Why Education Matters in Hairdressing: The Piper Violet Hair Approach

At Piper Violet Hair, we understand that education is the cornerstone of exceptional hairdressing. As an award-winning salon in Twickenham led by L’Oréal Colour Specialists, we have witnessed the evolution of training in our industry. Investing in education is more crucial now than ever.

A well educated team is an award winning team!

The Evolution of Hairdressing Education

When we started our careers, training involved a City & Guilds four-year apprenticeship or a three-year NVQ, always within a salon environment. We learned through hands-on experience, shampooing, blow-drying, colouring, and cutting alongside seasoned stylists.

Today, the landscape has changed. Young people can leave school at 16, but they must remain in education or training until they are 18. Many are now directed towards academies that offer Level 2 VRQs instead of the traditional NVQ.

We specialise in concentration face 😂

NVQ vs VRQ: Understanding the Difference

Here’s the key difference between the two qualifications:

• NVQ (National Vocational Qualification): This involves practical, salon-based learning with real clients. It is recognised and respected by employers.

• VRQ (Vocationally Related Qualification): This is often classroom-based, focusing on theory and practice on doll heads rather than real people.

  
  

Unfortunately, many applicants mistakenly believe that a VRQ makes them “salon ready.” The reality is that most need to complete an NVQ before they can work independently. This situation can be frustrating for both students and salons, leading to wasted time and resources.

At Piper Violet, we firmly believe that hands-on training in real salons is the only effective way to master a craft as creative and practical as hairdressing.

Danni in action Razor Masterclass

Our Training Philosophy at Piper Violet

Our team is NVQ-qualified, but education doesn’t stop there. Every stylist at Piper Violet undergoes our structured induction programme, which includes:

• 2–4 weeks of on-floor workshops with real clients at model rates, supervised by our senior stylists.

• Training in our unique consultation process, which focuses on understanding each client’s individual goals.

• Bespoke colour application training that goes beyond “uniform” college techniques to achieve tailored results for every client.

  
  

Jade creating curls in texture training

We also send our team to the L’Oréal Academy at Westfield London for advanced colour training, as well as to Vidal Sassoon and other specialists for cutting courses.

Ongoing Education: A Commitment to Learning

Education is at the heart of our salon culture. Our team regularly engages in training for:

• Balayage and bespoke colour techniques

• Advanced cutting (wolf cut, butterfly cut, razor work)

• Men’s barbering and colour workshops

• Extensions (Beauty Works certified)

• Curls & texture masterclasses

• Bridal and event styling

  
  

In addition to in-salon education, we collaborate with L’Oréal Professionnel, GHD, and Maria Nila to ensure our knowledge remains current.

Jo demonstrates angle

The Value of Investment in Education

Investing in education costs salons like ours thousands of pounds per stylist. However, the cost of not investing is far greater. Clients expect a five-star experience, and our team can only deliver that with confidence, creativity, and skill.

By investing in our people, we cultivate motivated stylists who are ambitious, award-ready, and dedicated to achieving the best results.

https://www.salonmanageronline.co.uk/article/the-power-of-education-why-its-the-foundation-of-everything-we-do-at-piper-violet-hair/

Real hair real models

A Call for Better Guidance in Hairdressing Education

We believe that schools and colleges must guide young people towards the right qualifications. Too many students are misled by VRQs, only to find out later that they aren’t industry-recognised.

If you or someone you know is considering a career in hairdressing, always opt for an NVQ apprenticeship in a salon. It may seem “old school,” but it remains the best path to a professional career in hairdressing or any trade. (We need builders who actually learn on houses, not LEGO.)

We are proud members of the NHBF, and if you have any aspiring hairdressers, send them our way.

https://www.nhbf.co.uk/advice-and-resources/apprentices/apprenticeships-in-the-uk/

Never too young, Piper in action ❤️

At Piper Violet Hair Twickenham, we will continue to invest in our team and raise the standards of our craft. Education isn’t optional; it’s everything.