For more than four decades, Rainbow Room International has set the standard for hairdressing in Scotland. From the first salon on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street in 1979 to today’s award-winning network of salons, training academies, and professional product company, Rainbow Room International has become synonymous with innovation, excellence, and opportunity.
Now, Rainbow Room International is bringing that same spirit of forward-thinking into its 2026 course programme, designed for qualified stylists who want to refresh their skills, explore new techniques, and push their creativity to the next level. Guided by award-winning mentors, these courses are more than a training day; they are an invitation for stylists to immerse themselves in the culture, ethos, and expertise that have defined Scotland’s largest salon group for decades
“Our courses aren’t just about learning a technique, they’re about discovering what stylists can do with it,” explains Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International. “We give stylists the space to experiment, make mistakes, and leave feeling confident, creative, and inspired. Every course is hands-on, and every mentor is there to guide, support, and challenge stylists.”
This approach reflects the philosophy instilled by Linda Stewart, co-owner and driving force behind Rainbow Room International. Since joining the company in 1983, Linda has championed training, mentorship, and innovation, creating systems and programmes that allow stylists to grow, explore, and even open their own franchises. Under her guidance, Rainbow Room International has continually evolved, from opening Scotland’s first progressive Hairdressing Academy to expanding its professional training.
The 2026 Course Offering: Learning in Action
Precision Cutting – Two-Day Course
Precision Cutting takes stylists back to the fundamentals, but with a modern, creative edge. Stylists learn how angles, sectioning, and head shape work together to create both classic and contemporary looks. Techniques include the Classic Bob, Graduated Wedge, Pivot Layer, and more, each taught step by step.
Two days of hands-on practice help participants develop accuracy, balance, and confidence that carries through to every client, and a foundation that allows creative experimentation.
Curl & Texture Techniques – One Day Course
Curly, kinky, coiled, this course demystifies textured hair. Stylists learn to understand curl patterns, density, and movement, while mastering cutting and finishing techniques that enhance natural texture.
By the end of the day, participants leave with skills and confidence to approach all textured hair with clarity, creativity, and control.
Classic & Creative Dressing – One-Day Course
Long hair becomes a playground. Stylists explore classic sectioning patterns alongside contemporary dressing techniques, developing styles that are polished, long-lasting, and tailored to each client.
Product choice, face-shape awareness, and finishing skills are woven throughout, ensuring that every stylist leaves with a versatile toolkit to expand their creative offering.
Salon Creative – One-Day Course
Designed for those who want to blend commercial salon services with trend-led, creative looks, this course focuses on cut and colour upgrades, finishing, and styling.
Working on live models, stylists get hands-on experience with techniques they can immediately bring back to the salon, helping them refresh their work and push creative boundaries.
Barbering – One-Day Course
Short hair, big opportunity. Stylists refine scissor-over-comb, clipper, and razor techniques to create clean, modern, and wearable looks.
Alongside technical skills, the course explores product application, finishing, and client positioning, equipping stylists to confidently expand their short-hair services.
Principles in Practice – One-Day Course
A follow-up to Precision Cutting, this course focuses on tailoring haircuts to individual clients by understanding face shapes, head spaces, and hair dimensions.
Consultation techniques, mirror imaging, and body language awareness are integrated throughout, helping stylists create truly client-specific, confident results.
The 2026 programme isn’t just about skills; it’s about growth, inspiration, and being part of a culture that encourages experimentation and excellence. Rainbow Room International’s courses reflect the salon group itself — innovative, supportive, and committed to developing talent.
“We want stylists to leave feeling inspired, technically confident, and excited to bring something new back to the salon,” says Suzie.
Whether stylists are looking to hone their fundamentals, experiment creatively, or take their careers to the next level, the 2026 courses provide the guidance, mentorship, and inspiration to do so. Spaces are limited, and interested participants are encouraged to get in touch to find the course that best suits them – Rainbow Room International 2026 Professional Courses