Friday 30 January 2015

Skin tests

To prepare us all for next weeks lessons, we all had skin tests on our arms. 


We have to leave them on for 24 to 48 hours unless it starts to itch, get sore or go red. 
We will find out more next week.

Dodge ball!!!!

More team building fun with Dodge ball today!
Wow we are so competitive!


That's our exercise  for today too!

Thursday 29 January 2015

More clients for us!

We love having clients and being able to put what we have been practising into action!
Here's how we got on


Shampooing predation.




Plaiting!

Combing


Sectioning


A beautifully done blow dry!
Well done Leah!









Sunday 25 January 2015

The end of week 17

We learnt lots this week!
All about bacterial infections.
What a virus is.
What infections look like.
What a head louse looks like under a microscope.
How to cut a layered cut.
What 180 degrees looks like.
Remembered about one length cutting.
What a layered cut can be styled like.
Head lice can't jump!
A nit is the egg.
They stick to the hair.
A wart is a virus.
What a fungal infection is.
What to do if a client has headline.
Don't panic.
We behaved really well this week.
Lisa is a fab teacher.
What the life cycle of a head louse is.
We itch when we talk about head lice.
We hope we don't come across any of these.
We all have or know someone that has all of the infections.



Hot chocolate and cakes!

On Friday we all felt a bit tired. After all we had had a really busy week. So Lisa decided to take us all down to the refectory and treat us all to hot chocolate, coffees and cake! That soon perked us up and ready for work again. Sometimes you just need something like that!
Thank you Lisa!

Infections and infestations!

Today's theory lesson was yuck. Haha in a good way. We got to find out all about the different skin infections we could come across as hairdressers and all about headlice. 


She showed us some gruesome pictures and we found out loads.





Next we did all about headlice. We didn't know they can't jump and Lisa showed us how long they take to travel from one head to another using JayLeigh's head! 


Then what to do if we found a client with headlice


Another fun lesson!



More cutting!

We got to practise our inverted layers again today.
We were glad because we could still remember it and with a bit of help from Lisa and Mary we were soon mastering it.


Sectioning
Finding the guide line
Cross checking 
All great fun.




Tuesday 20 January 2015

Inverted layering success!

Wow today we were doing inverted layering! We couldn't wait to start! 
After a recap on our one length cutting Lisa showed us step by step how to cut at 180 degrees. 

Here we are hard at it!


We had things to work on between demos.


And we managed to complete the cut in one morning we worked so hard.


Well done Emily


Cher and Zahir.


Mamoona


Becky

And....

The three wise monkeys, Emily, Leah and Becky.











Fancy becoming a hairdressing teacher?

Teach Hairdressing?



So You Think You Could Teach HairdressingGot an awesome teacher who is passionate about the industry and has got you completely inspired? Perhaps you’d like to follow in their footsteps and teach hairdressing. 
Here, ghd head of UK and Republic of Ireland Education Jo Roberston reveals how she became a hairdressing trainer.
“I was one of the first people to do the newly-revised YTS scheme in the late 80s, which meant I did on-the-job training at a small salon in my home town of Nuneaton while doing day release at college. I was paid £28.50 per week and £35 in the second year.
“I think your opportunities can be limited if you don’t live in a big city, but I managed to find a salon that thought big and was focused on customer service and great hairdressing so it was a good career option for me.
“There were plenty of times when I wasn’t sure I had made the right decision though; when my friends were out earning lots of money or having fun at university. I felt like I was missing out, but was passionate about hair and stuck with it.
“After two years at Contour Hair and Beauty I was head-hunted, but the new job didn’t work out. It taught me that the grass is not always greener, but it also made me move on so I don’t regret it.
“Eventually I went on to open my own salon. While I was running it, I was selected to become part of the ghd art team and that was the moment when everything I’d worked for suddenly became possible.
“Being part of the ghd art team gave me the platform to progress, grow my confidence, become part of the ghd education team and ultimately take on my current role.
“These days my job is to inspire and excite stylists, to interpret trends and break them down into easy techniques that other hairdressers can follow.
“I can be teaching in a salon to a small group of stylists or presenting seminars on stage so the key is to have great communication to make sure every participant is inspired.
“One of the biggest worries an educator has is that no-one enjoyed the session, so it’s really important to get lots of feedback. It usually reassures you, but can also sometimes give you things to work on or tweak.
“You have to stay current. It’s vital to follow trends and latest techniques. I’m always looking for new and better ways to teach and I keep my dolly head out and practice!
“I think having lots of salon experience is invaluable to my current role at ghd. Other things I’d recommend are getting an assessors award and getting as much teaching experience as possible. I sometimes used to shadow teachers at a local college on my days off for experience.
“If educating is for you, spend your time watching, listening and learning. Ask anyone and everyone if you can assist them and start writing your own education programmes. Then let everyone know about it. If you don’t shout about yourself, people won’t find out.”

Thank you Rachael Gibson for allowing this to be shared.

Sunday 18 January 2015

The end of week 16

Another busy week. Here is what we have learnt.

How to do a one length cut.
How to hold scissors.
How to create volume in a one length blow dry.
How to impress Lisa.
How to raise above childishness.
That everyone in the class has some skin or hair infections.
Different size sections for different hair types.
Not to put tension round the ears.
Non infectious means you can't catch it.
There are 8 types of Alopecia.
How to hand assignments in on time.
What happens when we don't...
We have completed 13 assignments now!
There are lots of skin infections.
What to do if a client has an infection.
Sebaceous cysts are horrible!
Kirsty thinks she has all the conditions!
We are a bit nearer sorting models out for the Sophie Lancaster event. 
We can't wait to do some more cutting next week!

Friday 16 January 2015

What is a session stylist?

So What Exactly is a Session Stylist?


So What Exactly is a Session Stylist - Zoe Irwin
Hairdressing is a big part of the fashion industry, but no aspect is more intrinsically linked to fashion than the work of a session stylist. If you picture yourself rubbing shoulders with designers, working backstage on fashion shows and being on first name terms with fashion editors then session styling could be for you. Session stylist and ghd UK brand ambassador Zoe Irwin explains how she made it.
“My hairdressing career began with an apprenticeship at a salon called Hair Workshopnear where I lived in Sussex. My boss was passionate about education so I did loads of courses and got plenty of training on the job.
“After my apprenticeship, I got lured into beauty and make-up when I landed a job at Harvey Nichols. It was really exciting, but after a year I missed the buzz of the salon so I moved back into hairdressing; but in London. After that I never looked back!
“One aspect of hairdressing that had always interested me was session styling. When I was young, I shared a flat with a photographer. I started doing test shoots with him and other friends, which I’d save up for and part-fund myself.
“Then when I joined a salon and showed them my portfolio, they would pay me to do PR shoots for them. Once you’re busy, you get noticed and I got spotted by session stylist Guido Paulo who took me into his team.
“I didn’t have a college education in hairdressing so I needed training in classical and traditional styling techniques to get into session work. In those days it was really hard to find that in the UK, so I spent time in both Italy and France studying and learning the fundamentals.
“When I returned I was lucky enough to meet up with Guido at a time when he was looking for new assistants. He took me on and that period of my life was such an insight into session styling.
My role now is so varied. I could be brainstorming a hair look with a designer and then working backstage at their show, creating hair for a music video, working on a fashion editorial story or looking after a celebrity.
I love the variety and the satisfaction of creating something so artistically challenging. It’s great to be around so many creative, energetic people, but the downside is the hours! You have to spend so much time away and you miss important events and the people you love.
“The key to getting into session styling is to get as much experience as you can. You need to get going as early as possible in your career. Give up your free time to assist, learn and research and make session work a priority.
“You’ll need to demonstrate a willingness to invest time and money, but never let your clients or your boss down on the way up.
“Being kind and respectful is such an important part of the role. Being talented and working hard is only half the story; being nice to people and showing a bit of humility will stand you in good stead and make you the best contacts and friends.”

Thank you Racheal Gibson for allowing us to sharing this. 

Being a Colourist.

This one tells you all about being a colourist!
More career opprtunities to follow.
I really like Fayes advice for students at the end

Another great post, thank you Rachael Gibson at HJi.

I Want That Job! Faye Turner at Mazella and Palmer
I Want That Job! Faye Turner at Mazella and Palmer
Got a passion for colour? Think your enthusiasm could help others? A future as a specialist colour educator could be for you, as Faye Turner from Mazella and Palmer reveals.
When did you decide you wanted to be a hairdresser? 
I didn’t really grew up wanting to be a hairdresser. I remember briefly wanting to be one at the age of 8 – when my mum took me in for a perm – but the idea didn’t take off as I also wanted to be physiotherapist and a travel agent.
I actually fell into hairdressing after a short spell in retail at the age of 21. I became a receptionist at a hairdressing school, and over the months decided that I wanted to re-train as all the students looked like they were having so much fun and loved what they were doing. On my days off as a receptionist, I would come in and join the students practising their hair ups and my love grew from there. Thankfully they were looking for assistants, so it was perfect timing for me to leave the desk job and become an apprentice. And so the passion began.
Where did you train?
I trained at Vidal Sassoon. I joined their apprentice program, which saw me training at their Staff Training School one day a week completing my NVQ level two. I did that two days a week till I completed my NVQ level 3, then five days week for 6 months before qualifying into a salon. During that time I was trained by the amazing Annie Humphreys. It was the hardest, most fun and most emotional two years of my life, but it taught me so much about myself and the hairdressing industry.
What was your first job like?
My first job as a qualified hairdresser was at a salon in the City of London. As a young, just-qualified colourist is was tough gig. My clients were city bankers, PAs to directors and movers and shakers, so I had to learn pretty quickly that time, for them, was money. I had to do my job well, be very professional and not run behind. It was so much fun and the team there were amazing.
When did you decide you wanted to focus on colour?
I joke sometimes that it was when I took two hours pointing in a outline for a graduated bob on a training day that my decision was made! But seriously, everyone told me I was going to be a colourist and I rebelled for a while,  but it was never a decision I really had to make. I love colour, colour loves me and has been a long happy partnership.
What is it about being a colourist that you love?
Im a self-confessed colour nerd. I love the psychology of colour – how its plays with our feelings and preconceptions. I love finding unusual colour mixes and finding someone that it would look amazing on. Having a client leave looking great because of the colour I mixed, chose and applied is one of the best feelings ever. I’m always looking for new combinations, new products and the illusive toner that doesn’t fade after time.
What is your average day like?
I would say I never have an average day – every day is completely different. Today I’m having a office day and at the moment all ‘free’ days are spent concentrating on building the new Mazella&Palmer colour courses for our Foundation and Salon Creative courses. I’m creating lectures, head sheets and learning plans for our first Colour course next month. It’s exciting working to a deadline and creating a a colour education program that answers the whys of colour as well as the hows.
At the weekend I was in Greece for a cut and colour seminar, and next week I’m in Finland. When I’m away, they are very long but very creative hours. We attend model calls, have hair preparation days, then show days. As well as making sure all the models are coloured, I dress them and make sure we have photos of everything for our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When I’m at home, I see clients, visit product companies to keep updated on new and exciting products and research new collection ideas. Its never a dull day at Mazella&Palmer!
Do you still go on courses to boost your colour knowledge and techniques?
I think it’s really important to keep educating yourself, whatever level you’re at. We can never stop learning and there are always new advances in products and technology that can help us achieve great looks. For inspiration, seeing another colourist work can inspire you greatly with your own work too. They may have used a colour mixture you have never thought of, or placed it in a different way. With our education system at Mazella&Palmer we talk about the “why’s” and I really believe that why you do something is very important. Knowledge is the key to being a great successful hairdresser.
What piece of advice would you give your student self?
The harder your training gets, the more you will learn and the better you will be.
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CUTTING!!!!

Yeah at last we were cutting again.
We did remember some of what we learnt last time but Lisa soon recapped everything with a step by step demonstration and we soon got started.

Taking the correct sections (that's maths)


Holding the hair at zero degrees (that's maths!)


Palming our scissors and taking the first section


Seeing the guidelines



Concentration


Getting it checked

Calming our peers down with a massage when they get stressed about it!


Some of the end results!

Monday 12 January 2015

What about working on a cruise ship

Have you thought about this as a career option?

You could see the world while your working, working on a cruise ships hair salon
See below for details.
Steiner is a leading force in the global spa industry. The story behind Steiner's success began back in 1934 when Herman and Abigail Steiner opened their first hair salon in London. 
Such was their success that they subsequently opened a string of salons in England and launched the very 1st maritime salon aboard the Queen Mary in 1947. 
Years on and Steiner has gained many more spa contracts aboard luxury cruise liners. They now regularly recruit hairdressers, massage therapists, nail technicians and beauty professionals to work aboard over 116 luxury cruise liners. 

Hair and Beauty Jobs ask the questions you want answered on working on board a luxury cruise liner

Steiner Cruises - Questions and Answers

Qualifications / Training Requirements

Q. What industry qualifications do you require?

You must be certified within your chosen profession. Steiner are regular recruiters on hair and beauty jobs and required qualifications are detailed on their adverts. It is also beneficial, but not necessary, to have work experience within your trade.

Q. If my application is successful do I have to undertake any further training?

Absolutely, you will have to learn about all the treatments and product ranges available aboard the ships.

Q. Where does the training take place?

All suuccessful applicants living in Europe are expected to attend the Steiner Training Academy in London.

Q. How long does the training last for?

The training will vary from 1-12 weeks, depending on nature of course and onboard positions available. Afterwards, training continues aboard the ship

Q. Do I receive an industry recognised certificate at the end of my training at The Academy?

You don't receive an industry certificate as such (like a Steiner training certificate). However, after you have finished your training in Elemis (our holistic body treatments) and La Therapie (our facial electrics) we give you a certificate for both these courses.

Q. What will I learn during my training?

During your training you will learn about Steiner specific treatments and products, retail sales, life aboard the ship and training on respected products like Elemis.

Contracts

Q. How long will my work contract last?

Your work contract with Steiner will last 8 months

Q. What will happen at the end of my contract?

Steiner will pay for your flight back to the UK and then the world really is your Oyster. Steiner training is amongst the best in the industry and will stand you in good stead for gaining a job within a quality organisation. You may have become hooked by life at sea and join Steiner's 'Back2sea' programme. Or who knows you may go on to teach yourself at the Steiner Training Academy.
Many of the trainers at the Academy have been recruited from within Steiner and have spent some time themselves at sea.

Q. Do free meals and accommodation form part of my contract?

All food and accommodation is provided by Steiner. This means that you have no expenses on board. The only expense is the tip you give to your cabin steward for making your bed and putting clean sheets and towels in your cabin every day.

Q. What is a typical working week?

Working hours can be 7am to 7pm or 8am to 8pm, with 1½ days off per week.

Q. Can I choose a particular ship or location?

No, this will not be possible for your first contract. The ship you are allocated is often based upon when positions become available, the length of your training and where your skill set best fits.

Q. Can I request to work on the same ship as a friend or partner?

Unfortunately, due to berthing arrangements, being placed as a couple is not possible. There is no guarantee either that you will be able to be placed with a friend. Each company is allocated a separate amount of cabins that they need to fill with their own staff.

Q. Will I be expected to fulfil any 'ship' duties not laid out in my contract?

You need to fulfil the health and regulation onboard and attend all drills that are required on board.

Q. Do you provide medical insurance?

Steiner provides limited medical insurance the details of which will be accompanied by your work contract

Pre Boarding arrangements

Q. How much luggage can I take with me?

The maximum weight allowance is 20 kilos, and 5 kilos for hand luggage. We would suggest you only bring one suitcase as you alone will be carrying it to the ship, and once there, you will need to store this in your limited cabin space. Any type of case is acceptable, but if you can find one that squashes down it is advisable.

Q. Do I need a passport?

Everyone is required to have a passport, not necessarily at the time of the interview, but certainly prior to obtaining visa's and travelling.

Q. How do I get to my ship?

You are not escorted to your ship. You will be given clear travel information and must travel to the ship on your own.
Steiner only pay for your flight to the ship, and your flight back to the UK on completion of your contract. You are responsible for any hotel costs, and transfer costs.

Q. Will I have to have a medical?

All job offers and/or offers of employment are contingent upon meeting certain physical requirements and obtaining a valid seafarers health certificate. Medical examinations and the issuance of a seafarer's health certificate must be performed by an approved seamen's doctor.

Q. How much notice will I receive before I have to board my appointed ship?

1-2 days of notice. You will get your details normally on a Thursday and leave on a Friday to board your ship on a Saturday.

Life Onboard

Q. Will I have to share a cabin with someone?

Yes, you have to share a cabin (the same sex). You will share a room with someone else while you are in training and the size of the room is the same as on board the ship. We do this on purpose to prepare you for life on the ships.

Q. What is there in a typical staff cabin?

In a typical staff cabin there are 2 bunk beds, cupboard for clothing and a small toilet with shower.

Q. Is there any entertainment laid on for cabin crew?

Yes, there is a crew Area. This is the only place you don't need to dress up and it has a gym, room for entertainment for quiz nights, leaving party etc.

Q. Am I allowed to drink when I'm off duty?

No!

Q. Will I be able to use the holiday maker's amenities?

On board 80% of our ships, we have deck privileges. This means that you are aloud to mingle with passengers. You can attend the wonderful show on board, cinemas and other entertainment. You need to dress smartly at all times when you attend the passenger area and dress in an evening dress if it's a formal evening night. In addition you always allow a paying passenger to go first.

Q. Are there any opportunities to go onshore?

On a 7 day cruise, you have 1 ½ day off and there are always when the ship is in port. This means that you can enjoy the beaches in the Caribbean, visiting the pyramids in Egypt or river rafting in Alaska.

Q. How can I keep in touch with family back home?

You can email and telephone from port. Some ships provide email facility and telephone, but this may be costly. Finally, you can send and receive post from the ship. However, you must provide the address of the Port Agent for your family/friends once you are on board ship.