Hairdressers heading abroad to get ahead: altin ismaili in england
Published
03rd Jun 2011
by rachael
Leaving your home country behind to embark on a new career abroad might sound daunting, but for these three hairdressers it was the start of an exciting adventure...
Altin Ismaili is from Albania and initially came to the UK to learn the language.
"I moved to the UK in 2003 and had various jobs before joining the Marc Antoni team in 2006. After working hard for four years I became the manager of one of the salons.
My hairdressing friends back home can't believe I have trained in the UK - they are very envious. British hairdressing is viewed as the best in the world, so to have the chance to train and work here is amazing.
There are so many opportunities that wouldn't be available in Albania, such as competitions to enter and ways to stretch your skills.
I love British hairdressing - everyone is happy to share ideas and inspiration with you, and trends are constantly evolving so you always have to think about what is next. Top hairdressers take time out to spend with youngsters to improve skills, inspire ideas and share their secrets of success.
British clients are far more trusting than in Albania - they let you cut sharp shapes or soft layers and are prepared to experiment.
In Albania, they only want long hair, so it is a lot harder to be creative and inspired. I'm discovering a whole new world of skills, as well as having the good fortune of working alongside talented hairdressers every day.
I think every hairdresser should spend some time in the UK; there is nowhere else quite like it."
