Students style their careers

Our students heard from a range of industry professionals as part of Hair and Beauty Industry Week.

Throughout the week, students took part in practical workshops where industry experts showed them how to create hair and make-up looks, demonstrating the techniques and skills that are being used within the industry and showing them the variety of careers available to them after they finish their studies.

The week started with a full-day nail services workshop with owner of Melanie Lewendon Academy, Melanie Lewendon. She guided students through a creative workshop on nail art and detailed how to paint intricate images onto nails, including Mickey Mouse.

Professional make-up artist Molly Iles delivered a mini beauty masterclass. Molly told the students how she has built her successful business which includes working with big make-up brands, owning her own make-up academy and a thriving Instagram presence. Molly then created a make-up look on a model demonstrating the different techniques required to create specific looks.

The Hair and Beauty Industry Week has been great. You get to listen to industry experts, find out first-hand how they have become successful, learn about the different careers available, learn different skills and techniques used by professionals and it’s a bit of fun out of your normal lessons.

Charlie Miller and Nonnie Todd, owners of the Barnsley-based beauty business Charlie Betty Beauty, delivered an inspiring workshop about their journey of ‘beauty to business’. Explaining how Charlie initially started the business and showcasing some of the beauty products they have developed which includes eye shadow palettes and lipsticks.

The Hair and Beauty department organised a competition where hairdressing, make-up and nail services students worked together and created a full look based around the theme of a carnival. Students were given the space to be as creative as they wanted and were guided by College tutors.

Students then displayed their completed work in the atrium of the Old Mill Lane campus where they were judged by the College’s Senior Leadership team.

The week ended with a full-day bridal hair workshop with award-winning stylist and owner of Siren Hair Art, Sheree Thompson. Throughout the day, Sheree demonstrated step-by step tutorials on three modern but classic bridal styles that the students then recreated themselves.

Level 3 Hairdressing student Rachel Thompson said: “The Hair and Beauty Industry Week has been great and I’ve enjoyed everything about it. You get to listen to industry experts, find out first-hand how they have become successful, learn about the different careers available, learn different skills and techniques used by professionals and it’s a bit of fun out of your normal lessons.

“I really enjoyed Sheree’s workshop because the step-by-step process works really well for me and I learn better that way.”

Sheree Thompson added: “I organised this bespoke bridal hair workshop specifically for the College as it’s a great career opportunity for anyone who wants to go into hairdressing. My goal was to show students how fun and easy it can be and provide them with the fundamental skills that they can use throughout their career. I’ve been super impressed with them. I can see that they’ve really listened and picked-up the techniques that I’ve shown them and created some amazing looks.

“Industry weeks are so important and they are a great way to enhance the course as it gives students the chance to concentrate on specific areas like bridal hair. When I was at college I never had this opportunity so it’s amazing for students to get involved, show them the different career paths available and explain how it can lead to exciting things such as travel, working on TV and film and working with big brands and celebrities.”

Find out more information about Hair and Beauty courses.