The LearnXtra team recently managed to interview hairdresser Hannah Kavanagh. Here are her words of wisdom, fresh from the industry!
LX: Hi Hannah, thanks for sparing some time to talk to City & Guilds!
Hannah: No problem! It’s been all go here, and I’m expecting my next client shortly, so I may not be able to talk for long.
LX: So tell us, how did you get into hairdressing?
Hannah: I joined Toni & Guy as a Saturday girl in Leamington Spa at the age of 14, and soon realised it’s all I wanted to do. I’m now 22, and I’m still working for Toni & Guy, although in slightly more glamorous surroundings!
LX: So how did your career develop from there?
Hannah: I took my City & Guilds NVQ Level 1, and then went on to Level 2, and progressed to full-time employment with Toni & Guy.
LX: Did you enjoy it?
Hannah: I loved it. Everything took place in the salon, so I was learning my skills in a proper workplace. Toni & Guy is the biggest name in hairdressing, so I wouldn’t want to work for anyone else!
LX: So do you always want to work in a salon?
Hannah: No, the great thing about hairdressing is that there’s always lots of different opportunities. I spent a year working on a cruise ship, which was a fantastic experience.
LX: What’s the one thing you want to achieve in hairdressing?
Hannah: I’d love to work backstage. I’ve seen some of the catwalk shows this week: I’d love to do the hair for those. I’d have to stay right on top of all the latest trends.
LX: That does sound pretty cool! So, if you could give one piece of advice to hairdressing students, what would it be?
Hannah: Don’t let anything hold you back. Hairdressing is a skill you can take anywhere – once you’ve got the skills, go for it! Oh – here’s my next client …