"I AM ALREADY NO LONGER THE HAIRDRESSER I WAS BEFORE FASHION WEEK": RICK VAN EKEREN ON HIS BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCE AT RONALD VAN DER KEMP
Rick van Ekeren (21) knew early on that he wanted more than just working in a salon. Through The Session Hairschool, part of Kuro Academy, he got the opportunity to work backstage at Ronald van der Kemp's haute couture show. There, he applied his skills on one of the most creative stages in the fashion world. How did he experience this? And how did The Session Hairschool guide him through it?
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
“I’m Rick (21 years old) and I come from Lepelstraat, a small village near Zeeland. I now live in Breda. At fourteen, I started working in a hair salon, first as an intern for a short internship and later as a Saturday assistant. I quickly realized that I didn’t just want to work in a salon. I was looking for something more challenging, something bigger.
My passion for hair was sparked when I saw all the possibilities beyond traditional hairdressing. In my village, there was a salon run by Natascha Keijzer, who had won a Coiffure Award. That was an eye-opener for me: you can do more than just water waves and perms. I wanted to focus on fashion, shoots, and shows. When The Session Hairschool crossed my path, I knew it was perfect for me! A great stepping stone to discovering the world behind the scenes.”
You worked backstage at Ronald van der Kemp's show. How did that feel?
“Incredible! This wasn’t just any show; it was haute couture! My first experience with backstage work happened earlier. In Amsterdam, I got to assist, and later in Milan, I was present at the men's shows. But at Ronald van der Kemp, I had the chance to actually create hair.
Bianca van Zwieten (owner of KURO) gave me the freedom to get to work myself. I was allowed to create ‘big hair’ for two models. That was nerve-wracking, but Bianca simply said, ‘Rick, you can do this. If you have any questions, just ask.’ That support gave me the confidence I needed. Thanks to The Session Hairschool, I already knew how to prep big hair. When I saw my work come to life backstage, I was incredibly proud. Of course, it was also nerve-wracking—you don’t want the hair to collapse on the catwalk.”
Was it pure adrenaline, a dream come true, or something else einterely?
“When I think back to my fourteen-year-old self, this really is a dream come true. This is exactly what I always wanted. Backstage is hectic. You have to work fast, but once everything falls into place and you see the result on the runway, you feel nothing but pride. It was a confirmation that I’m on the right path.”
Can you describe the vibe?
“Chaotic, yet structured. It feels like a military operation. From noon, the models start arriving, and by five o’clock, the show begins. I started by prepping extensions, and then my first model came in. From that moment on, it was a race against time: setting extensions, blow-drying for volume, and curling the hair.”
How was the interaction among the team?
“The Session Hairschool really consists of an amazing group. It feels special that we all share the same goal. These people understand my passion. We get it when someone references a show from 2019 because we’ve all seen it. That makes me feel heard and seen. I feel a connection with all the participants and am grateful for these new connections.”
What does this experience mean for your development as a hairdresser?
“It’s invaluable for my growth as a hairdresser. I’m already not the same hairdresser I was before fashion week. That’s largely thanks to Bianca’s support. She sees what each participant needs in the process, and because of her broad experience, she can provide exactly what’s needed. She knows I want to work on runways and editorial shoots. That’s why she recently let me assist during a Goldwell campaign shoot. Experiences like that are priceless!”
How different is working backstage compared to working in a salon?
“The biggest difference is how you look at hair. In a salon, it’s about long-term results: a client wants gray hairs covered and comes back in four weeks. Backstage, it’s all about the impact of the moment. The hair only needs to be perfect for fifteen minutes on the runway—after that, it doesn’t matter anymore. That mindset—thinking in creative possibilities instead of limitations—has developed me tremendously as a hairdresser.”
What made the Session Hairschool different from standard training?
“Most training programs deepen the knowledge you already have, like balayage or cutting techniques. With The Session Hairschool, I stepped into a completely new world. I had no idea how to create big hair, for example. But the knowledge goes beyond the runway or editorial hair. I also take new knowledge back to the salon. A great example: I learned to use mousse at the roots to create extra volume. In the salon, I would never have done that because I always thought it would make the hair greasy. But Bianca taught me new techniques that prevent that. She knows absolutely everything and teaches you special techniques for even the tiniest section of hair. I now see hair differently. Because of that, I’ve not only become a better hairdresser but also gained new energy and inspiration to practice my craft in a creative way.”
What is the most important thing you take away from this experience?
“Daring. I have to dare to put myself out there, dare to ask questions, and not overthink too much.
I also learned that having a strong foundation is crucial. That, combined with confidence, is half the work.
Additionally, I really value the connections I’ve made. The atmosphere within The Session Hairschool is so good—you don’t just learn from Bianca, but also from your fellow students. That’s priceless.”
What would you say to the people who are hesitant to sign up for the Session Hairschool?
“I hesitated myself because it’s an investment. But I’m so happy I took the step. I’ve grown as a professional, built valuable connections, and fulfilled my biggest dream. I also notice the difference in the salon. I see hair differently and have learned new techniques. If you feel like you want more than just salon work, then The Session Hairschool is the place to grow.”