From Fundamentals to Advanced Session Styling

This three-day intensive course is designed for makeup artists and hairstylists who want to enhance their session styling techniques, whether for shoots, shows, or on-set work. Led by industry experts, this academy provides a unique opportunity to learn essential hairstyling skills and elevate your creative approach.

Course Overview

Over the full three days, you will be trained exclusively by Rebecca Chang — director of the Senzi Academy, founder of the Senzi Education team in London, and first assistant to world-renowned session stylist Gary Gill. Her expertise spans backstage, editorial, and advanced technical work, making this an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from one of the industry’s strongest educators.

Rebecca will start by grounding you in the foundational techniques for working with Type 4 (Afro) hair — a skillset every modern hairstylist and makeup artist needs when working on global sets and shows. From understanding texture to executing clean, respectful, and efficient prep, you’ll build a solid base from day one.

On days two and three, she will guide you through essential and advanced styling techniques used in high-pressure environments.

Think: fast problem-solving, shaping hair under time constraints, adapting to changing creative directions, and delivering consistent results that photographers, designers, and key artists can rely on.

Across the three days, the focus is clear:
upgrade your technical skill, your speed, your confidence, and your readiness for top-tier fashion work

What You’ll Learn

• Build your session kit bag and discover the tools every session stylist relies on.
• Kick-start your confidence with the core techniques every session artist should master.
• Explore a variety of tools and methods that define the modern editorial approach.
• Learn how to gather research material and create compelling moodboards.
• Refine your technical and creative skills: faux fringes, extension application, structural hair work, wig wrapping, scalp braids, and more.
• Experience live demonstrations of iconic runway looks.
• Experiment with non-traditional styling methods and new ways of thinking.
• Master the ability to work fast and effectively under creative pressure.
• Understand the creative process behind a photoshoot and the synergy with makeup, styling, and concept.
• Learn the importance of product knowledge and placement to achieve refined results.
• Participate in intensive workshops that build confidence, sharpen instinct, and expand your creative perspective.
• Receive personal feedback and guidance from your mentor throughout the process.

Who Is This Course For?

• Hairstylists who want to refresh and elevate their session styling skills.

• Makeup artists who also work with hair and want to expand their hair knowledge and techniques.

• Professionals with no prior backstage experience — perfect for anyone looking to break into editorial, runway, or creative session work.

• Anyone eager to build confidence, speed, and creativity in a professional session environment.

What to Bring

• Hairdryer

• Tongs

• Straightener

• Diffuser

• Combs & brushes

All products will be provided, including Sisley, L’Oréal, and Bumble & Bumble. We’ll work on professional styling heads, so there’s no need to bring models.

Take this opportunity to advance your hairstyling expertise and learn from seasoned professionals in the fashion industry. This is your chance to develop a versatile skill set that adapts to your creative vision while meeting the demands of international shoots and shows.