Hands-on, in-person education for hairstylists is back! After helping to pioneer independent hair education more than a decade ago, Nine Zero One Salon founders Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri are officially relaunching 901 Academy.
For more than 16 years, Nine Zero One Salon has been recognized as one of LA’s most influential salons, known for its celebrity clientele, signature blonding work, and commitment to mentorship within the industry. Long before independent education became the industry norm, 901 Academy was at the forefront offering intimate classes focused on real techniques, and real results stylists could immediately bring back to their work. “We were teaching stylists how to do beautiful hair that their clients were seeing all over Instagram,” says Lee.
Through 901 Academy, Lee and Capri have trained thousands of stylists who have gone on to build thriving careers of their own. It was only put on pause in 2020 amidst the pandemic.
Now, with the salon professional industry transformed and education more saturated than ever, Lee and Capri believe the timing to bring 901 Academy back is exactly right. “Over the last few years, education in our industry has exploded but much of it is demonstration-based, taught by someone who knows how to do one thing really good or digital,” says Capri. “What stylists are really craving again is connection, mentorship, and hands-on learning that actually changes their work behind the chair.”
The new era of 901 Academy returns to its roots with a modern evolution: boutique, high-touch classes capped at just 10 attendees (really!), which allows stylists to receive personalized guidance, work directly on models, and leave with techniques they can confidently apply in their own salons.“We’ve always believed education should feel personal,” adds Lee. “When classes are small, artists feel supported, questions get answered, and real growth happens.”
The relaunch of the Academy introduces a new lineup of intimate, hands-on classes taught by the Nine Zero One team, covering some of the most in-demand services in the industry today, including the below:
- 901 Brunette Mastery (April 19)
- 901 Iconic Blonding (May 31)
- 901 Platinum Precision (July 19)
- 901 Extension Essentials (Sept 27)
- 901 Extension Master Class (October 17-18)
Each class is designed to give stylists practical skills, deeper technical understanding, and business insight they can immediately implement to elevate their craft, increase their confidence, and grow their income. “Education should empower stylists to build real careers,” says Lee. “That’s always been the heart of 901 Academy.”
As the industry continues to evolve, the return of 901 Academy represents a renewed commitment to mentorship, craftsmanship, and the kind of education that leaves a lasting impact.
901 Academy classes are hosted inside the iconic Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood, California, with limited seating available for each session. More information and upcoming class dates can be found here.
