The hottest hairdressing training courses for 2014

Only got the budget for one course in the new year? We’ve rounded up the best education, no matter what you want to master. If you only learn one thing in 2014, why not make it...

How to enhance your hair-up skills

What: Great Lengths Artistic Excellence When: Dates throughout the year Where: Nationwide Duration: One day Cost: £125 +VAT Level: Beginners Description: Extend your hair-up and bridal styling services with five classic and current looks. There’s no application time, just a focus on the best techniques for creating the perfect occasion hair. Contact: Call 0113 278 1314 or email [email protected]

How to stay motivated

What: Sassoon Academy Salon Creatives When: Weekly, except Bank Holidays Where: London Duration: Five days, Monday-Friday Cost: £995 Level: Confident stylists Description: Staying motivated can be a challenge and this course has been designed to combat just that. Inspired by the proprietary methods of Sassoon’s foundation cutting, you’ll learn how to tailor them to suit your clientele while giving you the tools to inspire members of your own team. Contact: Call 020 7399 6902 or email [email protected]

How to improve your core cutting techniques

What: Saco Classic Cutting When: Every eight weeks Where: London Duration: Four days Cost: £980 Level: All levels Description: Perfect the core techniques that are the foundation of every good hair cut with Saco’s masterclass. You’ll cover lines, layering and graduation through a combination of lectures, intimate practical sessions and demonstrations. Contact: Call 020 7240 7897 or email [email protected]

How to carry out the perfect shave

What: men-ü Shave Facial Course When: Dates throughout the year Where: Southampton Duration: One day Cost: £265 Level: All levels Description: Leave your gents feeling suitably pampered with this course which covers the shaving process and the men-ü facial experience. Master the technique of using an open razor, face mapping and growth patterns; all the major components to becoming a master shaver. Contact: Call 01256 766566 or email [email protected]

How to treat trichological issues

What: Philip Kingsley Academy When: 26 and 27 January, then dates throughout the year Where: London Duration: Two days Cost: £90+VAT Level: All levels Description: Add an extra skillset to your services by learning more about how to understand and manage scalp problems and hair loss. Taught by consultant trichologist Glenn Lyons, the course encompasses hair science, hair care, products and practical treatments. Contact: Call 020 7237 7100 or go to www.philipkingsley.co.uk

How to boost your confidence

What: Alan D Confidence Builder When: Every week Where: London and Ipswich Duration: One week Cost: £895 (30% off until 31 March) Level: Stylists and senior stylists Description: Lost your confidence? Whether you’re returning to the industry after a career break, have just graduated or just feel bogged down by everyday salon routine, this confidence-building refresher course will leave you feeling inspired and motivated. Contact: Call 0800 500 3147 or go to www.aland.co.uk

How to get creative with cutting

What: HOB Classic Cutting When: Dates in January, March, May, July, September and November Where: London Duration: Four days Cost: £800 Level: All levels Description: At the core of HOB’s training is this fundamental cutting course, which teaches the classic techniques necessary for a successful career and polished, imaginative creative work. Contact: Call 02074857272 (option 4) or email [email protected]

How to polish your techniques

What: Francesco Group Classic Cutting When: 21-23 January, 17-19 June and 16-18 September Where: Stafford Duration: Three days Cost: £135 + VAT per day Level: Newly-qualified stylists Description: Gain a better understanding of classic cuts to polish up your technique, build your confidence and master the art of delivering personalised haircuts for each of your clients. Contact: Call 01785 246 129

How to turn trends into cuts

What: Keune Soft Touch Trend Collection Cutting Workshop When: 24 March Where: Croydon Duration: One day Cost: £89+VAT Level: Minimum 3 years cutting experience Description: Discover the motivation behind Keune’s trend-led photographic collections then learn the cutting techniques to recreate the looks in your salon in a practical ‘hands on, hands off’ session. Contact: Call 0333 123 4411 or visit www.keune.uk.com

How to take your colouring skills to the next level

What: Aveda Jo McKay Hair Colour Master Class When: 19 May Where: London Duration: Two days Cost: £445 Level: Advanced Description: Be inspired and educated with a technical and creative colour masterclass courtesy of Aveda’s European education hair colour specialist, Jo McKay. Contact: Call 0870 428 6382 or email [email protected]

How to improve your website with Google

What: L'Oréal Professionnel Go Digital with Google When: 8 April, 29 April Where: London Duration: Three hours Cost: £50 Level: Salon owners Description: Learn how to improve your website in this unique initative between L'Oréal Professionnel and Google. Hosted at Google HQ in London, the course will take you through the building blocks of a great website to inspire new clients, engage existing ones and ultimately drive sales. Contact: Call 0800 028 3448 or email [email protected]

How to strengthen your colour knowledge

What: La Biosthetique Colour Genius Diploma When: 14 April Where: Aylesbury Duration: Four months Cost: £950+VAT Level: Experienced colourists Description: Take your colour skills to the next level with this four-month advanced diploma, which culminates in a trip to Paris. You’ll learn more about the science behind colour as well as developing strong practical skills. Contact: Call 01296 611731

How to add colour and volume with extensions

What: Balmain Foundation Design When: Dates throughout the year Where: In-salon Duration: One day Cost: £449.50+VAT for up to three stylists Level: All levels Description: Learn how to consult and apply Balmain hair extensions for colour and volume, as well as how to remove them, in a cost-effective, personal environment. Contact: Call 0800 781 0936 or visit www.balmainhair.com

How to polish your performance

What: Saks Level Three When: 27 October Where: Glasgow Duration: 40 weeks (Mondays, part time) Cost: £4,000 Level: Experienced hairdressers Description: The Saks ‘More Knowledge’ course will help you polish your hairdressing skills with insights into the latest techniques and trends. You’ll leave confident and technically able to deal with all of your clients’ needs. Contact: Call 0141 333 1581

How to work with hot-bonded extensions

What: Racoon International Hot Bonded Hair Extensions When: Dates throughout the year Where: Academies throughout the country and in-salon Duration: Three days Cost: £785+VAT (including equipment and hair) Level: All levels Description: Learn everything you need to know about applying, maintaining and removing Racoon International’s easy-to-apply and safe hot-bonded hair extensions. Contact: Call 0844 335 0999 or visit www.racooninternational.com

How to produce beautiful balayage

What: Balayage with Jack Howard When: 3 March, 14 April, 9 June, 8 September, 13 October Where: London (also available in-salon) Duration: One day Cost: £250 Level: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, or higher Description: Connect the creative and the commercial with this masterclass in the colouring technique of the moment; hand-painted highlights. Contact: Email [email protected]

How to go on a colour journey

What: Schwarzkopf Professional Royal Master Academy When: Dates throughout the year Where: London and Dublin Duration: Twelve days Cost: £1,800 Level: Advanced colourists Description: Absorb yourself in Igora Royal colour in this intensive academy; from the philosophy and interpretation of the colours to selecting the right shades through and advanced techniques in application. Contact: Call 020 7724 7931

How to shoot your first collection

What: Clynol Photo Finish When: 7 May Where: London Duration: One day Cost: £1,250 (for two delegates) Level: Stylists and salon owners Description: Learn how to put together your own shoot with expert creative direction from an award-winning hairdresser. You’ll learn about casting models, styling, makeup and choosing a photographer – and leave with two professional photos of your work. Contact: Call 020 7724 7931

How to maximise your creativity

What: Fudge Headpaint Essential When: Dates throughout the year Where: Alan Howard training centre across the country Duration: Half a day Cost: £55+VAT Level: All levels Description: Gain a thorough understanding of the Fudge colour portfolio and refresh your back-to-basics knowledge in this creative course. You’ll also boost your confidence in all aspects of colour to further inspire creativity while achieving professional results. Contact: Call 01614 290794

How to cut with confidence

What: Affinage Cutting with Confidence When: 3 March Where: Romsey Duration: One day Cost: £65 Level: All levels Description: Enhance your cutting skills and creativity in this look and learn session, which will showcase on-trend techniques and inspirations to take back to the salon. Contact: Call 01794 527111

How to explore a new generation of colour

What: Paul Mitchell I'm Possible, The Next Generation Tour When: Dates from February to April Where: Venues across the country Duration: One day Cost: £50+VAT (including equipment and refreshments) Level: All levels Description: Accelerate to a new generation of hair colour with a course combining look and learn seminars and hands-on classes that showcase cutting and colouring techniques from the Kinetic collection and all-new XG colour. Contact: Call 0845 659 0011 or email [email protected]

How to be a session star of the future

What: Rainbow Room International Super Styling When: 14 and 15 January, 15 and 16 April Where: Glasgow Duration: One day Cost: £140 Level: Senior stylists, directors and trainers Description: Learn the latest trends for dressing hair, covering catwalk-worthy looks for styles from short to long. Maximise your potential and turnover with simple, but stunning, session styling techniques the use of extensions and new season updos. Contact: Call 0141 221 0400 or go to www.rainbowroominternational.com

How to transform colour catastrophes

What: Joico Colour Correction Course When: 7 April, 14 October Where: Reading Duration: One day Cost: £50+VAT Level: Clear understanding of colour Description: Learn how to transform your clients’ colour catastrophes from dire to divine with this intensive course. You’ll cover consultation, de-colourisation and pre-pigmentation as well as key techniques, hints and tips to overcome challenges in this profitable sector. Contact: Call 0118 930 2338

How to work on the cutting edge

What: TIGI Creative Cut and Creative Colour When: Dates throughout the year Where: London and Manchester Duration: Two days Cost: £590 Level: Advanced – minimum five years qualified Description: Are you at the cutting edge? This directional course shares techniques used to create the latest TIGI collections, with progressive cutting and finishing techniques as well as inspiring new work with colour. Contact: Call 0844 800 9121 or email [email protected]

How to create multi-faceted colour

What: Goldwell Shape Shifting When: 28 April, 18 August Where: London Duration: One day Cost: £175 Level: Colourists looking for more inspiration Description: Looking for something new in colour? This inspiring day will teach customised colour techniques for different cuts to bring out the best in hair density, texture and length. Contact: Call 020 3540 1200

How to master intelligent cutting

What: KMS California IQ Cutting Method When: Dates throughout the year Where: London Duration: Three days Cost: £325 Level: All levels Description: Advance your cutting technique with the IQ cutting method, which combines left-brain knowledge and right-brain creativity to inspire confidence, creativity and the basis for endless beautiful cuts. Contact: Call 020 3540 1200

How to create modern men’s looks

What: Wahl Funky Men When: 3 February, 23 June, 15 September Where: Herne Bay, Kent Duration: Two days Cost: £300 Level: Advanced – three years’ experience recommended Description: Earn more money from your guys with this up-to-the-minute advanced barbering course. Update your basic skills and learn more about the latest looks and techniques at the same time. Contact: Call 01227 740 555

How to cut, colour and style thinning hair

What: Nioxin Evolve When: 29 April, 21 October and 17 March, 2 September Where: London and Manchester Duration: One day Cost: £300 Level: Experienced stylists Description: Thinning hair doesn’t have to limit your creativity – learn the best techniques to cut, colour and style fine hair with confidence, and how to help your clients look and feel better through consultation and product choice. Contact: Call 020 7637 7172 or 0161 834 2645

How to become a master of your art

What: Wella Professionals Master Colour Programme When: Dates throughout the year Where: London, Manchester and Dublin Duration: 18 months Cost: £2,220 Level: Experienced colourists Description: Gain a fresh approach to colour and boost your business in the process with this four-stage programme; one of the best-recognised colour accreditations in the industry and an accolade that’ll impress your clients while allowing you to offer them the best possible and most premium services. Contact: Call 020 7637 7172, 0161 834 2645 or 01 416 0900

How to make long hair your speciality

What: Trevor Sorbie Editorial Long Hair When: Dates throughout the year Where: London and Manchester Duration: One day Cost: £229 Level: All levels Description: Improve your confidence and skills in long hair styling in a masterclass with the Trevor Sorbie art team. You’ll cover the foundation skills enquired to push your innovation into fashion-inspired and avant-garde styles. Contact: Call 020 7379 6901 or email [email protected]

How to plan and produce a shoot

What: Matrix Photoshoot from Start to Finish When: On application Where: London Duration: One day Cost: On application Level: All levels Description: Work with members of the Matrix artistic team to plan, prepare for, and finally shoot your own hairdressing imagery. You’ll find out more about sourcing models, makeup artists and stylists, as well as finding out what styles work best in front of the camera. Contact: Call 0800 387 608 or go to www.matrixhaircare.co.uk

How Lee Stafford turns trends to profit

What: Creative Edit with Lee Stafford When: 18 March Where: London Duration: One day Cost: £360 Level: 4-6 years of experience Description: Learn from Lee as he demonstrates his vision and creativity focusing on design, cut and colour. In this intimate session, Lee shares the secrets to creative and forward-thinking hair trends. Contact: Call 020 8762 4121 or go to www.redken.com

How to predict what’s coming next

What: ghd Cool Huntress When: 1 September Where: London Duration: One day Cost: £200+VAT Level: Intermediate to advanced Description: Zoe Irwin shares the secrets of cool hunting; predicting trends then creating hair and fashion concepts to keep you ahead of the game and build a career as a successful session stylist. Contact: Call 0845 330 1133 or email [email protected]

How to make more of your men

What: Toni & Guy Mens When: Dates throughout the year Where: London, Manchester and Edinburgh Duration: Three days Cost: [£TBC] Level: Qualified stylists Description: Taught by previous winners of HJ’s Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, this comprehensive course provides an insight into how TONI&GUY push the boundaries on men’s fashion by combining classic barbering and contemporary techniques. Contact: Call 020 7836 0606