Black Hair Masterclass: The Base

Location: KAO Academy, Amsterdam.
Level: FOUNDATION

The Base is an intensive two-day masterclass in which you learn everything you need to know about the fundamentals of black hair styling. Under the guidance of black hair specialist Felitia Grace you build a complete foundation: from truly understanding the hair to the techniques you will use every day, in the salon, backstage and on set.

Day one is all about care and theory. You learn how to analyse hair and scalp, recognise texture with a focus on 4A, 4B and 4C, and work with porosity, elasticity and the balance between protein and moisture. You leave with the knowledge to make better choices in products, washing, conditioning and preparation, before the styling even begins.

On day two the focus moves from care to technique: protective styling, two-strand twists, flat twists, cornrows and braiding techniques, heat protection, blow-drying with a comb or brush, the banding method, geometric parting and edge art. Practical skills that work in the chair as well as on creative productions.

The Base is unique in the Netherlands, and even in Europe: a black hair masterclass with a high fashion focus and skills you can apply directly in the salon. It is also the gateway to our advanced class Creative & Editorial, for those who want to take their black hair styling into editorial and avant-garde work.

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Voor wie is The Base?

Deze masterclass is ontwikkeld voor haarstylisten die hun kennis van black hair en textured hair willen uitbreiden, make-up artists die de basics van black hair styling backstage willen begrijpen en session stylists die meer vertrouwen willen opbouwen.

Who is The Base for?

This masterclass is created for hairdressers who want to expand their knowledge of black hair and textured hair, make-up artists who want to understand the basics of black hair styling backstage and session stylists who want to build more confidence.

Practicalinfo

Date

11&12 September 2026

Location

KAO Academy Danzigerkade 63C Amsterdam

Language

Nederlands & Engels

Recommendation

For the best learning experience, we recommend starting with The Base if you do not yet have strong practical experience with black hair care and styling. Professionals with a solid foundation can book Creative & Editorial separately.

Program The Base

Day 1: hair analysis, wash, care and theory

On the first day, the focus is on understanding the foundation of black hair care. You will learn how to analyse hair and scalp, recognise texture and make better choices in product use, washing, conditioning and preparation.

10:00 – 17:00

Topics include:

Hair analysis
Hair structure, with a focus on 4A, 4B and 4C textures Porosity and elasticity Scalp analysis Product knowledge Correct washing and conditioning techniques Protein versus moisture Detangling techniques

Day 2: heat protection, braids, twists, blow-drying and stretching

On the second day, the focus moves from care to technique. You will learn how to prepare, protect and style black hair using practical techniques that are useful in the salon, backstage and on creative productions.

10:00 – 17:00

Topics include:

Protective styling do's and don'ts Two-strand twists Flat twists Basic cornrows Braiding techniques Heat protection Blow-drying with a comb or brush The banding method Geometric and symmetric parting Edge art and baby hair

Felitia Grace

Felitia Grace has years of experience in hairstyling and hairdressing. With a strong focus on black hairstyling, she expanded her work behind the chair into the fashion industry, where she has worked for magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Vogue and on many international runways.

She has created hair for personalities including Gerda Havertong and supermodels such as Winnie Harlow and Jourdan Dunn, and has worked with numerous celebrities, brands and magazines.

Felitia's signature style can be defined as edgy, feminine, artistic and sexy. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and she has worked on numerous international runway shows. She has also created hair for personalities including Gerda Havertong, supermodel Winny, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing and Grace Jones.