Opportunities and industry events for hairdressers over 30

Hairdressing is a fantastic industry for passionate, determined young people with countless competitions, artistic teams and mentoring programmes designed to nurture and promote emerging talent. But while encouraging a new generation of hairdressers is hugely important, what happens when you pass the age limit for all those fantastic opportunities? 

Whether you came to hairdressing later in life, didn't have the time or money to commit to such schemes when you started out, or simply want to continue to train and develop your skills, we've rounded up the opportunities open to all ages.

What is it: The Colour Project is the hairdressing industry's first colour-specific all-ages programme, which allows colourists to learn from the best in the business without being aligned to any one product manufacturer. Guided by team leader Tanya Hennessey of Hair Xs in Nottingham, successful candidates will enjoy a programme of up-close and personal seminars from a series of award-winning colourists and will also get to take part in a hands-on master class full of tips and advice to take your colouring skills to a new level and ensure that you're at the top of your game. As well as providing education, PR coverage and fantastic networking opportunities, the action-packed course also incorporates a photo shoot, guided by Fellowship President Mark Creed of Philosophy Hair. 

They say: "The Colour Project has allowed me to look at colour from a new perceptive with fresh eyes. It's a brilliant course with exceptional mentors." Lindsay Grossman, HOB Salons

How do I get involved? Call 0207 788 4091, or go to www.fellowshiphair.com

What is it: Described as 'the ultimate finishing school for professional hairdressers', Project X is a one-year course open to hairdressers of all ages. Now in its eleventh year, the only requirement is that you are a member of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing or are a member of staff in a Fellowship salon. The diverse programme, currently lead by Karine Jackson, provides first-class education as well as the opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in British hairdressing - mentors over the years have included Mark Hayes, Zoe Irwin, Tim Hartley and Lee Stafford. Training days are indepth without being daunting and are tailored to the individual needs of the group. Areas covered over the year include media awareness, session work, advanced cutting, presentation skills and show work. Photo shoots with top photographers directed by legendary hairdressers are also included, plus you'll get to enjoy a slot on the Fellowship stage at Salon International. Each year, the Umberto Giannini Project X Student of the Year is named at the Fellowship Luncheon and Awards in December, adding a further impressive accolade for one lucky member. 

They say: "I had a brilliant year. We got on so well together as a team and looked forward to meeting up every month to work and learn from some of our hairdressing idols. I'd recommend it to anyone who has passion, dedication and a desire to get endless opportunities." Frances Chapman, Kennedys 

How do I get involved? Call 01295 724579, or go to www.fellowshiphair.com

What is it: Led by some of the industry's leading names, L'Oréal Professionnel ID Artists is a two-year development programme open to hairdressers of any age. Applicants are judged on their styling and presenting skills at open auditions, with a chosen group then coached in the latest catwalk looks, cuts and styling techniques. The artists will enjoy a minimum of 12 days of education and opportunities each year, including an exciting international trip and the opportunity to work at fashion shows and industry events. L'Oréal Professionnel also run Colour ID Artists, which follows a similar path but with a focus on developing all aspects of your colouring skills.

They say: "ID Artists was a massive part of my life and the opportunities which I had were like a dream come true! We were so well looked after by all of the mentors and the level of training I received was of the highest standard. It really honed my presentational skills and taught me how to perform on stage as part of a team, which was really helpful." Natalia Maxwell, George's Hairdressing, Leicester

How do I get involved? Call 0208 762 4200, or go to www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk 

What is it: Open to any member of the National Hairdressers' Federation, NHF Inspire is a year-long project managed by Rebecca Dickenson from the Vanilla Rooms in Bawtry, Doncaster which sees members mentored by some of the industry's most renowned creatives - previous names include the creative teams from HOB, Rush Hair, Sassoon and Trevor Sorbie. You'll be coached in cutting, colouring, hair-up and extensions as well as presenting skills. The team will also get the opportunity to take part in editorial photo shoots, educational seminars and industry shows. Other opportunities may include working on a shoot for HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, working on makeover shoots for glossy magazines and training courses at some of the best academies in the country. In 2012, the NHF also introduced the Barbers Elite Team - an all-ages project managed by James Beattie of Beattie's & Co Barbers, created to improve the national standards of local barbering. Members will take part in editorial shoots, seminars and educational shows and the first team have already worked with Desmond Murray on two photo shoots.

They say: "Being part of the NHF Inspire team was a great experience. We worked on several shoots with some of the best names in the industry, including Akin Kinozi and Bruce Masefield. It taught me the importance of building a team and the mechanics behind a shoot, including all the elements that have to work for an overall look." Matthew Sutcliffe, Westrow, Leeds

How do I get involved? Call 0845 345 6500, or go to www.nhf.info

What is it: Open to hairdressers of any age, the only requirements in place for being a Schwarzkopf Professional Brand Ambassador relate to skill level and experience - making it the ideal opportunity for those who have been in the industry for a long time. After filling out an application form, potential candidates have to go through an interview process to be successful. Once accepted, there are countless opportunities for the ambassadors to get involved with. Potential activities include delivering training and education courses, attending events such as the Essential Looks World Tour - where there's the opportunity to work with and learn from the international Essential Looks teams, help deliver press launches and work on photographic sh oots for the brand.

They say: "Mentoring never crossed my mind as a young hairdresser and it wasn't until I came to Clynol as a new salon owner that I realised the scale of it and the opportunities that came along with it.  The ambassador role has allowed me to take on stage work, corporate photographic work; product development and testing; being part of focus and steering groups and training. One of the best things is that is has allowed me to bring so much back to share with my teams." Lisa Shepherd, Lisa Shepherd salons, London and Birmingham

How do I get involved? Call 020 7724 7931, or go to www.schwarzkopf-professional.co.uk

What is it: Aveda's London Institute is home to a unique training scheme, devised by Antoinette Beenders and Paul Goodier. Open to all ages, but generally attracting more mature stylists, the in-depth programme covers all aspects of styling, cutting and colouring as well as specialisation in men's hair, afro, fashion cuts and editorial hair-ups. Once stylists have graduated from the scheme the learning continues - a recent team of graduates from the institute flew out to America for an intensive two-day session with Antoinette Beenders to perfect their presentation and session styling skills. 

They say: "Beyond the technical skills we covered on the course, I learned patience and the confidence. Excellent service is fundamental to the Aveda philosophy and my most lasting experience of the course is that it removed the fear I had of talking to people and being able to address their individual requirements with confidence." Maria Rojas 

How do I get involved? Call 0870 034 2380, or go to www.aveda.com

Most creative competitions and artistic teams in the hairdressing industry have no age limit - visit www.hji.co.uk/events for a comprehensive round-up or speak to your product manufacturer.