SCISSOR APPEAL

In the Liverpool City Region, we’re known for setting trends and taking pride in our appearance. Hair design is the cornerstone of a flourishing regional industry dedicated to shaping personal style and presentation. Combining technical expertise with artistic flair and people skills, it’s no wonder a career in hairdressing has such an enduring appeal for many.

The UK’s hairdressing industry is known internationally for its creativity, technical excellence, and original style. Figures shared by the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) indicate that the industry generated £4.56 billion in turnover for 2022-2023. Demand for services remains strong, with the number of businesses in the sector increasing by 2% from March 2022 to March 2023.

The opportunities within hairdressing are extensive. Trainee or apprentice stylists can progress to become senior stylists, barbers, or even salon managers. They can open their own salons, combining creativity and entrepreneurship, or work freelance around family commitments or while traveling. And there are exciting chances to enter niche markets such as theatre, film, and television. 

Skills and training pathways

Far from just being about cutting and styling, hairdressing draws on skills and knowledge drawn from different disciplines. For example, beyond technical ability and creativity, a stylist will employ maths and chemistry skills for mixing hair dyes and preparing treatments. They will have impressive customer service skills to establish rapport and meet client expectations. Also, they will have insight into various health issues, as the salon is often where skin conditions and scalp diseases are first spotted. 

Apprentices typically begin on a level 2 programme. They learn the basics of salon work, from shampooing and conditioning to colouring and lightening hair and safe working practices. Next on the hairdressing career pathway is a level 3 diploma, where apprentices acquire skills such as colour correction and dressing hair.  Ambitious individuals can progress to qualifications in management if they want to manage a team or run their own salon.

Collinge & Co Training: Leading in Skills Development

At the forefront of hairdressing education in the Liverpool City Region is Collinge & Co Training (CCT)[https://collingeandco.com/pages/training-salon], with a rich history of nurturing talent in the industry. Initially established as Andrew Collinge, the company rebranded, continuing its legacy of excellence in training through Collinge & Co Training under the expert direction of Alison Gibson, Apprenticeships Director.

CCT has been instrumental in advancing the skills of young hairdressers through its renowned apprenticeship programme. In 2024, CCT was awarded an Outstanding rating from Ofsted—an accolade that underscores its commitment to and success in delivering top-tier education and training for the hairdressing sector. This recognition places CCT among the top apprenticeship providers in the UK, with a focus on preparing apprentices to meet the demands of the industry with professionalism and expertise.

Alison Gibson highlights how integral apprenticeships are to sustaining the industry’s growth:

“Hairdressing employers are some of the strongest supporters of apprenticeships. They rely on this training programme to provide commercially ready young people to fill their succession routes and allow their businesses to grow. Collinge & Co Training are extremely proud to have been recognised by Ofsted as an outstanding provider of hairdressing apprenticeships.”

CCT delivers hairdressing training for over 80 micro salon businesses across the North West, and its success is reflected in impressive statistics. In 2023-2024, 71.6% of apprentices who enrolled on the Hair Professional course completed their training, surpassing the national average by 18%. 76% achieved a pass, and 24% achieved distinctions, an increase from 19% in 2023. These achievement rates, the shining Ofsted result and being named amongst the Top 50 Apprenticeship Employers in the country make this locally-rooted, pioneering firm one of Liverpool City Region’s brightest accolades.

Celia’s Journey

Among the many success stories from CCT is that of Celia Coleman, a young apprentice whose career began after a school event piqued her interest in hairdressing. Celia’s commitment and flair quickly shone through on her level 2 hair professional apprenticeship with CCT. After completing the programme, she progressed into the role of graduate stylist on a level 3 advanced and creative hair professional apprenticeship. 

Celia now works at Collinge & Co’s flagship salon on Castle Street in Liverpool City Centre. She is one of the firm’s many graduates who has become a role model for the next generation of apprentices. Celia sees hairdressing as a calling; she has embraced the diversity and opportunities on offer and says:

“Every day is a chance to grow and learn, and every client presents a new challenge. I will continue to develop new skills through training with the aim of a long-term career, not just a job. I love hairdressing because it’s creative, practical, and social. Delivering happiness for clients is so rewarding.”

Alison concludes:

“Hairdressing can be a challenging sector, but one in which apprentices can flourish, developing their independence, social skills and resilience.  The industry is innovative and creative and always looking towards the future.  Most hairdressing salons are micro-businesses, and we are encouraged by seeing new salons develop and existing salons providing good progression opportunities within their workplaces.”