May 11, 2026
✳︎
10am - 3pm
✳︎
At Colour Bar Studio (Tysons Corner, VA)
✳︎
May 11, 2026 ✳︎ 10am - 3pm ✳︎ At Colour Bar Studio (Tysons Corner, VA) ✳︎
Another haircut inspo pic just hit your DMs… and your brain goes: okay, but where do I start?
Pictures are how clients communicate, but most of us weren’t taught how to decode a photo to see the underlying shape, and make intentional decisions BEFORE picking up the shears.
Join us at Colour Bar Studio in Tysons Corner, VA, on Monday, May 11, 2026, to learn to read, diagram, and recreate haircut photos with precision in this look-and-learn experience from the No Filter Workshop series: Decipher the Photo & Build the Cut.
Expect Monday Funday vibes—mimosas, bagels, coffee, and good conversation—as we come together to elevate our craft.
🚨Eligibility- This class is open to licensed cosmetologists and barbers.
What You'll Learn
Decipher the Photo, Build the Cut
Educator - Robert Hughes
In this focused 5-hour experience, you will:
Watch two live demonstrations, where one of the cuts is chosen by a class vote.
Break down inspiration photos into actionable cutting decisions
Identify underlying shapes, graduation, layering, and direction of movement
Understand what’s styling versus what’s structure
Watch as each photo becomes a working diagram, then the diagram comes to life in the finished cut.
Hands-On option to learn directional point cutting, slicing and more detailing technicals.
Included FREE access to the NFWS Cutting Academy Community App for curriculum, theory, headsheets, and peer support.
Schedule
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Early Arrival & Mingling/Networking
Grab a mimosa, bagel, or coffee, and meet other stylists and check out Colour Bar Studio before class begins.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Welcome & Overview.
Introduction to the No Filter Workshop philosophy — community, craftsmanship, and lifelong learning. Download the Mighty Networks App and Log into your included free membership to the HdS Cutting Academy Space inside of our community app.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM - Decipher the Photo & Demo
Learn how to analyze inspiration images, identify shapes, layering, graduation, and styling influence. Intro to foundational theory, detailing, and dry-cutting principles. Then watch a live haircut and style demonstration that shows how to translate a photo into a diagram, then into execution.
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM - Networking & Break
Mingle with fellow stylists, grab another drink or bite, and explore merch & upcoming Hairdresser Strong Cutting Academy (NFWS) opportunities. This is also when you can try point cutting, slicing and more detailing technicals with Robert.
12:30 PM - 2:15 PM - Class Votes on The Next Haircut & 2nd Demo
You get to submit and vote on what cut is next! Then, Robert diagrams it in real time, showing how to build a cutting plan when a client walks in with a photo and begins a second haircut and style, translating the chosen look from concept to completion.
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM - Wrap-up, Networking, and Photos
⚠️ Seating is limited to 25 stylists for an intimate learning environment.
The Investment: Just $77.47
Logistics
Date: May 11, 2026
Time:10am - 3pm (arrival 9:30am)
Location:
1640 Boro Place, Suite 204
McLean, VA 22102
Parking lot on site
Safe Space & Community Standards Notice: We've worked hard to create an environment where every stylist feels respected and welcome. To keep it that way, we ask that every attendee come with an open mind, treat the salon and fellow students with respect, and maintain cleanliness throughout the day. Discriminatory behavior of any kind is not welcome here and may result in immediate dismissal without a refund.
What Our Students Say
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"I gained a better understanding of the foundations and how important it is rely on the basics no matter the haircut. I more aware of how I hold my shears and cut my section. Having an educator who works with clients gives more insight when it comes to teaching."
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“He did a great job of taking the time to explain things and was open to any questions and respectfully gave feedback and constructive criticism.”
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Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome, and have already recommended them to others.
— Former Customer
Your Educator
Robert Hughes is a behind-the-chair stylist and educator known for his structured approach to haircutting education. He has taught hundreds of hairdressers throughout the DC-MD-VA region, many of whom have gone on to become senior stylists in top salons, independent suite owners, and successful salon owners.
Robert previously served as an instructor at Graham Webb Academy, widely respected for its cutting program, worked as an educator & course creator for PR at Partners, and has trained apprentices and stylists in salons across the DC metro area and New York City.
Driven by a passion for teaching and a commitment to mastery, Robert helps stylists move beyond memorizing haircuts to understanding the structure and reasoning behind great cutting.
Master Stylist, Violet Salon | Co-Founder & Educator, Hairdresser Strong
Robert Hughes
Mindset & Mission
Mastery is a lifelong pursuit. Those who believe they’ve “made it” are already falling behind. Together, we commit to staying students—refining our eye, sharpening our technique, and bringing precision and mastery back into the salon.
Stand with us. Let’s push the craft forward—one cut, one conversation, one diagram at a time.