A Busy ‘Industry Week’ for New College Swindon Hair and Beauty Students

Hair and Beauty students took part in exciting industry-led workshops designed to enhance their practical skills, deepen their theoretical knowledge and broaden their understanding of career opportunities within the hair industry.

The week kicked off with an Indian Head Massage workshop for Hair students, delivered by one of our lecturers, Natalie. Beauty students took part in a back massage session, learned eyebrow threading techniques and completed brow lamination training.

On the second day, an industry specialist in Zen Hair Extensions delivered the workshop ‘basics of hair extension types’, covering the application and removal. Students had the opportunity to practice techniques and gain an insight into progression routes and future qualification opportunities with hair extensions.

In addition to this, students experimented with “crazy colours” on hair swatches alongside a New College Swindon hair assessor. Highlighting collaboration at its best (one of the college’s core values), the Hair and Beauty department worked with the Media Makeup team to introduce wig-making, providing insight into alternative career pathways and specialist opportunities within the hair and media industries.

Level 2 Beauty students were also allowed to qualify in ear piercing with Caflon.

Halfway through the week, ‘Care Behind the Chair’, an organisation that supports mental well-being within the hair industry, shared valuable tools, guidance, and awareness on maintaining well-being, resilience, and professional longevity. After this, students took part in a hair tinsel workshop delivered by the college’s Salon technicians, Mackenzie and Natasha. This practical and creative activity introduced learners to fun, commercial services and supported their understanding of progression and client engagement.

For the final two days, hair students took part in cutting workshops, hair-up workshops and keratin straightening. Beauty students took part in a sign language workshop. Learning British Sign Language in the beauty industry helps professionals communicate clearly with Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients, ensuring more accurate consultations and better results. It also promotes inclusivity, builds trust, and can expand a business by making services more accessible to a wider range of clients.

The week was extremely beneficial to learners as it exposed them to real-world practices beyond the curriculum, preparing them for successful employment with professionalism and adaptability.

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