Just like us here at Hairdressers Journal, Crazy Color knows the value and importance of apprentices, and they've been celebrating Apprentice Week too!
"We love working closely with colleges, apprentices and new members of our community who are starting out in the industry," says the Crazy Color team.
"Like any craft, mastering the skills needed to create jaw-dropping transformations takes time, dedication and hands-on experience. The amazing thing about hairdressing is that the learning is completely flexible and varied training is super important, so apprenticeships are really key to progression in the industry."
Crazy Color Pro, Connor Stansfield shares his experience of starting in the industry.
Why did you want to become a hair colourist?
I’ve been fascinated by hair for as long as I can remember. As a young boy, my family would always gift me mannequin heads for birthdays and Christmas, and I would spend hours experimenting with colour—whether natural, pastel, or bold and vivid. I pushed those mannequin heads to their limits, testing out techniques until the hair was practically falling off! Even back then, I was captivated by the way hair colour could completely transform someone in just a few hours. The possibilities in hairdressing are endless, and that’s what excites me the most.
What was your hairdressing apprenticeship journey?
By the time I was 16, I had built up a steady stream of clients, from family members and school friends to complete strangers in my local town. Tuesday training nights became a mini salon experience, with people eager for a change at a small cost to cover products. Word of mouth spread quickly, and before I knew it, I had a queue of people trusting me with their hair—even at such a young age!
How did you get experience while being an apprentice?
My apprenticeship holds a special place in my heart because it was a time of immense learning and hands-on creativity. I’ve never been overly academic, so getting through the theory side as efficiently as possible was a priority for me—I just wanted to get stuck into the practical work! But looking back, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Take the time to explore the theory side too. There’s so much valuable knowledge that can truly elevate your work, and understanding the “why” behind what you’re doing makes a massive difference.
What is a core memory you have while being an apprentice?
One unforgettable moment was the first time a client burst into happy tears after seeing their hair transformation. That reaction, the pure joy and confidence boost, solidified my love for hairdressing. On the flip side, I also remember a time when I completely overprocessed someone’s hair—it was a disaster, but I learned a crucial lesson about the importance of timing and product knowledge. These moments, both good and bad, helped shape me into the colourist I am today.”
Check out Crazy Color's content here. They've been dropping great tips every day this week to kickstart your career in the industry.
