The Academy for Salon Professionals opening in Canoga Park is the first cosmetology school in California that is affiliated with Redken.

Redken is a division of L'Oreal, the largest cosmetics company in the world.

The 9,100squarefoot school is in a retail area on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The school is owned by Jill Murphy, who has worked for Redken for the past 14 years in Southern California.

The academy is designed to have the look of an upscale New York salon and will market to cost-conscious clients who enjoy the experience of upscale service at a below average cost. Services include cutting and coloring, texturing, spa services, and manicure and pedicure.

Most of students' time will be spent in the salon clinic, where they will experience the environment of an actual salon. They will be doing the same type of services that are done in major world salons.

In addition to receiving Redken training, students will also be introduced to the Summit Salon level system to help support Redken's Summit Salons. The students will experience proper client consultations, addon services, prebooking, asking for referrals and retailing Redken products.

School curriculum includes hair extensions, Japanese straightening, Getty Museum field trips, business building skills and advanced techniques.

Redken artist-trained teachers and guest artists will lead the small classes. For more information or to register, call Jill Murphy at (818) 992-9901 or e-mail Jill@academyla.com or visit www.academyla.com.