Rosemary Finlay, Assistant Head of Department, Science & Service Industries, explains that a special feature of all the College’s hairdressing and barbering courses is that the students will realistic ‘hands on’ experience of working in a salon with members of the public, but always under the watchful eye of their lecturers.
Rosemary continues: The hair and beauty sector is a growth area and a major contributor to the economy so there are always opportunities for qualified hairstylists and barbers. But, whether you’re working in a salon or spa resort, creating a new celebrity look or coming up with creative ideas for a fashion shoot, you still need to have the basic skills.”
Both the Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing and the Level 2 Diploma in Barbering balance theory with practical experience. They are an ideal stepping stone for progression to a Level 3 qualification or can lead directly to employment.
Hairdressing trainees will learn basic skills including health and safety, consultation, shampooing and conditioning, promoting products and services, cutting and styling men’s and women’s hair, colouring and lightening hair and how to create a themed image. In addition, trainee barbers will learn how to cut facial hair to shape, create basic outlines and how to detail and cut men’s hair.
Hairdressing is worth an estimated £ 7 billion to the economy and is a key contributor to the UK’s vibrant services sector, accounting for around 75% of GDP growth. Traditionally, hairdressing has been reliant on female customers but male grooming is an increasingly lucrative part of the hair and beauty business.
Rosemary explains that the decision to introduce the Level 2 Barbering course at the College’s Ballymoney campus was to meet this growing demand. “Hairdressing courses are offered at the College’s Ballymoney, Ballymena, Magherafelt and Newtownabbey campuses, while barbering courses are offered at both Ballymoney and Ballymena. The College has well equipped Shine Salons at all these campuses.”
Shine Salons are open to the public and Rosemary says she is looking forward to welcoming new and existing customers to the newly fitted out Ballymoney salon.
“The Shine salon will be open to the public on Thursday and Fridays until Christmas but in the New Year, it will be open five days a week. All practical work will be closely supervised and our prices are very competitive to reflect that the Shine salon is a training environment.”
To book an appointment, telephone 028 2766 0401 or email michelle.hanson@nrc.ac.uk
