Lately, I’ve been contemplating adding highlights to my hair. I have never had my hair dyed before, and decided that if this is something, I really want to do, then it should only be done by a professional. But, once I started researching different salons that could do the job, I was deterred because of the price. So here I sit with my lackluster hair, unwilling to splurge, but wanting this season’s hottest ombré hair trend.

However, my lusted-after highlights may not be as far away as I thought. Last week I attended an open house event at L’Oreal Professional Products Academy, located at 435 Hudson Street in the West Village, NYC. The Academy tests out the various new L’Oreal USA Professional Product brands such as Redken, Pureology, and Matrix, on hair models, who are the first to experience new salon services and treatments before they are offered to the public. Models receive salon services including color, styling, perms and straightening, to name a few, and it’s all for free.

The L’Oreal Professional Products Academy is currently recruiting hair models, both men and women, for testing of new services and treatments. In order to become a model one must:

1. Attend a 15 minute evaluation and allergy test.
2. Meet with a licensed cosmetologist to determine which salon services are right for your hair type.
3. After completing the above two steps, participants will be scheduled for a free hair color, styling, relaxer, straightening, or treatment appointment.

L’Oreal Professional Products Academy, offers many perks, other than free salon services. Models receive free professional products to use at home and a 75% off pass to use at the L’Oreal Employee Company Store on hair, makeup, nail and skin care products. So what are you waiting for? Visit their Facebook Page or call (917) 606-9563 to get started, and be sure to pass on the news.