History

In the '60s...

Founded in 1962, by Leo Passage; he introduced the first curriculums for undergraduate and graduate hair design training.  In 1964 the principles of both art and science was published as a textbook, Entr'ee To Hair Design.  Because of its tremendous success, a second edition was published and renamed Scientifc Approach  to Hair Design.   This course and other Pivot Point programs would continuously be updated and improved through the years.   By 1965 other schools wanted to use Pivot Point's unique teaching methods and support materials.  To fulfill their requests, audiovisual and teacher support materials were produced to back up the program.  This was the start of Pivot Point's member school system.

The Late '60s & Early '70s

During the late '60s and early '70s, Pivot Point successfully introduced its programs to schools and graduate centres throught the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, Japan and Australia.  Because of the expansion into foreign countries, Pivot Point begins translating the programs into various languages. 

During this period Pivot Point began manufacturing tools and hair goods for the industry in order to better teach Pivot Point's concepts.  Unique items, such as the cone-shaped roller, the slip-on and the hair component system, were Pivot Point inventions.    At first, Pivot Point imported European mannequins to the United States for its undergraduate and graduate courses.  Over time, economic demand required mannequin production to relocate to Hong Kong to accommodate school market orders.  With an uncompromising standard for high-quality mannequins, Pivot Point became fully involved with the creation and manufacturing process.  The first objective - which would become the hallmark for Pivot Point mannequins for the next 40+ years - was to create a mannequin that reflected the Pivot Point Difference.  A strongly focused approach to the hair implantation process, resulted in life-like, natural hair-growth direction at different angles, closely resembling a live model. 

The Late '70s

In 1976, Pivot Point took yet another step to unite the hair and beauty industry by hosting the World Forum in Chicago.  Twenty-five countries from around the world participated, and the World Forum grew into a biennial event called the International Teacher's Symposium.

Over the years, the Symposium has become more directed, offering teachers'  training courses and business seminars for school administrators.  And, in 1991 Pivot Point expanded its Symposium audience to include the salon market as well. 

Holland, South Africa and parts of South America were introduced to the Pivot Point method.  In 1979, Leo Passage received permission to enter China.  Since no Western hairdesigner had been admitted into China since the revolution, Leo Passage and his International Artistic Team became part of history-making exchange program. 

Meanwhile educators back at World Headquarters were busy creating and updating curriculums.  One at at ime the original step-by-step programs were adjusted to meet Pivot Point's rigorous scientific standards.  Current programs include: Scientific Approach to Hair Sculpture/Ladies and Men, Scientific Approach ot Hair Design (three volumes: Deisgn Classics, Design System and Long Hair Design) Scientific Approach to Perm, and Scientific Approach to Color. 

The '80s

During the 1980s, salon needs were answered with what is now internationally known as Design Forum.  This continuing education course, which actually debuted in 1965, has been published over the years as Tomorrow's Creation, Style of the Month, Hair Fashion of the Month, Aura, Continuing Education Course (CEC), and finally the current Design Forum.

Throughout the years Pivot Point remained involved in competition by conducting workshops taught by world champion designers.  It was Pivot Point's belief that competition provided young designers with a necessary means of showing off their talents. 

In response to professional demand, Pivot Point began to research and develop a program to help designers better understand and deal with that all-important element of the hair and beauty business (and everyday life) - people skills.  Three years in the making, Pivot Point's unique People Skills Program was introduced in 1988.  This program exemplifies the fact that, as industry research point out, as much as 80% of a designer's success depends on his or her ability to deal effectively with clients, co-workers and supervisors.  Only 20% is due to the designer's technical ability!

Because of the widespread success of this program, other service industries, such as the hospitality industry in New Zealand, requested that Pivot Point tailor the People Skills program to reflect their particular needs.  So, in response to this need, representatives of the Polytechnic system of New Zealand adapted People Skills to their Hospitality-related programs.

The '90s

It was at the World Championships in 1990 that Pivot Point first introduced Level 1 and Level 3 multi-media laserdisc programming at an education forum sponsored by the Dutch Hairdresser's Organisation.  In 1991 Pivot Point launched their sculpture and perm programs in the new laserdisc format.  During this time, Leo Passage and his team test-marketed this new multi-media interactive programming throughout the Pivot Point member school network with an overwhelmingly positive response. 

The '00s

With the new century in full gear and new technology such as DVD and CD-ROM, Pivot Point believes that students will enjoy a great educational experience with higher retention and better understanding of the concepts and techniques presented.  Pivot Point looks forward to a future filled with educational advancement and success.  As the company continues to grow, Pivot Point will keep exploring new territories and new ways to bring superior education to the exciting, ever-changing hair and beauty industry.