, it’s your job to return that thin, damaged hair to a fuller, more flattering appearance.

If you’re looking to give clients with thin hair a fuller look, think about styling products and techniques that will help achieve results without causing more damage. Thin hair requires special attention, and weighing it down with product or using too many styling elements can make it look worse rather than better. Take these tips into consideration when working with clients with thin hair.

Styling:

• If your client’s hair is thin, try to treat it gently. Blow-dry with care, being sure to air and towel dry as much as possible. Work quickly using your fingers instead of a brush or comb for added control.
• Only apply product to nearly-dry hair, since wet hair dilutes the product, making it less effective.
• Avoid ponytails or tight braids, as they are damaging to the hair shaft and follicle.
• Where possible, forgo the flat iron and curlers. If you must use them, try to focus on the mid-shaft and ends of hair. Don’t run the heating elements over the hair again and again—just once should do.

Cuts and Color:

• For thin hair, think short layers for volume. Classic or choppy bobs with or without layers are the best bets. Anything longer brings on the danger of giving the hair a wispy, tired look. Think Jackie O or Meg Ryan.
• If length is essential to the client, recommend shoulder-length layers with a bit of permanent highlighting.
• When coloring, go with a permanent shade, as the dye will add volume to the hair.
• Advise clients with thinning hair to steer clear of light blonde shades. The translucency makes the scalp more visible, ultimately exposing what he or she is trying to hide. Instead, suggest varying tones while keeping the darker colors toward the scalp.

These are just a few quick tips to keep in mind while working with thin hair. In addition, you should also help your client develop a positive self-image without making him or her self-conscious. This supportive and positive atmosphere is one of the major incentives for clients to return, so make sure you do your best to make the experience memorable.

At Federico Beauty Institute, we help our students stay up-to-date with all the latest trends and teach them how to carefully style all types of hair. To learn more about our programs, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

It seems that the latest trend in styling is a flight of fancy: across the country, stylists are giving clients a low-maintenance makeover with feather extensions. From Boston to Berkeley, gals are adding color and texture to their tresses with feathers varying in color, length and size.

How does it work? For those of you familiar with clip-in hair extensions, adding these feather extensions will be a breeze. Feathers are applied at the root in the same manner as clip-in extensions, and are secured with a metal band lined with elastic to protect the follicle. Feathers can be added one by one, or in groups of three for a more prominent highlight.

All kinds of feathers are being added for enhancement, but the most popular varieties are striped saddle feathers, dyed rooster feathers, and the ever-elegant peacock plume. The only limit is your imagination! Layering the feathers together in different lengths and colors makes the pieces pop, but for a more natural look, neutral feathers close to the natural hair color gets the job done. Be sure to ask clients what type of feel they’re going for and choose your color palate according to their wishes.

One of the biggest benefits of this styling trend is the ability to change looks without committing to anything permanent. Because feathers are a natural material, they can be washed and lend easily to many styling options, including drying, curling, flat ironing, and updos.

For special occasions, feathers can even be concealed beneath other layers of hair for a regular style, or they can be playfully teased into something more magical. With proper care, they’ll last anywhere from two weeks to six months—talk about a bang for your buck!

The ease and impermanence of feather extensions make them a practical and affordable choice for giving an exquisite and earthy edge to your client’s look. For those afraid of commitment, feathers allow for short-term flings; once she’s ready to make another change, all clients need to do is come back in to have the extensions removed.

The next time you want to create something truly unique for a customer, try suggesting feather extensions, and be delighted at the positive response customers have with their new no-muss no-fuss option!

Tax time has come and gone, and like every year, money is on everyone’s mind. You’re probably trying to figure out where to get it, how to save it and what to spend it on, but have you given much thought on how to invest in your future?

If you haven’t considered a career as an esthetician because of school costs, it might be the right time to look into the benefits of financial aid to help you pay your way to a rewarding future in the beauty industry.

Do you have a passion for fashion and a sense of salon style? Have you always wanted to help others feel their best with the twirl of a curler and a dash of mascara? At Federico Beauty Institute, we have made it our business to train the next generation of estheticians at our eco-chic school, focusing on teaching techniques that are good for both clients and the environment.

We’ve all been there—geared to move forward on a career path, but stopped dead in our tracks when we see how much school would cost. While the prospect of paying tuition can seem daunting at first, Federico Beauty Institute is here to help! We want our students to enjoy their learning experience without tuition being the deciding factor on the quality of their education. That’s why we are proud to help you apply for and get financial aid for your academic pursuits.

At Federico Beauty Institute, we want to make it easier for students to focus on their educational experience, so we also offer flexible tuition options to help get you on track. Using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other opportunities, our financial aid office can help navigate the waters of funding for students that meet our enrollment requirements. We accept a variety of payment forms, including loans, grants, and private funds, making it easier for students to find the right match of funding to fuel their education.

The next time you find yourself envying stylists and estheticians who are realizing their dreams, consider taking another look at financial aid. Invest some time into your future, and stop in to Federico Beauty Institute to speak to a financial aid counselor today!