Structure. Communication. Individuality.
At Salon Frei, education is viewed as an ongoing part of the craft. A space for refinement, curiosity, collaboration, and continued growth. Before opening Frei, Christopher Catanese spent years teaching hairdressers across the country as part of TIGI’s International Creative Team, eventually serving as Education Director and helping lead a global team of educators and artists.
Over the course of his career, Christopher has taught advanced cutting classes, led large-format seminars, worked backstage during New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week, created editorial collections, and presented on mainstage for BehindTheChair.com. He was also recognized in the Top 100 of the One Shot Hair Awards across multiple categories, reflecting both technical range and creative versatility.
Christopher’s approach to education centers on helping stylists build a deeper understanding of shape, movement, balance, texture, and personalization. His classes focus on developing adaptable technical foundations that allow stylists to work more intentionally and confidently behind the chair.
At Frei, haircutting is approached through:
- sectioning
- distribution
- elevation
- weight placement
- texture
- personalization
The technical framework is structured, but flexible. Precision matters, but so does individuality. The goal is to help stylists understand why hair behaves the way it does so they can create work that feels modern, wearable, and tailored to the guest in front of them.
Christopher’s classes are highly technical, but never cold or overly rigid. He’s passionate about helping stylists feel more confident behind the chair, creating an environment where questions, curiosity, experimentation, and growth are all part of the process.
That philosophy extends throughout Frei itself.
Continuing education remains part of the culture within the salon, with Frei team members regularly participating in ongoing onsite education, collaborative learning, technical refinement, and creative development together.
Because strong hairdressing is never only about the haircut. It’s also about communication, observation, trust, collaboration, adaptability, and understanding the individual sitting in front of you.
Frei Methodology
Frei education is rooted in a structured technical system designed to simplify advanced haircutting concepts while still leaving room for flexibility and artistic interpretation.
Rather than focusing on disconnected trends or rigid formulas, Frei education emphasizes understanding the architecture behind the haircut: how shape, density, texture, and movement interact together to create balance and intention.
The result is hair that feels polished without looking overworked, technical without feeling rigid, and personalized to the individual wearing it.
Areas of Education
Frei classes and training sessions may include:
- Modern haircutting
- Precision foundations
- Layering & weight distribution
- Texture & personalization
- Curly & lived-in shapes
- Consultation & communication
- Editorial influence in salon work
- Hands-on workshops
- In-salon education
- Assistant development & mentorship
Interested in Education Opportunities?
Frei offers select education opportunities, salon trainings, and collaborative classes.
For inquiries, contact the salon at info@salonfrei.com or message us on Instagram.
frei. is for “the Fray”
“Frei” sounds like “fray” reflecting our commitment to inclusivity by embracing those on the fringes of the mainstream—artists and the unconventional—while offering a haven for self-expression.
frei. is for
“Freya”
The name “Frei” honors the Norse goddess Freya, symbolizing empowerment through beauty, love, and fertility. Our salon embodies her spirit, celebrating creativity and individuality.
frei. is for
“Freedom”
“Frei” signifies freedom from the ordinary. Our salon is a vibrant, welcoming space where clients can unwind, indulge, and experience gold-star service that goes beyond expectations.
