Education at The Collective · 2‑day class
Extensions + Blonding with Kristen Wirth of Alter Ego
January 31 and February 1, 2027 at The Collective in Normal, IL. Learn Kristen's extension install method, color matching, blending and aftercare, and how to consult and price extension services so they pay off. Then learn her go-to foil placements and blonding formulas, the same ones she uses behind the chair.
What you'll learn
Most of the class is extensions, from consultation to install to pricing. Blonding is its own session, built around how Kristen gets her blondes.
Beadwork and placement
Where rows go and how to set beads that hold.
Weft selection and custom color
Choosing and color matching hair for each client.
Cutting and blending
Making the extensions read as their own hair.
Aftercare and products
What clients need to know and use at home.
Consultations
How to run the consult and set expectations.
Contracts, intake and pricing
The paperwork and how to price installs and moves.
Marketing
Getting your first extension clients booked.
Blonding
Kristen's favorite foil placements and formulas, plus her formula guide.
Choose your package
Collective team and Soul Tribe members: enter your code at checkout for your member price.
The Basics
1 day · Look and learn
$1,100
- 2-row extension install demo
- Printed training workbook
- Blonding session and Kristen's formula guide
The Essentials
2 days · Demo + hands-on
$1,650
- Everything in the Basics, including the blonding session
- Hands-on 1-row install on a mannequin
- Tool kit: pliers, looper, thread scissors, nylon thread, micro beads
- Alter Ego swatch ring and swag bag
- 60-minute group Zoom follow-up
- Certificate of hands-on completion
The Luxe
2 days · Everything, plus hair
$2,200
- Everything in the Essentials, including the blonding session
- Practice hair to keep
- $250 Alter Ego store gift card
Every ticket includes Kristen's blonding session (foil placements and her favorite formulas) with her formula guide, a $350 value, plus lunch. Payment plans are available through December 15.
Your educator
Kristen Wirth
Stylist, salon owner of Identity Hair Co and founder of Alter Ego Luxury Hair Extensions. [Kristen's bio: years doing extensions, what she's known for, why she teaches.]
The details
When
Sunday, January 31, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (all packages). Monday, February 1, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Essentials and Luxe). Group Zoom follow-up Monday, February 8.
Where
The Collective, 1305 South Madison Street, Normal, IL
Who it's for
Licensed stylists and cosmetology students. No extension experience needed.
Included
Lunch is provided each day. Tools are in your Essentials and Luxe kits. Bring your shears and a clip set.
Questions
Can I get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable since seats are limited and kits are ordered ahead. If you can't make it, you can sell or transfer your seat (see below).
What if I can't make it?
You can sell or transfer your seat to another stylist up to 14 days before class (January 17). Just let us know the new person's name.
Can I upgrade my package later?
Yes. Pay the difference any time before class.
I'm coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
We recommend the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal (201 Broadway Avenue). Hyatt Place Normal is right across the street (200 Broadway Avenue). Both are a few minutes from the salon, near restaurants and shops. There are also Airbnbs close to the salon and Uptown.
I have a member code. Where do I use it?
Enter it in the coupon field on the checkout page for your package.
Extensions + Blonding at The Collective