well, this is a hot topic, but here it goes. I have been through all four phases of the Helix Hair Academy, and I am a PHD graduate. I know the inventor on a personal level outside of the hair business.
I am also a salon owner and have been personally trained by Chris Baran (redkens global designer) and Phil Dore (the late Paul Mitchells protege). I consider myself to be very fortunate in the hair business.
That said, haircutting is subjective. What one person loves, another person shrugs.
The Helix Designing system is based upon 6 different pairs of shears and 18 cutting techniques. Using this system you can potentially cut just about any kind of haircut beyond clipper lenght hair. What most people refer to as the "Helix Cut" is what the Academy teaches in their phase one class.
The "Helix Cut" resembles a gypsy shag and is accomplished by making 1" ponytail sections , and then twisting the shears along the small ponytail shaft, scoring the shaft, being careful not to cut all the way through.
This technique is considered new to most stylist, albiet there are some stylist out there who have seen simular techniques before.
The second "ingredient" in the cut is a diffuser. The hair must be set, with the same concept as a roller set, only the "textured" hair simulates a wavey action while the basket diffuser sets the hair in that pattern.
This effect can be achieved in different ways, but using the Helix technique taught in phase 1, it seems to be most effective.
Most people who have the cut seem to like it. It seems to promote a more care free look rather than a sharp sophisticated style.
As far as being called a Doctor, I prefer to pass on that "option" of the program. I feel I have around $5,500 invested in the Helix program which is substantial for the hair industry. I also believe that calling myself a Dr. seems to take away some of the credibility from the education so I opted to not display my PHD diploma. I believe people in career fields who have earned doctorates usually spend closer to $100,000 on their edu. and some more.
As far as being called a Doctor, I prefer to pass on that "option" of the program.
Just as well, it would just be a bogus title.
I feel I have around $5,500 invested in the Helix program which is substantial for the hair industry. I also believe that calling myself a Dr. seems to take away some of the credibility from the education so I opted to not display my PHD diploma.
PhD diploma? Which institute of higher learning issued this piece of useless paper?
I believe people in career fields who have earned doctorates usually spend closer to $100,000 on their edu. and some more.
It's not just what they spend, it's what they learn and how long they study to learn it that allows them to use the letters after their names, for a hairstylist to think that spending some money to take courses at an unknown and unaccredited diploma mill is in the poorest of taste.
