Leading websites for hairdresser training and inspiration

When it comes to inspiration, new and improved websites have opened a whole new world for hairdressers looking for new ideas, the latest techniques or those who just want to see the best in the business in action.

Hairdressers can use the web for research - be it for looking at hairstyles from years gone by or for studying the shapes, colours or structure of a specific style, but it's also a great place to compare and study the trends and images of tomorrow on leading fashion websites.

With so much information to choose from, the web can be a daunting place; so we've picked out a selection of websites aimed at hairdressers, that are perfect for injecting new ideas into tired brain cells. 

Best For Video

Inspire TV

Similar to the BBC iplayer, L'Oréal Professionnel, Inspire TV has taken the hair industry by storm. You'll need to register as a member to use the site, but once you're in you can watch everything from Angelo Seminara demonstrating his renowned 'sushi' technique to Jamie & Sally Brooks talking about education and working on a budget, and Johnny Engstrom discussing on-screen goddesses and textiles.

Also check out: You Tube. Everyone knows it's a great site for an afternoon's entertainment, but many hairdressers, salons and hairdressing manufacturers have their own channels that feature shows, techniques and shoots. Start with HJi's video channel and then search until your heart is content.

Best for Images

If you're looking for an array of images to inspire your work, HJi's very own image gallery features fantastic hairstyle photos from the 1950s to present day. From fabulous flirty styles to the hairstyles that time forgot, it's great to take ideas and reinvent them as your own.

Also check out: BaByliss Pro style gallery gives you the chance to upload your own creations, or to see and rate other hairdressers' work. 

Best for Education 

Aside from purely creative thinking, you can learn online with sites such as myhairdressers.com which is one of the fastest growing online hairdressing training tools. Designed to train hairdressers, a subscription fee means that hairdressers are able to access educational videos and step-by-steps from hairdressing heros such as Lee Stafford and Tracy Hayes and Mark Smith.

Also check out: For a small fee, hairdressing students can learn up to four male and nine female hairstyles on hairdressing-training.com. In addition to the step-by-step guide there is a downloadable pdf and quick quiz to check help you master each of the stages.

Best For New Media

ARROJO downloads offer convenient training of all the the education in the ARROJO DVD series straight to your iPod or iPhone. The latest colour and cutting techniques are available at a fraction of the cost of conventional training.

Also check out: Kevin Murphy podcasts that demonstrate how to use session stylist Kevin's products to create his beach-look styles.  

No one is suggesting that online can replace conventional training or the traditional research techniques, but by using inpsirational websites alongside additional sources can cut costs and gain ideas that may make you even better at what you do.