Let’s cut to it – what does studying hairdressing involve?
While working on her marketing work placement, Claire Todd met with Chloe Wilson who is working at the You. Salon within the Kilmarnock Campus over the summer, to find out more about what’s involved in training to be a hairdresser.
Chloe’s lecturer recommended Chloe for her position in the You. salon. It was a highly sought after post as there was only one place available this year. I can’t wait to hear all about her experience from studying to working in the hairdressing industry.
Chloe tells me it has always been her dream to pursue hairdressing, she came to Ayrshire College straight from school and over three years has studied NC Hairdressing Level 5 and 6 and then SVQ Hairdressing Level 6/7.
Chloe tells me that she heard good things about the Kilmarnock campus from her friends and that’s what influenced her decision to study here.
When asked about what is specifically involved in the hairdressing courses she has studied, she tells me about all the different aspects from styling – including curling and straightening as well as washing and drying and hair ups, which she enjoys the most.
I tell her how I’ve always struggled with french pleats and how I wish I could do them. She tells me that they received tutorials on these but she already knew how to do them. I’m not jealous at all.
There are lots of assessments and assignments involved throughout this course, as well as a portfolio to be completed. Some of the areas studied include:
· shampoo and condition
· ladies haircutting
· styling and blow drying
· colouring
· setting and winding, using rollers, bendies and perm rods
· long hair
There is a 70% pass on all work so this requires lots of studying. She always has the opportunity to rectify any mistakes with the encouragement from her lecturers.
Passion, creativity, commitment and hard-work, are just some of the qualities required to succeed in this industry. As well as working well in a team and being self motivated.
Chloe tells me that the thing she has enjoyed the most is meeting new people, including students, staff and clients. She has built great friendships with a number of people. I am sure she will progress well within the industry.
Throughout this course there are also opportunities to build on skills and creativity including taking part in competitions, the end of year show, organising fundraising events for charity, as well as the opportunity to take part in industry training days.
Chloe also won the Rising Star Award where she a certificate for her efforts.
Finally, she praises the College saying “Everyone is so friendly. The Kilmarnock Campus is amazing – it’s a great place to learn hairdressing – the facilities are all brand new!”
Chloe has recently passed her driving test and bought her own car, which is handy for commuting to her work over the summer. She tells me she has had a fantastic time at Ayrshire College and is going to continue to search for a job in hairdressing over the summer. She said that her confidence has increased because of all the work experience she has had in the You. Salon.
#StartHereGoAnywhere
If you’re interested in taking the first steps on this exciting career path, then the following career pathways would be best for you:
Or if you want to see what kind of events you could be involved in, take a look at the 2017 Hair Exhibition. Be prepared to be swept away!