Scotland’s Largest Salon Group, Award Winning Rainbow Room International, Apprentices Set for Life-Changing Educational Exchange in Japan.
For aspiring hairdressers, education extends far beyond the salon floor. At Rainbow Room International, Scotland’s leading salon group, training involves much more than just mastering cutting techniques; it’s about broadening horizons, gaining valuable insights, and advancing careers. This year, a select group of 8 Rainbow Room International apprentices will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Japan on Monday, March 3, 2025. Over 16 days, they will participate in an educational exchange designed to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of the international hairdressing industry.
This pioneering educational trip to Japan has been made possible thanks to funding from the Turing Scheme for the 2024/25 academic year. Laura Leigh Kerr, Academy Director of Rainbow Room International and current Fellowship for British Hairdressing Educator of the Year played a key role in securing the funding and successfully submitting the application that allowed the team to take part.
This is not the first time Rainbow Room International has provided young talent with global learning experiences. In 2023, they successfully undertook an exchange with an Italian hairdressing group, offering apprentices an invaluable cultural and educational experience. Now, in 2025, a group made up of Rainbow Room Directors, Educators, and Trainees will travel to Japan, immersing themselves in both the country’s rich culture and its innovative approach to hairdressing.
Rainbow Room International embraces the philosophy of Kaizen, the Japanese principle of continual improvement, and is dedicated to advancing education and creativity. This trip will give apprentices the opportunity to explore innovative techniques for working with Asian hair, discover historical hairdressing traditions, and learn styles inspired by the intricate artistry of Geishas.
Eager to take advantage of this prestigious opportunity, apprentices from across Rainbow Room International applied for a place on the exchange program. After a rigorous and competitive selection process, those who demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and ambition were chosen to embark on this career-defining journey, accompanied by senior directors from Rainbow Room International.
A Gateway to Global Education
The exchange program is more than just a trip; it’s a career-defining moment. Japan is renowned for its precision cutting techniques, innovation in hairdressing, and a deep-rooted appreciation for craftsmanship. Apprentices will have the opportunity to train alongside Japanese industry experts, observe cutting-edge techniques, and experience the unique culture that shapes the country’s approach to hair and beauty.
For these young professionals, many of whom come from Glasgow, a city facing economic challenges that often limit access to international opportunities, this program serves as a powerful reminder that talent and hard work can open doors to the world.
For Arrah Young from Rainbow Room International’s Crow Road salon, the chance to experience hairdressing in a completely new way is what excites her most. “I applied for this trip because I want to gain new life experiences and learn a totally different side of hairdressing from what I know in Scotland. I think I’ll come back with a completely new way of thinking in the salon. From new cutting techniques to an even deeper understanding of colour and styles, I know I’ll learn so much.”
Beyond the technical skills, cultural immersion plays a huge role in the apprentices’ development. Arrah is also eager to fully embrace the experience: “Japanese salons are next level 10 stars! I can’t wait to see everything, the culture, the industry, the food, just everything!”
For Mairi Allardice from the Great Western Road salon, this trip represents more than just education, it’s a chance to connect with like-minded trainees across the world. She said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only learn about Japanese hairdressing but also their culture. I’m most looking forward to meeting Japanese trainees who share the same dreams as me and seeing how they train.”
Mairi is particularly excited about experiencing Japan’s fast-paced, futuristic industry firsthand, adding: “Hairdressing is such a well-respected career in Japan. Their 24/7 culture and forward-thinking approach to hair make them feel like they live in the future! I hope to bring back so much, from cultural insights to confidence in working with language barriers, and of course, as many Japanese hair techniques as possible.”
For Lucy Lennon from the George Square salon, it’s the contrast between Japan and Scotland’s approach to hair and fashion that she’s most excited to explore. She said: “This is such a massive and exciting opportunity to see hairdressing in a completely different country and culture. Experiencing how different hairdressing education is in Japan compared to Scotland, and meeting new people who share the same passion, is something I can’t wait for.”
Lucy hopes to return with not only new skills but fresh perspectives to share with the wider team, noting: “I hope I can bring back lots of new learning, not just new techniques, but also different ways to approach what I already do. Hopefully, I’ll return with loads of insights that I can share with my team in Glasgow.”
Investing in the Future of Hairdressing
Rainbow Room International’s exchange program is a key part of its commitment to education, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of top stylists. The salon group has a long-standing reputation for excellence in training and development, ensuring that apprentices receive the highest quality education in both technical skills and creative expression.
“Education is at the heart of everything we do at Rainbow Room International,” explains Laura Leigh Kerr, Director of Rainbow Room International, Howard Street in Glasgow, and a 3x Educator of the Year winner. “This exchange is not just about technical skills; it’s about shaping well-rounded, globally aware stylists who can bring fresh inspiration back to Scotland. Our industry thrives on innovation, and by investing in these apprentices, we’re investing in the future of British hairdressing.
Bringing Global Insights Back Home
Upon their return, the apprentices will share their newfound skills with their peers, ensuring that the impact of this trip extends beyond just those attending. Techniques learned in Japan will influence the creativity, precision, and artistry of Rainbow Room International salons, enriching both the team and their clients.
“It’s not just about what they’ll learn, it’s about how they’ll inspire and motivate other others,” says Laura Leigh “This experience will give them a new level of confidence and a fresh perspective on hairdressing that will shape their careers for years to come.”
This exchange program isn’t just about learning new techniques, it’s about growth, confidence, and perspective. The apprentices will return with a renewed sense of creativity, fresh skills, and a broader understanding of the global hairdressing industry, one that will enrich not only their own careers but also the wider Rainbow Room International team.
With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, these young professionals are proving that Scottish hairdressing talent can thrive on the global stage and this trip is just the beginning.