Matrix Synergy 2021
Some 3,000 hairdressers from across the globe tuned in for M-Day - the relaunch of Matrix as part of their Global Synergy Event.
Compere and Head of Worldwide Matrix Education, Alfredo Lewis, welcomed a myriad of Matrix artists to celebrate the exciting new chapter for Matrix which included a brand-new look, feel and philosophy for the future. With an audience from Russia to India and Australia to Austria, one united community came together to watch some 36 classes across four stages.
Global President of US Brands, Professional Products Division, Shane Wolf, started by taking a walk down memory lane. From where the Matrix journey began with the brand founder Arnie Miller, right through to the Global community that Matrix has created today:
Think about what it is you want to achieve, what you believe you can achieve, then dream it. Dream big, do not limit yourself. The universe you are living in is only restricted by your capacity to dare to make it happen. The only person standing in the way of your dream is you.
Think, who are we? We are all unique down to our DNA. The common thread that combines us is our diversity, but we are more than this.
The event started with a catwalk show with models sporting a diverse range of styles – from a short pixie crop, to long coil curls. Art met hair as graffiti artists transformed models into works of art, and the new SoColor and SoColor Sync remodelled hair with condition and shine thanks to new Pre-Bonded formulas, which help to protect the integrity of the hair, colour after colour.
International artists gathered on the virtual rainbow carpet to find out more about the reimagined Matrix colour – formulas that are pre-bonded, pre-blended and pre-paired. M-Day saw the start of a new chapter, a new journey, a new beginning. Whether it was business tips and motivation from some of the most successful salon owners in the industry, to simple step-by-step formulas for creating commercial colour for clients and discussing the diversity of hair texture and its potentials and pitfalls, there was something for every salon owner, stylist, or freelancer.
Global artists including Tabatha Coffey, Chrystofer Benson and Kobi Bokshish showcased cutting techniques, colours and products to help you think, believe, dream, dare – giving you the tools so that anything and everything is possible!
Desmond Murray was the first artist to represent the UK live on the Dare stage – talking about creating images, hair photography and some of his most iconic images, before showing how to create the look.
The Marcel wave, wicket basket weaving, and Beret rolls were explained in a simple step-by-step format to the delight of the audience.
Over on the Think stage, hair specialist Michelle O’Connor talked about the different types of curls, how to style them, how to define them and the products to get the perfect look. Tabatha Coffey discussed changing your mindset and changing your attitude:
We are the writer, producer, star, and director of our careers and can be whoever we want to be. Do you just think I am a hairdresser and that is it? Or do you think I am a professional, a mentor, a change maker, an artist, and an entrepreneur. We are all of those things and you need to name them, claim them, and own them.
UK ambassador Lisa Farrall was interviewed by Alfredo Lewis about working as a freelancer and session stylist. Talking about starting her career, she discussed being turned down for work:
If someone says no, stay positive; no doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It can mean you are not someone’s cup of tea and that is OK. Believe in yourself, take a risk on yourself.
Knowledge is power, and Matrix is the first brand that embraced me for being me. They embrace freelancers, salons owners, session stylists, if you work from home or in a salon. It is about embracing your individuality and working with a brand that works for you. When you do not feel like you belong anywhere, Matrix celebrates everything you have to offer.
The Synergy event classes are live until the end of March, giving hairdressers the opportunity to take advantage of the 36 classes. Tickets cost £60 -
https://uk.lorealaccess.com/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/32622/…