WHY THIS ACADEMY
I’m Davide Spinelli.
I grew up in southern Italy, and when I was fourteen, I started sweeping floors in a small salon.
That’s where my curiosity began — not only about cutting hair, but about truly understanding it.
I wanted to know why things worked, not just how to do them.
That curiosity took me from Sanrizz to Hob Salons with Akin Konizi, and to learning with amazing teachers from Sassoon and Toni & Guy.
Later, Trevor Sorbie showed me how to teach, Tom Connell helped me see things differently, and Antoinette Beenders at Aveda reminded me that beauty always needs purpose.
After almost thirty years in this craft, what I love most isn’t cutting hair — it’s helping others feel what I once searched for: awareness, control, and confidence in their hands.
Because to me, teaching isn’t about showing — it’s about helping people truly see
TO GIVE YOU THE TOOLS TO GROW — STEP BY STEP.
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We make learning easier, more organised, less stressful, and more fun.
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We teach the way people really learn — through small, repeatable steps that build confidence instead of confusion.
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Each class in DS Academy is like a small piece of chocolate cake: rich, enjoyable, and easy to come back to.
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This isn’t just about watching videos — it’s about building real skills and feeling confident when you cut hair.
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Our focus is on haircutting, giving you a strong foundation to build on as your skills — and the Academy — continue to grow.
36 STEP-BY-STEP CLASSES WITH OVER 100 VIDEO TUTORIALS
28
Technical, skill-focused tutorials
6
Foundation haircut breakdowns
2
Curly haircut tutorials for salon use
One-time welcome video call
Learn at your own pace, anytime
Access to a private learning community
Cut with Confidence —One Small Lesson at a Time
This is the course I wish I had—focused, supportive, and built around real growth.
Each lesson is a small, clear step you can actually remember and use.
Best Value
MENTOR PLAN
Real feedback. Structure. Support. Let’s grow together.
Includes everything in the Premium Plan, plus personal mentorship through regular feedback and shared learning.
Recommended for 3 - 6 months
Valid until canceled
Everything in the Premium Plan +1 - to - 1 mentorship
Send up to 2 videos each month (max 5 mins, 3 questions)
Group feedback sessions twice a month (live or recorded)
Recommended for 3 - 6 months and see real progress.
Mini Mentor Call
Get Real Guidance
Stuck on something? Show us.
Send a short video of what you're struggling with, plus 3 questions — and we’ll send back clear, practical feedback to help you move forward with confidence.
We’ll guide you — the rest is yours to master.
Read MoreSEND ONE VIDEO. ASK THREE QUESTIONS. ONE-TO-ONE BESPOKE SUPPORT, FAST! (Membership Required)
15 min
3 hr
JOIN THE PROGRAM NOW
What Students Are Saying..
“I’ve had the wonderful experience of being educated by Davide. I can’t express how much it helped me develop my precision cutting skills and the way I looked at hair—even how I held it. He is a master of our craft, and if you truly want to invest in yourself, I can’t think of a better person.”
Jack Mead [@jackmead_stylist] + 300k followers
Susannah Richardson
“Davide is an outstanding educator whose thoughtful, patient, and empowering approach has had a lasting impact on our teams. He creates a supportive space where everyone feels confident to grow. His ability to break down techniques while encouraging creativity makes him one of the most inspiring and effective educators in our industry. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of the Butchers team.”
@butcherssalon 18.9 k - followers
Co-Founder, Butchers Salon
Holly Wilkinson
"I have attended a group class and had a one-to-one day with Davide, and it has truly been a game-changer in my journey as a hairstylist.
Since the class, my sectioning has become much cleaner. My graduation has improved significantly. I feel much more confident with bobs, and I now understand how to work with geometric shapes, whether square, round, or triangular, cutting with honest intention.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented educator."
@hollywilkinsonhair 1k - followers
Stylist
Sidali Merzouk
" I’ve been working as a hairdresser for several years and have had the privilege of training with Davide multiple times. He’s not only a highly skilled professional, but also a naturally gifted educator—calm, attentive, and incredibly generous with his knowledge. Being trained by him was a real turning point in my career. I still apply many of his techniques today."
@sidali_merzouk 11.8k - followers
Freelance Hairstylist – Paris
Lisajane
" I was so impressed with Davide’s in-salon education for my team.
Everyone took so much away from the class. The techniques he taught were easy to understand and could be implemented straight away — with confidence, not fear.
It takes real skill to teach a group with mixed levels of experience, and yet not one team member felt confused or left behind.
We’re already looking forward to our next education day with Davide — and so am I! "
@butchers_leicester 3.6k - followers
Salon Owner
Tamara Goncharenko
"Davide is such a great teacher. I learned so much from him when I was an apprentice at Trevor Sorbie. He taught me weekly, covering all the foundation haircutting techniques, and really helped me build confidence — from sharp precision cuts to softer, layered looks. He has such a unique way of teaching and brings loads of real experience into everything. I’d always be happy to learn more from him anytime."
@tamara_goncharenko67
Stylist
Simone Viani
" I’ve attended several of Davide Spinelli’s courses. He is both an artist and a master of precision cutting.
His classes are clear, professional, and full of strong technique.
You speak with him like a colleague, but his level of skill stands out immediately: English technique, Italian style.
Every time, I leave with fresh ideas and techniques ready to use."
@stilelibero_parrucchiere 1.1k - followers
Senior Stylist
Gianni Costoli
"Davide is a highly skilled, genuine, and straightforward educator.
Attending his courses helped me refine my work and sharpen my scissor cutting techniques, bringing practical and valuable knowledge back to the salon — not only for hairstyling, but also for barbering and grooming."
@Rasoio2023_costoli_gianni
Barber-Groomer
Eros Biancucci
"Thank you, Davide, for this wonderful experience.”