Yesterday, hairdressing students from City of Oxford College were joined by award-winning hairdresser and business owner, Anne Veck, for an innovative one-day training course on how to cut and style Afro and textured hair.
Around 30 Level 1 Hairdressing students were taught by Anne Veck within the training salons at the city-centre campus on Oxpens Road.
This training presentation and demonstration detailed the importance of hairdressers having diverse and inclusive skills.
Learning to cut and style every hair type
Anne Veck, said: “Our society is multicultural and if you want to call yourself a professional hairdresser, you have to work with every hair type.
“It was really nice teaching the students, they were really engaged. There was a lot of interaction, and they really enjoyed the presentation.”
Students learned about the difference between care, maintenance, and styling of Afro and textured hair, alongside a demonstration on how to appropriately wash and style these hair types.
In June 2021, The National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Hairdressing were approved by the Government. These standards state that hairdressing students must learn to cut and style Afro and textured hair to maintain and improve standards of practice.
Implementing changing industry standards
Lyndsey Cole, Hairdressing Teacher at City of Oxford College, said: “It’s important that the next generation of hairdressers know how to work with all hair types and have the confidence to do so.”
This new course aims to diversify students’ experience in hair care, styling, and maintenance in line with the new NOS hairdressing standards and as part of their ongoing learning and development.
Lyndsey added: “We’re preparing the next generation of hairdressers for this new standard to be implemented and want to ensure inclusivity in all of our salons. This course has been really informative.”
Preparing for a promising career in hairdressing
As part of the course, the science of hair strand structure, best salon practice and work processes, as well as tips and advice for end-of-year projects and future show preparations were explored in detail.
Nadia Ouaziz, a Level 1 Hairdressing Certificate student at City of Oxford College, said: “This training has been really helpful; I’ve gained lots of new knowledge and I’m really happy with the course.
“In the future, I want to master all types of hair. There’s a lot I didn’t know, and it has really opened my understanding of the needs of every hair type.”
If you would like to learn more about studying hairdressing programmes at City of Oxford College, please visit the City of Oxford College website or call Activate Learning on 0800 612 6008.
