Have you ever been disappointed after attending a much hyped hair show?

With reasonable expectations, you plunk down your hard-earned scratch for a ticket. Hey, you have been to shows before- generally, you may have felt somewhat ripped off: not insomuch that you did not have fun, just in the fact that it did not make you grow as a hairdresser.

If you have the good fortune of witnessing a show featuring Michael Shaun Corby, the experience will prove momentous.

Michael Shaun Corby, Alterna's Global Creative Director, has been an innovator within the professional hair care industry for the past eighteen years. His professional experience within the entertainment industry, coupled with his extensive training at such uber salons as Jose Eber and Umberto's, both of Beverly Hills, make him an invaluable asset to the Alterna Educational Program.

Michael Shaun Corby has been presenting to sold-out audiences around the world for the past seven years. His signature approach: practical cutting and styling techniques are very fashion forward, easy to follow, and play out perfectly in the everyday needs of any professional stylist. "Collections with techniques that can be used on real people, in real salons, will always be a part of what I create" says Michael Shaun.

The demand for this artist is extremely high, and for good reason. His easy-to-execute techniques joined with his ability to encapsulate future trends into his collections and his charismatic stage presence make him a sensation with audiences.

21 April 2008. I wheeled my Pontiac Firebird into the spacious underground parking lot of the magnificent Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington. I hopped out of my automobile, checked all my gear- everything was ready. I entered the elevator and proceeded up to the floor of the main auditorium of the Meydenbauer Center; a venue that hosts everything from ballet to opera to live plays and musicals. Today, I would be entertained and educated by Michael Shaun Corby- Hollywood hairdresser, hair aficionado.

As I arrived at the entrance of the auditorium, Mark Seil- the local sales rep warmly greeted me for Ed Wyse Beauty Supply- the gracious sponsors of this amazing event. Mark Seil is an instrumental spoke in the wheel of the hair industry in the greater Seattle region. He addresses the daily needs of hairdressers in salons throughout the area. He does this with the ease and quality of customer service that have come to define his years of service in the hair care industry.

Ed Wyse is the benchmark in the beauty supply aspect of the hair care industry. From top-notch customer relations to a full line of top industry related products, to in store education and sponsorship of major hair shows- Ed Wyse Beauty Supply is a true leader.

Mark ushered me into the auditorium, he proceeded to take me backstage, where I was introduced to Michael Shaun Corby, and the guest artist for the day. I was allowed backstage where I watched as the hair magically happened before my eyes; from precuts to pincurls put under hairdryers! It was truly inspiring to watch this artist at work- orchestrating every little nuance of the hair that will be presented!

The show kicked off with a word from Johnny Wyse, head of Ed Wyse Beauty Supply. He warmly greeted the crowd in the packed auditorium. He prepared them for a memorable afternoon with a fantastic hairdresser who would not only entertain them, but educate them, as well.

After Mr. Wyse came offstage, I had the pleasure of sharing his thoughts on industry related issues. The man was burning with passion and vision for the future of hairdressing. His respect for the legacy of the hair profession acknowledged, by this writer.

A fascinating personality; He charts a course not only for the success of Ed Wyse Beauty Supply, but the industry as a whole- hopefully, that is another interview opportunity for me! Michael Shaun Corby took the stage next, to huge applause from the eager audience. As he took his place in the center of the spacious stage, I positioned myself strategically off to the side of the stage and proceeded to set up my trusty Canon Rebel Xti. I attached my 70-300 zoom and readied myself for some photography of this brilliant artist in action!

Michael Shaun introduced himself to the audience and graciously thanked each one of them for supporting the show. He then jumped right into the thick of it with a razor cut on a female model with a mid-length swing bob. His technique was exquisite. He described his razor cutting as an in-and-out approach. Characteristic of his presentation, his explanation of the technique was simple and easy-to-follow.

Michael employs flawless technique coupled with highly detailed explanations. He described not just the technique itself, but also the strategy behind the use of it. An approach such as this is instructive to the working hairdresser, as it cuts a clear path to the utilization of new methods- creating an increase in knowledge and skill set of the working stylist.

Michael worked with razor and cutting shears, with fantastic results. He described his razor technique as an "in and out" movement. He used this modus to achieve the most beautiful textures without collapsing the shape. Moving to his shears, he applied a technique that he explained as "sort of backcombing" the section of hair with the shears. Both methods demonstrated in cuts throughout the afternoon: always- on dry hair. Michael Shaun came down the homestretch with some exquisite offerings in the art of dressing hair.

His smooth, polished up-hair style was simple, but effective. How he actually put the hair up was brilliant in its easy-to-follow approach, matched with a timeless elegance.

His final offerings were two hairstyles that created long wavy textures, reminiscent of a better-vanished time, when Veronica Lake led the fashionistas of the day. Both of these looks supported Michael Shaun Corby's mantra of "speakeasy" hair. "Speakeasy is where we're getting back to dressing the hair again; putting a photo finish on things", he explained.

I was frantically snapping shot after shot but took time to gaze out over the crowd; Michael Shaun Corby had drawn them in, and held them in rapt attention! He was giving them something they could really sink their teeth into! This good stuff, not the mindless, empty, showy hair that caters only to the ego of the hairdresser onstage is presenting it- these are techniques and knowledge that can be applied directly to everyday scenarios back in the salon! Delivered brilliantly with a wit and humor that thoroughly enchanted the audience, the work was appealing in and of itself.

Michael Shaun Corby's approach to his craft, outstanding skills and knowledge, fused with his ability to package all this in a way that was instructive and entertaining He held sway with his quick wit and engaging personality. His bold charisma, on display all afternoon, inspired the throng. Michael invited attendees to the stage for a closer look. His presentation was vision forged with creativity, a true artist.

Out of the hair show wasteland, emerges a voice of inspiration. The hair care industry is in capable hands, with artists such as Michael Shaun Corby leading the way.

Hey, I plunked down my hard-earned scratch- and I was rewarded tenfold.