Schwarzkopf professional shaping futures celebrates another successful year

Schwarzkopf Professional Shaping Futures has just celebrated a third successful year of training with a trip to the SOS Children's Village in Bangalore, India. Launched in 2010 to support disadvantaged young people in developing countries by equipping them with hairdressing skills, the programme sees top UK hairdressers donate their time and expertise to assist a new generation of budding stylists. Trainees enjoy six weeks of intensive education, with all equipment and tools provided by Schwarzkopf Professional. Skills covered include shampooing and conditioning, one-length cutting, graduation, colour theory and blow-drying. All 32 students took place in a grand finale show, in front of prospective employees and members of the press. From this number, 26 went straight into a salon placement with the remainder returning to school to finish their education before pursuing their hairdressing career. The 2013 team from the UK included Jane De Francesco, Teresa Connolly, Susan Hackett, Hayley Shaw, Kayleigh Neild, Kelly Stewart and Lesley Maher, all headed up by UK ambassador Janet Maitland. Janet comments: "The UK team were amazing and raised over £14,000 as a united effort to support this incredible initiative. I feel very lucky and privileged to be involved with Shaping Futures. This is a real team achievement, the amazing UK team support us with everything both before and during this life-changing work. It is a very happy and positive experience for everyone involved. Emotional at times, especially leaving the students, but we really felt like we made a big difference to their lives." Find out more about volunteering here and don't miss a video of exactly what goes on at the SOS Children's Villages below!