Hairdressing

Hairdressing can really take you places, with constant demand worldwide for skilled barbers and stylists. Past hairdressing students have set up their own mobile business or even full-blown salons after completing their course at Redbridge College.

What next?
You can gain employment in session work on a film set, work in a hairdressing salon or - if you like a challenge - be your own boss and run your own mobile hairdressers. You could also continue your studies in further education and become a teacher or assessor.

Potential careers:
Colour therapist: £30 - £6 per hour
Hairdresser: £10k - £30k per year
Hairdressing lecturer: £20k - £30k per year

Mother and son Joanne and Rhys Taylor have both launched successful hairdressing careers after re-training at Redbridge College.

In September 2011, Joanne enrolled on the year-long Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing course at Redbridge College.

Her success and enthusiasm rubbed off on 19-year-old son Rhys, who decided to enrol on an 18-week Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Barbering Skills qualification at Redbridge College and hasn’t looked back since.

Now Joanne and Rhys have both landed jobs at local salons – based next door to one another in Dagenham.

Joanne said: “I chose to study at Redbridge College because it fitted well around my lifestyle. I enjoyed meeting new people at the college and being back in the real world after being a mum for so long. After successfully completing my course, I was able to find myself a job at a local salon straight away!”

Rhys said: “I love my lifestyle as a hairdresser – I meet exciting new people every day and never stop learning. Every day of training at Redbridge College was exciting. Now, when I get up each day, I don’t feel like I’m going to work. I feel like I’m heading off to do something I enjoy.”

As part of all beauty courses at the College students have the chance to work in our fantastic Hairdressing Salon where members of the public receive quality treatments from you under full supervision from our qualified tutors. You can view the Evolution Salons web pages by clicking here.

Joanne Bardouille: Hairdressing lecturer

Joanne has worked for one of the UK’s leading private hairdressing training academies, whose clients include Lady Gaga and Britain’s Next Top Model.

How did you get started in the industry?

I started out aged 20 as a junior stylist, before working my way up as a sessional stylist for a big company within the hairdressing industry.

How did you get in to teaching?

I’ve taught at several colleges and also at one of the UK’s leading private hairdressing training academies based in the West End. While there I worked with the academy’s specialist creative team, who travel the world to provide styling for models, bands and pop stars including Lady Gaga.

What type of person is suited to working in the hair industry?

Choosing to study hairdressing suits anyone who is interested in fashion and the latest trends. If you enjoy thinking creatively, have a friendly persona and good communication skills then it’s definitely the industry for you! It’s a great industry to work in, if you are prepared to work hard. 

What’s it like to be a hairdressing learner at Redbridge College?

Our learners get hands-on experience of working in a salon environment while achieving industry-recognised qualifications. We also have a lot of fun along the way too!

What sort of fun?

Our learners get to take part in annual competitions judged by industry experts and the opportunity to show off their skills to family and friends. There are also great trips, including days out to Salon International and the Clothes Show plus even educational trips to Paris and New York to see top stylists in action!