Building on the success of last year’s program, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Finishing School offers a unique blend of technical and business skills.
This program, which is now in its third year, is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment in the hairdressing and barbering industry. The students received advanced training in cutting, styling, and colouring techniques, as well as crucial lessons in client communication, time management, and salon operations, with seminars being delivered by a host of educators who are at the top of their game.
The weeklong program, which goes beyond traditional hairdressing education, took place at the Fellowship’s Three Star Centre of Excellence, West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, being led by the Fellowship’s Head of Education and Wahl’s Director of Education EMEA, Simon Shaw. Project Men & Media Leader, Dean Gleeson, Wahl UK Styling Ambassador, James Parr and Innersense UK/EU Education Manager, Petteri Rantaeilola were also on hand to offer their expertise and insight to the students, preparing them for the realities of the industry.
The Finishing School enhances the commercial awareness and employability of hairdressers and barbers – developing their practical skills and bridging the gap between training and the demands of the industry. The week boosted the student’s confidence, whilst honing on developing their skill set with sessions and demonstrations that cover a wide range of practical skills, such as precision cutting, colour techniques and barbering technical cuts.
Simon Shaw, Wahl’s Director of Education EMEA, and visionary behind the Finishing School, notes, “The Fellowship Finishing School illustrates our mission to cultivate the future talent. It’s going right to the root of emerging talent, opening their eyes, and sparking their drive to take the opportunities that our industry has to offer from the moment that they qualify. In each day of the finishing school, whether that be cutting, colouring, styling or afro, we add a commercial aspect to it so that when they go into the salon, they’re better prepared.”
Following the exciting announcement of the Fellowship’s partnership with Innersense Organic Beauty, the Fellowship announced that Innersense be their first collaboration for their upcoming Finishing School. Innersense is a clean, high-performance wellness system that restores the highest health and harmony for your hair – from scalp to root.
Innersense UK and EU Education Manager, Petteri Rantaeilola joined the students to share his insight into creative colouring techniques and textured styling, commenting: “We’re honoured to be part of the Fellowship community — the heart of British hairdressing excellence. At Innersense Organic Beauty, our mission is to offer salon-first clean beauty and education that bridges the gap between texture-focused techniques and traditional hairdressing, including colour and styling.”
Marnie Williams, Head of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College and the Fellowship’s Head of Further Education and Centres of Excellence said: “I am delighted that we have sponsorship and technical support form Innersense, their support enables us to build knowledge and practical skills for our students. The Fellowship Finishing School helps to develop students’ broader awareness of manufacturers, the products available to them and the support offered to professionals that continues into their working careers and lifelong learning goals.”
The program culminates in a presentation day where students showcase their newly acquired skills and confidence. “The presentation day at the end where the kids’ parents and grandparents show up is a standout moment,” Simon shares. “The amount you see them grow and develop within a week is incredible and truly rewarding.”
The Fellowship Finishing School represents a significant investment in the future of the hairdressing industry, offering students unparalleled access to top-tier education at a fraction of the cost. As Simon notes, “My advice to the students was to perfect the finish of their work to the highest standard and their worth will be endless. Having a luxurious finish to your work sets you apart from the rest and only enhances your reputation.”