2011 training award: the rush academy
Paola Pinto and Costa Phouli collected the Training Award at HJ's 2011 British Hairdressing Business Awards on behalf of Rush Hair.
We asked them for the inside scoop on what makes their training programme special.
What makes great hairdressing training?
Having a passion and a belief in the subject being taught is essential so that the delegate is engaged and encouraged to learn. To be a great teacher, you need inside-out knowledge of the subject and to be an encyclopedia of hairdressing. I also feel it is important to constantly learn new ideas and techniques - everyone can still learn something new. Having a nurturing ability; encouraging and supporting those you are teaching is vital, especially when there are lots of young kids just starting out.
What makes Rush training different to other industry training?
Overall, our main difference is that we train in-house, with no external resources and we provide continuous training from the very start of a career so that each individual is always growing and progressing. The training journey doesn't end once the NVQ training finishes, it continues within many areas of the business.
Successful stylists from Rush Hair conduct all the training so that everyone can be inspired by their journey and what they have achieved.
We hand pick the trainers who are successful stylists so that they inspire and encourage team members to develop in their area, whether it is cutting, colouring, salon management or session work, there are so many opportunities Rush Hair provides their team.
Who do you provide training to? Is it only for Rush hairdressers?
The Rush Academy was created solely for in-house training and is used primarily for our own team members, however since opening we have had requests for bespoke courses and have opened our doors to overseas and outside students from Italy, Greece and Taiwan.
How important is it to continue training throughout a hairdresser's career?
It is vital to continue training throughout your hairdressing career. The beauty of what we do is that you continue to learn something new every day. We are constantly learning from the new team members we train, salon managers and even clients.
We always try to encourage all Rush Hair team members to continue their training, so the techniques and creative ideas are always re-energised, allowing us to offer clients something a little more current and exciting, and of course to allow growth of the individual and belief in their ability.
What weaknesses do you see in hairdresser training?
I see the lack of consistency as a weakness in hairdressing training. You have to ensure that assistants have continuous and regular training.
For senior qualified stylists so many feel that one week's training once every 10 years is enough. It is so important to continue to raise the standard and not allow bad habits to form.
I would like to see the standard of hairdressing go through the roof with everyone attending accessible courses, no matter what their experience or age. Stylists have to remember that the most important person is the client sitting in the chair and not themselves.
Training standards must be upheld so that clients are offered the highest standard.
What is the most popular course? If you could recommend one course to hairdressers what would it be?
I would highly recommend that every stylist should undertake classic courses in hairdressing. The basics must be learned before taking on any creative work. It is the foundations that make for a great haircut or colour for the client.
Describe your training in three words?
Nurturing, knowledgeable and passionate.
